Syllabus

I’m in Period: My Google Class Code: My Gizmo Code: ___________________________

WELCOME TO BIOLOGY!

Teacher: Mr. Bledsoe

---2019-20 Course Syllabus---



Course Description

This course will learn about biology and its relationship to other sciences.  We will learn about overarching theories of life using biological evidence, further our understanding of the living things around us, discover the marvels of the human body, and build an evidence-based platform for informed decision-making.



My Contact Information  

Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns.  I will do my best to return communications within a maximum of 24 hours during the work week.  I am available for face-to-face meetings upon request.

ü  Email -  the most efficient way to contact me: lconley@psd267.org

Expectations

You have full control over your success in this class.  Grades will not be altered by parent or student request or due to proximity to the desired grade level.  If you attend class, turn work in on a timely basis, keep your science notebook up to date, and put in effort you will succeed in this course (notebooks provided).

Basic Classroom Mottos ®

v  Respect (yourself, your teacher, your peers)

v  We are a learning community (we succeed together)

v  I will not waste your time outside of class, if you do not waste your time in class

As a member of this learning community, you will be expected to:

Ø  COMMUNICATE & COLLABORATE:  Strive to communicate with me and peers in a timely and proactive manner.  Also be ready and willing to work with your peers…. We are a community of learners!

Ø  KEEP IT REAL:  If you don’t know how the content applies to current issues in our world just ask!  Also be ready to do your own exploration into how these concepts are used in real world applications.  If you are being asked to practice certain skills and don’t understand why…ask!

Ø  ASK QUESTIONS: This class works best when students engage with what’s being taught. One of the best ways to learn about something is by asking and answering questions.

Course Assessment

Students will be evaluated based on their progress throughout the semester. Final grade percentages will be based on the following weight percentages:

Category	Tests 40%		Daily Work 20%	Labs/Activities 40%
Sub-Category	Multiple Choice Tests 30%	Concept Maps 10%	Daily Work 20%	Labs/Activities 20%	Lab Tests 20%
Approximate Frequency	Once per unit (I.e. every 2-3 months)	Once per unit	Daily	Weekly	Monthly
Description	Classic, multiple-choice, bubble-sheet exams	Unit concept map	Daily tasks and assignments.	In-class, hands-on activities	Open-book test over material learned in labs

Letter grades will follow the following percentages:

A    =   ≥ 92.50%               A-   =  90.00-92.49%               B+  =  87.50-89.99                  B   =  82.5-87.99%

B-   =  80.00-82.49%         C+  =  77.50-79.99%               C    =  72.50-79.99%               C-  =  70.00-72.49%

D+  =  67.50-69.99%         D    =  62.50-67.49%               D-   =  60.00-62.49%               F    =  ≤ 59.99%

Classroom Policies

1. Approach for Success:  Minds on - Hands on!  Be ready to try, be ready to make mistakes/be wrong, be ready to learn!

2. Entering the Room →  Be ready to roll as soon as the bell rings (you should begin your entry task right away).

3. Exiting the Room → DO NOT pack up until the bell rings!  You have 5 minute between classes! “The first to pack up is the last to leave”.

4. Cheating ® If caught cheating both parties will be awarded a permanent zero on the assignment and school policy will be enforced.

5. Absences ® The school policy will be strictly enforced.  Please see the student handbook.  If you missed a lab or assignment, it is your responsibility to find out what and how you are going to make it up.  The first place to check is our Google Classroom.  To do well in the class you must attend and plan well for excused absences. If you missed an in-class lab, I will leave the lab supplies out for two weeks, after which I will clean them up. If you do not make up the lab within 2 weeks, you will receive a permanent zero on the lab.

6. Late Assignments ® Due to unexcused absence:  if turned in within a week of returning to class a 15% deduction will be made (*with the exception of long-term projects/research papers).

Due to excused absence: if turned in within a week of returning to class full credit may be earned (*with the exception of major projects/research papers).  

Whether excused or unexcused, after one week, the assignment will be worth a maximum of 50%.

7. Tardy Policy ®  The school tardy policy will be in effect.

8. Bathroom Policy → Use the bathroom when necessary. School policy requires you take a hall pass. There are two and only two hall passes. When both hall passes are in use, no one else may exit the classroom. It is highly recommended you use the restroom between classes.

9. Cell Phones ®  Cell phones must stay in students backpacks while in class.  If they are out without permission the phone will be confiscated and sent to the office where it will be dealt with according to school policy.  I will make it clear when the option is available to use them to facilitate learning in the classroom.  You will be provided 1 warning if found off task under this scenario then the above policy will apply.

10. Food & Drink →  Food and drink are allowed at the classroom tables by permission only.  Since the classroom also serves as a lab there may be days it is unsafe to eat in the classroom.  Food and drink are never allowed at the lab stations.