Biology Class Syllabus

Biology Class Syllabus

Course Description: This course will focus on the following Nebraska State Academic Science Standards.

12.2.1 By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop the abilities needed to do scientific inquiry.

12.4.1 By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the cell.

12.4.2 By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the molecular basis of heredity.

12.4.3 By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the theory of biological evolution.

12.4.4 By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the interdependence of organisms.

12.4.5 By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of matter, energy, and organization in living systems.

12.4.6 By the end of twelfth grade, students will develop an understanding of the behavior of organisms.


Biology Class Areas of Study:

Nature & History of Science
Monarchs and Doing Science
Classification and Doing Science
Some Basic Chemistry
Cells
Cells and Energy √ Photosynthesis and Respiration
Composting and Doing Science
The Decomposers
Some Basic Genetics
Natural Selection and the Nature of Change
Some Basic Ecology
Behavior of Organisms

Class Requirements: The following are required of all biology students.

Tests - Tests will be given periodically throughout the year.

Quizzes - A quiz may be given at any time.

Daily Assignments - Assignments will be given on a regular basis. No daily assignments will be accepted late without a reasonable excuse (gone from school, sick, other school rules). If you are sick or gone from school and did not get the assignment, you will have 1 school day to complete and turn it in for each day you were absent.

Other reasons may be accepted, however, students must request to hand in an assignment late and complete the necessary form to do so.

Lab Activities - Activities will be performed on a regular basis. Some may have formal write-ups others will not.

Special Projects - All students will be involved with "special projects". These will be discussed as the year progresses.

Notebooks - All students will keep a 3 ring binder notebook.  See Notebook Requirements. This notebook will be turned in periodically for grading.

Special Folders - These are folders in which students will keep various assignments, activities, and tests that show their progress in the area of scientific process and the Nebraska State Science Standards.

Reading Assignments - Due to the fact that the Nebraska State Standards require that we cover a large amount of content, students will be expected to do reading assignments on their own. For those students that have a difficult time with independent reading, they may wish to use the visual concepts CD for concept reinforcement. See Mr. Osborn for details on accessing this CD.

Keys to Success

• Don't get behind - Once you get behind it is difficult to catch up. Use class time wisely and do homework when assigned.
  
• Keep organized - Use your notebook! Mr. Osborn will help you get your notebook started. Keep it organized after that.
  
• Listen to instructions - Pay attention in class so you know what is going on.
  
• Ask for help - If you need help √ ask! You may have to come in before or after school as there is only so much time during class.
  
• Read carefully - Read and re-read so that you understand
  
• Actively participate in class - Be involved in the class activity.
  
• Review for tests and quizzes - Review periodically in the days leading up to a test/quiz.  Don't wait until the night before to review for a unit test.