9Mrs.

Funke -- Biology 2018-2019

www.mrsfunkebhs.weebly.com

Course Description: Biology (both A and B semesters) offers the study of ecology and
biodiversity, human impact on the Earth, biochemistry, energetics, genetics including DNA/RNA,
cell growth and division, evolution, and the coevolution of life and planet Earth including some
Earth Science concepts such as plate tectonics. The course will present all of the NGSS (Next
Generation Science Standards) and MSS (Michigan Science Standards) performance
expectations related to Biology. After two semesters, successful students will earn one Biology
credit toward the Michigan Merit Graduation Requirements.

Textbook: Biology, Miller and Levine, copyright 2018.

Course Content: see detailed outline.

Course Requirements:
1. in-class and homework assignments
2. tests and quizzes (60% of grade)
3. projects, labs, and any other special assignments

Grading Policy:
1. Tests and quizzes (a “unit assessment”) will be worth 60% of your total final grade. You
may retake a quiz within a reasonable amount of time (generally 1 week after receiving
score) if you do not score at least a 70% the first time (this is a BHS science department
standard). Retakes will be given after school. Only one retake is allowed for each unit
test and must be taken during the semester it was originally given.
2. All other assignments will comprise the remaining 40% of your grade. Your daily work
will be due the same day or the following day. It will be given a stamp if it is accurate,
on-time, and complete. It will then be handed in on the unit test day along with the other
assignments from that unit in a “packet” format. You will earn full credit for each
assignment that has a stamp on it, half credit for an assignment that is complete
without a stamp, and zero credit for missing work or incomplete work. **If a packet
is late I can only grade work that is stamped-- no half credit.

Initial/sign here to acknowledge your understanding of the grading system:

____________________

Extra Credit: Extra credit may be offered periodically. There is no “make-up” extra credit. You
must maintain a B homework/classwork average to take advantage of this opportunity. It will
not replace regular credit and you are not entitled to it.
Feedback: I will make every effort to return assignments/tests promptly and keep your grades
updated. Your grade will be regularly updated online. I will be available after class and after
school to address concerns about your grade.

Make-up Work: It is your responsibility to check the board for any work you missed. You will
be given credit for make-up work according to the BHS handbook guidelines (you have as many
days to complete as you were absent)

Materials Needed: A notebook is needed for taking notes, recording data, and completing
assignments. Also needed will be a folder designated for biology only. There will be a periodic
check of your materials for credit each card marking. You need to come to class prepared to
learn.

**Additionally...there should be no reason why you don’t know what is currently going on in
class. Our daily agenda is written on the board, our unit assignments are also written on the
board. We also have class website that contains special announcements, monthly calendars
with daily assignments, and syllabi/course content.** Please refer to these and feel free to take
pictures of board (after class) or write down the information.

Classroom Rules:
1. Be in class on time every day. Yes….I do mark tardies!
2. Leave food and drink behind. Water is OK.
3. No horseplay in lab. Lab safety is common sense!
4. BHS handbook rules apply in my class.
5. No electronic devices should be on in class (besides a calculator when needed for a
lesson). This includes any ear buds that are supposedly “off” yet still hanging from your
ear.
6. Be kind to others. No put-downs, teasing, or harassing.
7. Be prepared. Bring all your materials to class including your book and a writing
instrument.
8. Stay in your assigned seat until the bell rings. Do not line up at the door.

The Golden Rule: Do nothing that prevents the teacher from teaching and the students
from learning!