Course+Standards+genbio

General Biology 2010-2011 maryann.postans@hanovernorwichschools.org 603-643-3431 (X 2705) Website: http://postansbio.wikispaces.com

I. INTRODUCTION: Welcome to General Biology! This course is designed for the student who wants to learn Biology in a more hands-on setting with emphasis on developing organization and reading skills. A major goal is to develop an appreciation and wonder for the complexity of the world of living things.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES: 1. To align course with HHS’s mission statement. 2. To teach the basic principles of Biology so that student can understand real world situations. 3. To help students practice skills such as writing, public speaking, problem solving, and processing information. 4. To achieve core competencies (see below)

III. CORE COMPETENCIES 1. Students will practice the scientific method by developing a hypothesis, designing an experiment, predicting the outcome, and analyzing the results using graphs and data analysis techniques. 2. Students will demonstrate the ability to use appropriate technology including microscopes, pipettes, and computers. 3. Students will analyze the relationship of structure and function with organic molecules, cells, organ systems and organisms. 4. Students will evaluate different strategies that organisms use to access energy. 5. Students will explain how matter cycles in an environment. 6. Students will explore the relationship of organisms and their environment. 7. Students will examine human impacts on different biological systems. 8. Students will demonstrate how the structure of the DNA molecule is essential for the continuity of life. 9. Students will compare and contrast different strategies used by organisms to ensure species survival. 10. Students will describe how gene pools change in response to mutations and environmental factors. 11. Students will use the modern classification system to demonstrate the relationships between organisms.

IV. CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: Set goals every quarter and do your best to accomplish them. Be on time which means seated and ready to go at the designated starting time. Bring note from teacher if tardy due to class or for any valid reason. M-F W 3. Complete homework or classwork so that you can participate fully. 4. Complete 50 points or 5 hours of independent learning Q1 and Q2 (See Handout) 5. Bring to class YES EVERY DAY: pen/pencil, 3 ring binder (2”) with paper and graded papers organized for easy access. 6. Listen during teacher directions and raise hands for clarification. 7. Let teacher know about expected absences (fill out clipboard). 8. No food or drink at lab benches 9. Please let teacher know when you leave class for any reason. 10. Please keep cel phones in your back pack or bag. No cell phone use allowed during class. V. CLASS PARTICIPATION: A 40 point participation grade is given at the end of every quarter. This grade evaluates 3 things: Attendance. Students are in class and on time unless properly excused by teacher or administration. (-1 per unexcused tardy and -5 per cut) Assignment completion. All assignments have been completed. (-3 per ungraded assignment) Behavior. Student participates verbally in class. Students works well with others and is respectful of class format.

VI. USE OF X PERIODS: General Biology does not have a formal X period

VII. MAJOR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS AND TENTATIVE DUE DATES: 1 Group Research Project per quarter (TBA) and one open-ended lab per semester.

VIII. GRADING INFORMATION: 1. A = 93-100, A- = 90-92, B+ = 87-89, B= 83-86, etc. Grades are rounded off at end of quarter. 2. Final Grade= Average of Semester 1 (20%Q1 + 20%Q2 + 10%Midterm) + Semester 2 (20%Q3 + 20%Q4 + 10%Final) 3. Please check grade portal every week. Let me know asap if there is a problem. At the end of every quarter you will be given a handout of all your grades.

IX. GENERAL HOMEWORK GUIDELINES: There are 2 types of assignments: Graded and check assignments. Grades involves point values for all or select problems and a # value will be given. Check involves letter grades for effort. (+= exemplary; - = unsatisfactory) Lateness/Deductions on assignments   10%/day before teacher completes grading assignment Note: For excused absences you have extensions which = missed days (ex. 3 days sick = 3 days to make up) General- 8.5 X 11 Paper, black/blue pen, Neat, Name/Date/Class, Name of Assignment, Always Explain Answer/Show work, Complete thought/sentence, in your own words (no plagiarism), Check Assignment Board

X. PLAGARISM (see website info http://postansbio.wikispaces.com) Copying someones’s data without giving credit, Copying answers from homework or labs, Cutting and pasting info from website and handing in as your own work. Sign Name_______________________________________________Date______________