IB Biology
Class Expectations
Mrs. Frazier
August 2015
Welcome to IB Biology!
TEACHER INFORMATION:
Where science rules!
Welcome to IB Biology, a two-year course, at Cholla
High Magnet School. I look forward to inspiring and
engaging you in your science endeavors for the next two
years. Aim to do well on your exams by doing your best
work every day.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF COURSE:
This course is not just a matter of knowing some
biology facts. You will be developing informed
viewpoints, engaging in discussion, and evaluating
evidence as an integral part of the IB curriculum.
Clear and definite answers are not always possible.
This is what makes this fun for you and your teacher.
Your experiences of IB Biology will include:
 Theory- developing knowledge and understanding
of biological theory as dictated by the IB syllabus;
 Practical- developing the methodological skills
needed to be successful in the internal
assessments of practical work (lab write-ups and
design lab);
 Group 4 project- engaging in collaborative,
constructivist research with other science students
CORE CURRICULUM:
Topic 1: Cell Biology
Topic 2: Molecular Biology
Topic 3: Genetics
Topic 4: Ecology
Topic 5: Evolution and biodiversity
Topic 6: Human physiology
Option D: Human physiology
TEXTBOOK:
Biology for the IB Diploma by C.J. Clegg
Mrs. Frazier
valerie.frazier@tusd1.org
(520) 225-4061
Room A5
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday, & Thursday: 3:30-4:30pm
Wednesdays & Fridays: 6:30-7:30am
Other days and times by appointment
**PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT ANY TIME IF YOU
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS!
MATERIALS:
Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.
-Alexander Graham Bell
Students are required to bring required materials to
class daily.
Required Materials:
 Pen or pencil
 loose-leaf paper or spiral notebook
 index cards, 3 colors
 container for the index cards (box, bag,
binder, etc)
 a 3-inch three-ring binder
 8 tabbed dividers
 calculator (the one used in Math is fine)
 USB drive (does not have to be exclusive
to our class)
 Colored pencils
 Highlighters
IB Biology Syllabus 1
ASSESSMENT
I grade on a point system using a standard grading
scale of:
90-100%=A,
80-89%=B,
70-79%=C,
and 60-69%=D.
Students are assessed based on individual and
group work, presentations, quizzes, daily
activities and participation, writing assignments,
and tests. IB determines your end of course grade
based on 76% tests and projects and 24%
assignments and labs.
Make up work is your responsibility. If you are
absent, it is your responsibility to arrange to make
up work with me. Make up work is to be
completed outside of class time as soon as
possible or specified by teacher.
TARDY POLICY
You are considered tardy if you arrive to class
after the tardy bell has rung. After you have been
tardy three (3) times in a grading period, you will
receive an after school detention and a call home
to your parent(s) or guardian.
HOMEWORK
Often we are able to complete our work during
class time, but if a student does not finish the
day's class work, it is expected that he/she take it
home and finish it for homework. Students are
also expected to do at least fifteen minutes of
studying every night. Studying every night is far
more effective than studying for an hour once a
week.
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS:
I expect students to work with me to create an
atmosphere of kindness and respect. If students
admit their own confusion and mistakes freely
and with good humor, others will be encouraged
to do the same.
CLASSROOM RULES:
1. Always be in your seat when the bell rings
and prepared to start class (working on
bell work, assignments ready)
2. Do not get out of your seat without
permission (lab situations excluded)
3. Only talk when it’s appropriate.
4. Respect the space and property of your
peers.
5. Obey all schools rules (see Student
Handbook)
CLASSROOM POLICIES:
1. There will be no talking when the teacher
is talking.
2. Respect fellow students, staff, and school
property.
3. Passes: Do not ask to go to the bathroom
if I am talking. You have 3 bathroom/hall
passes per quarter, use them wisely.
- No passes anywhere for the first 10
minutes of class and no passes for the last
10 minutes of class.
- Students must follow sign in/out
procedures and carry a pass when leaving
class.
- Only one person out of the room at a
time.
4. All safety rules as stated in the Flinn
Science Safety Agreement must be followed.
5. Cell phones, headphones and electronic
devices must be turned off and put away at all
times. In case of an emergency the school’s
phone number is 225-4000.
6. Late work: all work must be turned in
during the grading window (due datedeadline) or it is worth only 50% of the earned
grade.
7. No sleeping in class.
8. Cheating on a test or assignment will
result in a grade of zero for all involved.
9. Data for lab reports must be taken during
lab. Copying of lab data after lab is not
allowed. Each student is responsible for
individual lab reports unless specifically
stated by teacher.
IB Biology Syllabus 2
10. the text box. You can paste text you’ve copied
directly into your document, into another
Class: IB Biology
Teacher: Mrs. Frazier
Please sign below indicating that you understand the rules and policies and give permission for your child to
study the above methods. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 2254000 or valerie.frazier@tusd1.org.
Student Name: ___________________________ Student Signature: _______________________________
Parent Name:____________________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature: _________________________________________________________________________
Parent Email: ___________________________________________________________________________
Best phone number to contact you: __________________________________________________________
Parents/Guardians:
If you feel there is something I should know about your child, please write me a note in the space
below, send me a quick email, or give me a call on the phone. Things I would like to know- special
needs, allergies, any unique traits, or abilities... anything that by my knowing would help me to teach
your child more effectively!
IB Biology Syllabus 3