Mr. Hoover Email: hoover@themetroschool.

org
Office hours: Thursday 2:45 4:00 pm

Cell: (210) 328-0352

What is Biology?
Biology is the science dedicated to the study of all living things and their
processes. This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop
scientific process skills, laboratory techniques, and an understanding of the
fundamental principles of living organisms. We will begin with microbiology
the cell, photosynthesis and respiration. Genetics will bridge the connection
to our macroscopic study of evolution and ecology.
What Materials do I Need to Bring with me to Class?
3-ring binder (1)
Dividers (~ 8-10 tabs)
Notebook paper (loose leaf)
#2 pencils and black/blue pens

Earbuds

What can I find Important Course Information?

BlueQuill URL: https://www.bqlearn.com/metro
PowerSchool: https://ps.themetroschool.org
All class documents will be kept on BlueQuill; all grades will be kept on
PowerSchool.

Tentative Schedule

In School
M
Jan 4

1.
2.

Th
Jan 7

1.

Virtual
Syllabus, Pretest
Characteristics of Life (Lab)

Tu
Jan 5

1.
2.
3.

Biochem 1 Atoms & Ions,

Biochem 2. Water & Acids
Biochem 3 Macromolecules

Biochem 3 Macromolecules
(Lab)
2.
Plasma Membrane

Fri
Jan 8

1.
2.
3.

Cell Organelles
Cells Mitosis
Cell Project

M
Jan
11

1.
2.

Tue
12

1.
2.

Photosynthesis Overview
Photosynthesis Light Reactions

Th
Jan
14

1.
2.

Plant (Lab)
Photosynthesis Dark
Reactions

Fri
Jan 15

1.
2.

Photosynthesis Review
Aerobic Respiration

No School
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tu
Jan 19

1.
2.

Aerobic Respiration
Anaerobic Respiration

M
Jan
18

Cells (Lab) & Cells Review

Biochem & Cells Test

Th
Jan
21

1.

Anaerobic Respiration (Lab)

& Review
2.
Photosynthesis &
Respiration Test

Fri
Jan 22

1.
2.

Mendelian Genetics
Meiosis

M
Jan
25

1.

Mendelian Genetics,
Meiosis
2.
Replication (Lab)

Tue
Jan 26

1.
2.

Transcription
Translation

Th
Jan
28

1.

Darwin & Evolution

Misconceptions.
2.
Evolution

Fri
Jan 29

1.

Genetics & Evolution Recap

M
Feb 1

1.
2.

Tue
Feb 2

1.
2.

Biotic & Abiotic Factors & Biomes

Pyramids & Relationships

Th
Feb 4

1.
2.

Genetics & Evolution Test

Ecology - Organization &
Eco Succession
Review
Final

Fri
Feb 5

How do I earn Mastery in this class?

Quizzes, selected labs/activities and unit tests will all count towards mastery.
If you do not master labs or projects the first time, you will need to submit
corrections as remediation until mastery is obtained. Quizzes and tests that
are not mastered will be remediated through the final. All students are
required to attain mastery on the cumulative final, which is the ACT Quality
Core Exam for Biology.

What do I do if I am absent?
Should you miss school for any reason, it is your responsibility to find out
what you missed and to turn in any work that was due while you were out. If
you are absent on the day of a quiz or exam, you must make an appointment
with me to make it up as soon as possible (during office hours is the best
opportunity so that you do not miss out on any future work). I highly
recommend checking BlueQuill daily, especially if you are absent from class
for any reason.

How can I succeed in this class?

J-Term is fast paced and will
require you to take on more
responsibility for your learning
than is already the case during
regular semesters. My advice
is: stay focused and stay on
top of the work. I will pass
out a list of content standards
we are covering for the unit
tests. Make sure you
understand the material as
we cover it. Solidify your
understanding by completing the homework and putting in adequate
review time to prepare for tests. Dont be afraid to ask questions and
make mistakes as new content is introduced. See me outside of class if
you need extra help.

Policies & Expectations

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as taking and presenting as ones own a material portion of
the ideas or words of another or to present as ones own an idea or work derived
from an existing source without full and proper credit to the source of the ideas,
words, or works (Administrative policy regarding student cheating and plagiarism
from Kent State University, June 2007). Give credit where it is due! As defined,
plagiarize includes, but is not limited to: (a) The copying of words, sentences and
paragraphs directly from the work of another without proper credit; (b) The copying
of illustrations, figures, photographs, drawings, models, or other visual and
nonverbal materials, including recordings, of another without proper credit; and (c)
The presentation of work prepared by another in final or draft form as one's own
without citing the source, such as the use of purchased research papers.
At Metro, we define academic integrity through the demonstration of the Cardinal
Qualities of HONOR, COURAGE, and RESPONSIBILITY. To live above the line in terms
of academic integrity, these three virtues need to be part of our daily behavior. No
credit will be awarded for plagiarized work. Consequences will be at Mr. Hoovers
discretion, though the administrative team may also become involved.
Safety
During the days we are engaged in a lab activity, it is extremely important that
everyone follows the safety procedures given at the beginning of class.
Furthermore, during lab days, food and drink will not be permitted in proximity to
the lab. Anyone who chooses to not abide by the rules of the lab will be asked to
leave. Our goal is to ensure that everyone is able to learn in a safe environment.
Computer Usage
Class Computers are tools that are often utilized while in biology class; it is up to
you to ensure that you are using your computer responsibly (i.e. avoid social
networking sites, Skype, playing games, etc.). Being able to use your computer
while in class is a privilege. Should you choose to abuse this privilege, Mr. Hoover
reserves the right to perform any of the following actions, including, but not limited
to: 1. Prohibit the use of your computer while in class. 2. Take your computer for the
duration of the day. (If you need your computer for another class, I need signed note
from your teacher.) 3. Confiscate your computer, which will be given to the tech
team or an administrator.
Dress Code
Dress to impress! ALL Metro dress code requirements are in effect the moment you
step into my classroom (and Metro, of course). Should you choose not to follow the
dress code, myself or the administration team will decide the consequences.