Great Oak

High School

 

BIOLOGY   Course Syllabus

 

WELCOME to College Preparatory Biology at Great Oak High School.  To make this term the most productive and wonderful time in your life, plan to attend all classes, do the work, and join in school plans and extracurricular activities. A few things to remember for this class include:

 

1.     Don’t fall behind.  This class is needed in order to graduate so devote the time and energy needed to get a good grade.  Be prepared and attentive in class.

2.     Entrance into college requires Biology.  If you need extra assistance, take advantage of talking to someone who can help.  The teachers are here to help.  Work with your classmates and help each other. 

 

Please read the following information.  If you have any questions now or throughout the year, please contact me.

 

Mrs. Shana Fajardo,  Science Educator                                                                         

Great Oak High School
32555 Deer Hollow  Way,   Temecula CA  92592                                                                                                                       

(951) 294-6450 X3505     

FAX:  (951) 294 - 6477                                                                     

Email:  [email protected]                                          

Web:    http://gohs.tvusd.k12.ca.us/TeacherWebs/Science/SFajardo/default.aspx

 

 

BIOLOGY

Course Outline

I.          Course Structure – Biology is a college preparatory lab life science course organized into units of study which cover the California State content standards. Each student attends class every day in a lecture/lab activity format.  An additional 2-4 hours should be spent weekly on homework depending on projects and assignments.  Biology is a laboratory course that will provide students with a study of biological molecules to the human organism.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Units of study are as follows:

Unit 1:   Ecology  (Chapters 2-5)

The Ecology unit investigates the aspects of an organism’s environment and how energy flows through the ecosystem.  It includes population dynamics, communities, biomes and biological diversity.  Energy flow with food chains, food webs and energy pyramids as well as trophic levels and cycles of carbon, water, nitrogen and phosphorus will be explored.

Unit 2:  Biochemistry, Microscopy and Cells  (Chapter 6-7) 

This unit centers on investigating the elements required for life (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen – carbohydrates, lipids, protein and nucleic acids) and reviewing the periodic table.  We also review scientific methodology, measurement, graphing and investigation and experimentation techniques.)  It  focuses on the basic unit of  life – the cell and their organelles.  We look at cellular structure and comparisons (plant, vs. animal) and microscope usage.

Unit 3:    Cell Processes  (Chapter 8-9)

The cell processes unit covers what the cell actually does includes cell division and specialization,  cell transport and the energy requirements for life (photosynthesis and respiration).  The unit seems small in size but packs an incredible amount of information including osmosis, the cell cycle, the Calvin Cycle, glycolysis and the Krebs Cycle. Life processes depend on chemical reactions that are carried out in specialized areas of cells.

Unit 4:   Genetic (Chapters 10 - 12)

This unit continues cell processes with meiosis.  It focuses on how crossing over in meiosis may lead to genetic variation in a population.  This unit discusses the haploid and diploid conditions of mitosis and meiosis and the outcome from these cell processes.  This unit introduces Mendelian genetics and basic inheritance patterns.    Mendel’s Laws and the phenotypic and genotypic rations of Punnett Squares will be reviewed. 

 

End of First Semester;  Beginning of Second Semester  (Midterm)

 

Unit 4 (cont.):   Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology (Chapter 11-13)

Molecular biology will be explored beginning with the structure of DNA with a comparison to RNA.  It focuses primarily on how genes are a set of instructions coded in DNA that specify the order of amino acids in proteins.  The phenotype (physical appearance) of an organism depends on its genotype (genetic make up.)  Students will describe the process of protein synthesis with DNA replication, transcription and translation.  This unit includes a brief exploration of genetic engineering and gene manipulation with an example of gel electrophoresis. 

 

Unit  5:  Evolution and Diversity of Life on Earth (Chapters 14-33)

This unit studies the process of natural selection, Darwin’s theory of change over time, and the mechanisms of evolution; the origins of biodiversity and the history and diversity of life will be discussed.  The human history of Homo sapiens, types of evolution, taxonomy and Linneaus’ classification scheme will be introduced.

