Course Syllabus

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Biology Expectations

Amanda Mims

amanda.mims@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 amanda.mims@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.  

  • A 3 ring binder
  • Pencils and/or Pens

 

In addition, some materials that will be helpful to you throughout the semester:

  • Colored pencils for lab drawings and projects
  • Clorox Wipes
  • Tissues
  • Expo Markers
  • 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, and Chromebook each day.
  2. Be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings.
  3. Raise your hand for everything.  Choral responses are accepted upon teacher’s request.
  4. Cell phones should not be used or visible during instruction.

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 and be prepared to start class

 

A typical class period will involve the following:

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

 

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 from 8:15 - 8:45 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only.

 

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.

Tests: 45%

Graded Assignments: 35%

Independent Practice: 20%

 

Graded Assignments:  Classwork includes lab work, projects and in class assignments.

Tests and Quizzes:  Tests will generally cover one full unit.  Quizzes will be given as needed.

 

Late Work Policy

Students will have until the due dates listed on canvas to complete work.  After the due date, late work will not be accepted. 

 

Absences:

If you are absent, please check CANVAS, and see me in the morning when you get back to school. It is up to you to collect what you missed. All notes and activities completed in class will be posted on canvas.  It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to get your make up work within the allowed time 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 and may not be eligible for credit.


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
  2. dress appropriately based on pre-lab discussion (closed-toe shoes, long pants, etc.)
  3. wear protective eyewear - keeping these on at all times during the activity
  4. refrain from loud talking, running or moving too quickly, throwing items, horseplay and performing unauthorized lab procedures
  5. refrain from eating, drinking and gum-chewing
  6. 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,

Amanda Mims

Course Summary:

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