Biology I
Biology I is designed to emphasize the process of scientific investigation through the study of living things. The student will develop an understanding of the biological processes that allow life to exist in all species and the interconnectivity that living things have with one another and with the environment in which we live.
An array of methods and activities will be used including laboratory exercises, demonstrations, field exercises, lecture and note taking, discussion, research, audio-visual materials, computer usage and group activities.
In addition to biology content, students will learn and/or brush up on life skills that will prepare them for whatever path they choose in life. Some of the self-directed skills we will focus on are: persistence, precision of language and thought, managing impulsivity, questioning, flexibility of thinking, using all of the senses, checking for accuracy, drawing on past knowledge and experiences, listening and understanding with empathy, metacognition, creativity, and wonderment.
Topics to be Studied
The curriculum for Biology I is derived from the Michigan Department of Education Benchmarks and Standards. The following topics will be covered during the course of the year:
Introduction: Science Inquiry and Safety
Unit 1 - Chemistry and Biochemistry (including scientific method)
Unit 2 – Matter and Energy in Ecosystems
Unit 3 – Population Ecology and Human Impact on Ecosystems
Unit 4 – Cell Structures and Functions
Unit 5 – Cell Energetics
Unit 6 – Comparative Structure and Function of Living Things
Unit 7 – DNA/RNA Protein Synthesis
Unit 8 – Cell Division and Chromosome Mutations
Unit 9 – Mendelian and Molecular Genetics (including biotechnology)
Unit 10 – Human Systems
Unit 11 – Homeostasis and Health
Unit 12 – Evolution
Introduction: Science Inquiry and Safety
Unit 1 - Chemistry and Biochemistry (including scientific method)
Unit 2 – Matter and Energy in Ecosystems
Unit 3 – Population Ecology and Human Impact on Ecosystems
Unit 4 – Cell Structures and Functions
Unit 5 – Cell Energetics
Unit 6 – Comparative Structure and Function of Living Things
Unit 7 – DNA/RNA Protein Synthesis
Unit 8 – Cell Division and Chromosome Mutations
Unit 9 – Mendelian and Molecular Genetics (including biotechnology)
Unit 10 – Human Systems
Unit 11 – Homeostasis and Health
Unit 12 – Evolution
Making the Grade
Grades are weighted according to the following scale:
Homework/Quizzes 15%
Labs/Projects 25%
Tests 60%
The grade received for the class at the end of the trimester will account for 80% of the final report card grade. Your final exam will account for 20% of the final report card grade.
Policies/Rules/Procedures:
1. You are expected to complete all assignments with 100% effort!
2. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get missed work from your study partner.
3. If your study partner is absent, take notes, record the day’s activities, and collect an extra set of assignments for your partner to use upon their return.
4. If you and your study partner are absent, see teacher.
5. Missed quizzes or tests must be immediately made up before or after school or scheduled with the teacher.
6. Missing homework will require you to stay after school or come in early to complete the assignment. Failure to do so will result in a phone call home.
7. Do not touch lab materials unless instructed to do so by Mr. Silveira.
8. Wash hands before and after all labs.
9. If you MUST use the bathroom you need to ask for permission and take a hall pass.
10. Always wait in your seat until Mr. Silveira dismisses you; DO NOT pack up early.
Homework/Quizzes 15%
Labs/Projects 25%
Tests 60%
The grade received for the class at the end of the trimester will account for 80% of the final report card grade. Your final exam will account for 20% of the final report card grade.
Policies/Rules/Procedures:
1. You are expected to complete all assignments with 100% effort!
2. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get missed work from your study partner.
3. If your study partner is absent, take notes, record the day’s activities, and collect an extra set of assignments for your partner to use upon their return.
4. If you and your study partner are absent, see teacher.
5. Missed quizzes or tests must be immediately made up before or after school or scheduled with the teacher.
6. Missing homework will require you to stay after school or come in early to complete the assignment. Failure to do so will result in a phone call home.
7. Do not touch lab materials unless instructed to do so by Mr. Silveira.
8. Wash hands before and after all labs.
9. If you MUST use the bathroom you need to ask for permission and take a hall pass.
10. Always wait in your seat until Mr. Silveira dismisses you; DO NOT pack up early.
Recovery Program
The Recovery Program is designed to give you the opportunity to retake quizzes in which you did not understand the material. Any student who receives a 77% or below will have an opportunity to retake the quiz. You are required to study the material again and receive outside help if necessary. To be fair, the highest recovery grade you can receive is a 78%. The following table shows the grade that will be entered in the grade book for the score received on the recovery quiz.
Recovery Table
Recovery Table
recoverytable.doc | |
File Size: | 33 kb |
File Type: | doc |
How to be Successful in Biology
- Don’t miss class! There is a lot of information covered each day. If you miss class it is your responsibility to get caught up.
- Read ahead. It will be extremely beneficial to read the sections in advance to have a foundation of what will be taught and be able to ask questions about anything confusing.
- Make note cards. For a lot of students biology can seem like a foreign language. It is important to understand instead of memorize. Once you understand you can correctly “file” the gained knowledge appropriately into your mind.
- Study every day. It is important to take your book home every day to spend time reading and re- reading, doing section assessments, studying diagrams, and taking practice test outlined at the end of each chapter. Cramming will get you nowhere.
- Review notes. Before every class spend a few minutes going over the previous lesson.
- Use a variety of resources. If you get frustrated with different concepts use an encyclopedia, the internet, a different text book (available in the class), or ask your teacher for help.
- Ask questions. I would love to be able to read your mind, but I can’t. So if you’re struggling ask me for help. Most often you are not the only one with the particular obstacle. If you don’t feel comfortable asking in front of the class, make a note and ask me immediately after class.
- Come to review sessions. I hold review sessions the morning before every test and quiz.
- Turn in homework. Turn in homework that is 100% complete and done with 100% effort.
- Make success a habit. There are a lot of things going on in high school. It is important to plan ahead and set aside time for your school work and stick to it. Just because your friend doesn’t study doesn’t mean you don’t need to. What you do now leads to who you become!