Keystone Biology

Kory Knaster
Email: kknaster@ccs.us
Phone: (610) 903-1300
Website: http://www.knasterscience.weebly.com/
Remind 101: text @kkeystone to the number 81010

Keystone Biology
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of course is the review the topics in Biology in order to pass the Keystone Exam.
This course will be student driven with a focus on mastering the specific topics in biology and
test taking strategies. It is expected that students take charge of their own learning and work
together with their classmates.
CONTENT OUTLINE:
Unit
1. From Cells to Organisms

2. The Chemical Basis of

Life

3. Cellular Processes

4. Genetics

5. Evolution

6. Ecosystems

Topics

Cell Structure and Function

Organism Structure and Function
Homeostasis
Carbon
Biological Macromolecules
Enzymes
Water
Energy in Cells
Transport and Homeostasis
The Cell Cycle
The Structure and Function of DNA
The Structure and Function of RNA
Mendelian Genetics
Non-Mendelian Patterns of Inheritance
Mutations
Genetic Engineering
Natural Selection
Variations and the Formation of New
Species
Evidence for Biological Evolution
Organization of the Biosphere
Energy Flow in Ecosystems
How Matter Recycles in Ecosystems
Ecosystem Interactions
How Ecosystems Change
Population Dynamics in Ecosystems
How Human Activities Affect Ecosystems

Timeline
August

September

September

October

November

December

Biology Keystone

All curriculum content

2nd week in
January

MATERIALS NEEDED:
Spiral Bound Notebook
Folder
School Supplies (Pencils, Highlighters, etc)
TEXT: Pennsylvania Keystone Coach: Biology
A personal copy of this text will be provided to each student
GRADING:
Classwork assignments 50%
Tests/ Quizzes 50%
LATE POLICY:
1. Students can turn in assignments any day before the end of the quarter for full points.
2. If a student misses class for any reason it is their responsibility to make up the work. If
notes or homework were given, the student should contact a friend in class for notes or
assignments.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
Be Ready
Be in Class on Time
Be Prepared for class with your science notebook and a writing utensil
Be Responsible
Complete assignments on time
Follow classroom procedures
Keep an organized notebook
Be Respectful
Keep your cell phone away during class time
Remain in your seat unless told otherwise
Do not talk while others are talking
Remember a classroom is for all of US not just U
Classroom Procedures
Entering the classroom
1. Go to your assigned seat.
2. Sharpen your pencil or get make-up work
if necessary.
3. Place any new papers into your notebook
4. Complete the Do Now.

1.

Getting Your Attention

If you hear me say May I have your
attention please you need to do that
following things.
Sit up
Listen
Ask and answer questions
Nod your head
Track the speaker

When you are late to class

1. Knock once and wait for me to answer it.
2. Enter the class quietly.
3. Take your seat and begin class.
4. Each late will be a minor offense
When you are not prepared for class
1. Get a pencil or pen from a friend before
starting your warm-up.
2. If you need a pencil from me, ask and I
will provide you with one.

1.

2.

3.

1.
2.

3.

4.

5.

1.
2.

3.

Leaving the Classroom

To request permission to go to the
bathroom, raise your bathroom pass in
the air and wait for me to respond. Do
not call out.
If you must leave for any other
situation, raise your hand and ask and I
will give you the appropriate pass.
Only 1 student at a time leaves to go to
the bathroom.
When you are absent
Ask me in the beginning of the period
for the work you missed.
If there are any handouts from the day
you were absent, they will be in the
make-up work bin.
You may turn in make-up work at any
time. Place make-up work in the
appropriate bin.
If you need help with handouts or notes
from the day you were absent, ask a
neighbor before asking me.
Missed labs may be made up by doing the
makeup assignment.
Cell Phone
Cell phones are monitored using a red
zone/green zone sign.
A red zone means that cell phones are
not being used in school, so they should
be out of site.
A green zone means you are allowed to
use your cell phone for school
appropriate uses.

1.

2.

1.
2.

1.

2.
3.
4.
1.
2.

3.

4.
5.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Getting out of your Seat

Students are expected to remain in
their seats during instructional time
(when I am speaking)
If you must get up, raise your hand and
ask permission.
Sharpening pencils
Sharpen your pencil before class starts.
During class, please hold up your pencil
quietly as a signal for permission. When
I shake my head yes, you may go sharpen
your pencil.
Heading and Passing in Papers
Always include on your papers the
following information:
First and last name
Period #
When collecting papers, all papers can be
passed on the side of the table.
Papers may be turned into the
appropriate to be graded bin.
NO NAME, NO GRADE
Working in a group
Each member of your group will have a
different job to do.
If you have a question, please try to ask
your group before me. If you still have
a question, only one person has to raise
their hand.
Use inside voices at all times. No yelling
or screaming. No taking to students
outside your group!
Be respectful of others.
When your group is finished, the
Material Manager must clean up and
return all materials.
End of the Period
Do not pack up until I tell you to.
Remain in your seat until I dismiss you.
All materials and folders must be put
away to be dismissed
When I dismiss, push your chair in.
Calmly exit the room.
If you need to speak to me for any
reason, please see me at this time.

CHEATING
Cheating will not be tolerated. If a student is suspected of cheating, the assignment will result
in a zero and disciplinary action will result. This applies to copying another students work or
plagiarism.
ADDITIONAL HELP
Additional help will be provided to all students who need it. Any student needing extra help can
contact me to figure out a time we can meet. I am available before school, after school, during
lunch or during planning periods. Please do not hesitate to ask for help.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me.
I HOPE TO HAVE A GREAT YEAR