Biology I & II Syllabus 2013-2014

Teacher: Jason Giordano Room: 161 Office Hours: I am always willing to make appointments for matters which may require an extended amount of time. Generally, I will be in my classroom an hour before the start of school and an hour after school, but that is not a guarantee. If you need to see me outside of our schedule class, please see me to set up a time to meet. Contact Information: Email: jgiordano@randomlake.k12.wi.us jajgiors@yahoo.com Phone: (920) 994-9193 ext.161 Website: rlhsbioslogos.weebly.com

Class Overview
WELCOME to your first course in the science of Biology! No matter what you've heard, biology is Life and........... You have one! The purpose of this handout is to help you understand what you will be doing in this course during the year. If you are wondering why you have signed up for this course, here are a few ideas for you to consider. You are going to live with the effects of science in your lifestyle and on your environment for the rest of your life, whether you like it or not. The lakes we fish in, the health of our loved ones, the pets we keep at home, all follow the laws of nature. In the words of Henri Poincare, The scientist does not study nature because it is useful; he studies it because he delights in it, and he delights in it because it is beautiful. If nature were not beautiful, it would not be worth knowing, and if nature were not worth knowing, life would not be worth living. The laws and principles of biology that govern how things happen were operating long before humans tried to understand them and put them in writing. The rules of science, as we know them, do not come from immortal degrees. These laws exist because they seem to explain how things work better than any other explanation that has been tried. The key to this course is understanding the concepts, which is really knowing enough about something so that each part is seen in proper perspective to the whole.
Biology will focus on concepts based upon eight major themes: Science as a Process, Evolution, Energy Transfer, Continuity and Change, Relationship of Structure to Function, Regulation, Interdependence in Nature, Science, Technology and Nature.

1. Science as a ProcessScience is a way of knowing. It can involve a discovery process using inductive reasoning, or it can be a process of hypothesis testing.

2. EvolutionEvolution is the biological change of organisms that occurs over time and is driven by the process of natural selection. Evolution accounts for the diversity of life on Earth. 3. Energy TransferEnergy is the capacity to do work. All living organisms are active (living) because of their abilities to link energy reactions to the biochemical reactions that take place within their cells. 4. Continuity and ChangeAll species tend to maintain themselves from generation to generation using the same genetic code. However, there are genetic mechanisms that lead to change over time, or evolution. 5. Relationship of Structure to FunctionThe structural levels from molecules to organisms ensure successful functioning in all living organisms and living systems. 6. RegulationEverything from cells to organisms to ecosystems is in a state of dynamic balance that must be controlled by positive or negative feedback mechanisms. 7. Interdependence in NatureLiving organisms rarely exist alone in nature.

8. Science, Technology, and SocietyScientific research often leads to technological advances that can have positive and/or negative impacts upon society as a whole.

My Philosophy
As a science, Biology can be looked at as a systematic approach that may involve mathematics, graphs, out of the ordinary vocabulary and other seemingly scientific processes that may deter you from attempting to understand Biology. It is my goal to pass along my knowledge regarding the science of Biology in a way that you will comprehend and enjoy, while also teaching you the nature and importance of Biology. Biology is simply our attempt to make sense of or understand our living world. By attempting to understand our living world we can manage our environment, live longer, prevent disease, grow better crops, or even formulate hypothesis about how and why we fit into the living world. Concluding this class you may never be involved in some of the previously mentioned byproducts from studying life but I believe you will lead a more enriched life for knowing and understanding the science of Biology.

Student Expectations
Students enrolled in Biology must be prepared to do the following: Be here Be prepared Be respectful Be positive (See PBIS Matrix)

Learning Strategies
Reading Students will be asked to read supplementary material when assigned. Also, it is encouraged to reread notes, for we do not use a textbook. If you depend a great deal on reading text to acquire content, see Mr. Giordano to make arrangements.

Vocabulary Vocabulary is a critical component when reading for understanding and essential to understanding the majority of content presented in this course. Students will be given a list of vocabulary words for which they are to define and learn their definitions, as they pertain to Biology. Lecture and Discussion Lecture and discussion offer an opportunity to clarify difficult concepts, vocabulary, and graphics. During lecture/discussion students follow the outline and add their own notes when appropriate. Students are encouraged to ask appropriate questions in a matter that does not disrupt the learning experience. Remember lecture and discussion is the primary means by which content is delivered. Laboratory Lab activities emphasize the importance of having a testable hypothesis, collection of data, analysis of data, presentation of data, and a clear discussion of the results. Students will be assigned lab stations and will be held responsible for the lab equipment provided in each lab station. If the lab equipment is damaged or lost due to the result of negligence the student will be held monetary responsible for the replacement of the equipment. Tests & Quizzes Each unit will conclude with a unit test. Unit tests will be composed of a variation of question types and formats. Quizzes will be given at the end of each period.

