International Baccalaureate Biology Syllabus
Seniors – Standard Level Year 2
August 2012 – June 2013
Instructor: Amy Powell
Phone:
Website:
E-mail:
aepowell@cps.edu
Main Office: (773)535-2550
http://.morganparkcps.org
impact.cps.k12.il.us/
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday 7:45am – 3:00pm
TEXT:
Standard Level Biology (Pearson Baccalaureate)
Damon, McGonegal, Tosto, Ward (2007)
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot (required for 4th quarter)
DESCRIPTION:
Students in IB (Diploma Program) biology will develop a conceptual framework for modern biology
to help them gain an appreciation of science as a process. Essential to this understanding is the
following: a grasp of science as a process rather than an accumulation of facts; personal experience
in scientific inquiry; recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and an
application of biological and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns. There are four
basic biological concepts that run throughout the course: structure and function, universality versus
diversity, equilibrium within systems, and evolution.
AIMS:
Through studying diploma level biology, students should become aware of how scientists work and
communicate with each other. While the “scientific method” may take on a wide variety of forms, it
is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that characterizes and
distinguishes diploma level biology from other disciplines.
OBJECTIVES:
It is the intention of all the Diploma Program (DP) experimental science courses, including biology,
that all students achieve the following objectives. Theses objectives will be assessed as outlined
under the assessment section.
1. Demonstrate an understanding of: scientific facts, concepts, techniques, terminology,
methods of presenting scientific information and the scientific method.
2. Apply and use: scientific facts, concepts, techniques, terminology, appropriate methods to
present scientific information and the scientific methods.
3. Construct, analyze and evaluate: hypotheses, research questions, predictions, scientific
methods and techniques, and scientific explanations.
4. Demonstrate the personal skills of cooperation, perseverance and responsibility appropriate
for effective scientific investigations and problem solving.
5. Demonstrate the manipulative skills necessary to carry out scientific investigations with
precision and safety.
1
The content and skills covered in the second year of this two-year course align with objectives
outlined by the Diploma Program, Illinois State Standards, and ACT college readiness skills (CRS).
Mastery of the content and skills outlined by these three organizations helps ensure student success
on Diploma Program external & internal examinations and the ACT. The goals of the Illinois State
Standards and the score bands for college readiness skills are listed below.
Illinois State Standards: Biology is based on the Illinois Learning Goals 11-13:
State Goal 11: Understand the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to
investigate questions, conduct experiments and solve problems.
State Goal 12: Understand the fundamental concepts, principles and interconnections of the
life, physical and earth/space sciences.
State Goal 13: Understand the relationships among science, technology and society in
historical and contemporary contexts.
College Readiness Standards: Range 20-23, 24-27 & 28-32
Skills in these score bands assess a student’s ability to select, interpret, and analyze data from a
range of data presentations, as well as interpret and analyze experimental design.
Course Outline:
The following chart shows what topics will be covered. IB/Diploma Program topics and objectives
correspond to the IB/Diploma Program Curriculum Guide which may be accessed on the Morgan Park
website.
Unit Content and Text Chapters
Review Scientific Method & Related Skills
Time Frame
2 weeks (8/13 – 8/24)
IB Topic 3: The Chemistry of Life
1st Quarter
7 weeks (8/27-10/11)
(Enzymes; Cell Respiration; and Photosynthesis)
IB Topic 5: Ecology and Evolution & Option G: Ecology and
Conservation
1st Quarter
10 weeks (10/29-1/24)
2nd Quarter
(Communities and ecosystems; The greenhouse effect;
Populations; Evolution; and Classification)
IB Topic 6: Human Heath and Physiology & Option A: Human
Nutrition and Health
9 weeks (1/29-3/28)
3rd Quarter
(Digestion; Transport System; Immune System; Gas
Exchange; Nerves, Hormones, Homeostasis; Reproduction;
Human Diet and Nutrition)
Review for IB/DP External Examination
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot
9 weeks (4/8-6/7)
IB Examination in early May
4th Quarter
The instructor retains the right to vary this syllabus due to school schedule changes or
as the instructor deems necessary due to circumstances.
