Biology – 9th Grade
Ms. Schripsema, instructor
Text: Modern Biology, Holt, Rinehart and Winston and supplemental readings as provided
Fall 2014 and Spring 2015
Basic Themes of the Course
Organisms are highly organized, even at the cellular and sub-cellular level. A clear understanding of the
minute components which make life possible (from cellular organelles, to protein synthesis, to the light
reactions of photosynthesis, to mitotic and meiotic cell division) is immensely important to an overall
appreciation of biology. The first semester, therefore, will focus on these “parts and processes.”
In biology, the relationship between structure and function is apparent at all levels of organization. You
will see (particularly in the second semester) an amazing diversity of physiological adaptations or
“solutions” through the examination of many different plants and animals, and discover that each varied
system/component is uniquely suited to the environmental challenges which the animal or plant faces.
General Procedures and Hints for Success
Homework
Homework is carefully constructed to further a student's knowledge of the concept learned for that day.
Homework assignments will be accepted at the beginning of class, and WILL NOT BE COLLECTED
IF LATE, except in case of absence. Homework assignments will be posted at the front of the class,
along with the objectives to be achieved for the day.
Missed work:
If you are absent one day, you should expect to return homework due on the day you return. If you
are absent on an exam day, you should expect to take the missed test either before or after-school on
the day of your return. You will have two days to arrange a make-up time (before or after school) for
any labs missed. Remember, it is your responsibility to find out what you’ve missed, and make
whatever arrangements are necessary to get caught up.
If you are aware ahead of time about an absence, please make arrangements to make up assignments
and assessments.
Labs
Labs are designed to support inquiry into a given topic, generate questions to explore, and help to
provide evidence for the scientific principles we are discussing. Sometimes labs look like a science
experiment, but they can also look like a demonstration, or a "paper lab" in which we demonstrate an
idea that is too abstract to observe in the classroom. During in-class labs, you must conduct yourself
professionally, and handle specimens and equipment with the utmost care. Microscopes and dissecting
equipment must be utilized, cleaned, and stored as instructed. See safety contract attached.
Projects, Papers, and Article Reviews:
Each quarter includes a larger project. Usually these will be of an artistic, creative, and yet precise
nature. Be sure to budget your time well as soon as you’re given notice of such an assignment.
Formal lab reports will be required for some labs, and the format for this will be given in another
document. One substantial review on an article chosen by the student will be due each quarter. In
addition, primary sources will be provided for class discussions once or twice in every unit.
Interactive Notebook
Guidelines will follow, but this notebook will help you keep track of ALL your materials and notes in
a given unit. I will ask you to color code your notes, but you can decide which color to use.
Study and Skill Checks
It is vitally important that you take some time to study your notes EVERY night. To this end, we will
begin class with a Skill Check to help you assess your understanding of the material. This will be
counted as part of your quiz grade (we will also have larger quizzes on a regular basis). The most
important aspect of this is that it is a way to help you know what you DON'T know and need to spend
more time on.
How will you know what to study? Skill checks will cover material from TWO days before. In other
words, when new material is introduced on a Monday, that material will be on WEDNESDAY's skill
check. That gives you one evening to review your notes, the next day to ask questions, and that
evening to memorize or solidify concepts.
Grade Breakdown
Assignments and assessments are given a point value, and they each go into one of five categories listed
below. Each category takes up a given percentage of your grade. You will receive progress reports every
three weeks this year with a short statement regarding performance. The ONLY grades listed on your
permanent transcript are semester grades. Quarter grades are not official, but they do help to determine
semester grades. I will communicate as often as possible regarding your progress in class, but feel free to
also ask if you’re not sure.
Tests – 25%
Quizzes – 20%
Homework – 15%
Essays/Reports/Projects - 25%
Attitude and Participation – 15%
The Attitude and Participation category comprises one of the most important (and sometimes confusing)
components of evaluation at NPX – Sense of Wonder and Depth of Inquiry. The extent to which you throw
yourself into the learning process is immensely predictive of your success in gaining knowledge, acquiring
new skills, and becoming scholars. Keep in mind that a great question is often as valuable as a great
answer.
Specifically, good habits of participation in Biology include coming to class bringing required materials,
preparing through study, and contributing positively to discussion. Posing constructive questions,
answering other students' questions, and volunteering to be helpful are all ways to increase the
understanding of the whole class. The nature of the content can be difficult and confusing, and it really
helps to have everyone in the class working together to improve everyone's understanding!
Syllabus: The syllabus which follows is apt to change
Quarter 1
Introduction: Basic Themes, Microscope Use, Experimental Design/Scientific Method
Chem: Basic Chemistry, Biochemistry
Quarter 2
Cell Structure and Function: Organelles, Homeostasis, Transport
Cellular Processes: Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration, Cell Division
Quarter 3
DNA: History and structure, replication
RNA and Protein Synthesis
Basic Genetics: Fundamentals of Mendelian Genetics, Monohybrid/Dihybrid Crosses, Codominance, etc.
Advanced Genetics: Mutations, Genetic Patterns, Sex Linkage, Chromosome maps, Genetic Engineering
Evolutionary processes: Natural Selection, Speciation, Classification/Taxonomy
Quarter 4
Ecology
Review of Taxonomy
Comparative Anatomy of Animal Organ Systems
Human Anatomy
A final note: Please don’t hesitate to see me, request more information, get help with difficult material,
etc. I will have tutoring hours during Lyceum,OR by appointment if you need it. This survey of Biology is
exciting, and you will understand a great amount of detail by the end. Be sure to ask for help as soon as
you need it to avoid falling behind.
That man’s best works should be such bungling imitations of Nature’s infinite perfection,
matters not much; but that he should make himself an imitation - this is the fact which
Nature moans over, and deprecates beseechingly. “Be spontaneous, be truthful, be
free, and thus be individuals!” is the song she sings through warbling birds, and
whispering pines, and roaring waves, and screeching winds.
Lydia M. Child, U.S. abolitionist and writer.
Parent/Student Signature Page
To be returned to Ms. Schripsema
Student agreement
I have read and understand the procedures and class breakdown for Biology class for this year. I
agree to do my best, stay prepared, and bring a good attitude to class.
Name (printed):
Date:
Signature:
Parent agreement
I have read and understand the procedures and class breakdown for my student's Biology class for
this year.
Name (printed):
Date:
Signature:
Email or Telephone contact information (please write whichever method you prefer):
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