Biology Merit – Course Syllabus – 1st Semester 2009 – 2010 (Fall)
Instructor: Mrs. Campen – Room 1425 – (240) 236-8336 – emily.campen@fcps.org
Students will be introduced to basic concepts in biology. Units of study include biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, diversity, ecology, and the human body. All state mandated environmental educational goals will be addressed. This course includes additional state mandates on drug education and student service learning. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of this curriculum. Students will prepare formal laboratory reports while being presented with both abstract and concrete materials and experiences.
Career Pathway:
Biology will help prepare students for a career in health services (doctor, nurse, technician, or epidemiologist), natural resources (environmentalist), education and agriculture.
Academic Level Description:
Merit courses are designed for students who generally meet or exceed the objectives and expectations of the essential curriculum, both in terms of content knowledge and application. Coursework includes a balance of concrete and abstract material, with an emphasis on teacher-directed and independent work.
Text: “Biology – Exploring Life” (Prentice Hall) by Campbell, Williamson, & Heyden
This textbook has a distinctive close-up photo of a lizard’s eye on the cover in green and orange, 2006. ISBN: 0-13-250882-6. Students will be assigned individual textbooks which they are to return in good condition at the end of the semester. The replacement cost of $76.74 per book will be assessed for any lost, stolen, or damaged books.
Materials Required:
1. 3-ring binder (2”+) with pockets and divider tabs
2. At least 200 sheets of 3-hole punched loose-leaf notebook paper
3. Pen (blue or black ink) or pencils
4. Optional – a personal calculator with basic math functions
Academic and Behavioral Expectations:
1. Bring materials every day. You will be expected to keep a notebook in which all notes, handouts, and other papers will be kept. This notebook will graded as CLASSWORK.
2. Be prepared for science! ALL ASSIGNMENTS are DUE at the BEGINNING of class. Late work WILL NOT be accepted for credit – no exceptions will be made ….!
3. Do your best work and your own work. Cheating will not be tolerated. All participating parties in any attempt to cheat will receive a zero.
4. Be polite and respectful to the teacher and to each other. Conduct yourself with honor and integrity.
5. Keep food and drink out of the classroom. Water is allowed at student desks only. Lab piers must remain free of water bottles.
6. Follow all school rules as outlined in your student handbook. Students must have their own GTJHS Student Agenda book and Student ID with them at all times while in school.
Consequences:
If you choose to break any academic or behavioral expectation, the progressive disciplinary policy will be implemented.
Grading Policy: Term Grades Semester Grades
Unit Tests 50% Term 1 Grade 40%
Weekly Quizzes 20% Term 2 Grade 40%
Labs/Homework 10% CRES Tests (avg. 3) 20%
Classwork/Binder Checks 20% 100%
You will be evaluated by the following means in this class:
1. Unit Tests – A unit test will be given at the end of each major unit of study.
2. Quizzes – Quizzes will be given on a weekly basis unless there is a unit test or CRES test scheduled for that week.
3. Labs/Homework – Some labs will require a formal lab write-up. Labs will be due not later than one day after the completion of the lab. It is the responsibility of the student to go home the first night and attempt to analyze their data. The next day in class, students will have the opportunity to ask questions. Due dates for each lab will be announced on the first day of each lab.
4. Classwork/Binder Checks – Supplemental assignments will be given to support the curriculum. These, together with class notes, will be placed in the binder.
5. Late work WILL NOT be accepted for credit. If you miss class due to illness, etc. – please bring a valid excuse to class either the first or second day back in school, and make a direct request to me for make-up work. A new due date for that work will be assigned by me based on how long you were out.
6. My gradebook will be posted in Pinnacle on the web, accessible to students and parents anytime. I update my gradebook in Pinnacle every week.
High School Assessments (HSA) and Extended Learning:
Students are required to pass the HSA in Biology. Additional assistance for struggling learners is available after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm through the Extended Learning Program (ELP). The ELP provides activity bus transportation home at 3:45 pm. If your student earns a grade of C or lower in this class, PLEASE encourage them to attend the EL Program early on, and consistently throughout the semester, well before the HSA test date of January 11, 2010.
Provision for Extra Help:
I am available after school on school days until 2:50 pm to assist students who need additional help. I can be reached at 240-236-8336, or by e-mail at emily.campen@fcps.org.
Please print in block letters and then sign and date below as indicated:
Student Date: ________________ Parent/Guardian Date: ________________
Print Name: _____________________ Print Name: _____________________
Signature: _____________________ Signature: _____________________
Home Phone: _____________________ Home Phone: _____________________
Email: _____________________ Email: _____________________
Parents – You can access my weekly schedule, notes and assignments by viewing my web page. Log on to the school’s website, www.fcps.org → Schools → High → Governor Thomas Johnson High School → School Website → Staff → Science → Emily Campen
Mrs. Emily Campen
B.A., Biology
M.S., Science Education
Biology Instructor
Governor Thomas Johnson High School
1501 North Market Street
Frederick, Maryland 21701
240-236-8336
emily.campen@fcps.org