Mrs.

Felio

Course Summary and Syllabus

(480)123-4567
afelio@schools.com

Introduction:
Biology is the study of life so in this class the students will learn about a
variety of living things and systems. This year long class is designed to set
up a foundation in Biology and the scientific method. All students will learn
to observe and inquire about the world around them. During the laboratory
assignments students will use an array of methods to hypothesize and test
biological concepts. Students will be required to work independently at
times, in pairs, and collaborate in groups throughout this school year in
Biology. The following topics will be explored this year:
Observations
Questions and
Hypotheses
Scientific Testing
Changes in Environments
Evolution
Human Population
Characteristics
The Cell
Heredity
Ecosystems
Materials:
Composition Notebook
Pens and Pencils
Highlighters
School Planner
Grade scale:
A = 90% - 100%
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
F = 59% or below
Students will be assessed in a variety of ways including but not limited to:
Quizzes
Essays
Tests
Research
In class assignments
Homework
Labs and Lab write ups

At any time, students and parents are able to look up grades on the schools
websites by logging in. Please give a week after assignments are turned in
to have the gradebook updates.
Class Expectations and Rules:
Come to class on time.
Put effort into ALL assignments.
Bring materials to every class.
Be kind, respectful and non-judgmental to everyone in the classroom.
All Rules and Policies in the Student Handbook
Lab Safety
There will be a lab safety quiz the first week of school. If you do not pass the
lab safety quiz with a 70% or better, you will not be able to participate in the
labs until you retake and pass the quiz.
Bathroom Usage
Once all of the instruction for the class is given one student at a time will be
able go to the restroom upon request. The students must sign the sign out
sheet and get a pass from the teacher prior to leaving the class.
Behavior Consequences
If there are behavior offences in the classroom that disrupt learning the
consequences will be as followed:
First offence: Student will be asked to stop the behavior
Second offence: Student will be asked to move seats
Third offence: Student will be removed from the classroom
Final offence: Referral to the administrator
All consequences are subject to change based on teachers discretion
Academic Misconduct/Cheating:
Each student is expected to complete his/her own school work. Any student
caught copying homework/classwork, cheating on a test or plagiarizing on
written work will be sent to the administrators. This is a serious offence so
the consequences are very severe and up to the administrator assigned to
the student.
Attendance:
Biology is a difficult class, so it is crucial that students are present as much
as possible. The school has a right to deny credits for the course if more
than 9 absences occur in one semester.
If a student has an Excused absence the student has as many days as the
days they missed to make up assignments. For example, if a student misses
two days then return to school, that student will have two additional days to

turn in all assignments that they missed without consequence. If you are
expecting to miss school due to a school sponsored event, please let me
know before hand so I can help you stay up to date on assignments.
If a student has an Unexcused absence no additional time will be given for
assignments and they will be considered late work for partial credit.
Late Work:

Late work is accepted for partial credit. For every day that the assignment is
late the teacher will take off 10% of the total points possible. The lowest
allotted percentage is 60% for late work. For example, if your paper is two
days late, the highest score you may receive is 80% for the paper. If your
assignment is four or more days late the highest grade you can receive is a
60%. All late assignments must be turned into the teacher one week before
grades post. If you are having issues with any of the assignments,
communicate with me, I want to help you succeed.
Contact Information:
Please contact me with any questions or concerns regarding the content or
policies of the class. Email is preferred way of contact because it is easier for
me to access at all times. I look forward to having a great, successful year
with all of you.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

For your first assignment please read the syllabus, sign and have your
parent/guardian sign the acknowledgement form. The signed form is due to
me for a grade no later than Friday.
I have read and understand the policies and procedures of this class. I also
understand the importance of safety in the science laboratory and know I
must pass a safety quiz before I am allowed to conduct any experiments.
_____________________________________________________
Student Signature
Date

__________________

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Parent Signature