Springfield High School Biology

Learning Philosophy

Objectives of
the Biology
Course:

All students can learn.

Therefore, all students can, with support and
help, deepen their understanding of science.

STUDENTS WILL:

Students and teachers alike will establish

Develop observation and

problem-solving skills.

high expectations that all students

will achieve.

Apply scientific
knowledge in the larger
world.

The Learning Process

Use scientific and

narrative writing to
communicate clearly.

Each student is unique and learns different

COURSE ASSESSMENT

skills at different speeds. This course has

Students will demonstrate evidence of their

been designed to guide students through a

learning in two different areas. These

Engage in cooperative
learning to improve
group skills and model
scientific communities.

progression of learning that will eventually

scoring areas and their relative weights

result in mastering the course standards, but

toward the course grade are:

Enhance learning
through the use of
technology and
engineering.

without penalizing students for the source or

Content Standards (80%)

pace of their learning.

COURSE CONTENT
All course content is linked to standards set
by

state

and/or

national

organizations.

Analyze the nature of

Students will be given choices in acquiring

science in relation to

the content for a given standard. Typical

other disciplines.

choices include textbook, video, website, and

iBook resources. Each student will decide
which resource best fits his/her learning
needs.

COURSE DESIGN
Students will be working in teams and
Pictures from Giant Golden
Book of Biology - An
Introduction to the Science of
Life c1961.
Text by Gerald Ames and Rose
Wyler - Illustrated by Charley
Harper.

individually throughout the year. Emphasis

will be placed on asking scientific questions
and defending an argument using data.
Students will use multiple tools to record their
learning, including a Research Notebook
and iPad products.

Students are expected to attain a 3 or

4 for all Course Content Targets.
Achievement of these targets will be
evidenced through regular summative
assessments, which can be retaken as
learning progresses.

Process Standards (20%)

Science has particular skills that are
unique to the discipline. In this course,
the skills based in Scientific Modeling
and Argumentation will be assessed
throughout the year. These skills are
typically tied to investigations and lab
reports.
There are no penalties for late assignments
in this course. Students have until the end of
the quarter to complete their assignments.
Students may be placed on the Springfield
School District ICU list if they need additional
out of class time to work on assignments.

Science Grading Rubric

Tests & Quizzes

There are no unit tests in this course. Instead of basing a students grade on a one-time
snapshot of what they may or may not remember, this course focuses on deep learning that is
sustained over a period of time
There will be periodic individual assessments to show evidence of student strengths and
weaknesses in content understanding. These summative assessments contribute to the
Content Standards grading category. Students will be assessed multiple times on any given
learning target to continually check on learning progress.
Progress reports may be sent home to be signed by parents/guardians and returned to the
teacher. Other ways that parents and guardians can access information about the course
include:

Weekly e-mail updates from Mrs. Meyer.

Online gradebook.
Schoology online course access.
Online Planbook access.
Mrs. Meyers website.
Remind text messages.

Remind Sign Up
Enter this Number: 81010
With this Message: @bio0085

Extra Credit
Extra credit assignments will not be available! As a teacher, I am required to be able to
show that you have achieved the Minnesota Academic Standards for this course. In order to
do this, you must complete the required class assignments. You will be able to improve work
on any summative assessments of the Content Standards through retakes. Assessments of
Process Standards are constantly revised, with feedback, until they have reached a level of
Proficient or Exemplary.

4: Exemplary.

Student work is
completed to a level that exceeds
the standard. Student has become
an expert on the concept and can
teach others. Science ideas are
connected to personal experiences
and questions.

3: Proficient.

Student work is
completed to a level that exhibits indepth understanding and an ability
to apply ideas to bigger concepts.
Work includes a thorough
explanation of thought.

2: Approaching.

Student work
shows understanding of basic
science concepts. Student can
recall definitions, reproduce
equations and diagrams, or
correctly label models.

1: Emerging.

Student work
exhibits lack of full understanding,
or misconceptions still exist.
Prompting may be needed for the
student to show understanding.

Classroom Climate

Miscellaneous

I will strive to promote mutual

Extra Help

Technology Use

Note to Parents/Guardians

Never be afraid to ask for

Students must comply

I am very excited for

myself. I also expect my students

help outside of class time!

with all

another new year, and I

to make responsible choices in

Learning is a process, and

computer/internet/iPad

hope to pass some of that

their actions. Most importantly, I

most students need to put

use rules as specified by

enthusiasm on to my

want to create a challenging,

in extra time to master

the Springfield Student

students. Feel free to

positive learning environment in

new concepts. I am at

Handbook and iPad

contact me with any

which the students are motivated

school by 7:40 a.m. and

Handbook. Those

questions or concerns that

to bring their unique perspectives

more than willing to stay

students failing to follow

arise throughout the term.

into the biology classroom. To

after school by

the guidelines may lose

You can expect to hear

achieve these goals, students will

appointment.

iPad/computer/internet

from me throughout the

work together to establish common

privileges.

school year via progress

expectations for classroom

reports, phone calls,

behavior. Student Handbook rules

and/or e-mails.

will be followed at all times.

Mrs. Meyer

Room B121 Springfield High School

respect between the students and

amanda.meyer@springfield.mntn.org

(507) 723-4288