Biology Syllabus

Fall 2014

Mrs. Erica Hoover
erica.hoover@sumnerschools.org Phone: 452-2621 ext. 755

Welcome to Biology! I am very excited to begin a new school year. Biology is an interesting and
challenging subject, one that I enjoy teaching. I love learning how things work and why things are the
way they are. My goal is that each student will learn what an educated person needs to know about
biology in order to thrive in an increasingly scientifically sophisticated world.

Why do we study biology?
You are a biological being. Everything we will study is actually happening either inside your own body or
involves how you fit in with the living world around you. Many of the major decisions and/or events in
your life will be affected by your knowledge of biology.
Reproduction
Disease and death
Your effect on the world around you
The effect the environment has on you
Evaluation and interpretation of scientific claims

Goals of the course:
Personal accountability
Creative problem solving
Critical thinking
Confidently communicating ideas
Effective collaboration
Demonstrating understanding
Intelligent use of technology

Materials:
Our textbook: We will use the Zebra Book, Biology. Glencoe Science.
Every day you will need the following:
Pen and or pencil
3 ring notebook with paper for note-taking and organizing materials
Colored pencils
Box of tissues donated to the class

Lab fee:
We will be exploring many concepts in lab. To make this possible, I am requesting a $20.00 lab fee for
materials that will be used for our class. I appreciate your support with this!


Grading:
You will receive points for a wide variety of assignments and assessments. These will include classwork,
quizzes, labs, projects, and exams. Your EOC (end of course) exam will consist of 25% of your Q2 grade.
Your grade will be based on your percent of the total possible points. This is calculated by dividing your
total number of points earned by the total points possible in the class. You will also be graded on your
class participation. The expectations for participation include, but are not limited to: coming to class
prepared, taking notes, not disrupting class, answering questions and working cooperatively in groups.
Late and Make-up Work:
It is your responsibility to get assignments missed due to absences. I will post assignments on our class
webpage whenever possible (hooverbio.weebly.com). All missing work is due the day before the test
on that unit. I will also Tweet out class happenings. I encourage everyone to follow my Twitter account
for this class. @Hoover_bio
Hall passes:
I will issue each student 2 hall passes per quarter. Bathroom breaks should be taken care of before class,
however I recognize that this is a 90 minute block and will allow two trips per quarter. You will need your
agenda in order to use a hall pass. Trips needed after that will require that time be given back to me in
the form of a dirty duty. Passes will not be permitted during lecture. Hall passes not used at the end of
the quarter can be used for points; five points for each pass not used. These points can be added to any
assignment, except the final exam.

How we will operate as a class:
Entering class:
When you enter the classroom, please take any papers from the pick-up basket, place any slips, forms,
etc. on my cart, and place any assignments to the turn-in basket and take your seat. Bellwork, or DBP,
will be on the board. Although I will not collect bellwork, it will count toward your class participation
grade. You should have your biology notebook out and be working quietly on this at the start of every
class.
During class:
When you see me raise my hand, or hear a bell, stop talking and look at me. Wait for me to speak and
give directions. Our classroom will be an environment of respect, kindness, and learning. Rudeness
toward me, classmates or other teachers will not be tolerated. We will support each other with respect
and kindness, and in doing so strive to maintain a relaxed classroom.
Leaving class:
I will dismiss you from class. Do not line up near the door waiting for the bell. Remain in your seat
until I dismiss you.
Classroom Rules:
1. Be in assigned seat when bell rings quietly working on Daily Biology Practice (DBP).
2. Bring required materials to class (notebook, pencil or pen, assignments).
3. Use respectful speech (no offensive language, putting down or teasing).
4. Be engaged in Biology class (not math homework, your favorite novel, or chatting with your bff).
5. Follow directions the first time they are given.
6. Be honest.
7. DO NOT throw things in the classroom
8. DO NOT write on the desks
9. Respect the property of others
10. Follow all rules as stated in the GHS handbook

Consequences are what result when a person abides by or breaks a rule (rewards and penalties). In
this class we will have both. Successful people accept that life is a series of consequences, positive or
negative.
Rewards:
I will keep up with students who choose to follow the rules and those who choose to break the rules.
Students without a tally next to their name for two consecutive weeks will receive their choice of one
of four rewards.
1. Homework pass- can be redeemed for homework assignments, excluding review sheets.
2. Extra time on an assignment- late night at work or practice? Use for one extra day on an assignment.
3. Extra hall pass- remember that unused hall passes can be redeemed for bonus points!
4. Five bonus points on test or quiz

Periodically, I will choose a student to be the DJ for the day and chose our Pandora station during study
time. This student should have minimal or no tallies beside his or her name.

Penalties: (for same offense occurring within a months time)
1. Warning
2. 15 minute Dirty Duty (before school on Tuesday or after school on Thursday)
3. Detention and call home
4. Office referral and call home

You will have one week to complete your dirty duty/ detention.

Severe disruption, student will be sent immediately to the office.

Failure to work off a penalty within one week automatically moves the student up to the next level of
the consequences, or doubles the penalty.

Please reread this! We will go over class procedures daily until they become routine. I look
forward to a smooth, productive, and fun school year!









Notes to Parents and Guardians:

I know you want your child to succeed. I want to give you the information you need to maximize their
success. The two most important things you can do to help your child succeed are 1) to make sure they
are in class every day and 2) to stay aware of and involved in what we are currently working on. I will be
maintaining a web page and twitter account. I encourage you to check these sources for updates about
our class. I welcome email messages and will usually be able to respond to these within the day. If you
do not currently have easy access to email, please let me know and I will find other ways of getting you
needed information.

Please sign and return with lab fee of $20.00 as soon as possible.

I ________________________________________have read and understand what is expected of me in
Mrs. Hoovers biology class.

__________________________
Student signature


I ______________________________have read and understand what is expected of my son/daughter in
Mrs. Hoovers biology class. Please indicate and provide your preferred form of contact below your
signature.

_________________________
Parents signature

Preferred method of contact:
Email address: _________________________
Phone:_______________________________