High School Biology Syllabus

Text: Modern Biology.

Course Description: This high school biology course is focused on developing problem
solving and scientific inquiry. We will be covering a variety of material including genetics,
ecology, evolution, molecular and cellular biology, and human body systems.
Grading Scale
Percentage
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
59%

Category

Grade
A
B
C
D
F

Class work/Homework
Assessments: Tests, Quizzes,
Semester Final
Semester Final
Lab Assignments & Projects
Participation, Attitude,
Behavior, Responsibility,
Preparedness

Grades will be based on the following

categories and corresponding
percentages.

% of
Grade
20%
40%
10%
20%
10%

Materials
*You are required to bring your
Separate Science folder in 3 ring binder
notebook, folder and other
for handouts
materials
(pens and pencils) to
Quad Rule/Graphing Composition
class every day.
Notebook
o (NOT SPIRAL-must be bound)
Pens & Pencils
Positive attitude.
Suggested: Dry erase marker, colored pencils, graph paper, 1 package of 3x5 note
cards; scientific calculator, scissors, glue stick.
Materials for special projects will be announced as needed.
*Notebook checks will take place throughout the year and will count towards the Labs &
Projects and/or Class work & Homework portion of your grade.
Homework, Class work and Extra Credit
Expect to have homework every day for the class. It will be due at the beginning of
the next class period unless otherwise stated.
Homework will be posted in the classroom under the agenda as well as on my teacher
webpage. It is the students responsibility to keep track of any daily changes to
homework as these changes may not always be updated on the homework website.
Because the grade for this course is focused on mastery of the concepts rather than
accumulated points, there will be few if any extra credit opportunities.
(over)

 Late assignments (homework, or absent work) will be accepted up to two weeks

beyond the due date or until the end of the unit (whichever comes first) for
half credit.
Absences and make-up work
When you miss a school day, it is your responsibility to check the calendar and
pick up any class work or homework that was missed.
You receive one day for every day absent to make up any missed work. For
example, if you miss one day, you have one school day to make up that work. This
means if you dont have Integrated Science on the day you come back, you should
come pick up your missed assignments.
Contacting your Instructor
We will be utilizing a classroom update app known as Celly to send out reminders via
text. Both student and teacher information is protected. Students may sign up by
texting @RHSBIOH2015 to 23559. They will be asked to provide a password
mustangs and then they need to create a username. This should be first name and
last initial. Celly will only be used for basic reminders and announcements. Students
may respond with clarifying questions but all grade-based questions must be
submitted via email.
Before emailing your instructor please review appropriate email etiquette via the link
on my home page. You may expect a response within 24 hours with the exception of
weekends and holidays.
Academic Expectations & Class Participation
It is expected that all students will take responsibility for and be invested in their own
learning through asking questions, seeking extra help, studying for test and quizzes,
putting good effort/quality into work and participating in class. Positive class participation
is vital for students to succeed.
Students are expected to enter class with their ID badges on. ID badges will be
checked daily as part of participation grade.
Student participation in class activities and discussions is essential for success in this
course. Ask questions! Study and seek clarificationyou owe it to yourself to fully
understand.
Do your own work. The RHS Academic Honesty Policy will be strictly enforced.
Restroom Passes
Students are expected to handle personal needs during passing periods. However, if a
student must use the restroom they must wait until instruction or lab is finished before
asking the teacher for permission, then they may leave the classroom after signing out.
Excessive bathroom use will result in a conference that may include parents.
Classroom Expectations
The following rules and procedures have been created to ensure that every person in
the classroom has the opportunity to achieve their best in a safe and positive learning
environment.
1. Treat yourself, those around you and all school property with respect. (Put downs
will not be tolerated.) Being respectful also includes being responsible for your
own actions and coming prepared.

2. Obey all lab safety rules and guidelines.

3. Follow all expectations outlined in the RHS Student Handbook-DRESS CODE WILL
BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
4. Students will be in their seats, ready to work, when the bell rings. Students will
remain in their seats and will begin to pack up only when they have received the
signal from me to do so.
5. Clean up after yourself.
6. No gum/food/beverage allowed with the exception of water.
7. ZERO tolerance for inappropriate use of electronic devices (iPods, cell phones, etc).
They will be confiscated and turned in to the office after one warning. Please do
not ask to charge your phone in class.
8. Be on time. The RHS Tardy Policy as found in the Student Handbook will be
enforced. Teacher consequence at the 2nd Tardy is a 15 minute lunch
detention. Failure to show becomes a referral.
Consequences:
There will be a disciplinary consequence for every situation in which a student chooses
not to abide by the classroom rules and expectations stated above. In addition, rewards
will be provided to students who choose to go above and beyond to contribute positively
to the effective learning environment of the class.
First Offense: Verbal warning. The warning will be noted and a student may
be asked to move seats.
Second Offense: Writing assignment and/or detention will be assigned as a
consequence. Discussion with the student and possible parent contact.
Third Offense: Office Referral. Conference with student including parental
and administrative involvement.
Rewards: Eat In Class Passes or Raffle Tickets to be collected redeemed for prizes at
various intervals.
Classroom Procedures:
Check the appropriate filing crate for any missed work.
Begin working on the warm-up once seated.
Make sure every paper you turn in has the proper heading.
If you have any questions regarding this information please email me at
nowelld@fsusd.org