Biology at Raytown High School! Instructor: Mr.

Whelton

Course Essential Questions: How unique are humans compared to other organisms in
the found
on Earth? How do we know what we know?

Topics of Study
Scientific Inquiry and Experimental Design (August)
Essential Questions
What does it mean to think like a scientist?
What makes a good experiment?
Key Ideas and Concepts
Scientific thinking, independent and dependent variables, control and experimental
groups, writing procedures, organizing and analyzing data, writing laboratory
reports
The Unity and Diversity of Life (August into September)
Essential Questions
What does it mean to be alive?
How and why do we classify life?
Key Ideas and Concepts
The characteristics of life, the organization and classification of life, the diversity of
life, cell theory, cell organelles, homeostasis, diffusion, osmosis, macromolecules,
viruses
Metabolism (October into November)
Essential Question
How do organisms obtain energy?
Key Ideas and Concepts
Molecules and atoms, chemical reactions, pH, enzymes, substrates, proteins, lipids,
carbohydrates, glucose, ATP, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, nutrients
Reproduction (November into December)
Essential Questions
How do our cells reproduce?
How do organisms transmit information and produce offspring?
Key Ideas and Concepts
Asexual and sexual reproduction, cell division, mitosis, meiosis, chromosomes
Genetics (January into February)
Essential Questions
Why do children resemble their parents?
How does DNA control the traits of an organism?
Key Ideas and Concepts
Inheritance, Mendelian genetics, gene-chromosome theory, gene expression, protein
synthesis, mutations, biotechnology
Homeostasis (February into March)
Essential Questions
 How do living organisms stay alive?
How does the body help maintain homeostasis?
What causes an organisms systems to get out of balance?
Key Ideas and Concepts
Homeostasis, transport, cell organelles, growth, repair, locomotion, ingestion,
digestion, excretion, immunity, feedback, organ systems, relationships between
systems, disease
Evolution (March)
Essential Questions
Why are there so many different types of living organisms?
How do living organisms change over time?
Key Ideas and Concepts
Biodiversity, evidence of evolution, fossils, survival of the fittest, natural selection
and its implications, adaptations

Ecology and Interdependence (April into May)

Essential Questions
How do organisms interact with each other and their environments?
How are ecosystems affected by human actions?
Key Ideas and Concepts
Ecology, ecosystem organization, energy flow, interactions within ecosystems,
population growth, succession

STEP/Enrichment Period Each student will likely have Biology Extension during the last period
of the day (2:40 3:20) on Monday through Wednesday at some point during the school year. The
lessons and work done during these mandatory periods will support the content and skills covered
in class as well as preparing students for challenging opportunities such as their Science Exhibitions
or the SAT II Exam in Biology.

Class/lab fees We ask students and families to contribute $75 at the beginning of each school
year. This money is used to purchase books and help lower the cost of activities and field trips.
One-third of class fees collected are devoted to purchasing laboratory supplies (ex. specimens for
dissection) for hands-on activities in science class, so a donation of any amount is greatly
appreciated and will be used to help support a hands-on, engaging science curriculum.

Expectations
As has been discussed, there is a lot to learn and do this year in science and so we are going to have
to work hard throughout the year. There are plenty of opportunities for fun and interesting
activities and experiments, however in order to help you get ready for real life and college (because
its never too early), I have high expectations about how class should run.

Punctuality - This means that . . .

you arrive to class on time everyday
you come in quietly and quickly read the days aim, homework assignment, and begin
 working on the Do Now activity
you complete assignments and projects and turn them in when they are due
Preparedness - This means that . . .
you bring a pen or pencil everyday to class
you always have your binder at your desk with you during class time
you take out your completed homework/assignment at the beginning of class and place
it on your desk so I can check it or collect it
you keep your binder organized into Do Now, Notes, Classwork, Lab Activities, and
Assessments sections
you follow the safety practices
Politeness - This means that . . .
you use respectful language
you avoid name calling and especially horseplay/fighting
you are quiet when I or other students are speaking
you treat others, myself, and yourself with respect
class materials stay in the classroom
trash is picked up and thrown away during activities, but not during direct instruction
personal and school property will not be vandalized
all students help with the clean up required after activities and labs
Perseverance - This means that . . .
you are paying attention at all times during class
you take notes when asked to
you ask and answer questions
you participate during activities
you ask for help whenever necessary
you try hard in science class everyday

Grading Policy

Your grade in science class will be the result of your performance in the following categories:
Assessments/Tasks 40%
This will be based on your demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the
content (measured by exit cards, weekly check-ins, unit quizzes/tests, etc.) in this
school years units.
Assignments - 10%
This will be based on your demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the
content measured by collected classwork or homework in this school years units.
Labs and Projects 25%
This will be based on your mastery of the different skills focused upon in this school
years units including:
Making claims/hypotheses based on rationale (and/or evidence)
Forming and supporting arguments/conclusions based on evidence and
analysis
Reflecting upon and improving experimental design
Class Participation 15%
 This will be based on completion of assignments, participation, organization,
attendance, and punctuality.

