Leesburg High School
Biology I / Biology I Honors
Syllabus 2015-2016
Instructor: Ms. Candace McLendon Email: McLendonC@lake.k12.fl.us
Textbook: Holt-McDougal Biology 2012 Phone: 352-787-5047 Ext. 7148 Credit : 1.0
Planning: 6 th Period (Office hours by appt.)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this course is to expose students to the biological sciences through active engagement, exploration, experiments, and experiences.
This will give the student a better understanding of the importance of biological sciences in our world and the difference he/she can make in the future. The emphasis of this course is placed on understanding systems and processes, and you will be tested on your comprehension of these larger concepts. You will be asked to integrate information from a number of contexts into a reasoned analysis, similar to a scientist’s approach of devising and implementing solutions to real-world problems. This is an introductory course covering many different disciplines in biology ranging from ecology and evolution to microbiology and biochemistry .
Assessments
This is a rigorous high school course that requires students to have a strong work ethic and discipline to study daily, take notes, participate and cooperate in the classroom. All students will be assessed at the end of the year through a Florida State Assessment Tool: EOC Biology Exam.
Students must pass this test in order to receive credit. In order to prepare you for the exam, you will be given informal and formal assessments, including unit tests, quizzes, and projects throughout the course, and your progress will be monitored.
Class Participation/Discussion
Inquiry is the basis of Science, and you must be an active participant in class discussions and activities. This includes bellringers, group cooperative strategies, comprehension checks, and learning scales/exit slips. Rating your own academic progress allows me to better understand your strengths and weaknesses in learning the topics we discuss.
Homework
Homework is given essentially every night, and may include reading text, lab reports, projects, and assignments. You are responsible for keeping work organized in your biology notebook and turning in as requested for grading.
Projects /Presentations
This is a cooperative learning environment, and you will be expected to work both individually and in a group setting to accomplish tasks such as projects and presentations. Groups may be determined based on computer accessibility. Rubrics will be provided with each project, and they may be presented in various methods, including PowerPoint, Prezi, Brochure, models, tri-fold board, teacher-tube, etc. Though there may be time in class to work on these activities, the majority of the preparation will be done out of class with substantial time to complete. USE YOUR TIME
WISELY.
Laboratory Exercises
In Biology, it is crucial to have practical “hands on” experiences in order to come to an understanding of the natural world and the forces that affect it. An average of one period per week is devoted to hands-on laboratory experiences or fieldwork. Proper attire must be worn on lab days, and
students must wear CLOSED TOED shoes, pull hair back, and refrain from wearing loose articles or jewelry. You must be present on lab day to complete lab in order to receive full credit, as they are often impossible to make up and cannot be exempt. Safety goggles, aprons, and gloves will be provided for you and must be worn during lab. **Please note: Each group member is responsible for turning in a lab report individually, so please make sure exchange data with your group partners**
MATERIALS (REQUIRED)

3-ring binder with pockets (specifically for this class) – This will keep your interactive notebook and documents
 Spiral notebook-70 page (1 per 9 weeks) required to record daily bellringer responses, learning goals, comprehension checks, foldables, and notes. Keeping an organized notebook will be a heavily weighted component of this class.) Index dividers / Sheet protectors are encouraged to maintain organization of notebook
 Agenda- provided to all students by Leesburg High School. All assignments, reminders, and due dates to be written down.

3x5 Index cards- to be used for vocabulary flash cards and to help study for exams

Pencil/Pens- Only blue or black ink please. Please bring more than one SHARPENED pencil to class.
 Loose leaf paper- for general use, classwork/homework, and lab reports that do not need to be typed.
 Glue sticks, colored pencils, highlighter, markers, colored paper (for diagrams/projects that make up your interactive notebook)
Please be advised that any student who is consistently coming to class without basic supplies to do work will be subject to disciplinary action. If a student is in need, please contact the family school liason, Ms. Nathanson, or myself so we can help. Class supplies are limited with approximately 120-150 using them. I encourage everyone to have their own as much as possible.

