BIOLOGY I - 2015-2016
FIRELANDS HIGH SCHOOL
440-965-4255
Mr. KEARNS
mkearns@firelandsschools.org
I.
Topics
Some of the major areas of study this year in Biology 1 include:
1. Scientific Inquiry
2. Ecology
3. Biochemistry
4. Cell Structure/Function
5. Membrane Transport
6. DNA Structure/Function
7. Protein Synthesis/Gene Mutations
8. Cell Reproduction (Mitosis/Meiosis)
9. Heredity/Genetics
10. Biological Evolution/Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution
11. Classification
12. Photosynthesis/Cellular Respiration
II.
TEXTBOOK & NOTES
We will use the Modern Biology textbook in class, published by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.
These books will not be assigned to you; however, they will be available to be signed out by
any student who would prefer to have/use the text. You assume responsibility for any damages or
loss of the textbook during the loan period.
All classroom notes are given through reading and writing assignments and lecture. The notes are
important for discussions, assignments, tests, quizzes, vocabulary, projects, etc… YOU are
responsible to write class notes in your notebook. In addition there may be supplemental
information (handouts) provided that you will be responsible for.
At times throughout the school year, we may use other textbooks/reference books. If necessary,
these will be used only on a nightly basis and returned the next day. They are expected to be
returned in the same condition that they are given to you or fines may be assessed.
III.
MATERIALS
You will need a few extra items for this course. They include the following:
1. 3 ring binder with pockets
2. plenty of loose leaf paper/pencils and pens
3. colored pencils
(Over)
IV.
HOMEWORK & CLASSWORK & PARTNERS / GROUPWORK
Homework/classwork will be assigned and a completion date given.
Some assignments will be completed with a partner or in small groups. When provided, group work
answer sheets will be used and each you will attach your contribution to it individually. If a student
is not contributing to the completion of the assignment this needs to be brought to my attention.
Students who do not contribute will not receive the same grade as the other group
members, and will be marked down accordingly and possibly receive a zero.
All work not turned in by the completion date will be late and considered a zero. Usually I will make
an exception and accept it for ½ credit only, up to a given point of the quarter.
Classwork/homework should be neat and easy to read. Your name and class period should be on
every page. Work turned in without a name will be not be graded & eventually disposed of.
Reading assignments may be given as classwork/homework. It is essential that these
assignments be treated like any other assignments. Concepts in the reading assignments will be
expected to be known for the exam.
V.
GRADES
You will be evaluated on classwork/homework, participation, projects, labs, quizzes, and tests.
The value of each of these will vary. Scores will be added together and a percentage will be found
by dividing that number into the total number of points.
Grades will be assigned as follows:
100-90
89-80
79-70
69-60
59-0
VI.
A
B
C
D
F
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cell phones are not to be out in class without my permission. Tablets, electronic
notebooks, slates, etc… for note taking are acceptable and may be used. NO INTERNET
DURING CLASS WITHOUT PERMISSION.
VII.
VIII.
EXPECTATIONS - Most of the expectations are listed in a separate document however
the following are always expected: You shall show proper behavior throughout class!
You should be paying attention when the teacher is conducting class. This means NO
talking, doing other homework, etc...
DETENTIONS - Detentions served with Mr. Kearns will be held in room 226 (sometimes
you will serve them in the main office). If you are unable to attend, your name will be
forwarded to the main office.
IX.
EXTRA HELP/MAKE UP WORK
If you are in need of any assistance/make up work in the subject feel free to contact me during
FAST period, or before/after school.