Manhasset Secondary Schools
7-12 Science and Technology Education
Living Environment – Course Overview – 2015-2016
Ms. Mogavero
Kristen_Mogavero@manhassetschools.org
Welcome to Living Environment for the 2015-2016 school year! Please read the following
syllabus carefully to understand how to succeed in class and on the Living Environment Regents.
Curriculum goals:
 Learn important biological facts and concepts.
 Develop an awareness of the impact of biology on all aspects of life.
 Improve and better develop study skills.
 Make observations, design scientific investigations, and interpret results.
 To learn and use critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Course Outline:
 Introduction to Biology/Scientific method
 Characteristics of Life
 Ecology
 Chemistry of Life
 Cell Biology
 Protein Synthesis
 Reproduction
 Genetics
 Evolution
 Anatomy and Physiology
Class Resources:
 Text book: Biology by Miller and Levine
 Class notes and discussions; handouts
 Online resources such as current events, youtube.com, etc.
Please come to class everyday with:
 Minimum 2’’ Three ring binder with loose-leaf paper for note taking
 4 section dividers labeled Homework, Classwork, Notes, Tests/Quizzes
 #2 pencils with erasers and pens (blue and black ink only please)
 Highlighter
 Calculator
 1 marble notebook to be used for lab/Do Now activities (this will be left in class)
Homework policy:
Homework is due at the beginning of each class. Copying is a form of plagiarism and will result
in a 0. Late homework will lose 15% per day late; after 2 days it will not be accepted.
Tests and Quizzes: You will be given at least 3 days notice before a test. Quizzes will be
announced up to 1 day ahead of time. Homework quizzes may be given without notice.
Makeup Policy: If you are absent, it is your responsibility to obtain missed notes, make up
missed homework, tests/quizzes and labs. Please see me the day that you return to school for
missed assignments or notes. I am available after school to discuss missed work. ** Tests must be
made up within 3 days of your return.
Extra Help: Please see me before or after class to schedule an extra help session. I am available
most days after school and before school upon request.
Grading:
Quarterly grades will be calculate based on the following percent totals. Specific assignments in
each category may be weighted more than others based on the amount of time and effort required:
Unit Tests:
30%
Quizzes:
25%
Participation: 10%
Labs:
15%
Homework:
20%
Participation points will be earned through completion of daily Do-Now/Summary activities and
adherence to all classroom, school, and laboratory rules and policies.
There will be opportunities for extra credit throughout the quarter!
Classroom Rules:
1. Please be in your assigned seat when the bell rings. If you arrive after the bell you MUST
have a pass.
2. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
3. Be respectful to everyone and everything in the class at all times. This includes yourself, your
peers, and myself.
4. Zero tolerance for electronic devices like cell phones, ipods etc. unless we are using them
for a class activity. Repeated use of electronic devices will result in a loss of points for your
participation grade.
5. Follow ALL lab safety rules as well as ALL school rules. Failure to follow ANY of the lab
safety rules will result in IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM THE CLASSROOM.
What should I do to succeed in the course?
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Make attendance a priority. If absent, see me upon your return to make up missed work!
Keep your binder organized and write down class notes clearly and completely.
Turn in assignments on time, complete and legibly written.
Participate in class discussions and ask questions.
Read all assigned materials.
Be sure to get extra help when needed.
Follow the discipline plan
Name: ____________________________________________________
Dear Parents/Guardians:
I am excited to welcome your student into my Living Environment class for the 2015-2016
school year! I look forward to getting to know your child throughout the year and meeting you at
parent teacher conferences. If you have questions regarding the attached syllabus or any other
questions or concerns please feel free to contact me via email at
Kristen_Mogavero@manhassetschools.org. I ask that you please review the course syllabus
and provide your preferred method of contact below.
Sincerely,
Ms. Mogavero
Student / Parent Acknowledgement:
It is a required that each student acknowledge that he/she has read the course syllabus and has
agreed to abide by the policies outlined for this class. It is also requested that each student have
his/her parent/guardian read and sign the syllabus.
Student signature: ________________________________________Date: _______
Parent/Guardian: _________________________________________Date: _______
Phone: (_______)________-_________________ AM / PM
Please note your preferred method of contact
Email ____________________________________
*Syllabus must be signed and returned by the end of the first full week of school. The
signed copy will be kept on file with me for my own records. The signing and handing in of
this document gives the student their 1st homework credit.