Course Syllabus

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Biology Expectations

Katie Morse

katelyn.morse@ucps.k12.nc.us

Dear Parent/Guardian and Student,

 

As we begin this semester, I want to welcome and familiarize you with this year’s Biology objectives and requirements.  If you have any questions, conferences can be arranged with me. Arrangements can be made by contacting your child’s guidance counselor or by emailing me at katelyn.morse@ucps.k12.nc.us.  I believe it is important to maintain communication with parents/guardians for both positive feedback and feedback on areas of concern. 

 

The following materials are required for Biology.  These should be purchased during the first few days of school.  If this is not possible, please let me know.

    • 5 Subject Spiral Bound Notebook 

 

    • Scotch tape (used daily)

 

    • Colored pencils for lab drawings and projects
    • Expo Markers (used regularly)
    • One Roll of Paper Towels

 

Procedures:

All classroom expectations will be implemented according to the Central Academy Handbook.  This covers a wide range of expectations so you need to be familiar with EACH and EVERY aspect of this handbook.  In general, I will give either a warning or detention on the first offense. Second offense will result in a parent telephone conference.  Third offense will result in an office referral.  

Expectations:  

  1. Be prepared with notebook, pencil, pen and planner each day.
  2. Food and drink are not allowed in class.  Water is allowed if it is in a clear bottle.
  3. Be in your seat and copying the question of the day when the bell rings.
  4. Raise hand for everything.  Choral responses are accepted upon teacher’s request.

Respect the teacher, fellow classmates and school property while following all aspects of the Central Academy Handbook.  This includes keeping your desk and lab area CLEAN!

 

Lesson:

When you arrive in the classroom, you need to be seated and do the following:

  1. take out all class materials
  1. copy your homework into your planner
  1. begin working on your Question of the Day - you may use your textbook, notes and homework, however this is an individual task

 

A typical class period will involve the following:

  1. reviewing pre-classwork 
  1. checking homework and reviewing previous material
  1. completing the lesson for the day (notes, activity, lab, video, quiz, test)
  1. reviewing the lesson and instructions for the assignment



Course Content:

Biology is a state tested subject that requires an End of Course Test upon completion.  This course is also a graduation requirement. Students must pass the class and score a 3, 4, or 5 on the EOC to receive credit. All high school students will be tested on the NC Essential standards for Biology.To see a detailed description of the standards and objectives please access the following link.

NCDPI essential standards.pdf


Tutoring:

Students are expected and encouraged to attend tutoring as necessary to enable their maximum success in class.  I welcome the opportunity to help students on an individual basis. I am available for tutoring before school each morning from 8:15-8:45 and after school by appointment. 

 

Grading: 

Grades will be based on tests, quizzes, homework, class work and lab work.  There is a state mandated End of Course Test in all biology classes. You can prepare for this exam by accurately completing and reviewing assignments regularly. Students will be using CANVAS to submit assignments, however please check PowerSchool to keep up-to-date with your student’s grades.

Test/Major Grades: 45%

Quizzes: 10%

Graded Assignments: 35%

Independent Practice: 10%

 

Notebook:  Your notebook will be a crucial aspect of your course work and grade.  You will be required to keep your papers ALL YEAR! Your notebook will be graded once per grading period (or more) on the following criteria…

  1. All handouts are taped on the proper notebook pages.
  2. All handouts and notes pages are complete.
  3. Each page is numbered with the Unit Title and a Page Number.
  4. There is a working table of contents at the front of the notebook.

 

Class work:  Class work includes lab work, projects and in class assignments.

 

Tests and Quizzes:  Tests will generally cover two to three topics.  Quizzes will be given as needed.

NOTICE:  The notebook will count as MANY TEST GRADES! You will pass the notebook tests by following the above guidelines.

 

Late Work Policy

Students will receive a zero for missing work until the assignment is submitted. Late work will be accepted up to the unit test day for a maximum of a 70. After the unit test, I will not accept work from that unit unless previous arrangements have been made. This does not apply to completion grades. If a student is eligible to make-up an assignment, a “1” will be placed in the gradebook.





Absences and Tardies:

If you are absent, please check CANVAS, and see me in the morning when you get back to school. All handouts will be available in the file at the front of the room. It is up to you to collect what you missed. All notes will be filled in within the class notebook. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to get your make up work within the allowed limit. If you miss a test, be prepared to make-up the assignment on the day you get back. 

 

PLEASE NOTE: All make up work must be completed in accordance with school policy.  Any work that is not completed in the established time frame is late. 

 

All tardies are marked in powerschool, and appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken. The 4th tardy will result in referrals to the office. 

 

Lab Privilege:

In order to retain lab privileges, students must:

  1. follow all instructions and rules on laboratory safety sheets in addition to all verbal instructions from the teacher
  1. dress appropriately based on pre-lab discussion (closed-toe shoes, long pants, etc.)
  1. wear protective eyewear - keeping these on at all times during the activity
  1. refrain from loud talking, running or moving too quickly, throwing items, horseplay and performing unauthorized lab procedures
  1. refrain from eating, drinking and gum-chewing
  1. come to lab prepared with all lab materials - including pre-lab work

 

Students who fail to follow these regulations will be removed from the lab setting and will receive a zero for the activity.  An alternate assignment on the same material will be required.

Biology will consist of many hands-on activities including projects, labs, presentations, discussions and cooperative learning.  We will be applying much of what we learn to “real world” issues. I am very excited about this year and I believe with the help of parents and students, we can have a productive and enjoyable experience.  

 

Sincerely,

 

Katie Morse

Course Summary:

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