Biology 1 is a year-long course designed to promote the understanding of the fundamental principles of life through the process of scientific inquiry. Students will become aware of the interrelations and interdependencies of plant and animals as well as the role played by humans in relation to contemporary problems. Students will gain a conceptual understanding of the following: a grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; personal experience in scientific inquiry; recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns.
Course Outline
Grading scale:
Tests- After each unit — 40%
Laboratory Investigations & Activities — 30%
Quizzes — 20%
Daily Assignments— 10%
Semester Exam — 20% of semester grade
Grades are based on a point logic system which means the more points an assignment is worth the more weight that particular assignment carries within the category.For example, within the test category, a test that is worth 10 points weighs a forth of a test that is worth 40 points.
Student scoring less than a 70 on a test are eligible for a test retake. Test retakes must be completed within 2 weeks of the administration of the unit test for a maximum grade of 70. Students must complete the unit test review handout prior to completing test corrections. Please note that tests are the only assignment that can be retaken for a higher grade.
Class Procedures/Expectations
ASSESSMENT MAKE-UP POLICY: To make-up missing quizzes or tests, please refer to the biology tutoring schedule that identifies the teacher available to make-up missing assessments. You have a maximum of 1 week to complete any missing assessment that was provided in your absence.
FOOD AND DRINK POLICY: Food and drink are prohibited in the classroom for safety reasons (unless notified by the school nurse or medical note from a physician).
TARDY POLICY: Students arriving to class after the bell will be marked as late if they arrive within the first 5 minutes. Students arriving late 6 minutes or more, will be marked absent, as per district policy. Additional consequences for tardies will be based on Johnson’s tardy policy.
LATE WORK POLICY: Students are expected to collect and complete make-up work due to an excused or unexcused absence in a timely manner—one day for every day they are absent, in accordance with NEISD policy. Assignments are expected to be turned in on time.If a student must turn in an assignment late it is to be turned in by the next class period with an automatic deduction of 20%.Any late work submitted after the unit test will receive a zero. Students with extenuating circumstances are responsible for communicating with the teacher and may be required to attend tutorial sessions.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty shall be subject to grade penalties on assignments or tests and disciplinary penalties in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.Academic dishonesty includes cheating or copying the work of another student, plagiarism, and unauthorized communication between students during an examination or outside of class with students who have not yet tested or turned in work.The determination that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty shall be based on the judgment of the classroom teacher or another supervising professional employee, taking into consideration written materials, observations, or information from students.Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in a zero on the assignment without the option for make-up and may include the following depending on the circumstances:parent/teacher conference and or referral to an AP.