COURSE #:  402 - PREREQUISITES:  A-  or higher in 8^th grade biology 

Course Objectives:  Biology is the study of life.  We will study what living things are, how they interact with each other and their environment, and how they are similar and different. Using the scientific method, we will investigate problems and issues in biology.  With that knowledge, you will think critically and develop the ability to use higher order thinking skills to come to conclusions just as scientists do.

Textbook:  Modern Biology; Holt, Rinehart and Winston

MY Website:  For class assignments, grades, worksheets and helpful links -  https://bulldogbiology.com

Materials Required:

•   3 ring binder
•   Notebook paper ; I will provide a notebook for your journal and homework
•   Folder for labs, handouts and assessments
•   Colored pencils, pack of 12
•   ALWAYS come to class prepared with a pen or pencil, preferably both

COURSE OUTLINE – Proposed topics for 2010-2011

1.     Introduction to Biology

2.     Biochemistry

3.     Cells and Cell Processes

4.     DNA and protein synthesis

5.     Genetics

6.     Evolution

7.     Ecology

8.     Human Anatomy and Physiology

GRADES:  YOUR GRADE WILL BE BASED ON  A POINT SYSTEM WHERE ALL WORK CARRIES A CERTAIN # OF POINTS:  ASSESSMENTS-100, MIDTERM + FINAL 200,  LABS-25, QUIZZES 50, HOMEWORK, CLASSWORK, WARM-UPS,  5 PTS EACH ASSIGNMENT; PROJECTS 100-200 PTS.  MOST QUARTERS WILL TOTAL 1000 POINTS.   GRADES WILL BE POSTED BIWEEKLY ON MY WEBSITE.   THE LINK IS BELOW AND YOU WILL BE GIVEN A PASSWORD TO ACCESS YOUR GRADES.   THE LINK IS ALSO FOUND ON MY HOME PAGE www.bulldogbiology.com.  GRADES FOR HONORS

BIOLOGY I:  https://www.engrade.com/mezzettil

MAKE-UP WORK:  All work is to be passed in on time.  Any work missed due to absence is due by the following Wednesday which is my night back.  All assessments are to be made up by the next week or you will not receive any points for that assessment or quiz.  Projects must be passed in on the due date.  It’s like a job, if you don’t show up, you don’t get paid!

Homework:  Your homework assignments will be reading your text and answering questions from the textbook or worksheets each night.  All assignments will be due on Fridays, Mondays for those students who do not have me on Friday.  Have your work ready to pass in when you enter class on Friday.

Warm ups:  Warm ups will be given at the beginning of each class.  They will be a question, mini-sheet or a thinking activity usually based on your previous night’s homework or an MCAS question.  When you enter the class, look at the board and do your warm up!   Warm ups should be dated and answered in your journal.

Labs:  Lab reports will follow a strict format and all questions must be answered in complete and coherent sentences.   Labs are to be neat, analyzed and concluded.  Take the time to think about what you did and how it pertains to the material you have been studying.   We will be responsible for practicing safe lab procedures as well as adhering to lab rules.

Assessments will be as follows:

1.     Every Friday you will have a quiz or chapter assessment on the current or previous weeks’ work.

2.     If you are absent, it is your responsibility to make it up.    *My Night back is Wednesday, Tuesday the first week of the month*

3.     Alternative assessments such as projects or writing assignments will be assigned as we go.

SIMPLE CLASSROOM RULES

  ~Please respect me and your classmates, there is NOT TO BE ANY TALKING DURING CLASS!

  ~IF YOU NEED TO GO TO THE BATHROOM-ask before, ask after; DON’T ASK DURING CLASS PLEASE. 

      TIME IS TO BE MADE UP AT 2:30.

  ~NO FOOD OR DRINK IN THE CLASSROOM

*Please sign and have your parent or guardian sign acknowledging that you BOTH have read all the above information and agree to adhere to all classroom policies.

____________________________________                                ______________________________________         Parent Signature                              Date                                        Student Signature                              Date