Welcome To Biology

Mrs. Hatlestad
hatlestadl@billingsschools.org
School phone-281-5487
Course Content and Skills Taught: Biology is a required year long
course that studies living things. Students will have the opportunity to
use scientific processes, inquiry, research, analysis and critical thinking
skills to discover Biology. Students will study various biological
concepts such as cell structure and function, energy pathways and
properties of chemicals. This will also include units on genetics, cells,
biotechnology, taxonomy, ecology, evolution and diversity of the
kingdoms. Students will be expected to participate in activities, labs,
note taking, reading, journal writing, various projects, as well as
assignments and assessments. Students will continue to improve their
reading, writing and speaking skills using scientific processes and
terminology. Students will also discuss contemporary issues. These
current biological and ecological issues will be interwoven throughout
the year.
First Semester
Introduction Characteristics of life
Unifying Themes and Principles
Genetics - DNA to RNA to Protein, heredity, variation and disorders
***Cells structures, functions, energy and reproduction
Introduction to Taxonomy and Ecology The big Picture
**Biotechnology and Evolution are interwoven
Second Semester
Ecology- Ecosystems and population dynamics
Evolution Natural selection
Taxonomy- Biodiversity Domains and Kingdoms - form and function
may include dissections
**Biotechnology interwoven
Reading, Writing and Speaking as a school wide goal: Billings Senior is
committed to improving the scientific literacy of all students. Students
will be expected to read in class. Students will read, discuss and answer
questions. Students will read sections in the Biology Book and current
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science articles from magazines and journals. Students will also read
from various science-related books. Students will be expected to write
summaries and papers. Collaboration is an important part of science.
Students will be expected to communicate with one another.
Grading System-Grades are determined by a total number of points
accumulated at the end of the grading period. Assessments are 60% of
the grade. This includes tests and quizzes as well as some assignments.
Labs, activities, daily assignments, projects and a Binder check will be
40% of the grade. The grade is continuous throughout the semester.
***Tests and quizzes will be given periodically and will include a test for
each unit as well as a semester test.
******A vocabulary roots quiz will be given once a week, usually on a
Friday. This quiz may include content from the week.
Extra credit may be offered at times. Extra credit will not exceed 2%
of final grade and will be added at the end of the semester.
***I encourage students to keep all work (even that which is handed
back) until the end of the year. This will be part of the Binder Grade.
Grading Scale
90- 100=A
80-89=B
70-79=C
60-69=D
59 and below =F
***Students and Parents will sign a lab safety contract to be returned
within one week of the start of school. Failure to follow lab safety
procedures may result in earning no credit for the lab and further
consequences may follow, depending on the infraction.
Make up Work and Late Work- Students are responsible for being
aware of DUE DATES
**If we correct an assignment in class, the grade is given for whatever is
complete and correct at that time. If the work is not corrected in class, it
may be turned in the next day for no more than
If Absent - Always check the front board to see what was missed. Two
days will be given for each day absent for daily work and one week for
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tests. If a roots quiz is missed the makeup days will be Tuesday and
Wednesday at lunch. Students will have one week to make up a lab.
Some labs are time sensitive so an alternate assignment may be given.
Sometimes the data will be given for the missed lab and the student is
expected to do the conclusion questions. Make up labs, tests and
quizzes should be scheduled with me. Again, Students will have one
week to make up a quiz (even roots quizzes!) or a test.
***Assignments will not earn a grade if the absence is unexcused.
Students will be expected to complete some work outside of class.
I encourage students to visit classzone.com to use the textbook and
various interactive reviews.
Classroom Expectations: Observe the three Rs: Be Ready, Respectful
and Responsible
Be Prepared: Bring materials to class EVERDAY! Be prepared to
participate EVERYDAY!
Essentials for this class***Textbook, Three Ring Binder with dividers, paper, pen or pencil
Binder will be divided into 5 sections
!. Bell Work/Data Analysis/Journal Writing
2. Vocabulary /Roots
3. Notes /Handouts
4. Labs and Activities/ Hand outs
5. Work in Progress /Hand outs and Papers Handed Back
1. Be Responsible-Check the board everyday to see what is due and
make sure the work to be corrected is in class.
2. Participate fully in class Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere may be
called on to respond! Do not Say I Dont Know! Ask for help
or Attempt a response! No one is Perfect and we all make
mistakes!
3. Be Honest-do your own work- Cheating is a Crime! Anyone
caught cheating will be given a zero and turned into the dean.
Parent/guardian will be notified. No cell phones out on a quiz or
test day this will be looked at as cheating!

4. Respect others rights and personal property-This includes put

downs, threats, profanity and violence.
5. Respect and care for school property-clean up!
6. Use the bathroom, get drinks etc. before class. You may only
leave if it is an EMERGENCY!
7. Students may have drinks in a closed container. No food allowed.
8. Stay in your seat until the bell rings.
9. Be nice to classroom animals and always ask permission to hold.
10.Respect others when they are talking by being quiet and listening.
11.Cell phone use and personal listening devices are not allowed
during class unless it is being used for science and the student has
permission.
Disciplinary Consequences: could involve any of the following
A. Warning
B. Removal from classroom and parental contact possible
C. Conference with student and parental contact
D. Referred to Dean
***More severe offences will result in more severe consequences.
KEEP THIS IN THE FRONT Of YOUR BINDER WITH YOUR
LAB SAFETY CONTRACT