Syllabus 

 

Ac. Biology Course Information

Mr. Grove ● K-2 ● rgrove@srcs.k12.ca.us ● 707-528-5780 ext. 6288

 

Welcome to Biology! Below is some information that will help you succeed in this course.

 EXPECTATIONS

My expectation is that through this course you will achieve a basic understanding of the subjects studied and will also learn to think critically and become effective communicators and problem solvers. In addition, you will develop group cooperation, writing, leadership, and study skills. Finally, I expect that you will become more informed citizens and develop a sense of personal responsibility, particularly about current issues in science.

 COURSE REQUIREMENTS

·     Come to class each day prepared with a binder, paper, pens and pencils.

·     All homework assignments should be completed prior to the beginning of class.

·     You are responsible for preparing for and completing in-class activities, laboratory experiments, quizzes, and tests.

·     You will be required to work in groups for some activities and labs and are expected to be cooperative and respectful in group settings.

 GRADING POLICY

·     Grades are based on a semester-long cumulative point system. You will have a grade sheet to record all scores and keep track of your own grade. Update this sheet every time you get an assignment back.

·     Limited extra credit opportunities are available for this course and will be announced during class.  

The following scale is used to determine grades:

 NOTEBOOKS

·     You will need a binder for this course. Arrange the binder in the way that’s easiest for you to keep track of.

·     Suggested dividers: a) warm-ups, b) notes, c) stamped work, d) labs, e) tests and quizzes

·     Keep ALL work in your binder! DON’T THROW WORK AWAY!!! Warm-ups, notes, and stamped work are collected at the end of each unit for credit.

 

CLASS RULES

1.   Come to class with and maintain a positive learning attitude.

a.   Come on time and be prepared with class materials.

b.   Follow instructions and contribute to discussions and activities.

2.   Be the best student and person possible.

a.   Be respectful of others at all times.

b.   Be helpful.

c.   Practice honesty and courtesy.

Consequences for misbehavior:

1.   A warning from the teacher.

2.   Removal from seat to another part of the classroom OR removal from the classroom. Parents/guardians notified if behavior continues.

3.   Classroom detention assigned.

** If a student receives more than three class detentions per quarter, parents/guardians will be notified and a referral may be written.

4.   Student is sent to the Assistant Principal. Parents/guardians will be notified of action taken.

Serious offenses such as cheating, defiance, or threatening other students will result in immediate action on the part of the teacher and administration.

 ATTENDANCE

Attendance is very important for success. Make every effort to come to class and be on time. The school tardy policy will be enforced in this class. To avoid a tardy, be in your seat when the bell rings.

MAKE-UP WORK

·     Work is due at the beginning of class. Late work is not accepted unless you have an excused absence (illness, medical appointment, sports, etc.). For individual situations, speak with me.

 If you’re absent:

·     You are responsible for getting all missing warm-ups, assignments, and notes when you return after an excused absence. Check online, look at the assignment log, or ask a classmate.

·     You have the same number of days that you were absent to make up missing assignments.

·     If you miss a lab, quiz, or test, you are responsible for arranging a time to make it up.

·     No credit for work missed due to a cut or suspension.

EXTRA CREDIT

 Points will be given for the following extra work, but no more than 10 points in any given week.

Newspaper or magazine science related articles with short summaries (10 pts)

Summaries of science related TV programs (5-10 pts)

Extra help around the classroom (1-5 pts)

Periodical (magazine) reports (10 pts) – see format on back.

 

 EXTRA HELP

If you need extra help or need to make up an assignment, ask for a pass and come in during Advocacy. I am also available most days during break, at lunch or after school by prior arrangement. **If you know you want to come for help at a specific time, please let me know in advance so that I can arrange to be in the room.** Students may also email me with questions any time.