Ms. Melissa Smith
Science Department Chair
msmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Science Graduation Requirements
 Biology*
 Physical Science* OR Physics (Credit from 8th grade Advanced Physical Science
DOES meet this requirement)
 2 other Science Courses, such as:
AP Biology
IB Biology SL/HL
Chemistry
Honors Chemistry
AP Chemistry
IB Chemistry SL
Physics
AP Physics 1
AP Physics C
IB Physics SL/HL
AP Environmental Science
Environmental Science*
Earth Systems*
Anatomy and Physiology
Forensics
Scientific Research 3/4
*ALL science courses at SFHS meet HOPE
Rigor Requirements EXCEPT Biology (on level
or honors), Physical Science, Earth Systems,
and Environmental Science
On-Level vs. Honors Biology
On-Level Biology
 Meets or Does Not Meet on
7th grade life science CRCT
 Scheduled to take Coordinate
Algebra in high school
Honors Biology
 Exceeds on 7th grade life science
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
CRCT
Successful in 8th grade Advanced
Physical Science – no test retakes!
Classroom performance is
routinely superior
Strong study habits
Scheduled to take Accelerated
math in high school
Above average maturity
Strong interest in taking AP/IB
Biology
If you were not recommended
for Honors Biology, you WILL:
 be able to take advanced science classes if you
successfully complete chemistry.
 be able to get into a competitive college. Contrary to
popular belief, you do not need to take all
honors/AP/IB classes to get into college. It looks
much better if you excel in an on-level class than if you
barely pass (or fail) an advanced class!
 be prepared for the End of Course exam.
 have dedicated, knowledgeable science teachers who
are some of the best in the state.
Important Reminder
Students who waive teacher
recommendation into Honors Biology
historically do not perform as well as
those recommended for the course.
Students are NOT required to take
Accelerated Math courses to meet the
prerequisites for AP science courses.
However, success in AP and IB science
courses requires a demonstration of
proficiency in an honors-level course prior
to enrollment.
Math abilities are extremely important in
Chemistry and Physics classes.
The Biology Curriculum
1st Semester
2nd Semester
 Introduction to Biology and
 DNA and DNA Processes
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the Scientific Method
Biochemistry
Cells and Cellular Processes
Energetics – Photosynthesis
and Cellular Respiration
Mitosis and Meiosis
 Genetics
 Evolution
 Classification of Life
 Ecology
Biology Textbook
 McDougal Littell Biology
by Stephen Nowicki
(2008 – Georgia edition)
 Class sets of textbooks
are utilized in the
classroom
 Additional resources
provided by teachers on
itsLearning
Grading Policies
 Final grades are
calculated as follows:
 Course work – 80%
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
50% 1st semester
50% 2nd semester
 Biology End of
Course Test – 20%
Strategies for Success
 Small increments of time daily are valuable
 Be proactive and attend help sessions
 Flash cards for key vocabulary
 Keep all returned/graded papers through the end of
year for EOCT review
 Note-taking: thorough and interactive
(highlight/underline key terms as you go)
 Use agendas
 Complete all class/homework assignments on a regular
basis – formative work DOES impact grades!
Questions?
 If you have questions after Freshman Festival, you can
email the science department chair.
Melissa Smith – msmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us