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Unit 6:   The Human Body (Chapters 34-39)

Our final unit will detail the systems of the human body.  We will study the structure and function of the human body systems maintain homeostatis with special emphasis on the  nervous system.  If time permits, we will also begin to investigate the immune system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

II.            Attendance / Tardy Policy:  Attendance is expected and required unless excused.  Each student is to be in his or her assigned seat ready to work when the bell rings.  The school-wide tardy policy will be enforced.  You need to be in class for daily instruction or your grade will be affected.  You will be allowed to make up all work due to EXCUSED absences.  It is your responsibility to find out what needs to be made up.  Please check the monthly calendar located on Mrs. F’s web page and the board in class for daily assignments.  Make up labs will be completed during a scheduled time with the instructor.  Missed work handouts may be obtained from a container in the back of the classroom.

 

III.          MATERIALS:

A.            The textbook is  “Biology – The Dynamics of Life” by Glencoe Science.

                (Replacement cost is expensive.  Please keep in good shape and leave at home for safe keeping.  Place a     book cover on it.  Books are used as reference material and will be a resource for nightly studying and          homework.  There is a classroom set of textbooks.)

B.            Very good laboratory equipment and facilities.  Please treat with the utmost care.  You will be charged for   damaged equipment or wasteful use of materials.  Take care of your den!

You will need to provide the following on a daily basis:

1.             Your Notebook / Science Binder – A notebook/binder is required.  The notebook should include three           dividers labeled:  Notes, Classwork, Homework / Miscellaneous.  Other recommendations include a ruler,    calculator, colored pencils, glue stick, highlighter and scissors.

2.             Pencils (#2) and Pens (Blue or Black ink)

3.             Science Journal (provided by instructor after first few weeks of school)

4.             Technological  knowledge and proper usage.

5.             A sense of humor and patience when dealing with instructor.  Please handle with care.

 

COURSE PROCEDURE:  Each unit of study focuses on a particular aspect of Biological Sciences.  In each unit, you will take lecture notes, complete quizzes, keep a lab journal, complete homework assignments, take a test, and participate in class activities and unit projects.

 

A.            Cornell Lecture Notes – Notes should be taken on binder paper and secured in your notebook.  Do not tear               out spiral notebook paper, please.  Every assignment will have:  name, date, period and assignment name in                the upper right-hand corner.  We use the Cornell system of notetaking.

B.            Homework – There will be homework assignments or “practice” given every week.  It will be assigned on    every Monday.  Homework is due at the start of class on every Friday.

C.            Quizzes – Expect a short quiz every Friday to be given during each unit.

D.            Assignments / Activities - Assignments must be done in blue or blank ink (except for drawings) or word       processed.  Points will be deducted for sloppy work or will not be accepted until it is redone.  Please use a             computer and proofread all assignments before submitting for points.  Use Spell Check!  Take pride in your      work. Assignments that are unreadable can not be graded.  Many assignments will need to be typed.  You         will be given a grading rubric and Lab Report Guidelines distributed at a later time.  There will also be   numerous writing assignments given throughout the term.

E.            Bellwork – Bellwork will be completed at the beginning of class every day.  It will be in the form of a question for you to answer in writing as you enter the classroom.  It will be collected and   graded every two weeks.

F.            Projects – There will be a posted monthly calendar with homework and activities on the web page.  It will   be posted in class.  Every unit will have projects complete with product guides and assessment rubrics.            Missed work can be obtained from the container in the back of the classroom or in your group’s folder.                Another resource will be the instructor’s web page.

G.            Benchmark Tests – One formal departmental benchmark assessment will be given for each unit.  The test may be composed of multiple choice, essay and lab questions.  Other performance and project assessments      will be incorporated into the class.  (Make-up procedure for missed tests must be made up on your own         time.  Please make arrangements with the instructor.)

 H.           Semester Final – There will be a district-wide comprehensive final each semester.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.                  Grading and the California Science Content Standards. Grades will be based on student knowledge of the California State Science Standards in Biology.  To facilitate student understanding of these concepts, our GOHS Biology classes have categorized the standards into six basic units each semester. It is our goal to have as many GOHS Biology students master as many of these standards as possible.  Towards that end, each standard may have four types of assignments associated with it:  benchmark tests, formative assessments (e.g. quizzes), laboratory activities/ investigations, and daily class assignments  (bellwork, writing assignments/journal, homework etc.) 

