Welcome to Biology!

Mrs. Thomas
lmthoma6@asu.edu

This course is sophomore Biology, and we will be spending the year learning about the
science of life! We will look at how different organisms interact with one another, how
they adapt to their surroundings, and how they use energy. The living world is incredibly
diverse, and we will examine just how it became so! Some specific topics we will study
include:

Laboratory procedures/safety Metabolic Processes

Form and function of cells Organisms and their environment
Cellular components Natural Selection/Evolution
Genetics/Heredity

Rules and Expectations

Please arrive to class on time. Unexcused tardies will result in a loss of
participation points.
Please bring all necessary/requested materials to class.
Please be respectful. In addition to myself, this includes your classmates. Be
respectful of personal space, belongings, and opinions.
Cheating on assignments, no matter big or small, will NOT be tolerated. I
promise, you will receive a zero; no exceptions.
Please do not interrupt or speak over your classmates. We will engage in many
discussions surrounding scientific hot topics, and you will be expected to
conduct yourself appropriately.
If we are conducting a laboratory activity, you are expected to follow all laboratory
safety protocol. This is for YOUR safety as well as the safety of your classmates.
If you have a question, PLEASE ASK! I expect you to ask, why? very often!
That is the nature of science!
All other rules and expectations will be aligned with the Code of Conduct.
Materials
One (1) three-ring binder with dividers
College-ruled loose leaf paper
Pens or Pencils (However, I recommend pencils, especially for lab notes)
Any other necessary materials will be assigned with adequate time for
procurement

Grade Scale:

A = 90%-100%
B = 80%-89%
C = 70%-79%
D = 60%-69%
F = 59% and below

Late Assignments

In accordance with the rest of the science department, absolutely no late work will be
accepted. I will always provide an appropriate amount of time to complete assignments,
so please do not make excuses. I am not entirely unreasonable, and I understand that
there are extreme circumstances. Only in these circumstances, and for large
assignments, will I consider partial credit. However, for bell work and other daily
activities, I will not accept anything past the due date. If you were present in class, the
assignment should be completed on time.

Absences

Excused: If the absence is excused, you will have as much time to make up missed
assignments as days you were absent. For example, if you miss three days of school,
you will have three days to make up all missed assignments. However, if any items
were assigned prior to your absence, and you are gone when they are due, then you
will be expected to turn in the assignment on the day you return.

Unexcused: Absolutely no missing assignments due to unexcused absences will be

accepted. Much of our coursework is cumulative in nature, so your presence in class is
very important. Extreme circumstances will be considered, but you will not receive full
credit.

Throughout the course you will receive grades for daily bell work, vocabulary
assignments, group projects, tests, and quizzes. You and your parents/guardians may
check any of them on Canvas, however, please follow the 24/7 rule! This means, after I
post a grade, you cannot discuss it with me for 24 hours. After that, you have 7 days to
approach me with questions or concerns, and then we will move on.
Contact Information

I want you and your parents/guardians to feel free to contact me with any questions or
concerns throughout the year! You are welcome to call me at the school, however, it is
easiest to reach me by email. I will respond as soon as possible, typically within 24
hours.

I am thrilled to be teaching you this year, and I look forward to learning from you, as
well! Heres to a fun and exciting year!

Lauren Thomas Biology Instructor

lmthoma6@asu.edu

Please sign and return this portion no later than July 28, 2017

I have read and understand Mrs. Thomas policies and procedures, and pledge to abide
by them at all times.

Student Name: ________________________________ Date:____________________

Student Signature: _____________________________ Date:____________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________ Date:____________________