Class Rules & Routines 2015-2016
romanop@soundviewprep.org
Subject: Upper School Biology
Dr. Romano
Textbook: Miller and Levine, Biology. 2010 Prentice Hall.
Course Objectives:
□You will engage in safe lab experiments, identify lab process skills, analyze lab data, draw
conclusions and complete lab reports following the scientific method format
□You will explore the characteristics of living things, the chemistry of living things, the cell and its
organelles, cell processes (including photosynthesis and cellular respiration), cell division, asexual
and sexual reproduction, cancer and mitosis
□You will discover how traits are passed on through heredity and learn about classical genetics,
DNA and molecular genetics, and biotechnology
□You will identify how organisms are classified and the characteristics of domains and kingdoms
□You will identify organ systems in the human body and compare structure with function
□You will identify ecosystems, communities, biomes, understand carrying capacity and
sustainability of resources, explore human impact on the environment
Class Preparedness:
Everyone is expected to be ready to start class on time. This means that you should be at your
seat, with science binder open and with a pen and pencil ready.
This year we will be “going paperless as much as possible so handouts will be available on the class
websites.
Home Assignments:
All assignments will be discussed in class, written on the board, and posted at the SPS website:
http://www.soundviewprep.org. All assignments are due at the start of class, on the day they
are due. Occasionally, problems arise with completing homework, so please see me before the
assignment is due if needed. If you are absent from school, check the website and/or call a class
mate to find out what you have missed. Remember, it is your responsibility to check in with me to
see what work (quiz, or test) you have missed.
Studying Tips:
Unit tests, and most quizzes, will be posted in advance. You will learn best if you study for several
nights before a test rather than just the night before one. Many students find it helpful to make
flash cards, writing down important information from which to study.
School Assessment and Class Grade Calculations:
Assessments for this course will include written quizzes and unit tests, lab activities, and projects.
There will be a cumulative final assessment at the end of each of the two semesters.
1
This is how your grade will be calculated:
Homework/ Class Participation/Current Events
Laboratory Activities/ Class Projects
Quizzes
Unit Tests
15 points
20 points
30 points
35 points
Extra help:
I am available before school, during lunch, during study halls, and after school for help. All you
need to do is ask! My email is romanop@soundviewprep.org.
Student Supply List
3,” 3-ring heavy-duty loose leaf binder
Loose leaf paper
Graph paper
Metric ruler
Pencils/pens/pencil case
Calculator (TI-30XIIS or equivalent)*
*(Calculators with advanced capability may be substituted)
2