Biology

Mrs. Thomas' Science Web

Biology

Instructor: Mrs. Manda Thomas

Room: 111

Email address: mthomas@griswold.k12.ia.us

Course Description:

The purpose of biology in secondary education is to develop an appreciation of nature and give a better understanding about living things. We emphasize how biology may help the student adjust to the world of life. Stress is placed on the fact that man is part of nature.

Classroom Expectations:

This classroom will be a place of learning and engaging the mind in a scientific way. There will be a level of respect in the classroom, respect of each other, teachers, paraeducators, the room, and all belongings. Disruptions will not be tolerated; however please feel free to ask questions and join in class discussions.

1. The Golden Rule: Treat others and their belongings the way you would want to be treated.

2. Come to class prepared. Bring a pen, a pencil, textbook, notebook, and three ringed binder. If you forget these items you will not be allowed to go get them. I will have extra pens and pencils for sale if you forget your own.

3. Be in your assigned seat when the bell rings. Any one not in his/her seat will be counted as tardy.

4. Bring extra work to each class to work on if finished with the assignment.

5. Bring the reading book for the quarter project to read.

For our lab situations the above rules apply along with the following.

1. No food, drink, or gum allowed. There are chemicals present when we do labs that could be potentially harmful and we do not want contamination of our results.

2. No loose fitting clothing. Some of our labs call for use of an open flame.

3. Long hair needs to be pulled back. Once again we are working with various chemicals and open flames.

4. You must have closed toe and heel shoes on when we are working in the lab. If a glass beaker would shatter, I do not want the risk of getting glass in a foot or a cut if a scalpel blade is dropped.

Three ringed Binder:

I expect you to have a three ringed binder that is dedicated to Biology. In this binder I expect you to keep the following:

1. Notes

2. Handouts

3. Reviews

4. Labs

5. Lab write ups

6. Vocabulary

7. Project notes, papers, etc

Your corrected papers will be kept in the room in a file in the file cabinet assigned to your class.

You must keep all materials because you will be graded on them every quarter and each semester. Both the binder and your folder will be graded.

KEEP THESE ITEMS IN THE BINDER ALL YEAR LONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Homework/Assignments:

Homework is to be completed before the beginning of class or it will be considered late. At the beginning of class, place your homework in the appropriate tray. These assignments will then be stapled together and any paper not in there will be considered late. If you finish an assignment or project early, please feel free to turn it in.

Late work: I do not accept late work. Once in the “real world” your boss won’t allow you turn projects, reports, etc in late. You might as well get used to it now.

Quarter Project:

Every student is required to read a book per quarter. You will then create a presentation about the book. You may read any book, but you must be able to tie it to science if some way. You will receive a list of ways to present the book. A rubric will follow later with specific requirements.

Absences:

If you are gone it is your responsibility to get the assignment, notes, and schedule time to make up tests and quizzes. If you miss a class period there will be a sheet just inside my door with your name on it, the assignment, any handouts, and what needs to be completed by the next class written on it or stapled to it.

You have 3 days to make up a quiz.

You have 5 days to make up a test.

If you know ahead of time that you are going to be gone, it is your responsibility to come get the assignment and it will be due the day you get back.

Exams:

Exams will consist of multiple choice, true/false, short answer, matching, and one essay question. Each exam will be announced (hopefully) a week in advance and will be discussed in more detail as the time approaches.

Grading Scale:

98-100 A+

93-97 A

90-93 A

87-90 B+

83-86 B

80-82 B-

77-79 C+

73-76 C

70-72 C-

67-69 D+

63-66 D

60-62 D-

59 & Below F

Weights:

Homework: 10%

Tests/Quizzes: 50%

Articles: 5%

Book Project: 25%

Folders: 10%

You are welcome to check you grade as often as you would like. I will try to get you a grade checks every couple of weeks.

If you are caught cheating and/or plagiarizing you will receive a zero for that assignment and further action may be taken.

There is no EXTRA CREDIT in my class. If you work hard, do your homework, you won’t need it.

Biology Book Online

Gene Expression

Genetic Engineering