HONORS BIOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS - Ms. Holland
BATA, 20 Church Street, Boston, MA 02116
[email protected]
Course Description: Biology is the science that studies living things. This course focuses on the process of
scientific investigation through the study of living things and the world in which we live. Topics included
are Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Evolution, and Anatomy.
Objectives: As a student you will be exposed to new scientific language and concepts, technology, and
research. You will actively participate in laboratory investigation using the scientific method to help you
develop and strengthen scientific attitudes and interests. You will be encouraged and guided towards taking
more independent responsibility in your own learning, which will prepare you for college or other postsecondary training.
You will complete projects and products designed to foster a deep understanding of Biology, culminating in
a portfolio of work that will be sufficiently rigorous to pass the Massachusetts Competency Determination which is equivalent to passing the Biology MCAS. You will be prepared to pass the MCAS biology exam,
but with the added insurance of having a portfolio of work to submit to the state as proof of your learning, if
needed. You will also keep your portfolio to showcase your quality work to employers and additional
college or certificate training programs.
Classroom Rules – Ways to succeed.
1.
Be Here –Come to school every day. Come to class on time, ready to learn. Pay attention and
participate. Coming late is disruptive. Interruptions to teaching and learning are not tolerated.
2.
Be Prepared – Bring necessary materials, including homework. Study for tests. If you need help,
ask early – do not wait until after an assignment is due! Keep up.
3.
Be Nice – Respect school and personal property and people around you. Have the self-respect to
discipline yourself so others don’t have to!
4.
Try Hard – Really participate in class activities. Follow instructions. Use your time and energy
wisely. Finish all work to the best of your ability, and be willing to complete multiple drafts to polish and
improve your work. Everything has its time!
5.
Be An Example – My expectations for you are to: set high academic and personal goals, be a
problem solver, help others, and ask for help when necessary.
Special Requirements:
1.
Attend class daily
2.
Pay careful, intelligent attention in class
3.
Participate in class activities by asking questions, contributing to class discussions, and performing
laboratory exercises.
4.
Take detailed notes during lectures and the playing of videos.
5.
Pay careful attention to the completion of all readings, writing and homework.
6.
Spend extra time as needed to complete projects after school and on weekends.
7.
Complete all Portfolio assignments to a high level of quality.
8.
Take the Biology MCAS Exam in February or June (if needed)
9.
Apply to further training and/or college, in coordination with student support.
Course outline: based on the State and Common Core Frameworks and the BPS Biology course outline, we
will cover the following topics this year:
1)
Evolution
2)
Anatomy
3)
Genetics
4)
Ecology
5)
Biochemistry
6)
Cell Biology
The percentage of time allocated to each will reflect the prevalence on MCAS and expected connection to
future studies.
Benchmarks: Lab Reports, Poster Presentations, Tests, Computer Presentations, Research Paper, Medical
Case Studies, etc.
Grading Policy/Standards
Your grades are based on the point system in these
percentages:
●
Tests/Quizes (20%)
●
Portfolio Products (20%)
●
Lab and Class Participation (20%)
●
Homework (20%)
●
Binder Completeness
Class Materials you must bring everyday
- Three ring Biology binder - organized as indicated
with all previous and current assignments in it
- Color pencils (optional)
- Lined paper & pen or pencil
Grading Scale:
100% - 90% = A
89% – 80% = B
79% – 70% = C
Bellow 60 = I or N/C Notice that failure is not an option.
69% - 60% = D
Multiple Opportunities: I am responsible to provide you with many ways to learn the material, but
ultimately you are responsible for your own learning and success. Find ways to help yourself. I am
available to help you by appointment before or after school, and have online resources to help you learn
missed lectures.
(See http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/Page/5181 for lesson presentations) Forming a study-group can be
another way to help you study.
Late Assignments: make up work must be completed promptly and must be turned in to receive partial
credit. Keep up! It is very hard to do the daily assigned work AND make up work at the same time!
Keeping up is much easier.
Absences: CANNOT BE AFFORDED. We have an aggressive schedule of content to cover, and absences
will jeopardize your success. It is your responsibility to find out about missing work. ASK a classmate or
the teacher before or after class. Do not interrupt class time.
Tardies: Come to school, and to class, on time. Stay in class and do not walk in and out. Focus on your
work and let others do the same.
*Challenge yourself everyday.
YOU are my Biology
!
Dear parents/families/support network:
I welcome you and your student in my classroom. Please read this syllabus with your student, sign it and
return it to school. If you have concerns or questions, PLEASE contact me through the school. Students
please bring this syllabus signed and show it to me for credit. This syllabus must remain in your Biology
binder at all times.
Student’s name _______________________________________
Period ____
Date ______
I have read the course syllabus and agree to pledge all my support and cooperation in ensuring my
son/daughter/family member complies with the above requirements and policies.
Family member’s Name __________________________
Best time to call _____________
Signature___________________________
Day/Evening phone #_________
Is it ok to text?
Email?