Biology

Mr. Medley

2011-2012

Biology is the study of life in its many forms. In this introductory class for 9th graders we will undertake this study in 5 units. The first is on populations and ecosystems. In this unit we will look at large scale phenomena, including what affects population sizes and what are the many interconnections among species in a community. The second unit will focus on viruses and bacteria. In this unit we will study cells, the spread of diseases and begin to consider the wide range of living species on earth. The third and fourth units are on genetics and evolution respectively. We will go from the small to the large here from how DNA codes for characteristics and how genes are passed through generations to how life has spread over the earth in its myriad forms. The final unit is on energy flow through living systems. In this unit we will consider photosynthesis, respiration and how we gain and store energy in our body, but also fossil fuels and our societys energy habits. Biology, like all science, is a way of thinking, and we will focus on what distinguishes that way of thinking throughout the year. We will generate and use data to test hypotheses. We will develop and test models. We will look for evidence constantly, and we will struggle with just how strong of conclusions our data will support. Supplies: Students should bring a three ring binder and pencil to class every day. They may largely leave their text book at home for studying and homework. Work and Grades Quizzes and Tests: Every other week on Friday we will have a 10-15 minute quiz. This gives students and me a chance to find out if theyre keeping up. They will get a chance to redo this quiz the following week. There will be major tests at the end of each of the five units and finals at the end of each semester. It will also be possible to redo these. The quizzes and tests will have two parts. Everyone must do the C-level parts. Those students wanting As and Bs must do the A-level parts also. Daily Work and Notebooks Students will turn in their three ring binders every other week on Friday. In it they will keep their handouts and the work they do in class. Each class will start with a warm up for which you will get a stamp. These stamps count in your notebook grade too. Labs, Projects and Homework Each unit will have a certain set of lab write-ups, projects and homework packets. At the beginning of each unit I will tell you which you have to do to get an A, a B or a C. As a general rule, all students will

have to do the labs and projects we start in class, but only the students trying to get As and Bs will have much homework. Units will typically be about 7 weeks. To get an A, you should expect to complete about 7 lab write-ups, projects and homework packets at an A level. To get a B it will typically be 5 at a B level on average, and to get a C it will typically be about 3 at a C level. These assignments will have scoring criteria on them One project per unit can count as extra credit to help make up for a poor quiz or notebook. Grading This system is a little bit of an experiment, and I reserve the right to go to a more traditional points system if it doesnt work. A Score 100% on all C level tests and quizzes Score at least 80% average on the A level parts of tests and quizzes (Extra quality can compensate for some lost points on the C level tests.) Complete notebooks at 90% or better. Complete A level projects, lab reports and homework packets. Participate in class fully and productively Score at least 90% average on all C level tests and quizzes Score at least 50% average on the A level parts of tests and quizzes Complete notebooks at 80% or better. Complete B level projects, lab reports and homework packets. Participate in class consistently and productively Score at least 80% average on all C level tests and quizzes Complete notebooks at 70% or better. Complete C level projects, lab reports and homework packets. Participate in class consistently with few exceptions Score at least 70% average on all C level tests and quizzes Complete notebooks at 60% or better. Complete C level projects, lab reports and homework packets, but with insufficient quality. Participate in class regularly Score less than 70% average on C level tests and quizzes Complete notebooks at less than 60%. Do not complete C level projects, lab reports and homework packets. Participate in class haphazardly or disruptively.

A few extra notes Work is expected to be completed on time. A letter grade will be taken from work that is one day late. No work will be accepted more than one day late. The exception to these rules comes from excused

absences. Students will be allowed an extra day to complete work for each day absent. Additional time allowed with teacher arrangement. For purposes of computing averages, one test is worth 4 quizzes.

Behavior Expectations Students are expected to come to class on time and ready to learn. All school rules are enforced in class, notably the no hats policy and the no electronics policy. Cell phones should be muted and put away. Students must respect each others right to learn. Intimidation, put downs, disruptions and disrespect will not be tolerated Consequences for misbehavior will escalate from warnings, time outs, detentions after school and eventually referrals to the administration. I try to phone home when I see poor behaviors that arent improving or are affecting learning.

How families can best support their students. The first page in the students notebooks will list the work that they are doing during each two week period and the goals for those weeks. Thursday nights before the quiz are a good time to check with students to make sure their notebooks are complete and that they are confident about the material that will be on the quiz. On the following Tuesday they should be able to show you their notebook and quiz or test scores. Encourage them to retake the quiz or test if they did not do well. I regularly update my blog at http://biologyghs.blogspot.com/ Feel free to contact me at emedley@pps.net.