Biology Syllabus-Fall 2016
	E-mail address:  ashley.runquist@knoxschools.org	
Room number:  380
COURSE OUTCOME:
•	Course Description: The goal of Biology is to develop an understanding of the diversity and unity of living things.  Concepts covered include current and emerging technologies as well as interactions of organisms with their environment, chemical structure of organisms, transfer of energy in organisms, cell structure and function, continuity and change in living things, and diversity of living things.  Evidence of biological evolution is also included along with preparation for the state AYP/EOC.
•	Standards: Curriculum standards can be viewed at http://science.knoxschools.org/modules/locker/files/group_files.phtml?gid=498766&parent=3928834&sessionid=b79dc63ee171fe5f9758c2572935c364 then click on Biology I.  Also, they are posted in the classroom.
INSTRUCTION:
•	Topics: 
I. Chemistry of Life
Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic acids, Periodic table basics, and Enzymes
II. Cell Biology
Parts of a cell, Types of cells, Cell theory, Mitosis, Meiosis, Light-dependent and light-independent reactions of photosynthesis, and Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
III. Genetics
Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, Multiple alleles, Polygenic traits, DNA replication, Protein synthesis, Mutations, DNA fingerprinting, and Human heredity
IV: Ecology
Biomes, Food chains and food webs, Symbiotic relationships, Human population ecology, Water cycle, Carbon cycle, and Nitrogen cycle
V. Biodiversity & Change
Kingdoms, Dichotomous keys, Fossil record, Natural selection, and Comparative anatomy
•	General Pacing:  Knox County has a pacing guide for this course.  It will be posted in the classroom and is available for you upon your request.

•	Materials Needed:  3 subject spiral notebook with plastic cover
•	Fees: There is a $15 fee for this class.  It includes dissection specimens, lab chemicals, food (for models), and paper products.
•	Resources
o	Textbooks: 
o	Johnson, George B., & Raven, Peter H.  (2001). Biology. Austin:  Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
o	Compliance with Instructional Materials Policy & Procedure IFAB:
o	School-based:  United streaming video clips, , The “Planet Earth” video series, The PBS “Evolution” series, and a biome video series, are some videos that may be viewed in class.  Any videos to be shown not included above that are not already pre-approved for view by the Knox County Science department will have a permission note sent home about them prior to their being shown.
o	Outside:  film clips (ratings), novels, speakers, etc.: We might have guest speakers from the Knoxville Zoo and IJAMS Nature Center.  “GATTACA” Video:  Columbia Pictures (PG-13).  Various dissecting videos, cell function, and clips on biodiversity will also be viewed throughout the semester.
If you do not approve of a specific resource listed in this syllabus, please make your request to me in writing and an alternative assignment and/or materials will be provided. The request should include your name, the child's name, the specific activity/materials in which you do not want your child to participate or to which you do not want them exposed, and the nature of your objection.
•	Safety Procedures:  A lab safety agreement will be discussed and must be signed by the student and parent/guardian before the student will be able to do labs.
ASSESSMENT:
•	Expectations/Skills/Competencies:
This course is utilized for the benefit of preparing the student for graduation.  Students are expected to complete assignments and keep track of their performance.  Assignments are important to student learning and show be completed.  Writing assignments will be vast and differentiated depending on the assignment. 
•	Grading Policy/Rubrics:        A  93-100		B  85-92	C  75-84	D  70-74	F  0-69

•	Explanation of Assignments & Projects – Grades will be determined based on the following point system.  

o	Tests=100-150 points 
o	Quizzes=20-30 points
o	Labs=20-100 points
o	Projects=100-300 points 
o	notebook=200 points
o	Journal=5 points
o	Worksheets & Activities: 20-80 points
o	Article Summaries=25 points
o	Current Events=20 points
**The Average of these grades equal 75% of your final grade.  The End-of-Course (EOC) = 25% of your final grade.  
Homework:  Work not completed during class time will be homework.  We will work on current events in class.
CURRENT EVENTS:  The current event write-up must be turned in with at least two paragraphs 1 full page in length written by you.  The first (1/2 page) is a summary of the article in your own words and the second (1/2 page) is your opinion on the article.  (Example:  How does the article affect you personally?  Do you agree or disagree?  Why or why not?  How does the article make you feel?).
Literacy is a school-wide goal this year.  Therefore, we will be reading current event science articles, short answer and essay questions on tests, reading aloud, and having reading discussions.
The EOC is a statewide exam and the date it will be administered will be discussed in class.  Remember that this will count 25% of your final class average.
Explanation of Notebook: Students will need to have a 3 subject spiral notebook with a plastic cover.  This notebook will serve as a folder, include lab reports, 

Make-Up Work Policy: All make-up work is the responsibility of the student.  If the student is absent it is his/her responsibility to check to see what he/she missed.  Make-up tests and quizzes should be taken care of before or after school.  A student has one week upon return to class from the missed test/quiz or assignment to make it up before the grade becomes a zero.  Specific details will be discussed in class.
Re-do Policy: The re-do policy applies to attempted work, not to be confused with missing work.  If a student feels the need to re-do an assignment he/she will have the opportunity.  A re-done assignment will have a maximum value of 90%.  Before being allowed to re-do an assignment the student must first have tutoring of some type, this will be at teacher discretion.  The assignment may not be exactly like the original assignment and must be done outside of regular class time (such as during one hour lunch, before school, or after school).  There are a few exclusions to this re-do policy, such as:  EOCs, labs, or any other assignment specified by the teacher. Students can only do one re-do for any assignments including but not limited to tests, quizzes, homework, notebook, article summaries, and other assignments. Students cannot re-do labs. 
In compliance with our CHS Re-do Policy, students will not have the opportunity to re-take the EOC.

