Biology Syllabus for Fall Semester
Ms. Korrie Beemer
kbeemer@bisd303.org
Room 310
Textbook: BSCS (A Molecular Approach)
Supplemental Textbook: Miller Levine Biology (Online Textbook)
Course Overview:
Unit 1 The Unity and Diversity of Life (An Introduction to Biology)
Concepts:
Scientific Method
Major Labs: Pond Water
Designing Scientific Experiments
Duckweed
Natural Selection Basics
Flow of Energy
Overview of the 5 Kingdoms
Ecology and Energy Flow
Unit 2 Chemistry
Properties of Water
Carbon-Based Compounds
Chemical Reactions
Enzymes
ATP
Carbohydrates
pH and Buffers
Peroxidase
Unit 3 Cells
Cell Structures and their Functions
Transport Across Membranes
The Cell Cycle and Cancer
Photosynthesis
Cell Respiration and Fermentation
Osmosis
Photosynthesis
Respiration
General Information:
3 Simple Class Rules- 1. Learn; 2. Be Nice; 3. No Whining
Biology Lab Fee- A $15 lab fee is due by October 6th. This lab fee will help offset the cost of the
expensive biotechnology labs that are a part of our curriculum. Please make checks out to “BHS”
and turn in to Ms. Spray.
Late Work- NO late work will be accepted. Homework will be collected at the beginning of the
period on the due date. Any work turned in after that time will be considered late.
Missed Class- The class website will be updated on a daily basis with the lesson plan, notes,
handouts, and homework assigned that day. It is your responsibility to obtain the necessary work
missed by printing documents from my web page or obtaining copies when you return to school.
Tardies- Unexcused tardies will not be tolerated.
Attendance- I will follow the school attendance policy and recommend that students who are
absent more than 11 days per semester be dropped from the course.
Gadgets- Students are encouraged to use devices in class capable of browsing the Internet, taking
notes, or other educational activities. These devices may include cell phones, iPads, or their own
personal laptops. The use of this technology is a privilege and not a right. If the privilege is
abused (e.g. posting on Facebook, texting friends), this privilege will be revoked.
Help- Please see me if you are having trouble. I’ll be at school every morning by 7:30 or we
could make an appointment to meet another time.
Grading:
1. Daily Work (40%)
This category includes in-class activities, homework, projects, and notebook checks.
You will be responsible for keeping a 3-ring binder for use as a Biology class
notebook. You should bring your notebook to class daily. I will check your notebook
every four weeks. Your grade will be based on organization, completeness, and quality
of work.
The Notebook will consist of:
A 3-ring binder
Syllabus (p.1)
5 Dividers- #1 Daily Questions
#2 Assignments
#3 Labs
#4 Notes
#5 Tests and Quizzes
2. Labs (30%)
Lab participation, lab questions and analysis, and one lab report will be included in this
grading section.
3. Tests and Quizzes (30%):
Unit tests and quizzes will include multiple-choice, short answer, and essay as
well as performance-type assessments depending on the concepts learned in each unit.
Grading Scale: (Based on percentage of total points earned)
A 93-100%
B 83-86%
C 73-76%
D 60-66%
ABCF
90-92%
80-82%
70-72%
Below 60%
B+ 87-89%
C+ 77-79%
D+ 67-69%
Grade Updates: In addition to midterm grade updates, you may view your grade using
Student or Family Access via the district website.
SPECIAL DEAL…Students who are earning a 95% or better have the option to not
take the Final Exam
BIOLOGY
Assignment #1. Turn in the bottom half of this sheet only, not the entire syllabus! The
rest of the syllabus should go into your notebook (on page #1) and the top half of this
sheet should be at home on your refrigerator. This assignment is worth 10 points.
DUE DATE: Next Class (Thursday, September 4 or Friday, September 5)
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Let’s work together to help this student be successful in Biology. Please review
the attached course syllabus. During the semester, please ask to see your student’s
returned work periodically. You may also view your student’s current progress using the
Family Access option via the Bainbridge Island School District webpage. In addition,
my web page through the high school’s website is kept up-to-date with assignment due
dates and class notes. Please call me at school if you have any questions, concerns, or
great ideas. (#855-0469). My email is: kbeemer@bisd303.org After reading the
syllabus, please sign below to acknowledge that you have read this material.
Thank you,
Korrie Beemer
Please Cut Along the Above Line
Assignment #1. BIOLOGY Syllabus. (To Be Completed by Parent / Guardian)
Student Name (Please Print)
____________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian ____________________________________
What is one thing I should know about your student to help them be successful and happy
in Biology class this semester?
Other Comments / Questions: