08/19/08

Biology

The Biology class is designed to expand upon what was learned in Physical Science and to prepare students for life-long learning.  Students are required to pass a safety exam before participating in any laboratory activities.

Science Department Objectives:

Students will be able to:

I.  Understand the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate questions, conduct experiments, and solve problems.

            A.  Know and apply the concepts, principles, and processes of scientific inquiry.  (11A)

II.  Understand the fundamental concepts, principles and interconnections of the life, physical and earth/space sciences.

            A.  Know and apply concepts that explain how living things function, adapt and

change.  (12A)

            B.  Know and apply concepts that describe how living things interact with each other

and with their environment.  (12B)

            C.  Know and apply concepts that describe the features and processes of the Earth

and its resources.  (12E)

III.  Understand the relationships among science, technology and society in historical and contemporary contexts.

            A.  Know and apply the accepted practices of science.  (13A)

Course Outline: 

Unit 1 – The Nature of Life

The Science of Biology – Ch. 1

The Chemistry of Life – Ch. 2

Unit 2 - Ecology

The Biosphere – Ch. 3

Ecosystems and Communities – Ch. 4

Populations – Ch. 5

Humans in the Biosphere – Ch. 6

Unit 3 – Cells

Cell Structure and Function – Ch. 7

Cell Growth and Division – Ch. 10

Unit 4 - Genetics

Introduction to Genetics – Ch. 11

DNA and RNA – Ch. 12

Genetic Engineering – Ch. 13

The Human Genome – Ch. 14

Unit 5 - Evolution

Theory of Evolution – Ch. 15

Evolution of Populations – Ch. 16

Classification – Ch. 18

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Physical Science

Grading System:

Grades will be based on assignments, homework, daily work, lab reports, projects, quizzes, tests, and daily grade or participation points.

The grading scale is as follows:

                        94 – 100                      A

                        86 – 93                        B

                        77 – 85                        C

                        70 – 76                        D

                        Below 70                     F

Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the specified date unless otherwise noted.  All assignments will receive a fifty percent reduction in the grade when it is late.  If the assignment is two or more days late, 75% of the possible points will be deducted.  Tests and quizzes must be made up within three days to receive credit (after three days, they become a zero).   Tests must be made up during non-classroom time. 

Make-up Work:  For each school day that is missed, a student will be allowed one additional day for each absence upon returning to make up missed work.  If students miss an experiment, they will be given an alternate assignment to complete.  Students are not allowed to make up any work for unexcused absences except in disciplinary circumstances, such as suspensions – assignments that are due the day that the student is unexcused absent will receive 0 points.

Students are required to have a 3-ring binder to put their notes, handouts, homework, and tests in.  The notebook will be collected periodically (announced and unannounced) for 50 points.  The binder must be organized and labeled either chronologically according to units and chapters OR by sections such as notes, assignments, homework, tests and quizzes, and other.

Participation Grade:  Students receive 60 points per quarter for attending class when they are on time; bring their homework, book, notebook, a pen or pencil; pay attention, stay on task; abide by science safety rules; follow laboratory procedures; and for behaving in an acceptable manner.  Any violation of the rules and procedures will result in points being deducted.

 Extra credit will be available periodically and must be completed during the allotted time.  Extra credit can only be used to raise the student’s grade by one letter grade.

 Contacting Mrs. Mohr:  Mrs. Mohr is available to students on most days from 8:00 – 8:20 am and 2:00 – 4:15 pm.  She can also be reached at 309-379-5911 or chrisembry.mohr@olympia.org.

 A new website contains copies of some assignments and due dates.  It is available at http://www.staff.olympia.org/external/classes/embrymohr/index.htm OR to access this website go to www.olympia.org and click on the OHS link on the left-hand side of the page.  Click on Teacher Pages and then on Mrs. Mohr’s Science website.