Biology (SOL)

Room S-5

Syllabus 2007 - 2008

Gretna High School

Instructor: Mrs. Brande’ Arthur Email: brande.arthur@pcs.k12.va.us

Planning: 2^nd block (9:54 – 11:28)

Course Description:

This course is a look into the “living” world. Students will be exposed to the many fields of Biology as well as characteristics and processes of life. Students will learn how Biology is related to their day-to-day life.

Core Course Objective

To prepare all students for successful achievement on the Virginia End-of-Course Biology SOL test.

Text: Prentice Hall Virginia Biology

Materials:

3 ring binder with paper writing utensil color pencils calculator

box of tissues 1 container of Clorox Wipes 1 bottle of hand sanitizer or liquid hand soap

Gloves (end of semester for dissections if time permits) various materials for projects

Fees:

$5.00 lab fee - Make Checks Payable to Gretna High School

Classroom Expectations

I would like to start off by saying welcome to Biology. This will be one of your more challenging classes. We move at a very fast pace and it is up to you to keep up and ask me for help, remember I am here for YOU! I will offer before and after school tutoring to help prepare for the End – of – Course Biology SOL test. If I put my time and effort into this class I expect the same from you.

Discipline Policy:

All students are expected to abide by the rules stated in the Gretna High School Student Handbook.

The instructor will give a student a tardy for:

1. Being late to class without an excused note.
2. Leaving the classroom more that 2 times per six weeks (bathroom, lockers, etc.)

***Special conditions requiring more than two breaks every six weeks should be discussed with an administrator and that information will be shared with me as necessary. All information of this manner will be strictly confidential

3. Not bringing materials to class (notebook, textbook, pen/pencil)

The instructor will send a student to the office with a discipline referral for:

1. Talking in class while the instructor is teaching or administering a test.
2. Disrespect to others
3. Sleeping in class
4. Violation of rules stated in the Gretna High School Student Handbook

Grade Scale

94-100 A; 86-93 B; 78-85 C; 70-77 D; Below 70 F

*Final marking period averages will not exceed 100% (ex. there will be no 103 averages)

Grading Summary

Assignments will affect your average in the following manner

Tests = 50% of your average (test, projects, SOL reviews)

Quizzes = 30% of your average (quizzes, lab reports, homework, notebook checks, SOL reviews)

Daily = 20% of your average (bell ringers, worksheets, classwork, homework)

.

***Any student requiring special accommodations should inform the instructor in writing. With appropriate documentation listing specifics, necessary arrangements will be made.

Tutoring:

Students may stay Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday for tutoring. Tuesday and Wednesday are designed for self help – students will correct test, take practice SOL test, etc. Thursday is for lecture or hands on activities.

Missing Assignments

1. If you are present NO late work will be accepted, the missing work will be averaged in as a zero.
2. Any work missed during an unexcused absence will be a zero.
3. Any work missed due to an unexcused tardy, or if you are removed from my class for a discipline problem is a zero. This includes tests and quizzes also.
4. If you have an excused absence you have one day to make up the missing work for every day you missed. (Some exceptions will apply for lengthy excused absences). All work (except for test and quizzes) that you missed will be in the room in a folder with Make Up Work. DO NOT take any work out of the folder before talking to me.
5. Make up test must be preapproved by the instructor. Makeup test are generally not given during class time. They are usually made up before school or after school. Make up test may be formatted differently than the actual test but with the same material. .

The Design of a Typical Lesson:

1. Bell Ringer Activity/Review
2. Objectives and SOLs for the day are stated and posted in the room
3. Explanation –introduction of new material
4. Modeling – the teacher will demonstrate and apply the new material
5. Check for understanding- this will show if the topic needs to be re-taught
6. Closure-summary of the lesson
7. Independent Practice – homework

SOL Passing Incentives

1. If you pass the SOL end – of – course test you will not be required to take my final exam.
2. Your final six weeks grade will be raised 2 points
3. If you pass with Advanced you final six weeks grade will be raised by 5 points.

Honor Code

Students are expected to abide by the Honor Code Policy as stated in the Gretna High School Student Handbook. Your dedication to the Honor Code will be verified by signing your name on all assignments and the phrase “I have given nor received any help on this test.”

Topics to be Covered

*Number of days were determined using the Pittsylvania County Schools Curriculum Pacing Guide.

4 days Scientific Investigation

5 days Biochemical Principles

5 days Cell Structure and Function

5 days Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

3 days Cell Growth and Development

5 days Protein Synthesis; DNA and RNA

5 days Genetics

5 days Evolution

3 days Classification

remaining days Life function of Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plants, & Animals

8 days Equilibria within populations, communities, and

ecosystems

Throughout the semester Collaborative efforts of scientists past and present