2014-2015 Regents Living Environment Syllabus
Course Objectives:
Students will accurately and safely apply biological theory to laboratory exercises by
collecting and analyzing data from sources related to the living environment. Students will
apply their knowledge of biology to written assignments and problems and complete these to
the level required by the Regents’ living environment curriculum. Students will be able to
apply living environment vocabulary to topics discussed within class. Students will sit and
pass the New York State Regents’ living environment exam.
Content:
Below you will find a general outline for the coming year.
1. Laboratory Skills
2. Scientific Inquiry and Skills
3. Similarities and Difference in Living Things
4. Homeostasis in Organisms
5. Genetic Continuity
6. Reproduction and Development
7. Evolution
8. Ecology
9. Human Impact on Ecosystems
Supplies:
 3-ring binder for notes and handouts with some loose-leaf (no smaller than 2”)
 Dividers: labeled: notes, vocabulary, tests/quizzes, homework/class work
 Two pocket folder with your name written across (this will become your lab folder)
 Pens and Pencils
 Scientific or Basic Function Calculator
 Additional Optional Materials: Ruler, Colored Pencils, Scissors, Glue, Prentice Hall
Review Book
Student Responsibilities:
 Students are expected to be on time to class with all materials and participate while in
class. Materials students will be expected to bring every day are: Binder with all
materials within, calculator and something to write with.
 Students are expected to behave in a manner suitable for lecture and laboratory at all
times. Proper behavior includes respect, safety and understanding towards fellow
students, teachers, faculty, staff as well as the student themselves. Unnecessary
disruptions and inappropriate behaviors will not be tolerated
 Work will be handed in on time. If it is not handed in on time, there will be grade
adjustments. Some assignments will not be accepted late.
 If a student is having difficulty in the class, they are expected to inform the teacher of
the issues and to seek additional help and solutions.
 All tests, quizzes, and assignments should be kept in an organized manner within the
students’ binder, within the correctly labeled divider, to provide as a study aide and
reference for review.
 If a student misses a class, they are required to and are responsible for gaining the
materials they have missed on their own. The materials and information should be
gained from the teacher on the first day back to school. It is not the teachers’
responsibility to keep track of your missed work. It is your responsibility
Grading Policy:
Your grade each marking period will be determined by:
 Class work/homework: 15%
 Labs: 25%
 Quizzes: 25%
 Tests: 25%
 Participation and Cooperation: 10%
Class work/Homework:
Students are expected to keep up to date with all class work and homework assignments.
Homework will be due at the beginning of the period. If the student hands homework in after
the start of the period, they may receive a late penalty for that assignment. After the Unit
Exam, no late assignments will be accepted and the student will receive a zero for those
assignments not completed. If an assignment is covered (answers discussed) within class it
will not be accepted late.
Quizzes:
Quizzes will be given at appropriate intervals throughout a unit. There will be at least one
quiz for each unit. Most quizzes will be announced but it is not required.
If a student is absent they are required to set up a make up time for the quiz with the teacher,
the day they return to school or class. Quizzes cannot be made up during class periods, after
school is a more appropriate time for make-up work. All quizzes must be made up the day of
return unless the teacher gives permission to extend the time allowed.
Tests:
Tests will be given at the end of each unit and will cover the material and knowledge that is
acquired throughout the unit. All assignments, including labs may be covered within the test.
If a student is absent, the test must be made up as soon as possible, on the next day returned
to school. The student must see the teacher upon their return, to agree on a time for the test
to be taken, after school or a study hall would be acceptable.
Labs:
Labs are a crucial part of this course. Written reports for 1200 lab minutes (20 hours) must
be completed in order to sit for the New York State Regents examination. Also, there are
several specific labs that are required by New York State, which must be completed. Each
report must earn at least a passing grade of 70 in order to count towards the accumulated lab
minutes. All labs must be written and be in acceptable conditions 3 weeks prior to the
Regents exam or the student will not be allowed to take the Regents exam.
Labs should be written in complete sentences with correct grammar and spelling. Also, lab
safety and appropriate behavior may be a portion of the lab grade. Keep safety in mind at all
times. If a student is refusing to wear safety goggles or is deemed to be acting
inappropriately, they will receive a zero on the lab and will not be allowed to complete it.
They will also be asked to leave the room immediately.
Even though labs will be conducted in pairs, no two labs should be identical. Lab partners
may work together but copying is not allowed.
Labs that do not earn a passing grade will be returned to the student and corrections will be
assigned. The student then must stay after school for special instructions on how to increase
their understanding of the topic. All corrections must be submitted and acceptable within 2
weeks from the original due date. When a lab is corrected the grade may be adjusted but it
will never be raised over a grade of 65.
In the event of an absence during a lab period, the student will seek out the teacher in order to
schedule a time to make up the lab. All labs must be made up within 1 week of returning to
school. The earlier a lab is made up, the better. The lab report will be due no later than 1
week after the due date for present students.
Lab grades will be lowered when late. The grade of the lab will be dropped 5 points for each
lab class after the due date. Reports that are not handed in by the end of the marking period
will receive a zero. However, the lab still must be completed, turned in, and acceptable in
order to meet the lab requirement for the Regents exam. The grade of zero is final however.
All completed and graded labs must remain in the classroom in the correct location. The
student, with the guidance of the teacher, will keep a log of lab minutes.
What does that all mean….Don’t fall behind, Stay on top of the labs!
Final Exam:
At the completion of this course and the school year, students will sit for the chemistry
Regents given by New York State. 1200 minutes of acceptable lab minutes, as well as NYS
required labs, must be accumulated 3 weeks prior to the Regents exam in order to sit for the
test.
Key information to remember:
As a teacher at Holland Patent I support the rules and guidelines set forth by the school.
Please consult the Student and Parent Handbook to familiarize yourself with Holland Patent
CSD expectations.
I am here to help you complete this course successfully and most importantly to help you
learn. If you are having issues with the course, please come to me for help. I will be in my
room afterschool and during free periods when possible. After school is a great time to take
advantage of completing late work, seeking assistance or working on homework.
Keep in mind that Chemistry is not easy and it will take some hard work to do well in this
course! Completing work and reviewing notes will be essential to being successful!
Contact Information
Students and parents are encouraged to contact me for any reason. Email is the preferred
method of contact.
My email address is: jdifino@hpschools.org