BIOLOGY A SYLLABUS

Course Title: Biology A

Teacher: Ms. Slaten
Contact Info: erin.slaten@lausd.net

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Biology A is a laboratory course required for high school graduation and college. We will cover
topics such as cell biology, cell division, protein synthesis, and genetics. You will participate in
labs and other hands-on activities as well as develop your science literacy through content area
readings, vocabulary, and through applications of biological concepts. This curriculum is aligned
with the California State Standards in Biology.

MATERIALS
Required supplies that every student must bring to class EVERY day:
• Two spiral notebooks: One for notes and one for practice
• Pencil (#2)
• Black or blue ball point pen

GRADING
Grades are based upon the entire semester. Once a quarter ends, grades do not start over.
This helps students and parents predict the grade the student will receive at the end of the
semester.
Topics: Approximately Approximate Grades
Class work: 40% A: 90% or above
Homework: 10% B: 80% to 89.9%
Final Exam: 20% C: 70% to 79.9%
Tests & Quizzes: 30% D: 60% to 69.9%
F: 59.9% or below
LAB SAFETY PROCEDURES
Laboratory safety rules and procedures must be followed and will be reviewed before each
activity. Responsible and appropriate behavior is required of each student when participating in
lab activities. Appropriate behavior includes cooperating and collaborating with others as well as
proper handling of supplies and equipment.

LAB SAFETY RULES

1. There will be no running in the lab or inappropriate use of lab materials and equipment.
2. Lab equipment such as microscopes, beakers, and test tubes will be handled with care.
3. Spills, accidents and broken equipment must be reported to the teacher immediately.
4. If instructed by the teacher, goggles must be worn throughout the entire lab.
5. If acids or alkalis come in contact with the skin, wash the area with water for at least 10 minutes.
6. If acids or alkalis come in contact with eyes, rinse at the eyewash for at least 15 minutes.
7. Never touch, smell, or taste chemicals unless instructed to do so by your teacher.
8. Loose clothes should not be worn during the lab. Dangling earrings should be removed. Loose hair should be tied
back. Open-toed shoes are not allowed in the lab.
9. No sitting on lab benches.
10. No eating, drinking, chewing gum or applying makeup during lab.
 Biology A
Ms. Slaten
STUDENT 20 QUESTIONS! 2009-2010

Last Name: First Name:

Nickname: Birth Date:
Favorite activity: Favorite subject:

1. Which language do your parents speak at home?

2. What are your hobbies?

3. Which subjects do you find difficult?

4. What are your favorite subjects?

5. Do you prefer to work in groups or alone?

6. Do you have any brothers or sisters? If so, what are their names and how old are they?

7. Which type of music do you prefer?

8. Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which one(s)?

9. Do you play any sports? If so, which one(s)?

10. Do you have a job?

11. What would you like to do after high school?

12. Are you planning on going to college?

13. Do you consider yourself a quiet or talkative person?

14. What are the things that you like about yourself?

15. What are some things about you that need improvement?

16. Who is your favorite male or female celebrity?

17. Do you have access to a computer at home?

18. Why do you want to pass Biology this year?

19. Tell me how you plan to succeed in Biology this year.

20. Tell me something about yourself that you would like me to know.
 Biology A
Ms. Slaten
Student Information
Please fill in your current schedule, including teachers’ names:
Period: Course Name: Teacher’s Name:
1

Biology A
 Ms. Slaten
Student's name___________________________ Period______

Parent/Guardian name______________________

…tell me about your child!

Hello, parents and guardians! This may be the first homework assigned to you in a while, but I know you can
handle it! This is your big chance to let Ms. Slaten know about your student. You can write (or type, if you
prefer) anything you like – as long as it is about your student. Some things you may want to write about are
their strengths, things you’d like to see them work on, hobbies they have, or anything you feel that I as their
teacher should know. Write as much or as little as you please! These essays will be kept completely
confidential. You may return this to school with your child or e-mail a response to me: erin.slaten@lausd.net.
They get 5 extra credit points if you do your homework by Tuesday 9/8/09!

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BIOLOGY CLASS POLICIES

 Ms. Slaten
CLASS RULES
1. Show respect: teacher, others, room, and yourself.
2. Don’t talk while the teacher is talking.
3. No swearing, vulgar, or offensive language.
4. Clean up after yourself.
5. Stay on task and in seat.
*Follow all school rules including no electronic devices, no eating in class, and no makeup*

CONSEQUENCES (IF YOU CHOOSE TO BREAK A RULE)

The Discipline Policy will be implemented in the classroom as follows for infractions of the rules:
1. Name written on board: student stays after class.
2. One check mark: 1-5 minutes after class, work detail, and/or student will create a
discipline plan acceptable to the teacher.
3. Two check marks: 5-15 minute after school detention, work detail, and student will create
a discipline plan acceptable to the teacher.
4. Three check marks: student is sent to office, call home, and/or class suspension.
5. Severe disruptions: student sent immediately to office.
Names and checks erased each Thursday afternoon.

DISCIPLINE PLAN
The discipline plan is for students to explain what they did wrong in their own language,
understand which rule they broke, and explain their excuse while creating their own solution. All
action plans are signed, dated, and approved by the teacher. The three questions of the action
plan consist of: 1) What is the problem? 2) What’s causing the problem? (Please list the
factors)? 3) How will you solve the problem so that it is not repeated?

