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Biology
Mrs. Neill
holly.neill@lcslions.org
Room 183
2014-2015
All human discoveries seem to be made only for the purpose of confirming more and more the
Truths contained in the Sacred Scriptures. Sir William Herschel [1738 1822]
Course Description:
Biology is the study of life. Modern biology includes the study microscopic forms of life including molecular and
cell biology as well as the more traditional subjects of Taxonomy, physiology and ecology. This class will
incorporate these concepts and combine them with a thorough understand of Gods creation. Historically the
study and instruction of biology has relied heavily upon biological illustrations; this course will contain a
significant biological illustration component.
Objectives:
Students who complete this course will have a basic understanding of the main topics of biology.
Cell Biology Taxonomy Physiology Ecology
This understanding will provide a foundation for future science courses in both high school and college. This
class will also help develop a Christian world-view looking at Gods amazing creations. Furthermore, this class
will help you develop the study skills necessary to succeed in a college level science courses.
Required Texts:
Biology, Stephen Nowicki
Supplies:
Spiral Notebook (for note taking)
Blue or black ink pen
Number 2 pencils
Colored Pencils
Index Cards
Lab Book: Bound 9 x 7 Quad rule bound composition book (No Substitutions)
Scientific Calculator
Folder
Note: It is expected that students have access to a computer with Microsoft Office compatible word processor
and spreadsheet software (such as Libri Office http://www.libreoffice.org). Lab reports will be turned in online.
In addition, they may be online readings and assignments handed out.

Class Expectations:
Assignments will be turned in on time.
Students will be prepared to take notes at the start of class.
Attentiveness and active participation will be the key to your success in this class.
Academic Dishonesty: Knowing involvement in cheating will result in receiving no credit for the
assignment in question.
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Grading:
Letter
Grade Percentage
Letter
Grade Percentage
A 94-100 C 74-76
A- 90-93 C- 70-73
B+ 87-89 D+ 67-69
B 84-86 D 64-66
B- 80-83 D- 60-63
C+ 77-79 F <60
Tests - (30%, 150 points per quarter):
Tests will be administered following each unit. Tests will consist of 3 sections:
1. Multiple Choice Questions, Fill in the blank
2. Free response Problems
3. Essay
4. Lab Based Question: May include questions on previous labs or new labs.
Quizzes (20%, 100 points per quarter):
Quizzes will be given throughout the class most every Friday. Quizzes will cover problems from homework,
readings and recently covered material from the previous week. Questions may require synthesis of ideas
explained in class or in the reading. If you are absent you are responsible for getting material covered on the day
you missed by the time of the quiz. Quizzes will also be given online at Schoology. These will cover short video
clips to introduce new concepts.
Labs and Illustrations (30%, 150 points per quarter):
Lab experiments will include a specific set of instructions handed out prior to the lab to guide students in
achieving the desired outcome. Lab time allotted is for conducting experiments and recording data. Students are
expected to complete a Pre-laboratory proposal before class on the day of the lab. Data analysis and the lab
report will be completed at home.
Each lab grade will consist of 3 parts:
Pre Laboratory Proposal (25%):
The pre-laboratory proposal will be completed in the students lab book before class on the day of the
lab. Students without a completed pre-laboratory proposal will not be permitted to begin the lab until
the pre-laboratory proposal is complete. They will lose 50% of the pre-lab grade if it not complete
before class. See Pre-laboratory proposal instruction sheet for specific instructions on completing a pre
laboratory proposal.
Laboratory Data (25%):
Laboratory data will be recorded in your lab book during completion of the lab. Data are to be recorded
in a clear organized fashion.
Laboratory Report (50%):
The laboratory report shall be completed at home and will be due following each lab. Laboratory reports
will be word processed and tables and graphs will be computer generated. For the most part, lab reports
will be turned in online in a PDF format. While collaboration on laboratory activities is expected and
encouraged lab reports should represent the students own work. See the Lab Report instruction sheet
for specific instructions on completing lab reports.
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Some labs will have an illustration component. Illustrations will be graded on quality, completeness and
accuracy.
Homework/Worksheets: (20%):
Problems will be from the book, online, and supplemental resources. Problems may be completed in class,
online, or as homework. Students will also complete weekly vocab cards. In many cases students will be
expected to apply critical thinking skills to extend what has been covered in class or in the reading during
problem solving exercises. Virtual Labs, online quizzes, and readings will also contribute to this grade.

