Course Syllabus SY 2015-16 S.

Rovell Room 524 Biology 1-2 SH

I. ACADEMICS Course Objectives, Major Units of Study, Scheduled Exams, Project Dates, Required Materials
a.

Course Objectives: Biology 1-2 is an approved A-G lab requirement. The following essential questions introduce
the units that will be discussed: What are the characteristics of living things and what are their basic components?,
How does our body protect itself?, Why do we look and act the way we do?, How do we pass on our genes to the
next generation?, How do organisms evolve?, How do the nervous and endocrine systems work together to maintain
homeostasis?, How can we care for the Earth? and How do scientists inquire about the natural world?

b. Major Units of Study: with benchmark tests following each unit

i. Ecology and Body Systems (Nervous, Endocrine & Immune)
ii. Structure and Function (Cells, Organization)
iii. Heredity/Genetics
iv. Evolution
c.

Formative and Summative Assessments (PBAs, Tests and Quizzes)

i. PBAs
ii. Two semester finals at end of each semester
iii. Summative Assessments
1. One for each unit of study
2. Two Semester Finals (can be combined with summative assessments)
iv. Formative Assessments
1. Several quizzes each unit. Can be retaken after tutorial.

d. Materials for Success all of which should be brought to class every day!
i. Textbook Biology (Prentice Hall)
ii. Unit Folder with three-prongs to keep all your notes and assignments.
iii. Pencil, pen, paper, highlighter, eraser
iv. Binder to hold paper, pencil and pen, etc.
v. Agenda supplied to you by SUHSD
e.

Grading Policy
i. Grades are cumulative each semester.
A = 85% and higher
B = 75% to 84%
C = 64% to 74%
ii. Student work is weighted.
Tests & Quizzes = 25%
Laboratories = 20%
Homework & Classwork = 30%

D = 50% to 63%
F = below 50%

Participation/Materials = 15%
Unit Folders = 10%

iii. Citizenship - citizenship grade of O (outstanding), S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory) will be given based
on behavior, tardiness and participation.
iv. Absences: Work missed during an absence is still required. It is the students responsibility to ask the
teacher about makeup work upon returning from an absence. Students who miss assignments due to
absences may or may not make up the assignment depending on the assignment. Attendance is essential to
being successful in this class.
v. Extra credit: [Definition: any variety of methods to raise your grade.] It is occasionally available to
students who put forth a good effort and behave in class consistently. It is not for students who are missing
several assignments or misbehave. It is not a replacement for missed assignments!
vi. Makeup work: [Definition: Assignment(s) identical to missed assignments during excused absence.] It is
the students responsibility to ask the teacher about makeup work upon returning from an absence.
vii. How do I know what my grade is?
1. You can access your grades any time from the Home Access Center (HAC)

II. HONOR classroom expectations, consequences, tardy policy

a.

Classroom expectations
i. Students should attend school daily, be on time and be responsible. If you are absent, ask a classmate for
any notes, handouts, or lab information that you need. Ask the teacher for documents before or after class.
ii. Students should follow the class rules:
1. Be on time with all your materials.
2. Have a positive attitude.
3. Be respectful to people and property.
4. One person speaks, others listen.
5. Follow directions the first time you are told.
6. Follow Safety Rules

b. Consequences: consequences vary from warnings to suspension. The type of consequence you receive depends on
your actions. For minor offences, a warning is appropriate. For major offences, referrals or suspensions are
warranted. In addition, repeated minor offences that become a nuisance will be treated with harsher consequences if
they persist. Any item brought to class that disrupts the learning environment will be confiscated and brought to
your designated administrator.
c.

Electronic Devices: are not allowed in class unless specifically allowed by your teacher on a specific day. Please
turn off your electronic devices as you enter the classroom. Headphones and earbuds should not be visible on your
body during class.

d. Tardy Policy: Tardies will be counted each quarter. At the end of each quarter, tardies are erased. Tardies 1 and 2
are free. After that, tardies will be dealt with on an individual basis, with parent contact involved. Four tardies
per quarter = U in citizenship.
e.

Participation is critical. Learning is not a one-way street, from teacher to student. A student must provide
feedback, questions and answers if true learning is to be accomplished. Part of your grade (15%) is based on your
participation. Participation BEST occurs when you are in class, on time and you have all necessary materials.

III. SOLIDARITY teachers daily schedule and contact information

I will do all I can to help you succeed!

a.

Teachers daily schedule

Period

Course

1
Earth Science
2
Earth Science
3
Earth Science
4
PREP
5
Earth Science
6
Biology 1-2 (SH)
TUESDAY TUTORIAL

Room
524
524
524
524
524
524
524

Mon - Fri
Start
End
8:00 am
8:55 am
9:03 am
9:58 am
10:06 am 11:01 am
11:09 am 12:04 pm
12:52 pm
1:47 pm
1:55 pm
2:50 pm
3:00 pm
4:00 pm

b. Contact information
i. Steve Rovell
ii. School phone 796-7600 ext. 2075
iii. steven.rovell@salinasuhsd.org

We have read, we understand and our student agrees to follow the teachers policies in this course syllabus.
_____________________________________________
Student Signature / Date

_____________________________________________
Parent Signature / Date