Introduction to Accelerated Biology

Course Description

    Is an enriched program that serves as a prerequisite for the district's Advanced Placement science courses. This course is designed to challenge high ability students who should attain a depth of understanding of biological fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with biological concepts and laboratory skills. Emphasis is placed on in-depth and expanded views of such topics as (1) the nature and continuity of life, (2) microbiology, (3) multicellular plants, (4) the invertebrates-vertebrates, and (5) ecological relationships.

I. COURSE GOAL

Science --> the process of discovery
Biology --> the study of living things
Goals --> to introduce the basic terminology and investigative processes essential to an                understanding of biology

II. COURSE CONTENT

III. COURSE STRUCTURE

A. In Classroom

1. Notes -> given regularly / emphasize concepts

2. Labs -> given regularly / reinforce concepts and skills / "share" with a partner

3. Major Assignments
a. Discussions -> current issues / done singly or in groups
b. Projects (Planning)->LONG TERM / done singly or with partner
c. Presentations -> infrequent / either oral or written
d. Research -> occasionally / utilizing labs, books, magazines, internet, etc.

B. Outside Classroom

1. Readings
a. Textbook -> mainly for reference
b. Internet Book Quizzes -> taken after each assigned reading from the textbook. Can be taken at ANY      computer at ANY time of day during the days assigned. (Home, library, or classroom computers)

2. Worksheets -> regularly / based on 1/2 hour per night / done alone / meant to be "thought-provoking" /           might require hints or help

3. Completion of Labs -> finishing questions, graphs, calculations, etc / parts completed in class are              done with lab partner, but parts completed at home are done alone

4. Projects (Data Collection & Reports) -> might require use of library, lab (after school), outdoors, art           work, etc.

IV. GRADES

A. Homework / Labs / Projects
- is assigned a letter grade
- letter grade is then converted into a percentage using the following scale

                    SCALE :
                    A+ = 100%
                    A = 96%
                    A- = 92%
                    B+ = 88%
                    B = 85%
                    B- = 82%      (NOTE - any assignment not at least 1/2 completed is an F)
                C+ = 78%
                    C = 75%
                    C- = 72%
                    D+ = 68%
                    D = 65%
                    D- = 62%
                    F = 0%

- I often accept a late paper once in a while from a student, and reduce the grade one letter grade per day
      late / I do not accept late papers from the same student on a regular basis.
- all homework assignments will be totaled and the final average percentage will be placed on the following           grading scale
                      A = 90 - 100%
                      B = 80 - 89%
                      C = 70 - 79%
                      D = 60 - 69%
            OTHER = 59% OR BELOW

B. Tests (Quizzes)
- all tests (and lab practicals) are graded as a percentage
- to determine letter grades both use the same grading scales as I used for homework & labs.

- Lab Practicals (if used) are announced ahead, and are usually over a specific set of labs.
- Tests are given at the end of each "chapter" (set of Notes). Questions will come from mainly from NOTES
      and worksheets, with a few questions from labsand handouts.

Final Exam Policy -> Do not have to take final exam if:
          a) no more than 2 absences per semester
             b) no more than 5 tardies per semester
             c) no disciplinary referrals from that class that semester
             d) passing grades for both quarters

C. Calculating Grades
             TESTS (& Quizzes)             = 40%
             LABS & HOMEWORK        = 30%
             PROJECTS                        = 20%
             QUIZZES                           = 10%
                      (NOTE- If no project is completed during a quarter, then Labs & Homeowork = 50%)

V. MISCELLANEOUS

A. Daily Routines
- attendance / lights / collecting & passing out papers -> use assigned helpers
- makeup work -> only if absence is excused / place on desk before first bell
- lab stations & lab drawers -> are assigned / responsible for maintaining inventory and neatness
- taking notes -> ask questions ANYTIME! / move closer if necessary / copy from anyone after an absence

B. Special Routines
- truancies & tardies -> See Student Handbook
- lab makeups -> some can be rescheduled / some have alternative work
- live plants & animals -> birds & newts - YES / fish & plants - NO
- windows, shades, fans, etc. -> ask teacher before touching
- Fire & Disaster Drills -> students assigned to lead and check windows
-"school related absences (Field Trips/Athletic competitions/in an office) -> students are           responsible to let the teacher know the reason for the absence

NOTE - The classroom will usually be available after school for work on labs, projects, research, or any                   other assignments.

                            If you have questions or need to talk about something I am usually available                                    before and after school,  in Room 158-N, if you let me know.