GRADING SCALE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO ACCOMMODATE UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES)
Type of Assignment
Lab activities/Lab report ( informal)
Individual Point Value
50
Formal Lab Report /Research (1 per term)
Tests/ Projects
100
100
Quizzes/ Homework
Participation (class discussions, classwork, bell ringers, comprehension checks, notebook organization, notes)
10-20
10-50
Total Points Per Grading Period
250
100
300
200
150
TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE 1000
A 900-1000 B 800-899 C 700-799
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
D 600-699 F 0-599
I expect complete honesty and integrity from each student. There will be occasions when you will be allowed to share information with other students, and I will tell you this clearly in advance. While you may work together on certain assignments, you are not allowed to copy another
student’s work. Students that copy work and students that allow their work to be copied are both at fault. Both parties will receive a zero. Please see your code of conduct for a more complete discussion of the honor code of the school.
One common method of plagiarism is failure to cite sources or information. You will be given information on how to successfully cite sources.
(google and Wikipedia are NOT proper cited sources)
ABSENCES
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get what you missed the day you return. You have FIVE (5) days to make up missing work on your
OWN time after school during tutoring hours Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday. Please make arrangements in advance so I can be sure to be in classroom at that time. Assignment information and calendar will be posted on website.
The expectation is that you are here for all announced exams/quizzes. If you are EXCUSED from being absent the day of a quiz or exam, be prepared to make it up after school the day you return. Be aware that the exam you will be taking when you get may not be the same one that was given on the regular exam day. An UNEXCUSED absence the day of an exam will result in a score of zero. Bring notes to attendance to mark.
Lab reports and projects must be turned in on the due date even if you are absent. These types of assignments are generally completed in an electronic format (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, etc.) and therefore can easily be e-mailed to me, or turned in early. If there are extenuating circumstances, make sure that I am aware through either a written note or an e-mail from a parent or guardian. I am willing to work with you if you have a problem but will not excuse procrastination.
GENERAL COURSE OUTLINE
Q1 Unit 1- Lab Safety/Nature of Science SC.912.N.1.1 (5 days)
Q1 Unit 2.0- Chemistry of Life/Properties of Water SC.912.L.18.12 (4 days)
Q1 Unit 2.1- Chemistry of Life/Macromolecules and Enzymes SC.912.L.18.1, 18.11 (8 days)
Q1 Unit 3.0- Building Blocks of Life/ Cell Theory SC.912.L.14.1 (4 days)
Q1 Unit 3.1- Building Blocks of Life/ Cell Structure and Function SC.912.L.14.3, 14.2, 14.4 (12 days)
Q1 Unit 4.0-Cellular Energy / Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration SC.912.L.18.9, 18.7, 18.8, 18.10 (8 days)
Q2 Unit 4.1-Cellular Energy/ Plant Organs and Tissues SC.912.L.14.7, 14.4 (4 days)
Q2 Unit 5.0- Cellular Reproduction/ Cell Division SC.912.L.16.17, 16.8, 16.14, 16.16 (10 days)
Q2 Unit 6.0- Genetics/Mendel’s Laws SC.912.L.16.1/16.2/16.9 (18 days)
Q3 Unit 7.0- DNA Replication /Transcription and Translation/Mutations SC.912.L.16.3, 16.4, 16.5 (9 days)
Q3 Unit 8 - Manipulating DNA / Biotechnology SC.912.L.16.10 (4 days)
Q3 Unit 9-Classification/Domains & Kingdoms SC.912.L.15.4, 15.5 (2 days)
Q3 Unit 10-Origins of Life SC.912.L.15.6, 15.4, 15.5, 15.8 (2 days)
Q3 Unit 11.0- Natural Selection/Genetic Drift/Gene Flow/Mutations SC.912.L.15.13, 15.14, 15.5 (8 days)
Q3 Unit 11.1- Evidence of Evolution/Hominid Evolution/ SC.912.L.15.1, 15.10 (4 days)
Q3Unit 12.0-Ecological Principles/Interactions in Ecosystems SC.912.L.17.5, 17.4, 17.2, 17.8 (6 days)
Q3 Unit 12.1-Ecological Principles/Energy Flow and Pyramids SC.912.L.17.9, 7.1 (5 days)
Q4 Unit 12.2-Ecological Principles/Human Impact/Biome Research SC.912.L.17.20, 17.11, 17.13 (3 days)
Q3Unit 13.0- Human Body Systems/Brain functions and Blood Flow SC.912.L.14.36, 14.26 (2 days)
Q3 Unit 13.1- Human Body Systems/Immunity/Disease Research SC.912.L.14.52, 14.6 (3 days)
Q3 Unit 13.2- Human Body Systems/Reproduction and Development SC.912.L.16.13 (5 days)
***Biology End of Course Assessment*** (Including review 13 days)
Q4 Unit 14- Dissections/Nature of Science SC.912.N.1.1 (10 days)
Q4 Unit 15- Intro to Chemistry /Stem Career Research (4 days)

Biology Syllabus Acknowledgement
This form needs to be completed and returned by August 29, 2015
Student Name _____________________________________ Class Period _____________ Honors? Y/N
I, ____________________________________ (student), have read both the syllabus and classroom policies and
procedures. I know I can reach Ms. McLendon via phone or email regarding concerns and progress, as well as utilize the
Skyward online gradebook and the class website to keep track of upcoming assignments, as well as opt in to remind.com to receive class reminders.
I/We, ____________________________________ (parent/guardian), have read both the syllabus and lab safety
contract. I/We will support our child in his/her academic success by checking his/her work periodically and communicating any concerns to the teacher. I know I can reach Ms. McLendon via phone or email regarding student concerns and progress, as well as utilize Skyward gradebook and the class website to keep track of upcoming assignments, as well as opt in to remind.com to receive class reminders. (You will be receiving a welcome call during the first couple weeks of class)
I, Ms. McLendon, will do my personal best to guide your child towards academic success and build a collaborative relationship with the student and parent to assist in his her achievement in Biology. Together we can make it an awesome school year. 
Parent/Guardian Contact Information:
Parent 1: _______________________________________________ Phone: ________________________
Email address: __________________________________________________@_________________.com
Parent 1: _______________________________________________ Phone: ________________________
Email address: __________________________________________________@_________________.com
Comments and important information: (Any pertinent information that would be helpful to your child’s success in class that may not be documented on an IEP or 504 plan)

Homework: Each Student is to create a new account at www.canvas.instructure.com
using the information provided below. Please create user name and password in the correct format. When you access the site, please comment on the discussion board so that I know you were successful in creating your account. 10 pts REQUIRED
ACCESS CODE: FKY4J4) User ID: FullName Password: Student ID #
Example ID: CandaceMcLendon Example Password: 3574910900 (if you do not know your student id, look at your school schedule)
Please fill in our information below that you used to sign up:
User ID/Name: ________________________________________
Password/Student ID: __________________________________