Class Expectation
C.P. Biology Course Expectation
Mr. Izadi Room 54
Welcome back!!! I hope you had a great summer. I look forward to an exciting
year.
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 for the rigors of a
competitive college science course. It is essential that you improve your
reading, writing, problem solving, and note taking skills to meet the
challenges of such a school. 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.
The Morgan School Mission Statement
The Morgan School cultivates intellect and character in partnership with
families and the community. Students learn in a rigorous academic and
student-centered environment that prepares them to become resourceful,
productive, healthy citizens in a global society.
Academic Expectations (AE):
The Morgan School graduate:
• AE1: Uses standard English to read, write, and speak effectively
• AE2: Communicates and receives information through oral, written, visual,
artistic, and technical means of expression
• AE4: Utilizes critical and creative thinking skills for problem solving and
decision-making
• AE5: Employs tools of technology to research, process, and communicate
information
• AE6: Works independently as well as cooperatively to achieve goals
Civic and Social Expectation:
The Morgan School graduate:
• Demonstrates respect for all members of the school community
• Manages time to meet the demands of academic responsibilities along with
social and extra-curricular activities
• Accepts responsibility for his or her own actions and behavior
• Recognizes the importance of social and civic responsibilities to a community
• Exhibits an understanding of diverse perspectives and cultures
• Understands the importance of physical fitness and healthy lifestyle choices
You will be assigned a textbook on the first day of class. The textbook must
be covered ASAP. Below is the website to access the online textbook. Please
take the time to explore this site as there are many resources that will help
you.
Textbook: Modern Biology
Online Textbook: http://my.hrw.com
User name: biology203
Password: b6k8
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:
50% Tests (quizzes will weigh ½ Test)
20% Lab Reports
20% Homework
10% 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 will 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
Have a great school year!!!
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.