Materials
1. 2. 3. 4. 3-ring binder (recommended) Calculator (will be given notice) Writing Utensil- Pencils Access to the internet, either at home or school

Schedule/ Timeline
Refer to the following outline of the schedule as an overview of the entire year. The following schedule is an outline and may be subject to change. A weekly calendar will be posted in the class. All reading should be done before we discuss the topics in class.

Grading
Student grades will be based on the aforementioned assignments, laboratory activities and classwork/homework assignments. Quarter Grades Unit Exams50% Chapter Quizzes 20% Labs/projects 10% Participation 10% Homework 10% Semester Grades Sem 1= QTR1 & QTR2 =90% Sem 2= QTR3 & QTR4 =90% Fin.=10% Fin.=10%

Final Grade= Sem 1& Sem 2

Class Expectations
The rigor of this course is to match that of a sophomore; therefore all students are expected to maintain a level of self-discipline a kin to a young adult. Students are expected to read any assigned readings prior to lectures, complete assigned work in a timely manner, and to adhere to lab procedures. Each student must be familiar with and abide by all laboratory safety guidelines.

Tardy Policy
Being tardy means you were not in your seat and ready for class to start at the sounding of the last passing bell. Being that my class is awesome I expect that you will be racing down the halls to get to my room as soon as you physically can, but in the rare instance that you are tardy you must fill out a tardy slip upon entering the room. Oh, yeah you will be marked tardy if you have to leave the class at the beginning of class to either go to the bathroom or go to your locker to retrieve materials you should have brought in the first place. Your first tardy will result in a verbal warning A second tardy will result in a teacher/student conference at a mutually agreed upon time A third will result in a teacher detention A fourth tardy will result in a referral to the office for a behavioral plan. Tardy totals will be reset at each quarter.

Cell Phone/Ipod Policy

Technology has become an integral part of our everyday lives. However that technology shouldnt distract us from our learning goals, so it must be regulated by the professionals responsible for your education. School policy: see your handbook MY POLICY: I see it once, I will ask you to turn it off and put it away. If I see it again, I will take it and you may pick it up at the end of the day. This policy pertains to Ipods/Ipads/etc.

The ReFocus
If I see a behavior that I deem a distraction to your learning or your classmates learning I may ask you to go to a different location to fill out a refocus form. The refocus form is an opportunity for a student to reflect on why I deemed that behavior distracting to your learning or your classmates learning.

MOTL, Mandatory Opportunity to Learn. MOTLs will be given to any student whom
receives a D or lower on a test. That MOTL will be intended to be used as a study session for the upcoming test.

Latework All participation assignments are scored on a 10 pt. scale, 10 for 100% completion. 9 for
%90 completion, etc. If you have less than %50 completed you may complete as we go over in class to receive a 6.

The Health, Wellness, and Going Green Fair

APRIL 12th 11 am 3 pm students will be required to attend the Health, Wellness, & Going Green Fair and participate in a project related to the fair. We cover various topics related to biology. Students will not be required to be present the entire time for the fair, but are expected to arrange for project set up and take down. Students are permitted to work alone or with a group on their project. Students concurrently enrolled in Earth Science and Biology will only work on one project. However, those students may be given 1-2 additional components to tie their project to both courses.

RamBucks In Class Rewards

RamBucks rewards will be voted on in class and will be posted in the classroom.

Schedule of Topics 1st Semester Unit 1: The Nature of Biology & Ecology Unit 2: Biochemistry Unit 3: Cell Structure and Function Unit 4: Cellular Division Unit 5: Introduction to Genetics Unit 6: DNA and RNA Unit 7: Human Genome

2nd Semester Unit 8: Photosynthesis Unit 9: Respiration Unit 10: Biospere Unit 11: Human Impacts Unit 12: Classification Unit 13: Evolution Unit 14: Populations

Mr. Giordano

Biology--Syllabus Contract Please sign below acknowledging that you have read the syllabus. __________________________ Student Name ____________________________________ Student Signature ________________ Date

Signing by student indicates that they have read and reviewed the syllabus. ____________________________________ Parent Signature

Signing, indicates that I am aware that my son/daughter is required to attend & participate in the Health, Wellness, Going Green Fair on April 12th, 2014 11 am 3 pm. If a student is unable to attend/participate in the fair due to a school conflict or illness, they will be given an alternative assignment comparable to the time and standards missed. Parent Contact Info: __________________ Phone

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*Note: this syllabus is subject to change. The most current version will be kept on the course website.