Biology

Mr. Medley

2011-2012

Biology is the study of life in its many forms. In this introductory class for 9th graders we will undertake this study in 5 units. The first is on populations and ecosystems. In this unit we will look at large scale phenomena, including what affects population sizes and what are the many interconnections among species in a community. The second unit will focus on viruses and bacteria. In this unit we will study cells, the spread of infectious diseases and begin to consider the wide range of living species on earth. The third and fourth units are on genetics and evolution respectively. We will go from the small to the large here from how DNA codes for characteristics and how genes are passed through generations to how life has spread over the earth in its myriad forms. The final unit is on energy flow through living systems. In this unit we will consider photosynthesis, respiration and how we gain and store energy in our body, but also fossil fuels and our societys energy habits. Biology, like all science, is a way of thinking, and we will focus on what distinguishes that way of thinking throughout the year. We will generate and use data to test hypotheses. We will develop and test models. We will look for evidence constantly, and we will struggle with just how strong of conclusions our data will support. Supplies: Students should bring a three ring notebook and pencil to class every day. They may largely leave their text book at home for studying and homework.

Work and Grades

Quizzes and Tests: Every other week on Friday we will have a 10minute quiz. This gives students and me a chance to find out if theyre keeping up. They will get a chance to redo this quiz the following week and get back up to half of the points they lost. These quizzes are worth 50 points. There will be major tests at the end of each of the five units and finals at the end of each semester. It will also be possible to redo the tests. These will be worth 100-200 points. Daily Work and Notebooks Students will turn in their three ring binders every other week on Friday. In it they will keep their handouts and the work they do in class. Each class will start with a warm up for which they will get a stamp. These stamps count in their notebook grade too. Notebooks are worth 50 points each. Late notebooks turned in the following Tuesday will be accepted for half credit. Work will not be accepted beyond that point. Students with excused absences are typically given one days grace per day absent, but more can be arranged if necessary. Labs and Projects

In addition to the ongoing work students keep in their notebooks, there will be larger pieces of work occasionally due also. Students will usually have most of a week to do these. These include lab reports, poster projects, and research. Class time will be dedicated for them also. Grades Grades will be based on the percentage of points earned, using the standard scale of 90% and up A 80% to 90% B 70% to 80% C 60% to 70% D Below 60% F

Behavior Expectations Students are expected to come to class on time and ready to learn. All school rules are enforced in class, notably the no hats policy and the no electronics policy. Cell phones should be muted and put away. Students must respect each others right to learn. Intimidation, put downs, disruptions and disrespect will not be tolerated Consequences for misbehavior will escalate from warnings, time outs, detentions after school and eventually referrals to the administration. I try to phone home when I see poor behaviors that arent improving or are seriously impacting learning.

How families can best support their students. The first page in the students notebooks will list the work that they are doing during each two week period and the goals for those weeks. Thursday nights before the quiz are a good time to check with students to make sure their notebooks are complete and that they are confident about the material that will be on the quiz. On the following Tuesday they should be able to show you their notebook and quiz or test scores. Encourage them to retake the quiz or test if they did not do well. I regularly update my blog at http://biologyghs.blogspot.com/ Feel free to contact me at emedley@pps.net.

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Please sign the paper below, acknowledging that youve seen the Class Description. Parent/Guardian

Students name______________________________________ Known health issues or other issues you would like me to know about: