Life Science Class expectation

  
Class Expectation
Life Science Course Expectation
Mr. Izadi Room 54 

 Welcome back!!! I hope you had a great summer.  I look forward to an exciting
year.  
Life Science is career level biology.  Biology is the scientific study of
life. We will be learning about living things from the molecular and cellular
level to the ecosystem level.  Topic will include simple chemistry, organic
chemistry, cell organization, genetics, evolution, ecology, and diversity of life.
The curriculum of this course is designed to prepare you with a basic
understanding of the science of living things.  It is essential that you
improve your reading, writing, problem solving, and technology skills to meet
the challenges of today’s higher education (college or tech school) and work
force.  Focus will be placed on improving your organizational skills, study
habits, and critical thinking skills. These skills will enable you to be
independent learners.  We will do group work to develop your collaborative
skills.  The success of our mission depends on your commitment to maintain a
serious learning atmosphere with minimal disruptions.  Discipline will be
strict and you must conduct yourself appropriately so that you and your peers
will benefit from this experience.   

Textbook: Holt Biology
Online Textbook: http://my.hrw.com/
User Name: lscience52 
Password: n3b6
 
Website:
http://TeacherWeb.com/CT/ClintonMorgan/Izadi 
 

I will be maintaining the above website for this C.P. Biology course.  The
purpose of the website is to: 

1. Post Homework assignments for the week.  Parents are encouraged to check
the website to monitor their effort and progress.

2. Post some class notes.  You may print the notes and bring them to class to
allow you to follow the class discussion better. In class, there will be
anecdotal information and elaborations of the notes that you will be expected
to write on the margins of your printed notes
 
3. Format of lab reports and rubrics. 

4. Project requirements.

5. Provide links to sites related to the topic we are covering. 
 Parents are encouraged to communicate with me by emailing me at 
Aizadi@clintonpublic.org or by calling the school and leaving a message.

Grading System: 	       

35% Tests (quizzes will weigh ½ Test)
20% Lab Reports                          
25% Homework 
20% class performance (Based on class conduct, attitude, attendance, and effort)

You are expected to be fully engaged in class activities and assume
responsibility of your own learning.    Projects will be incorporated into the
above three categories based on the complexity of the assignment.  Homework
policy:  Homework will be assigned almost every day. You are expected to do
all reading prior to answering the questions. All answers must be stated in
such a way that the reader will know what the question asked upon reading the
answer. 

Example:
Question: What are the three states of matter? Answer:  The three states of
matter are solid, liquid, and gas. I will assign homework on a section in the
chapter prior to discussing the topics in class. Having read the text and
answered questions will enable you to better understand the class discussions
and notes and allow you to participate in class. You may use your homework to
answer homework quiz questions. If you do not understand a particular
question, you should ask me to discuss the answer in class. You are expected
to have your homework on the due date. Homework will not be graded every nigh.
Homework may be checked by way of homework quizzes.  During the homework
quizzes you may use your own completed homework to answer questions.   Retain
all homework in a 3 ring binder. Cheating on homework will result in
notification of parents as well as the office.  Review the school's cheating
policy for details.  If you work with another student on a homework
assignment, you must each answer the questions in your own words.
All homework quizzes will be graded on a 1- 10 scale.     

Class rules: 
a. No eating, chewing gum, or drinking (except water) in class. 
b. Follow all safety rules during labs and activities. 
c. Treat everyone with respect. 
d. Do not use profanity in class. 
e. Do not engage in any activities that may be disruptive to the learning
environment. 
f. Excessive unexcused tardiness (3 or more per quarter) or unexcused absence
(3 or more) will result in a 5 point reduction in your quarter grade. 
Excessive discipline problems will also result in a 5point reduction from
class.  Outdoor Classroom rules: We will be holding class outside on the deck
whenever it is possible to do so.  The purpose of this outdoor classroom is to
allow students to learn biology by direct observation of an ecosystem that is
readily available to us (i.e. the Indian River and the Morgan School woods).
It is important that despite the lack of the four walls of a conventional
classroom, students will conduct themselves in an appropriate manner so that
structured and meaningful learning takes place. 
 
  The following are some basic rules when we go out: 

1. Do not wonder off without telling me where and why you are going. 
2. No horse-playing will be tolerated while we are out there (i.e. throwing
rocks, play fighting, throwing any objects into the river, etc.) Eating will
be allowed out on the deck, but you are responsible for the trash.  
3. Do not climb the trees or over the deck railing.  Infraction of these and
any school rules may result in: Teacher detention- must be served by the next
school day or it will be turned over to Mrs. Hagness for an office detention,
referral to the office and notification of parents. As per school rules, three
referrals to the office will result in removal and loss of credit from class.  

The following items are recommended for this class:
 3 ring binder
folder for retaining all homework
assignment planner 
pen, pencil, colored pencils, highlights



Honesty & Academic Integrity  
Cheating, plagiarism, or falsification (lying) of any kind will not be tolerated.
Students are cheating if they:
•	Copy or allow to be copied any assignment by any method
•	Use any unauthorized aid on quizzes, tests, or exams
•	Steal, possess or view a copy of a test beforehand 
•	Give or receive help on a test
•	Take someone else’s work and submit it as theirs
•	Scan, alter or forge any school document
Plagiarize, i.e. submit material written or designed by another without giving
the author/creator credit or identifying the source; or submit work created by
family, friends or tutors.



  Have a great school year!!!