THIS IS PAGE ONE IN YOUR BIOLOGY NOTEBOOK.

COURSE: Biology A1 (Course Number: 432)

INSTRUCTOR:  Mrs. Carol St.Clair, Room 166A

TEXT: Biology.  Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2006.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide students with knowledge of the fundamental principles of life function and form.  Topic areas include cellular structural organization, organic chemistry, respiration, photosynthesis, cell division, DNA, genetics, biodiversity, classification, vertebrate anatomy and physiology with an emphasis on humans.

SYLLABUS:

                Semester One                                                        Semester Two

                Scientific Processes, Characteristics              Skeleton, Muscles, and Skin

                      of Living Organisms                                      Circulatory System

                Biochemistry                                                         Digestive System

                Cell Structure and Function                              Respiratory and Excretory Systems

                Energy and Metabolism                                       Reproduction and Development

                Chromosomes and Cell Reproduction              Nervous System and Substance Abuse

                Mendel and Heredity                                            Fetal Pig Dissection

DNA                                                                                                                      

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

                1.  Regular class attendance.

                2.  Class participation in discussions and activities.

                3.  Successful and timely completion of all assignments.

                4.  A three-ring binder with five tabbed dividers. (Vocab, Notes, Handouts, Labs, HW/Quizzes)

                5.  A signed safety contract is required before participation in any lab activities.

CLASS RULES:

                1.  Be on time to class, in your seat, and ready to work when the bell rings.

                2.  Always be prepared for class - pens, pencils, paper, notebook, textbook, and student planner.

                3.  Do not distract others from learning.

                4.  Obey all the rules as stated in the Bishop England Student Handbook.

                5.  Raise your hand to speak.

                6.  Please show each other and yourselves the respect you deserve.

                7.  I dismiss you, not the bell.

HOMEWORK: I assign homework regularly; however I will not collect all written assignments.  A typical assignment may consist of compiling a vocabulary list, reading and outlining, answering questions, completing a lab report, or reviewing for a test.  All work is due at the beginning of the class period.  Anything turned in after that and up to one day late is eligible for half credit only.  After that I will not accept the assignment for a grade.  Computer or printer problems are not an excuse for late work.  All assignments must be recorded on the appropriate calendar page in your planner. 

MAKEUP WORK: It is your responsibility to get your missed assignments from a classmate or me when you are absent and to complete them by the following school day.  If you know about an absence in advance (doctor’s appointment, athletic event, school trip, etc.), every attempt must be made to complete the work in advance of the absence.  All make-up privileges will be forfeited if the absence is unexcused.  If you are suspended, no extensions will be given.  When you return to school, all assignments/tests will be completed on the assigned date --- without any extensions.  If you have an appointment with me to make up a test or lab and you fail to show up, you will be penalized 20% on that makeup work for each occurrence.   

CLASS WORK: During the course of the year, you will be taking notes from my lectures, doing lab activities, viewing videos, completing worksheets and review sheets, and taking quizzes and tests.

TESTS:  Chapter tests will be given at the completion of every chapter.  Quizzes, both announced and unannounced may be given periodically.

GRADING: Your quarter grade will be calculated based on the following percentages:

Tests                                                      50%

Labs                                                       25%

Homework, Quizzes, Class work    25%

Class participation and preparation are also averaged into your grade. 

HELPFUL HINTS:

1. Neatness counts.  If I can’t read it, I won’t grade it.
2. Although this isn’t English class, I expect you to use correct spelling, grammar, and sentence structure on all of your work.
3. Please pick up after yourselves.  I doubt if your mothers will be coming to school to do it for you!
4. Take care of any extraneous activities (restroom trips, pencil sharpening, drinks of water, etc.) before the bell rings.  You will not be leaving the room once class has started.
5. Dark blue or black ink must be used on all assignments that will be turned in to me.
6. Always put your name (first AND last), the class period, the date, and the assignment in the top right corner of every assignment.
7. Don’t forget the good manners that your parents have taught you.
8. IF IT’S NOT YOURS, DON’T TOUCH IT!

CONSEQUENCES AND REWARDS: Inappropriate behavior and actions will be dealt with according to Bishop England’s policy.  Homework coupons are frequently given as rewards.

EXTRA HELP:  I will be available after school on Thursdays for extra help.  You can also make an appointment with me to come in on other days.  Let me know if you will be coming in so that I will be sure to be there.  Please take full advantage of this opportunity if you're having trouble.  Attendance requires the completion of all assignments for that particular chapter.

ALL OF THIS INFORMATION AND MORE IS AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE.  USE IT TO CHECK FOR

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS, LAB REPORT GUIDELINES, CLASS HANDOUTS, ETC.

               www.teacherweb.com/sc/bishopengland/stclair

I have read and understand Mrs. St.Clair’s classroom policies and procedures, but I know not to tear off the bottom of the page! 

Student Name ________________________________________________________________(please print)___

Student Signature _________________________________________________________________________

Parent Signature __________________________________________________________________________

A1 Biology Period ________________                                                                                   Date __________________

                                                                                                                                                                                             CLS 8/07