Policies and Procedures

Policies and procedures are set in place so we can make the most of the time that we have together.
If we are going to achieve our goals in science class and beyond, we have to focus ourselves and
work to get the most out of every class. That being said, here is how I expect class to be run:

Entering Class You will enter the classroom quietly and go directly to your seat. After unpacking,
take out your binder and any completed classwork. Open your binder, read the aim, agenda, and
assignment for the day and complete the Do Now on the board in the Do Now section (front of your
binder). Lateness to class will affect your Class Participation grade.

Assignments Classwork and homework are important. I do not assign busy work and I look at all
turned in assignments. Some assignments I will collect and others I will have you review in class
after they are completed. You need to complete all assignments in order to get the most of our class
time. Late class/homework, lab reports, essays, or projects, etc. will be penalized by 25
percent each day late.

Assessments Nearly every week, students will complete one to two assessments during class a
formative exit card in the middle of the week and/or a summative Check-In on Fridays. These
assessments will be graded and contribute (in a small, yet meaningful way) to your semester grade.
You will be given larger quizzes usually every few weeks. Each will be graded as soon as possible
and if you are unhappy with your grade, youll have the opportunity to correct the quiz and boost
your grade (to a degree). It is more important to me that students master the skills and content
rather than just earn a grade.

Laptops - All students are to bring their laptops to class each and every day. While there will be
outlets open and may be a charger available, you are responsible for keeping your laptop charged.
We will transition towards using Google Classroom to access assignments, research, and submit
work. Additionally, laptops are a powerful tool, but they can be distracting. Laptops should be shut
unless they are being used for class activities and students should stay on task. Students need to
make good choices and choose to engage in class.

Participation All students are expected to participate in science class, but student can participate
in different ways. I expect all students to give their best answer when called upon, come
prepared to class everyday with something to write with and their work, pay attention, work
together, and be safe during labs and activities.

Organization All students are expected to bring a 3-ring binder with looseleaf to class everyday
and . Students will keep their binders in an organized and orderly manner by following the simple
system outlined in class. Organization is a skill important for being successful in high school,
college, and beyond.

Groupwork We will be working in pairs and groups of four often in class. All students need to be
able to shift from their seats into groupwork quickly and quietly. I also expect students to work
together as a team in order to complete assignments and learn. Students will be assigned different
roles and responsibilities while working in groups and it is important that students carry out the
necessary tasks and responsibilities during each activity. At the same time, it is crucial that each
student completes assigned work independently in order make the most of practice opportunities.

Bathroom/Moving around within Class I expect that when students need to use the restroom,
grab a tissue, or throw out trash or whatever else they wait until I am finishing introducing the days
lesson or activity. Students raise their hands or quietly obtain my attention and I will sign them out
to the restroom using their planners. Students should refrain from leaving the classroom during the
first and last 10 minutes of class.

Fire Drills/Emergencies/Assemblies If we need to leave the classroom as a group, students will

line up quickly and quietly at the door and wait for directions.

Electronic Devices Cell and especially smartphones are ubiquitous. As useful as they are, it can
be agreed upon that they are distracting. They should not be used while in the classroom (unless we
are using it to record images/video or perform calculations and I will be the one to make this
distinction). If an electronic device is being used in class without my permission, then I will ask the
student to put it away. If it continues to be used then I will ask the student to turn over the device
for the remainder of the period or send the student to the office to turn it over. Students need to
make good choices and choose to engage in class.

Extra Help/Concerns - You have the right to additional help, but you need to let me know and ask
for it. Feel free to write me an email at patrick.whelton@raytownschools.org, check the Google
Classroom page or use SISK12.

These may seem like a lot of policies and procedures (and they are!) but theyre here because I have
very high standards for my students because I know that they can rise to the occasion and meet
them. I also have very high standards for my own conduct. You can expect me to be here ready to
teach and also to treat you with respect and dignity. I will be at school early each day and available
after school almost every day, so I encourage students to use me as a resource. Please let me know
if you have any concerns or suggestions to make our class a better place to learn.

Best,

Mr. Whelton Phone: 268-7300 ext. 3044

patrick.whelton@raytownschools.org

Please print and sign your name below after reading the contract and then have a parent or
guardian read the contract. PLEASE DO NOT DETACH THIS PORTION. Thank you.

I have read the student expectations and contract for Biology class at Raytown High School. I
understand it and will do my absolute best to follow it in order to learn and achieve my goals.

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Student Name Student Signature