SOCIAL JUSTICE SCHOOL
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY
BIOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Biology is the scientific study of all forms of life. The major purpose of this laboratory-based college preparatory course is to provide understanding of the basic biological concepts: the diversity of organisms; the cell; heredity; matter, energy, and organization of living systems; evolution of living systems; the biosphere and interdependence of abiotic and biotic factors. Focus is on active student participation in laboratory investigations and the development of critical-thinking skills.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
- Describe the characteristics and organization of living organisms.
- Identify the sources of genetic variation and explain how the genetic makeup of an individual is determined.
- Describe the basic principles of evolution and natural selection.
- Describe and illustrate how interactions among living and nonliving things in the ecosystem take place.
- Show and explain how the body systems work together to maintain a stable internal environment.
- Provide applied learning opportunities in a laboratory setting.
- Apply biology in everyday life.
TEXTBOOK: BIOLOGY by McDougall Littell
COURSE MATERIALS: Students are expected to have an interactive notebook, ruler, pencil/pen, and paper.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
- Attendance
- Required materials
- Class works, daily assignments, test/quizzes, laboratory activities/reports, projects, group activities, and homework.
COURSE OUTLINE:
I. BIOLOGY A (17 weeks) CALIFORNIA STANDARDS
A. Biology in the 21st Century: 6a, 8a, 8b, IE.1.d, f, g, j, k, m, n
B. Chemistry of Life (Macromolecules): 1b, 1h, 4e, 4f, 5a, IE.1.a, b, c, d
C. Cell Structure and Function: 1a, 1c, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1j, 9d, IE.1.a, k
D. Cells and Energy: 1f, 1g, 6d, IE.1.a, b, c, d
E. Cell Growth and Division: 1a, 1c, 4c, 4d, 5a, IE.1.a, d
F. DNA: 1d, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4f, 5a, 5b, IE.1d
II. BIOLOGY B (18 weeks)
G. Genetics: 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 3a, 3g,7b
H. Evolution: 7a, 7d, 8a, 8d, 8f, IE.1.d, g, k,
I. Ecology: 1f, 6a, 6b, 6d, 6e, 6f, IE.1.b, c, d, g
J. Human Biology: 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 10a-e
STUDENT EVALUATION:
The student’s grade is composed of class works, daily assignments, periodic quizzes, section/chapter assessments, laboratory activities, projects, and homework which is computed as: CLASSWORK = 40%; TEST (quiz & chapter assessments) = 25%; PERFORMANCE (lab activities & projects) = 25%; and HOMEWORK/EXTRA CREDIT = 10%.
The grading scale/rubric is as follows: 90-100% = A; 80-89% = B; 70-79% = C; 60-69% = D; and below 60% = F
RULES/EXPECTATIONS FOR CLASS ACTIVITIES:
- All student works must show the student’s first and last name, period, and date.
- Daily activities are due 5 minutes before the end of the period.
- Student work must be his/her own work. Any students who are caught sharing answers on any individual work will both be given zeroes.
- Late homework for one day will be one grade less; two days, two grade less; and three days, three grade less. Homework will no longer be accepted beyond the 3-day period.
- Students’ participation is expected. Group activities should be done collaboratively by all the group members.
- Students are expected to bring their paper, pencil or pen, and other assigned materials to class every day.
- Students are expected to follow the “Rules for Class Activities”, “Classroom Rules”, and “Laboratory Safety Procedure”.
CLASSROOM NORMS:
Be respectful.
- Pay attention.
- Refrain from talking back.
- Keep electronic devices, food, and make-up kits in your bag.
- Do assigned work.
- Bring all materials always.
- Maintain cleanliness in the classroom (avoid tagging!).
- Interact well with everybody.
- Collaborate with peers.
- Be sensitive to the needs of others.
CONSEQUENCES:
- Verbal Warning (3 times)
- Student-teacher conference
- Call up parents/guardians.
- Office Discipline Referrals (ODR)
Dear Parents/Guardians: (Signature: ______________________ Date: ___________)
Please read and sign this syllabus. If you have any questions or concerns, you are free to come and see me or contact me through the school telephone. I would be happy and willing to be of help.
Thank you.
Ms. Loida B. Fernando-Nartatez