Attendance Policy:
If you are absent YOU are responsible for the material covered in class that day.
Pre-Arranged Absences: If the absence is pre-arranged, assignments and tests may be taken before-hand. If an
assignment is due on a day that you are absent AND the absence is excused, the assignment may be turned in
for full credit on the day that you return from being absent. If you will miss a quiz or test due to a planned
absence then it is your responsibility to make arrangements to make it up BEFORE the planed absence.
Excused Absences: You will receive an extension of one day for every excused day of absence. For example, if
you miss one day of class, you have one day to make up the work. You must turn in assignments and take
quizzes or tests that were due on your first day of absence. So for example, If you miss a quiz or test day on the
first day of an absence, then you must make it up on the day you come back. If you miss a quiz/test on the
second day of an absence, then you have two days to make up the quiz/test.
Late Work:
Assignments are due by the beginning of class or the time assigned on Schoology. Assignments will lose 10% for
being one day late. Assignments will lose 20% for being two days late. Assignments will not receive any credit if
they are more than two days late. For more information, see the Student Handbook.
Plagiarism:
Assignments will receive a zero if there is any evidence of plagiarism. Students will then be referred to the
principal and other consequences may follow. Plagiarism includes using others work without citing it and
copying others work. A general rule of thumb for avoiding plagiarism is, if in doubt, cite it!
Sports/Homework Extension:
Please see the Student Handbook on how Sports/Homework Extensions work. The sports/homework extension
cannot be used on science pre-labs or any kind of assessment (quizzes/tests). It also cannot be used on
assignments that are date specific in nature. For example, this means assignments that must be turned in on a
specific day as part of a sequence, for peer review, test homework packets, or etc. The instructor will make it
clear on these assignments when they are due and give a week's notice so that students can plan in advance.
Please note that the extension is really to be used for homework assignments that are given on a routine basis
to help support students that are very busy outside the school day and may need a little more time on an
assignment.
Calculator Policy:
Students will not be allowed to use internet connected devices on quizzes or exams. This includes apps on
phones, tablets, and computers. Students may use these devices on labs and homework as appropriate.
Technology Policy:
Students must follow the technology policy as outlined in the Student Handbook. Highlights include that
technology is to be used for educational purposes (this includes no video games or sharing of music) and that
technology cannot be out without permission of the teacher.
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Accommodations and Modifications:
At Life Christian School we recognize that each student is unique and may require different learning strategies in
order to succeed. Students are encouraged to seek help outside of class from the class instructor and or private
tutors. Minor accommodations to the course or the instructional environment may be handled by the course
instructor. Significant changes, including but not limited to, changes in course content and modifications to
course assessments must be approved and documented by the school administration and may result in a
modified credit.

Lab Safety:
Students are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment during labs. This includes closed-toes
shoes on the day of labs and also may include tying long hair back. Students will lose points and will not be
allowed to complete the lab without a completed pre-lab and appropriate personal protective equipment.
Students that do not follow all lab safety rules and pose a hazard, will be immediately sent to the office and will
not receive any credit for the lab and lab report. It is important for all students to practice safe procedures in the
lab.
Units:
Unit 1: Foundations of Bio Unit 3: Cells Unit 5: Evolution Unit 7:
Classification/Diversity
Unit 2: Molecular Bio Unit 4: Genetics Unit 6: Ecology Unit 8: Plants and Animals

Office hours & Contact Information:
Office hours are available after school or by appointment.
The best way to contact me is via e-mail holly.neill@lcslions.org.


Syllabus Sign off

I have read the course syllabus and understand all classroom policies and procedures. I understand that the best
way to contact Mrs. Neill is holly.neill@lcslions.org.


__________________________
Parent/ Guardian Signature

__________________________ Date:___________________
Student Signature

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Science Laboratory Safety Contract
The Science Classroom is full of many fun and exciting opportunities for learning. However, there are
many hazards in the classroom. As such, specific procedures must be followed in the classroom. Failure
to follow these will result in consequences including a failure grade, removal from the lab, expulsion
from the class, expulsion from the school. It is important and vital for all members of the community to
respect these safety rules and to follow them. (These rules are adapted from Flinn Scientific Student
Safety Contract)
Safety Rules:
1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are
not allowed. This will result in a loss of points on the lab or in removal from the class.
2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. Ask questions if you do not understand
instructions.
3. Do not touch any equipment, supplies, animals, or materials without permission from the
teacher.
4. Never eat, drink, chew gum, or taste anything in the science classroom without permission from
the teacher.
5. Keep your hands away from your face, eyes, and mouth, when using science materials. Wash
your hands with soap and water when done with experiments.
6. Wear safety glasses when instructed. Do not remove glasses during the experiment!
7. Keep your work area clean and clean up the lab area prior to leaving the room.
8. Report any accident (fire, spill, breakage, etc) injury (cut, burn, etc) or hazardous condition to
the teacher immediately.
9. Consider all chemicals used in the science room to be dangerous. Do not touch any chemicals
unless told to.
10. Do not open the chemical storage cabinets or remove chemicals from the room without
permission from the teacher.
11. Carry glassware carefully. Never handle broken glass and report all breakage to the teacher.
12. Know where the safety equipment is located and how to use it.
13. Dress properly, all students must wear closed toe shoes in the lab. Long hair must be tied back,
no dangling/loose clothing or jewelry. Students will not be allowed to participate in lab activities
and will lose points on the lab if they are not prepared for the lab.
14. Pre-labs must be completed prior to the lab. Students must complete the safety section for each
lab. Students will not be allowed to participate in lab activities and will lose points on the lab if
they are not prepared for the lab.



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Science Laboratory Safety Contract Sign Off

I, ____________________________________,[ print name] have read and understand each of the
above safety rules set for in this contract. I agree to abide by the safety regulations and any additional
written or verbal instructions provided by the school. I further agree to follow all other written and
verbal instructions given in class. I understand that if I fail to follow any of the rules, I will not be
allowed to participate in science activities, and other consequences may follow.
___________________________________________________ ___________
Student Signature Date

I have read and understand each of the above safety rules set for in this contract and have gone over
them with my student. I understand that if my student does not follow these rules they will not be
allowed to participate and other consequences may follow.
___________________________________________________ ___________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date