2
IB ASSESSMENT:
IB/DP biology is a two year course. Assessment for IB is in two sections.
1.
Written Examination (external assessment): The final examination for DP
students will be in May of the second year. This exam will consist of multiple
choice questions, data-based questions, short answer questions and extended
response questions. The instructor for this course will prepare you for the final
examination by administering exams that are similar in form throughout the two
years.
2.
Laboratory Work (internal assessment): All students will participate in laboratory
work throughout the course. Their work will be assessed and evaluated using the
Diploma Program criteria (students will be given the corresponding rubric). Four
criteria will be assessed: design; data collection and processing; conclusion and
evaluation; and manipulative skills. Each student’s two best pieces of laboratory
work will be sent to IB for evaluation. Lastly, each student must participate in a
culminating group project called “The Group-4 Project”. Students will be
evaluated using the above criteria as well as one additional criterion, personal
skills.
Materials Required:
*Students must have materials in class by Monday, August 20, 2012*






One (1) 3-ring binder
5 dividers
Notebook paper
One (1) notebook ONLY for biology
Pens
Pencils





Calculator
Colored Pencils
Access to the Internet, word processor &
printer
Index cards to make flash cards
A flash drive for saving computer files
GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY:
Please review & sign the attached Safety Guideline Form: (enclosed)
CLASS EXPECTATIONS and REQUIREMENTS:
I expect all members of the classroom to respect others and themselves as well as the instructional
time that we share together. This is a time to work and learn, and students are expected to be
prepared to do so. Students must follow all of the school-wide rules and policies, which can be
found at http://www.morganparkcps.org/rules_and_procedures.jsp?rn=3274008.
Each student will complete the following: common assessments, weekly laboratory experiments,
laboratory reports, class fee $30.00, homework assignments, and special projects.
REMEDIATION:
Tutorial sessions are available for students before and after school at no cost to the student. A
recovery plan for students who are failing or close to failing will be provided to students on a per
need basis.
Missed Tests, Quizzes, Labs, and Projects – If a student misses a test, quiz, or lab for a CPS approved
excuse they will have to make it up during tutoring sessions immediately following the assignment.
If the student fails to attend the tutoring session they will receive a zero for the test, quiz, lab, or
3
project. Per the instructor’s discretion, students may re-test on any test where the score is below
60%. The average of the two scores will be recorded.
ATTENDANCE POLICY & HOMEWORK POLICY:
Please follow the Student Code in accordance with Chicago Public Schools Policy and as outlined in
this syllabus and the parent letter. I expect students to attend class and be punctual. Permission for
absence from class for an official school activity must be obtained from the teacher prior to the
activity. Students with unexcused absences will receive a zero for the work done during class that
day. Students with excused absences have two days to make up the missed work. It is the student’s
responsibility to see the instructor to receive the missed assignments as well as class notes that they
have missed.
EXPECTATIONS:
Attendance – This is a lab intensive and discussion driven course. Therefore it is essential that your
child maintains good attendance. This includes coming to class on time and being prepared everyday.
Student Responsibilities When Absent:
 It is the student’s responsibility to get any class notes or discussion information missed.
 It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor and determine what work was
missed while absent this includes class notes, homework assignments, tests, quizzes, labs,
and projects.
GRADE SCALE
100 – 90% = A
89 – 80% = B
79 – 70 % = C
69 – 60% = D
59 – 0%
= F
PERCENT OF WEIGHTED SCORES
Tests
Labs/ Design labs/ projects
Class-work
Midterm Exam/ Final Exam
Quizzes
Homework
20%
15%
25%
15%
15%
10%
*Homework assignments are to be completed at home and will include reading passages.
Students will receive online grades, including a percentage and letter grade. You can monitor your
child’s grades on IMPACT. To do so, you can reach the Parent Portal at
https://parent.cps.k12.il.us/pc/default.aspx. If you have not set up an account yet, you can begin at
www.cps.edu and click on ‘Check my child’s grades’ for information on how to begin. All coursework
including due dates and handouts will also be posted on the Morgan Park website.
Reference to school website: http://morganpark.cps.org and IMPACT parent portal:
www.impact.cps.k12.il.us
4