LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY
BIOTECHNOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS
Mr. Paschedag
Email: jkpaschedag@cps.edu
2015-16
Welcome to Biotechnology! Mr. Paschedag is excited to share the fantastic world of biotechnology with you this
year. Biotechnology is an exciting field yet can seem overwhelming at first. If you work hard and seek help when
you need it, you will succeed.
Course Description
Using your genetic information and current biotechnology techniques, scientists can identify and potentially
eliminate genetic diseases, design personalized medicines, and even engineer microorganisms to do their bidding.
Through case studies and individual research, students will discuss the potentially contentious ethical and social
implications raised by the current and future applications of biotechnology.
Course Mission
This course is designed according to the following philosophies:
1. Students should not just learn about science, but they should do science as well. Science is about
investigating how interesting phenomena work, so we will be doing the same in class.
2. The level of the content of this course is designed to be similar to that of an introductory biology course at
the college level. This is to prepare students for future majors in pre-med, science, and biotechnology.
Tutoring Hours
o Before October 15th, Mr. Paschedag is available by appointment only (soccer coach!)
o After October 15th, Mr. Paschedag has tutoring after school in Room 203 from 3:15 – 4:15 PM and by
appointment.
o To schedule an appointment, please email Mr. Paschedag.
Course Resources and Materials
1. Materials
a. Book: Biotechnology, A Laboratory Manual by Ellyn Daugherty
b. Book: Biotechnology: Science for the New Millennium by Ellyn Daugherty
c. Notebook (at least 100 pages, preferably college ruled)
d. Three Ring Binder
2. Web Sites
a. Scitable - Supplemental readings for course content will be found on free eBooks available from
Scitable by Nature Publishing (http://www.nature.com/scitable)
b. Schoology - Our course will be hosted on Schoology.com Please see the table below for the appropriate
access code to use.
Period 1 Chemistry
MWJNS-QWVBD
Period 3 Chemistry
FJDTN-88K2B
Period 4 Biotechnology
CSBNN-G8HRV
Period 7 Chemistry
JSPQQ-TMPWP
Period 8 Chemistry
7FM8M-SVT6D
c. Remind – This one is for your parents! To receive text reminders about class assignments, your parents
should text the code in the center of the below table to 81010 to sign up for class reminders. To receive
email reminders, your parents should send an email to the address on the right side of the table.
Period 1 Chemistry
Period 3 Chemistry
Period 4 Biotechnology
Period 7 Chemistry
Period 8 Chemistry
@pdagchem1
@pdagchem3
@jpbiotech4
@pdagchem7
@pdagchem8
pdagchem1@mail.remind.com
pdagchem3@mail.remind.com
jpbiotech4@mail.remind.com
pdagchem7@mail.remind.com
pdagchem8@mail.remind.com
Grading
This year Lindblom is moving as a school to Proficiency-Based Learning (PBL). PBL is a system of reporting student
proficiency in a number of specific learning goals (or standards). Rather than give students one grade on a test that
assessed multiple skills, this system gives students a number of scores that represent their proficiency in each of
the skills assessed. The idea is that at the end of the class a student has mastered the essential content necessary
for the next level. The hope is that students will be focused on knowledge, not on points. Grades will be entered
into JumpRope, a piece of software designed to make PBL clear and accessible for teachers, students, and parents.
Levels of Performance: Your ability to achieve master of each of the above standards will be indicated by the
levels of performance in the table below.
Lindblom Proficiency-Based Learning - Levels of Performance
4.0 Excelling - I have demonstrated the knowledge/skills defined by the standard with a high level of
understanding/ability as defined by the discipline.
3.0 Achieving - I have demonstrated that I have the knowledge/skills defined in the standard.
2.0 Developing - I have demonstrated relevant knowledge/skills but have not yet demonstrated convincing
evidence of fully meeting the standard.
1.0 Emerging - I have demonstrated the most basic knowledge/skills relevant to the standard.
0.0 Beginning - I have demonstrated that I do not yet have the most basic understanding/ability.
M
Missing/insufficient evidence - I have not provided evidence to allow the teacher to assess.
Late Work and Revision Policy
When proficiency of a performance indicator is not met or attempted on a major assessment, the student has two
weeks to demonstrate proficiency, unless an alternative extension is worked out with the teacher. Teachers can
choose to extend beyond the two weeks. Any student who would like to take advantage of an assessment revision,
must provide evidence of all of the following
1. Completion of all assignments leading up to assessment in question.
2. Evidence that the student has done extra work to prepare for a better score on the assessment
3. Email or in person conversation with teacher to set up a time for the assessment retake.
There are some assessments (like unit exams) for which a revision may not be offered.