DETENTION
5-15 minute detentions will be held in my classroom (Room 704) starting at 3:25 p.m. sharp after
school. Students will be assigned the next detention day and will be expected to attend. One
rescheduling may occur. Failure to attend after one rescheduling will result in moving to the next
consequence level. In some cases, a lunch detention may substitute for those who have
transportation difficulties and who approve it with the teacher.
*Be aware that if you are tardy to Ms. Slaten’s class four times, you will receive a one hour
detention as specified by the school.

PROCEDURES FOR MS. SLATEN'S CLASS

CLASS PROCEDURES
1. Students enter the classroom quietly and go straight to their desks.
2. Students must have a pencil / pen and paper out on desk before bell rings.
3. When the bell rings, students must be at their desks working on the warm-up
quietly and by themselves.
4. When teacher raises her hand, students stop what they are doing and look at the
teacher quietly. Teacher will count to three with her fingers, if she reaches three,
class will stay after for 1 minute. Teacher will repeat this procedure until class is
silent.
5. All papers should have the student’s full name, period, and date in the top right
hand corner. All papers should be titled with the name of the assignment. Papers
without proper heading will be thrown out.
6. Students get three bathroom passes per semester.
7. Only ask questions that relate to the lesson during class time. Questions such as: "Can I
go to the bathroom?" or "Can I sharpen my pencil?" or "When does this class get out?" or
"What is my grade?" should not be asked during class time! See me before or after class.
8. On assembly days, students will walk quietly with the teacher and come back to
class quickly and quietly after the assembly.
9. Teacher dismisses the class at the end of the period, not the bell.

SPECIAL PROCEDURES
• If you are Tardy: When you arrive tardy, sign your name in the "Tardy Binder" in the
student area. Attach your tardy pass (if you have one) to the binder. Move quietly to
your seat and start working. Be aware that if you are tardy to Ms. Slaten’s class
four times, you will serve a one hour detention as specified by the school.

• If you were absent: I will not address concerns from students who were absent during
class time--please talk to me before or after class only. Check the "Student
Information" bulletin board for assignments you may have missed. Students are
responsible for obtaining missing Agendas, Warm Up, and Notes from his/her peers. If
you do not clear your absence with the Attendance Office, Ms. Slaten is not required to
give you make-up work.

• Makeup Work: It is the student's responsibility to consult the "Student Information"

area for missing assignments and then complete a "Makeup Work Request Form" and
put it in the makeup request tray. Indicate what date you were absent and the
assignments you need to makeup. You will receive your assignments by the next
school day. Please do not ask me about makeup work until you have completed these
steps.

• Late work policy: All late work must have a "Late Work Cover Sheet" stapled to it or
it will not be accepted. Late work must be turned in WITHIN ONE WEEK OF THE DUE
DATE. Only work turned in on time receives full credit. Assignments turned in one
day late will automatically be penalized 10%. Assignments turned in from the second
day after the due date until one week late will be penalized 50%. Late work turned in
more than one week late will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to be aware of
your missing assignments, quizzes, tests, and labs. I will not provide new copies of
previously assigned work.
August 31, 2009

To the Parent/Guardian:

__________________________ is enrolled in Biology A, a required course for high school

graduation. Students will also work on both their reading and math skills as it applies to science.

Your student is expected to arrive to class on time everyday, bring his/her supplies, complete
assignments, and behave appropriately. If your student is tardy to Biology class four times,
he/she will receive a one hour detention. This is according to school policy.

The following items are not allowed according to school policies and will be confiscated or
thrown in the trash if visible in the classroom: gum, food, makeup, and electronic items that
play music, take pictures, play videos, or can be used for communication with others, (these
include iPods, PSPs, mp3 players, cell phones, digital cameras).

Your student will receive a book to use at home for the remainder of the semester. The student
and parent/guardian are responsible for proper care of the textbook, which is on loan to the
student. If the textbook is damaged or lost, the below named student and parent/guardian will be
charged a fine set forth by district policy.

Every four weeks a progress report card is issued. The final grade is administered after the
sixteenth week. Please monitor your students’ progress. I look forward to meeting with you and
discussing your child’s progress in my class during the semester. Back to School Night is from 5-
7pm on Thursday, September 24th. Parent Conference night is from 5-7pm on Thursday,
November 19th. You may also set up individual conferences. If you would like to contact me, you
can email me at erin.slaten@lausd.net or you can call the main office to set up a conference.
(323) 671-1400. By working together we can help your child succeed.

Sincerely,

Ms. Slaten
Science Department
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Period_____

Student: I, _________________________, have read and understand the Biology A syllabus, Class
Policies, and Procedures of the class. I agree to follow these rules and realize that failure to do so will
result in consequences.

Student Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: ___________

Parent: I, _________________________, have read and understand the Biology A syllabus, Class
Policies, and Procedures of the class. I understand that my child is responsible for following the rules
and that failure to do so will result in consequences.

Parent/Guardian Signature:______________________________________ Date: ___________

Parent/Guardian Phone Number: ___________________________

Parent/Guardian e-mail address: ___________________________