HENDRICKSON HIGH SCHOOL BIOLOGY 2013-2014
Teacher Name: Jean Chambers
st
th
Room Number: B204
Conference Periods: 1 & 7 Periods
Phone: 512-594-1269 Email: jean.chambers@pfisd.net
Study Hall and Tutoring Time: Mornings 8:00 – 8:50am except Wednesday;
Afterschool Wednesday 4:15 – 5:00pm or by special arrangement
In Biology, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and
make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving. Students in Biology study a variety of
topics that include: structures and functions of cells and viruses; growth and development of organisms; cells,
tissues, and organs; nucleic acids and genetics; biological evolution; taxonomy; metabolism and energy transfers in
living organisms; living systems; homeostasis; ecosystems; and plants and the environment.
Topics cover the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills) and will prepare students to pass the State of Texas
Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR. Students MUST pass the STAAR Biology End of Course exam in order
to graduate.
Science is a way of learning about the natural world. Students should know how science has built a vast body of
changing and increasing knowledge described by physical, mathematical, and conceptual models, and also should
know that science may not answer all questions.
Required Materials:
Highlighers
Binder paper
Composition notebook
1 blue or black pen
Pencils
Map pencils
Scissors
Glue sticks
Learning Strategies: Class notes/discussions, lab experiments, individual & cooperative group projects, lectures,
demonstrations, type III writings, journals, exit tickets and various assessments.
Assignments are often started in class and expected to be finished at home. Turn in all assignments at the beginning of
class unless other instructions have been given. Remember: The person who does the work is the one who learns.
Copying is considered academic dishonesty and is distinguished by the teacher when assigning grades.
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LATE WORK IS NOT GIVEN FULL CREDIT…A MAXIMUM OF 70% MAY BE EARNED DURING THE 3-WEEK TERM.
LATE WORK MUST BE FULLY COMPLETED OR WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
THERE ARE HARD GRADE DEADLINES EVERY THREE WEEKS THAT MUST BE ADHERED. WORK TURNED IN FOR
CREDIT AFTER THESE DEADLINES HAVE PASSED WILL BE AWARDED A 50% MAXIMUM.
Lab Expectations:
Each unit will have lab activities. During lab time students MUST follow all lab rules to ensure the safety of all students.
There can be absolutely NO horseplay during class time.
PISD Laboratory Safety Rules will be strictly enforced at all times. (Students will discuss and cover these rules in class
and will have to pass a Safety test before they may begin lab activities.)
Students will be expected to sit at their assigned lab tables and follow all instructions.
Safety is our first priority.
Safety rules & guidelines are covered at the beginning of this course and a safety contract is signed and kept on file.
Students should also be respectful, responsible, & resourceful.
Grading: Please note that grades are assigned to the categories listed below at the discretion of the teacher.
80% Major Assessments 50%
May include: Bundle Tests, Long term projects, Lab write-ups, etc
Minor Assessments 30%
May include: Quests (short test), Notebook evaluations, Short term projects, etc.
20% Daily Grades
May include: Quests (quick quizzes), Notebook checks, homework, warm up checks, exit
tickets, grade checks, etc.
Assessments of various types cover each topic. Make ups or retakes, if needed, should be scheduled with your teacher.
If you miss an assignment or an assessment they will be marked with an “M” (missing) in TXConnect and
count as a zero until completed, scored and posted.
After the 3-week deadline has passed, any remaining “missing” grades will be posted as “0” zero.
What’s an Assessment of Learning? Quizzes, Tests, Project, Probing questions, Exit ticket, Performance, Presentation,
Labs, Warm-up, Homework (depends), ABC Cards, Interactive Clicker, Essays, Worksheet, Type III Writings …Etc.
Semester Grades:
Two Nine Weeks Grades
Exams (midterm & final)
=
=
90%
10%
(45% each)
Students are NOT eligible for exemptions on mid-terms nor final exams.
Students must earn at least a 70 OVERALL YEAR AVERAGE in the course to be awarded credit.
Student Progress
Parents/guardians will receive a report at least every 3 weeks.
It is REQUIRED that every student have on-line access to monitor their grades through TXConnect. Grades may be
accessed through the “Parent” tab from the PISD website.
Please note that students have their own TXConnect account and this does not alter the parent settings.
Class Guidelines:
1.
Students can be marked tardy if not in the room and prepared with class materials WHEN THE INSTRUCTION
BELL RINGS. Students will be required to get a tardy pass to enter class.
2.
Come to class on time prepared with proper materials.
3.
Treat others with respect
4.
Sit in assigned seat during instruction.
5.
NO selling of fund-raisers without permission first...otherwise you will forfeit your goods and have to pick them
up from your Principal.
6.
Follow HHS policies of personal electronic devices such as phones, cameras, mp3 players.
7.
Wearing of ear-buds or headphones inside the class room is not allowed.
8.
Follow all instructions given and stay on assigned task.
9.
Do every assignment fully and turn it in on time.
SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS IN BIOLOGY
1.
Do every assignment. Most frequently the people that do poorly in this class do so because they are not doing
their homework and assignments. Likewise, those that do every assignment usually do very well in the class.
2.
Carry a good attitude. Tenacity and perseverance will most of the time take you further than someone with a
high IQ and a sour disposition. Participation, cooperativeness, attitude, responsibility, work habits, promptness,
dependability, and enthusiasm can affect your grade.
3.
Come in for help if you genuinely do not understand a subject or topic. ANY Biology teacher on this list will be
glad to help you as much as possible. Study Hall & Tutoring times are listed below:
Biology Tutorial and Study Session times
Teacher/Room
Mrs. Chambers
B204
Mr. Kapa
B211
Mr. Webb
B205
Morning Sessions
Afternoon Sessions
Mon-Tue; Thur-Fri
8:00 – 8:50
Mon-Tue; Thur-Fri
(mornings by appointment)
Wednesday 4:15 – 5:00
Or by appointment
Monday through Thursday
4:20 – 5:15pm
Monday through Thursday
4:20 – 5:15pm
mornings by appointment
A late bus is provided every Thursday evening @ 5:30 PM for student transportation for those assigned detentions or
attending study hall, late night library, or tutorials.
Mandatory Intervention Day: If you are failing at the end of the a 3 week IPR grading period, You will be summons to
Mandatory Intervention Day (MID) to get assignments in and to acquire a passing grade. You will take home a note
that must be signed by parents as well as a list of missing assignments. You will have a small window to get
assignments turned in before your mandatory intervention. If assignments are turned in, then a parent signature is the
only action required. If work is not turned in then attendance is required. If you fail to get attend MID and/or get
parent’s signature lunch detention or further disciplinary action will be taken. This MID is to help your grade, your,
understanding in this course, and give small group/additional time for assistance.