ELL BIOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS

Carrie Barlow
Room A209

email: clbarlow@chccs.k12.nc.us
website: barlowscience.weebly.com
phone: (919)929-2106 ext.41209

Course Description
This course covers the science of life. It follows the North Carolina Essential Standards for Biology.
Themes covered include: macromolecules, cells, biochemistry, genetics, organismal systems, evolution, and
ecology. Please visit my website to see a full list of NC Essential Standards for Biology, as well as for a unit
calendar.
Learning and Skill Development Goals
1. Think critically and skeptically about scientific information
2. Form and justify evidence-based opinions about debated issues in the science field
3. Perform and design experiments as part of a repeatable and reliable inquiry process
4. Develop a respect for our earth and for the unity and diversity of the life it supports
5. Stay current and informed about science happenings in the real world
Classroom Expectations
These guidelines and norms are to allow for the smooth functioning of the class, not because I love to make
rules. This is a demanding and fast paced class, and these will help us get to all of the fun things I have
planned!
1 Be in your seat ready to begin the days warm-up when the late bell rings.
1. Come to class each day with the supplies, homework, and test preparation you need in order to
participate and succeed.
2. Be respectful to all members of the classroom. If someone is addressing the class, pay attention.
3. It is your responsibility to get make-up work from me if you miss any days of school.
4. Keep up with your work! New concepts build upon previous concepts. If you don't understand what
came before, you won't be able to understand what lies ahead.
5. Review nightly. Even if this is just 5 minutes, it will help you in the long run!
6. If you have any problems (with grades, assignments, etc) see me first.
7. During individual work, you may not collaborate with a partner. This will be considered cheating,
which will merit you a zero on the assignment and a referral to an administrator.
8. I am planning curriculum that incorporates the use of expensive, sensitive science equipment because
I think you should be able to handle it. Dont prove me wrong.
9. Follow all safety rules at all times (as specified on your Lab Safety Contract): No exceptions.
10. Cell phone use is a great way to prevent yourself from being engaged in the classroom; please do
yourself a favor and do not pull them out in class.
11. On non-lab days you may bring snacks or drinks to class but be respectful: try to keep noise and
smell at a minimum. All containers should have lids!
Grading
I assign grades based on a cumulative point system. The point values are as follows:
Warm-Ups/Exit Tickets:
Homework/Classwork:
Quizzes:
Major Assignments:
Tests:

10
20
50
100
200

Standardized Testing
Biology is a class with an End-of-Course (EOC) exam; this means that while there are a large number of
topics that we could explore, we will be concentrating on the ones that you will be tested on at the end of the
year. If at any point you would like more information about a topic that we will not cover or a current event
feel free to see me before or after school or during lunch!
Tutoring
I will be available every day before school, most days during lunch, and for a short time after school. If you
don't understand something, please do not hesitate to see me. I am very happy to help!
Absences
On the whole, please just don't be absent. If you know that you are going to be absent ahead of time you can
request that day's work. You must see me the day you return from your absence for your missed work. I post
ALL assignments on the class website (usually in advance, but always by the end of the school day); if you
feel well enough, I would encourage you to work on the assignment at home. Any missed tests or quizzes
must be made up within five days of your return. Anything missed due to an unexcused absence will not be
able to be made up.
I understand and agree to all of the contents of this document.
Student Name:______________________________ Signature:_______________________________
Parent/Guardian Name:_______________________ Signature:_______________________________