Biology

Syllabus
Overview
Biology is the study of life, living organisms, and living matter. Topics of study include origin, growth, reproduction, structure, behavior, etc. This class is a lab-based, inquiry-driven class where students are expected to create and test hypotheses, conduct research and investigations, and work collaboratively to form conclusions. Students will explore numerous scientific topics where they will conduct research through their hands-on experiences. This will enable students to make connections between labs that they engage in during class and the content that they are supposed to learn. It is very important that students attend class and participate in the activities, lab work, and discussions in order to master the material.

Instructor: Stephanie Costigan Email: stephanie_costigan@khsd.k12.ca.us Phone: (661) 398-3100 ext. 64117 Classroom: 1117 Prep Period: 3rd

Materials
Students will be using the Holt, Rinehart, and Winston Biology: Principals and Explorations textbook as a reference tool throughout the course. Since this course is taught through an inquiry-inspired approach, students create their own textbook throughout the course by keeping a class notebook. All assignments go in to the science notebook. ! Therefore, all students are REQUIRED to have a 3-ringed binder (approx. 1.5-2 inches), along with 5-tabbed dividers, to dedicate to this class. Students must provide their own paper (loose-leaf or a spiral notebook) in which to complete their assignments on. Always bring to class: o Science Notebook (aka binder) with dividers inside o Lined paper (either loose leaf or a spiral notebook) o Pencil or pen o Simple calculator o Textbook

Classroom Policies
Students will be held accountable for being in class, coming to class prepared, studying for examinations, and turning in their work on time. The following policies are in place in order to provide students with a fair learning environment and to hold students to high standards of education. ! Making up tests and quizzes: Students will be given one week from the date of the absence to make up missed tests and quizzes. It is the students responsibility to arrange a date and time with the instructor, either before or after school, to make up the missed assessment. Students cannot make up missed quizzes or tests during class time as it will put them further behind if they miss the new material being presented. ! Making up missed labs and class work: When a student misses a lab or class activity, they should borrow another students notebook in order to get the information that they missed. Labs can be made up either before or after school per students request and correspondence with the instructor. Actually doing the lab or activity will significantly add to the students understanding of the material, therefore I highly suggest they set up a time to do so. Students are required to have all of their assignment in their notebooks on the due date regardless if they were absent on the actual day of completion or not. ! Late homework and notebooks: Late work is accepted. However, for every day that the assignment is late, 10% will be subtracted from the score that was earned. Points will be deducted up to a score of 50% and from that point on, a maximum score of 50% can be earned on that particular assignment. Late work will be accepted up to 2 weeks after the due date. Every point counts when it comes down to calculating grades. The ultimate goal is that students are actually learning the material; therefore they need to actually complete the assignments.

Syllabus

Evaluation and Grading

Students will be evaluated based on their personal mastery of the course content and active participation in class activities. Student work will be evaluated based on correctness, quality, and completeness. Please strive to complete neat and legible work as it must be readable to be able to grade! Grades are determined by the amount of points received; therefore missing work does great harm to the grade percentage that is earned (i.e. any points are better than zero points). Grading is broken down into two areas: 1) lab notebooks/class assignments/projects/homework; and 2) tests/quizzes. ! Quarterly grades: o 60% lab notebooks/class assignments/projects/homework; o 40% tests/quizzes Semester grades: o 40% quarter 1 grade o 40% quarter 2 grade o 20% final examination

Why should you take biology?

! To learn interesting facts about all types of livings things!

To expand your knowledge of scientific concepts and research methods!

Letter grades are awarded in accordance with Kern High School District policy: 90% and above = A; 80% and above = B; 70% and above = C; 60% and above = D; 59% and below = E.

To better understand why things are happening the way that they are in the world around you!

Always remember to
! ! ! Follow all school rules Respect everyone in the classroom Come to class with an open-mind and be prepared to work! "

Things to leave at home or in your locker:

! Electronic devices: iPods or other mp3 players, phones, iPads, e-readers (Kindle, Nook, etc.), laptops, CD players, cameras, headphones, etc. # If caught with these items in class, they will be turned in to the Deans office and must be picked up by a guardian after school hours in accordance with school policy Food (including chewing gum) Beverages (water is OK)

! !

Students and Guardians: Please feel free to contact me anytime with any questions or concerns that you may have via email or phone.

Syllabus