Biology Supported Level
The mission of Milford High School and Applied Technology Center is to
provide a quality education that challenges all students to succeed.
Gretchen Klene
gklene@sau40.com
Classroom Number
Blocks A- Spring Semester
Teacher voicemail extension: 3121
152
Course Description – Biology supported level surveys topics dealing with living
organisms, including: ecology, evolution, genetics, DNA technology, cells, and characteristics of
life. Students taking this course will receive additional support to complete assignments and
understand the concepts of biology. Class time is given with assistance to complete activities
and projects that reinforce the biological concepts and lead to biological literacy. Successful
completion of this course is often a pre-requisite of other life science electives.
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Syllabus/outline of topics covered in course. A general review of the scientific
method and metric measurements (1-1.5 weeks), The components and
classifications of living things (2-3 weeks), Change over time (1-2 weeks),
Cellular biology- including cell types, cell division, cellular respiration,
photosynthesis and cellular transport (6-8 weeks), DNA structure, replication and
genetics (2-3 weeks), Ecology and the flow of energy (2-3 weeks)
Competencies- What must students know and be able to do?
o Look at and analyze factors that show species adaptations.
o Research a genetic topic and explain how DNA plays and important role.
o Create a model cell to show its form and function.
o Visually show the flow of energy in an ecosystem and discuss how
different types of environmental issues might be resolved.
Essential Questions:
o What defines living things, and how do we group them together?
o What are the basic things a cell needs to function?
o How do ecosystems stay balanced even though other things are changing?
o How does DNA copy itself, and what can happen when it goes wrong?
o How do the environment and other factors cause changes in organisms
over time?
Student Expectations for Learning to be evaluated in this course:
Collaborative Worker- Accepts personal responsibility for collaborating to
accomplish common goals. Utilizes effective communication skills.
Demonstrates respect for the contributions of others. Acts with concern for the
physical and emotional well-being of others.
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Common Core Assessments
o Ecosystem Project: Students research and present a particular ecosystem,
discovering what types of plants, animals and weather are unique to that
area.
o Cell Project: Students create a visual of a cell simile to help understand
cell structure and function.
o Genetics research project: Students research a particular genetic disorder
or example of genetic technology to help understand how DNA affects
everyday life.
o Change over time essay: students choose between two essay options and
describe evolution, why it can be seen as controversial, how the theory has
changed, and the evidence to support the theory.
Resources
o Supplies students need: A three ring binder, with divider tabs.
 A single subject notebook, or loose leaf paper for notes.
 A flash drive is STRONGLY recommended for saving work.
o Books used in course: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, : Modern Biology, as
well as handouts and readings from other text books and print resources.
o Technology- Students should have a general familiarity with Word, Power
Point and Excel.
Grading
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Final semester grades are determined by: 45% for first quarter, 45% for second
quarter, and 10% for the final exam.
Quarter grades are determined using a total point system. The amount of points
earned is divided by the amount of points possible and then multiplied by 100 to
get a percentage grade. Points for individual assignments are determined by both
the type of assessment and difficulty of assignment.
Types of assessments included quizzes during units, as well as end of unit tests,
group and individual projects, web based assignments, and research. Homework
may occasionally be given to help reinforce a topic, prepare for a quiz/test or
ready for a presentation.
Late Work Policies: Any homework assignments will lose one point per day
late. Late homework will not be accepted for credit after five class days. Reports
and papers (cumulative written assignments/long term work) will lose 10% for
each day it is late. After five days, no credit will be given. Making up missing
work due to absences is the responsibility of the student. The missing work must
be turned in within the timelines in the student handbook for making up missing
work. Any exceptions to turning in missing work or meeting deadlines is at the
discretion of the teacher.
Classroom Rules/Policies/Guidelines
1. All school rules must be followed and will be enforced in this classroom.
2. Have respect for yourself, others, the teacher, and materials at all times.
3. You are expected to be in your seat and prepared for class (binder and writing
utensils out) when the bell rings every day.
4. Cell phones, i-pods, or other electronic equipment that is seen, heard, or used
will be taken by the instructor until the end of the day (no exceptions)
5. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain notes/materials when he/she is
absent. Any quizzes/tests missed must be made up at the earliest opportunity
(after/before school, free blocks, next class session etc.)
6. Food and drink are NOT allowed to be consumed in the classroom, unless part
of an activity.
7. Do not disrupt others from learning, or the teacher from teaching. Everyone
has the right to hear, and be heard.
Students not following these rules/regulations may receive the following as a
consequence: Verbal warning (first offense), teacher detention (any time after first
warning), or parental/administration involvement (multiple offenses without a
change in behavior). Please be advised that some in class behaviors that show
clear disrespect for the rules may not receive a warning before a detention is
given.
Extra Help
Miss. Klene is available specifically for extra help after school Tuesdays and
Thursdays, as well as most mornings and after school by request.
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Class.
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