December Dash
A student must have an average of 65-69.4 and have passed the EOC to be eligible for Blitz.  
•	Students who are eligible for BLITZ must complete an application to participate in the BLITZ program.

SEATING:  Seating charts will be made so sit in your assigned seat only.  
HEADINGS:  A heading shall be placed on every assignment.  Use the following:  NAME, DATE, TITLE, & PERIOD above the top line.  
Portal Post Policy – Teacher Commitment to Post Grades to Portal at least once per week.
For Example:	 
In order to give timely feedback, I will update grades at least once per week.  

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:
•	Students:
•	Attendance Policy:  Students are expected to attend class every day.  If a student is absent, a packet of work will be ready for each student.  This packet can be found in the classroom.  Make up work must be complete and handed back in one week, or the grade will become a zero.  It is very important not to be absent for Labs.  Most labs cannot be made up because of the nature of the experiment or material availability.  
•	Classroom Policy/Procedures: 
1.	Be on time! Be in the classroom.
2.	Don’t disturb other students who are trying to learn.  Talking during instruction should not occur.  Be respectful.
3.	Do not mark on any furniture, lab equipment, or other items in the classroom.  If you mark on them you will get to clean them!
4.	Follow all lab safety rules.  Failure to do so could result in not participating in lab activities! 
5.	No eating or drinking in class.  There are no exceptions to this rule.
6.	Bathroom breaks are allowed at any time, as long as you have your index card and have not used your four passes. 
7.	Stay in your seat until the bell rings to end class.
8.	 Electronic devices are not allowed during class time, unless otherwise permitted. 

•	Tardy Consequences:  Every time you are tardy you will sign the tardy log and serve silent lunch.  If you choose not to complete your tardy detention you will be assigned ISS or another punishment deemed appropriate by an administrator.
•	Honor Code:    If caught cheating in any way, the assignment will be a zero.  This also includes proper citing of references on projects, current event papers, and article summaries.  Partner work is the exception: the grade will be split between the students.  For example, if two students copy each other’s work and the work receives 100% both students will receive 50% instead after a 10% reduced grade for the assignment.
•	Teacher:
•	Communication Strategy:  The best way to communicate with me is through email.  I check email daily.  My email address is Ashley.runquist@knoxschools.org
•	Open Disclosure/Parent Notification: If a problem arises with a student, parents will be notified by phone, unless otherwise specified. 
•	Intervention Strategy: Tutoring will be available during enrichment. If further tutoring is available, the student can request before or after school. This is decided by Miss Runquist and the student. 

•	PLAGIARISM 
	According to Harbrace Handbook, 15th edition: 
	Plagiarism is defined as “presenting someone else’s ideas, research, or opinion as your own without proper documentation, even if it has been rephrased.”
It includes, but is not limited to the following: 
	1. 	Copying verbatim all or part of another’s written work
	2. 	Using phrases, figures, or illustrations without citing the source 
	3. 	Paraphrasing ideas, conclusions, or research without citing the source 
	4. 	Using all or part of a literary plot, poem, or film without attributing the work to its creator. 
	
•	CONSEQUENCES OF PLAGIARISM 
Plagiarism is a form of stealing and academic fraud. Students who are found guilty of plagiarism will have the option of either redoing the assignment within a specified time period and accepting a grade letter drop or taking a zero on the assignment. Parents should be involved in making the decision.

•	Religion in the Curriculum
The Board affirms that it is essential that the teaching about religion—and not of a religion be conducted in a factual, objective and respectful manner in accordance with the following: 
1. Music, art, literature, or drama with a religious theme or basis are permitted as part of the curriculum for school-sponsored activities and programs provided it is essential to the learning experience in the various fields of study and is presented objectively; 
2. The emphasis on religious themes in the arts, literature and history shall be only as extensive as necessary for a balanced and comprehensive study of these areas. Such studies shall never foster any particular religious tenets or demean any religious beliefs; and 
3. Student-initiated expressions to questions or assignments which reflect their beliefs or non-beliefs about a religious theme shall be accommodated. For example, students are free to express religious belief or non-belief in compositions, art forms, music, speech and debate.

By signing this page, I indicate that I agree to uphold each of the classroom policies and procedures.  I understand that if I break any of these rules, I will receive the aforementioned consequences.  If there has been none outlined, I will receive comparable and fair consequences.  I also agree to abide by the details outlined in the “Course Requirements” and strive to be prepared and willing to learn for each class period.

Student Name (PRINT): _______________________________________________

Student Signature: ____________________________________________________
Date: ______________

By signing this page, I indicate that I agree to enforce the classroom rules with my child.  I understand that if my child should break any of these rules, he/she will receive the aforementioned consequences.  I also agree to help my child (in any way that I can) to abide by the details outlined in the “Course Requirements” and to be prepared as directed for each class period (i.e. providing him/her with supplies, etc.).

Parent Name (PRINT):________________________________________________

Parent Signature: _____________________________________________________
Date: ______________

Parent preferred form of contact: _______E-mail _______Phone _______Mail
Parents, please provide your preferred form of contact info (i.e. email address, phone number, etc.) and any additional information you feel would be beneficial in the area below:

Thank you for your patience and cooperation!  I look forward to working with your child this semester.  If questions or concerns arise, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Ashley.runquist@knoxschools.org
						
							Sincerely,

							Miss Runquist