Honors Biology Syllabus

Semester:

Fall 2015

Instructor:

Michelle Kreh

Instructor Email:

Michelle.Kreh@yadkin.k12.nc.us

Required Text:
BIOLOGY The Dynamics of Life (textbook); North Carolina End-of-Course, Gold Edition, Biology
(workbook)

Supplemental Readings/Resources:
articles, handouts and lab materials as assigned
sciencestuff100.weebly.com (location of links, voicethreads, assignments, etc)
Class meeting dates/times:
Days
Monday - Friday

Times
1st Period

Room(s)
Mobile Unit #4

Exams and Grading Breakdown:

Category
Percentage (final)
Classwork
~25%
Labs
~25%
Quizzes
~20%
Benchmarks/Reflections
~5%
& Projects
EOC
25%
Class participation and attendance policy:
Class participation and attendance are critical for success in this course. The above grading is explained
as follows:

Classwork and Labs: These assignments must be completed and turned in by the end of class.
They will be graded on accuracy and/or by using the appropriate rubric. Extensions will
generally not be granted. If class is missed, classwork will be a required make-up assignment.
Make-up labs will not be offered; however, portions of the lab write-up will be a required makeup assignment. Classwork/labs that are not turned in will receive a zero.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be given nearly every day. They are to be completed individually, will
usually be five questions and will be graded on accuracy. Quizzes must be made up if class is
missed.
Benchmarks/Reflections/Midterm: Benchmarks will be given after a Goal from the NC
Essential Standards has been completed in class. Benchmarks must be made up if class is
missed. A midterm will be required for this course. The midterm must be made up if class is
missed.
Projects: Projects are to be completed as assigned and will be graded using a rubric.
Homework: Traditional homework assignments are not a general requirement of this course.
The focus will be on classroom attendance, reading and studying independently. Homework
may be required in the case of extended absences.
Study groups will be used to prepare for the EOC.

Please note the following:

The percentages for each category of a final grade are approximate with exception of the EOC
(must count as 25% of the final grade). The number of assignments for each category may be
increased or decreasedSyllabus
based on
student,
learning
needs.
Template,
2009, Jobs
for the Future

Reading and Assignments: Course Schedule

Please note: The day number refers to course pacing. Day 1 usually falls on the actual second or third
day of school.
Course pacing may be adjusted for weather and/or student learning needs.
Topic: Goal 1.1 Cell Organelles
Readings, labs and quizzes as assigned.
Benchmark/Reflection at end of goal.

Days: 1-7

Topic: Goal 1.2 Cells as Living Systems

Readings, labs and quizzes as assigned.
Benchmark/Reflection at end of goal.

Days: 8-14

Topic: Goal 4.1 Biological Molecules

Readings, labs and quizzes as assigned.
Benchmark/Reflection at end of goal.

Days: 15-23

Topic: Goal 4.2 Biochemistry

Readings, labs and quizzes as assigned.
Benchmark/Reflection at end of goal.

Days: 24-28

Topic: Goal 2.1 - Ecology

Readings, labs and quizzes as assigned.
Benchmark/Reflection at end of goal.

Days: 29-35

Topic: Goal 2.2 Environmental Science

Readings, labs and quizzes as assigned.
Benchmark/Reflection at end of goal.

Days: 36-42

Topic: Goal 3.1 DNA Structure & Function

Readings, labs and quizzes as assigned.
Benchmark/Reflection at end of goal.

Days: 43-49

Topic: Goal 3.2 - Genetics

Readings, labs and quizzes as assigned.
Benchmark/Reflection at end of goal.

Days: 50-56

Topic: Goal 3.3 DNA Technology

Readings, labs and quizzes as assigned.
Benchmark/Reflection at end of goal.

Days: 57-61

Topic: Goal 3.4 - Evolution

Readings, labs and quizzes as assigned.
Benchmark/Reflection at end of goal.

Days: 62-66

Topic: Goal 3.5 - Classification

Readings, labs and quizzes as assigned.
Benchmark/Reflection at end of goal.

Days: 67-71

Syllabus Template, , 2009, Jobs for the Future