General Biology 2007-2008

sorensonl@issaquah.wednet.edu

Classroom Expectations:
1. You will be courteous and respectful at all times
2. You will come to class prepared to learn.
3. You will take responsibility for your own actions
4. You will conduct yourself in accordance to all safety rules established by the school district
                                  contract.
                            5. Goggles and closed toed shoes are mandatory during labs
                            6. Electronic devices are not allowed at any time. Students with accommodations are exceptions.

Objectives:
1. To develop a biological literacy through comprehensible, yet accessible lesson plans
2. To provide a laboratory program that gives students meaningful opportunities to study the natural world.
3. To provide a channel for the use of technology while studying biological principles.
4. To learn the important role of other living species in the lives of the human species.
5. Inspire students to expand their science education beyond required levels

Biology:  The study of life and the how environments affect living organisms.  The science of biology developed from scientists sharing their observations and studies with each other. Their fascination with and investigation of the real world has led to a vast body of knowledge that is continuously growing

Biology is not just a collection of facts for students to memorize.  Rather, it is a process of applying those observations and intuitions to situations and problems, formulating hypotheses, and drawing conclusions.  This interaction of the thinking process with the content of science is the core of Biology.  Students will plan and conduct research or experiments based on observations, evaluate their findings, and draw conclusions to explain their results.  This process then begins again, using the new information for further investigation.
See Washington State Science K-12 EALR and individual GLE's at: http://www.k12.wa.us/CurriculumInstruct/science/pubdocs/GLEDraft5H100504.doc

Grades
 Grades are calculated based on the total number of points accumulated over the grading period and cover the following areas:  (these are approximate numbers)

                        Tests and quizzes                      40%
                        Labs                                             30%
                        Homework                                 30%

Grading Scale:

            A                     93.0%
            A-                    92.99%                           C                   76.99%
            B+                   89.99%                            C-                  72.99%
            B                      86.99%                           D+                 69.99%
            B-                    82.99%                           D                    66.99%
            C+                   79.99%                           F                     59.99%

Final
 The final at the end of the first semester is comprehensive over the entire semester.  The final at the end of spring semester is comprehensive over the second semester only.   

Deadlines:
 Late assignments will be graded at 10% off per day after the due date.  After 5 days they will not be accepted at all.

Tardiness:
Tardiness will be punished as per the IHS student handbook.  Detentions will be assigned (4 tardies) in the science department after school or in detention hall

Extra Help:  I am on campus from 7:10 am to 3:30pm. Wednesday mornings are available for individual help if needed from 8 to 9:10 am.

Required Items:

scientific calculator ( graphing calculators are not allowed on tests)
3-ring binder, paper, pen, #2 pencil,
Mead composition book
colored pencils
daily planner
black, blue, and red pens
goggles
closed toed shoes on lab days