 

Grades will include two major components:

Each Unit is worth 30% of your grade.  Each unit has Activities (8%),  Laboratories (7%) and Benchmark Test and Quizzes (15%.)  The District Final for each semester is worth 10% of your grade. 

 

The grading scale will be as follows:                                                           

A             Achieving at least 90% - 100% = A                                                                                

B             Achieving at least 80% - 89%   = B                                                                 

C             Achieving at least 70% - 79%   = C                                                                                 

F              Not Pass – 69% or below                  

                                                               

Progress Reports will be sent home anytime a student’s work drops to a “C.”  Progress Reports require a parent signature and need to be returned to the instructor immediately (the next day.)  Teacher-generated grade reports will be sent home after the completion of each unit.  Grade reports with below a “C”  require a parent signature and will be returned to the instructor the following day. 

Behavioral Guidelines

1.             Respect the teacher, your classmates and yourself.  This includes: Raise your hand and wait to be called on                before speaking;  Do not talk when another student has the floor;  No put downs;  Use appropriate            language.

2.             Be on time and be prepared.  This includes being in your seat, ready to work with all needed utensils, when the bell rings.

3.             Observe the school and classroom rules including laboratory safety.

4.             Food, drinks or gum or technological devices (except calculator) may be used outside the classroom.

 

Students are expected to follow the Behavioral Guidelines as listed above.  When a student follows the rules, positive rewards will be given. If a student does not follow the expectations, consequences are given.                 

 

Positive Rewards could include –

Parent Phone Call to congratulate                                   Class Awards and Recognition

Certificates                                                                           Stamps

 

Consequences / Discipline Policy -

1st Offense:                           Verbal warning.                                   

2nd Offense:                          Student-Teacher Conference

3rd Offense:                           Teacher Phone Call

4th Offense:                           Detention Assigned            

5th Offense:                           Parent-Teacher Conference                             

6th Offense:                           GOHS Discipline / Office Referral

·         Consequences sometimes do not follow exact steps depending on the action, student attitude and communication with parent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCIENCE EXPECTATIONS

Student Expectations

1.       Be on time and prepared to be an ACTIVE LEARNER.

2.       Respect yourself and rights and property of others.

3.       Follow classroom and school policies.

4.       Respect the instructor’s right to teach and the student’s right to learn.

5.       Be responsible for assignments turned in and any make up work.

Parent Expectations

1.       Provide support and encouragement to your science student in terms of time and supplies for assignments and projects;  ask nightly about homework.

2.       Let the student succeed on his or her own merit;  a student is very proud of the accomplishment when their own hard work and brain power are involved.

3.       Provide a specific area for student to complete homework successfully.

4.       Contact the instructor at any time for open communication, clarification and volunteering time, energy and supplies to the science class.  It is extremely helpful and truly appreciated.

Teacher Expectations

1.       Provide a scientifically-rich and challenging environment.

2.       Facilitate the student’s understanding of science.

3.       Keep student and parents of academic progress and citizenship.

4.       Respect student’s right to learn.

5.       Follow school rules.

 

Final Note:   I am looking forward to an exciting semester!  Your participation in class is crucial.  Learning is a dynamic process and it can’t happen without both of us working together.  If you need help, please let me know.  Above all, curiosity is appreciated.  So, ask lots of questions.  Enjoy!

 

(Please cut along line and detach.  Please sign and return>)

 

Dear Student and Parent/Guardia:

 

After you have read the syllabus and safety contract, please sign below indicating that you understand the policies and rules and agree to comply with them.  Keep the syllabus in your notebook and return this page to me.

 

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STUDENT NAME  (PLEASE PRINT)                                                             STUDENT SIGNATURE

 

 

 

___________________________________                                                              ____________________________

PARENT SIGNATURE                                                                                      HOME PHONE

 

 

 

___________________________________                                                              ____________________________

MAILING ADDRESS                                                                                         WORK PHONE

 

 

 

___________________________________                                                              ____________________________

EMAIL  ADDRESS                                                                                             CELL PHONE