Putnam County High School

Biology Syllabus
2014-2015
Instructors Name: Mr. Craig Barron
PCHS E-Mail: craig_barron@putnam.k12.ga.us
Phone Number: 706-485-9971 ext. 1105
Room Number: 409
(Biology 26.0120000)
Science consists of a way of thinking and investigating, and includes a growing body of knowledge
about the natural world. To become literate in science, therefore, students need to acquire understandings
of both the characteristics of science and its content. The Biology curriculum is designed to continue
student investigations of the life sciences that began in grades K-8 and provide students the necessary
skills to be proficient in biology. This curriculum includes more abstract concepts such as the
interdependence of organisms, the relationship of matter, energy, and organization in living systems, the
behavior of organisms, and biological evolution. Students investigate biological concepts through
experience in laboratories and fieldwork using the processes of inquiry.
COURSE DESCRIPTION

Major concepts and Skills

Classification to the Six Kingdom level
Matter-Energy Relationships Cellular Function and Structure
DNA/RNA
Homeostasis
Plant/Animal Characteristics
Genes and Successive Generations
Heredity
Ecosystems
Biological Evolution
Characteristics of Science
Records investigations clearly and accurately

Uses scientific tools

Interprets graphs, tables, and charts
Writes clearly
Uses proper units
Organizes data into graphs, tables, and charts
Analyzes scientific data via calculations and inference
Uses models
Asks quality questions
Uses technology
Uses safety techniques
Recognizes the importance of explaining data with precision
and accuracy

**For more information:

https://www.georgiastandards.org/standards/Georgia%20Performance%20Standards/BiologyCurriculum-revised-06.pdf
Materials and Supplies

2 3-Ring Binder
Paper

Pens (Blue or Black Ink) and Pencils

Index cards

Grade Determination

Grading Scale:

The following grade equivalences are used

for all classes school wide:
90 - 100 equals A
80 - 89 equals B
70 - 79 equals C
Below 70 equals F

Gradable Content:

The following grading distribution is utilized

throughout all classes in the science department:

Classwork = 10%
Homework = 5%
Labs = 20%
Quizzes = 15%
Tests = 50%

35% of Class
Grade
65% of Class
Grade

End of Course Assessment:

An End-of-Course Assessment called the Milestone will also be given for this course. Students are expected to do their
best on the statewide assessment. A final exam will also be administered at the end of the course and will count for
20% of the total grade.

Class Grade (80%) + Final Exam (20%) = Final Course Grade (100%)

On-going Assignments:

Class Notebook Each student will keep a notebook throughout the semester. Your notebook should be
organized and up-to-date with assignments and notes given in class. The notebook will be used to document
mastery of the Biology standards, as a study guide for the Milestone assessment and final exam, as well as
evidence for grading accuracy.
Assessments (Tests and Quizzes) A formal assessment (test) will be given at the end of each unit of study.
Quizzes will be dispersed throughout each unit of study and will vary in format as well as what content they
are assessing. Quizzes will determine students mastery of knowledge based upon classroom learning as well
as information found in assigned readings.

Tentative Course Schedule

Unit
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Topic

Standard

Scientific Method & Ecology

Co-Requisite Content,
Chemistry of Life &
Macromolecules
Cell Structure and Function
Cellular Energy
Cell Division
The Central Dogma of
Biology

SB 4a-f
SB1b-c

Chapters
2, 3, 4 & 5
6

Timeline
3 weeks
2 Weeks

SB1a&d
SB3a
SB2a-e
SB2a-e

7
6.2 & 8
9 &10.1
12

1 Week
1 Week
1 Week
1 Week

SB2a-f

10.2, 11 &13

2 Weeks

SB5a-e
SB3b-d

14, 15, & 16

17 & 18

1 Weeks
2 Weeks

Genetics, Heredity &

Biotechnology
Evolution
Biological Classification &
Viruses

Final Exam- May 2015 (Specific Date TBA)

Tutorial

Instructional focus (IF) periods are integrated each week into the regular school day in order to offer students
extra remediation opportunities. The science department also offers after-school tutorial every Wednesday from
3:00pm-4:00pm. Additional tutorials will occasionally be held throughout the semester, and they can also be
scheduled by request via the student, or parent/guardian.
Stay Connected

There are numerous ways for students and parents/guardians to stay in touch about their grades and what is
occurring in the class. Using the main school website, parents/guardians may log on to the parent portal to stay
current on student progress. Of course sending an email using the address provided on the syllabus is an excellent
way to stay in contact with the teacher, which will be answered promptly. I have developed a webpage site using
weebly.com that may be used to find a weekly schedule throughout the semester and assignments submitted to the
grade book. The webpage is found at mrbarronscienceclass.weebly.com
www.remind101.com - This is text-messaging service that functions through the internet. Reminders, announcements
and messages can be sent straight to students and/or parents/guardians. Information on how to sign up for this
service for your particular course is available on the main school site

2
Biology 2013-2014

3
Biology 2013-2014