Habits of Lifelong Learners (HOLLs)
Students will periodically be assessed on their ability to contribute positively to the classroom community. To do
so, we will use Lindblom’s Habits of Lifelong Learners. Many of your assignments this year will have a given
performance indicator of learning habits tied to it. These performance indicators are not counted in your grade for
the course; however, they may be used for feedback to parents, for participation in extracurriculars, for colloquium
preference, for school awards, and more.
HOLL Standard 1: Student shows a commitment to Intellectual Growth
HOLL Standard 2: Student shows a commitment to Social Growth
HOLL Standard 3: Student shows a commitment to Personal Responsibility
Classroom Procedures and Expectations
We have a limited amount of time together in our class. In order to maximize our learning and enjoyment of the
class during that time, I expect students to follow the below procedures every day.
1. Overall expectations:
o Each student will be assigned a number. This number will correspond to your Plickers code.
o No food or drink allowed in the classroom. Food or drink will be confiscated if students have it out.
o Do not cheat. It is very obvious when you do. Any form of cheating/plagiarism will receive a zero on
that assignment and may result in referral to the Dean of Students, which will then result in further
disciplinary action.
o Students should check JumpRope at least once per week and report any issues as soon as possible.
2. When entering class:
o Quietly enter the room and pick up any class handouts that are located on the teacher’s desk.
o Grab your science notebook from your drawer.
o Have out a writing utensil, your binder, and your science notebook.
o Grab any additional materials as indicated by the opening task.
o Open your science notebook and begin to work on the opening task.
3. When you are late for class:
o Sign the tardy/bathroom log and check in with the SAT for the work that you have missed.
o Do NOT disrupt the teacher or other students who are working on the current task.
4. When you need to use the restroom:
o You may only ask to go to the restroom during independent working time. Do not ask to go to the
restroom during the first 10 minutes, last 10 minutes of class, during class discussions, or when the
teacher is presenting.
o When students have independent working time, raise your hand and get the teacher or SAT’s attention.
Politely ask to use the restroom.
o Grab the hall pass at the front of the room.
o Quietly leave the room and sign the sign out sheet. Return to class in a timely manner and sign your
return time – this is recorded.
5. When the teacher needs your attention:
o The teacher will raise his hand and ask for attention.
o Finish your conversation in the next 5 seconds and stop speaking and put down any materials that you
have.
o Make eye contact with the teacher and raise your hand. Wait patiently for the rest of the class to come
to attention.
6. When you are taking notes:
o Everything written on the board is important and should be part of your notes. BOARD = NOTES
o
Points raised by your classmates are important as well. The teacher will point out the ideas that you
should put in your notes.
7. When you need help with something you are working on:
o For individual tasks, raise your hand and wait patiently.
o For group tasks:
 READ and RE-READ the instructions
 Ask your group members
 Raise your hand and wait patiently.
 DO NOT get up to speak to the teacher.
 DO NOT interrupt the teacher if he is having a conversation with another student.
8. When you are working on a lab:
o Follow all safety rules and procedures given for the lab.
o DO NOT mix chemicals that you are not specifically directed to.
o Wear your lab goggles at all times. DO NOT have them on your neck or forehead.
o Use your group roles to divide work properly among students.
o CLEAN your work area when the lab is finished. Follow the instructions given.
9. When class is about to end:
o Complete the exit ticket activity and turn it in to the homework basket.
o Double-check that you know what the homework assignment is.
o CLEAN your table – put away all materials in their proper locations and throw away your trash.
o Place your science notebook into the drawer.
o The bell is to let the instructor know that the period is complete.
o The instructor will dismiss you from class.
o Remain in your seat until you are dismissed.
10. When you miss class and need to get the make-up materials:
o See the SAT for the lab notebook from the day you missed.
o See the class website on Schoology for the materials from the day you missed.
11. What to do with your cell phone:
o Your phone must be on SILENT during class at all times.
o If you need to plug your phone in, plug it into one of the free spots on the lab benches. The phone must
be on SILENT when at the lab benches. You may NOT check it during class.
o If students are given permission to use their cell phones during class, quietly grab your phone from the
lab bench and return to your seat. Return the phone when we are done.
o Failing to follow any of these guidelines will result in your phone being taken until the end of the day.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please cut out this section and bring it back to class.
At every moment in life, you make a choice. In this class, you either choose to contribute positively to the learning
community or to not do so. Consequences for choosing to not follow these given procedures or other
instructions are as follows:
1. Verbal reminder of the task or direction.
2. Removal from group or loss of other privileges, including cell phone charging, listening to music, etc.
3. Individual conference with teacher and Plan of Action
4. Phone call home
5. Referral to the Dean
Students may immediately receive a more severe consequence depending on the severity of their action.
Student’s Name (Printed) _____________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Signature ____________________________________________________________________________________