Biology is a lab –based full year course taught over two semesters. You must pass this class to graduate
from Mt. Horeb High School. The course is divided into three main topics; the study of life, genetics, and ecology. We will also explore major themes and develop a connection between one topic and another.
Each of these major themes can be found in each area of biology.

Science as a process

Evolution

Energy Transfer

Continuity and Change

Relationship of Structure to Function

Regulation

Interdependence in Nature

Science, Technology, and Science
Text: Biology, Stephen Nowicki, Holt McDougal 2010
Class Materials: Bring every day to class
Textbook
Pen and Pencil
Notebook
Folder or Binder (I give lots of handouts, choose wisely)
Topic Outline
I. Topic One – Introducing Life
A. Lab Safety Guidelines
B. Chapter 17 – The Tree of Life
II. Topic Two – Ecology
A.
Chapter 13 – Principles of Ecology
B.
Chapter 14 - Interactions in Ecosystems
III. Topic Three –Chemistry of Life
A.
Chapter 2 – Chemistry of Life
IV. Topic Four - Cells
Grading Scale
A 100 - 93
A- 92 - 90
B+ 89 – 87
B 86 - 83
B- 82 - 80
C+ 79 - 77
C 76 - 73
C- 72 - 70
D+ 69 - 67
D 66 - 63
D- 62 - 60
F 59 - below

Grade Composition
60% Homework and Lab Assignments
30% Chapter Tests
10% Quizzes
Classroom Expectations
1.
Be in your seat, ready to begin when the bell rings.
Semester Grade Calculation
45% 1 st Quarter Grade
45% 2 nd Quarter Grade
10% Semester Exam Score
2.
Treat others with respect.
3.
Bring all work materials to class (pen, pencil, paper, and textbook) every day.
4.
Homework is due at the beginning of class.
5.
Follow lab safety guidelines at all times.
6.
Show academic integrity.
Academic Integrity
I expect all students to submit their own work. I understand that the internet, the textbook and other students are resources to aid learning, however, the work that students submit for credit must be their own work. Copied work of any kind will not receive credit. Students who allow others to copy their
work will not receive credit for the work.
Homework Policy
1.
Homework assignments are due at the beginning of class. Assignments turned in after I collect them are considered late.
2.
You are allowed to turn in two late homework assignments “free of charge” for full credit. 40% of the total points will be deducted for any subsequent late assignments. You may arrange with me to serve a fifteen minute detention, before or after school, to receive the full credit for the late assignment. You must be working on biology course work during this detention to receive full credit. Students who abuse this policy will not be allowed to turn in future late work. Extra credit will be given to any student who doesn’t use their late passes at the end of each semester.
3.
Special projects: If you turn in a special project, or group assignment late, you will lose ten percent of the grade per day it is late.
4.
Homework missed due to absence: If you are excused absent you will have one day for each day missed to submit your work. If you are gone for a school activity (band, athletics, field trips, etc.), I expect the work to be turned in to me before you leave. Pick up the next day homework whenever possible. If you are absent unexcused, you will not receive credit for work turned in that day (this includes any work completed in class that day).

Tardy Policy
1.
Students are tardy if they are not in their seats when the bell rings.
2.
Students who come to class unprepared such that they must return to their locker are considered tardy.
3.
When students have been marked tardy three times, they will receive a detention from me.
4.
When students have been marked tardy five times, they will be referred to the office.
Lab Safety: You must follow the guidelines at all times. Failure to do so may result in removal from class or further disciplinary action.
My Schedule: I’m here from 8:00 – 3:30 (or a little earlier or later or both)
5 – Prep
6 – Biology
7 –Physical Science
8 – Physical Science
To Contact Me: Come see me during 5 th period (your lunch time) or after school. E-mail is always a good way to contact me, see below.
My Email Address: ballchris@mhasd.k12.wi.us
. If you email me at night, you may not get an immediate answer but I typically check my email each morning before I come to school.