Course Description
Biology 1 is a course that introduces students to the world of living things. The students explore the following: basic life processes at the molecular,
cellular, systemic, organismal, and ecological levels of organization within the biosphere; interdependence and interactions within the environment to
include relationships, behavior, and population dynamics; cultural and historical scientific contributions of men and women; evidence that supports
biological evolution; and current and emerging technologies.
Biology 1 is a “hands-on” course using unique learning techniques to introduce the student to the structure of matter, its changes and the energy
involved in supporting life, the different forms of life and the interconnections of the abiotic/biotic/ A comprehensive approach to learning will be
emphasized. For many students, Biology is the first course requiring enhanced learning and skill usage. Students must study at home to internalize
the concepts and gain problem-solving skills.
Textbook: For reference, students may decide to “check-out” a textbook from the class. The textbook will be used as a resource but not every day. If
you would like a textbook assigned to you please see me. Remember, if you check out a textbook and it becomes damaged or lost, you will be
responsible for any charges.
Student Review Guide: Students will be provided a Student Review Guide for Biology 1. This Guide will be used daily in class. It is important that you
bring it every day and that you take care of it as many of the assignments will be graded. If you do not have your Student Guide in class when the
assignment is given, you will not be able to complete the assignment and will receive a zero.
Concepts and Skills
Throughout the year we will focus on a variety of concepts that are not only important in science, but have life skills applications as well.
 Organizing information
 Making and using charts, tables and graphs
 Thinking critically
 Appreciation of the various ways organisms and the
environment can affect our world.
 Using the scientific process
 Skills in collection, processing, and evaluating laboratory
 Representing and applying data
data, and scientific writing.
 Measuring in SI (Metrics)
 Classifying and sequencing
TN State Standards for Biology 1
The Tennessee State Standards for all science subjects can be found at https://www.tn.gov/education/article/science-standards
You may download and print these if you wish by selecting Biology 1 under “High School Standards.” These Standards are tested by EOC at the end
of the school year and include: Embedded Inquiry, Embedded Technology & Engineering, Embedded Mathematics, Cells, Interdependence, Flow of
Matter and Energy, Heredity, and Biodiversity & Change. EOC items will be developed from the State Performance Indicators (SPIs).
Remind 101
I will be using Remind 101 this year in Biology to inform parents and students of upcoming deadlines and classroom reminders.
Field
Trips
Field Trips will be decided on as the school year progresses. Field Trips are a way to submerge students in real-life biology. Behavior in class may
determine your presence on field trips.
Materials
3 Ring Binder with Pockets – 1 or 1 ½ in.
Notebook paper
Hand Sanitizer*
Pack of Copy Paper*
Pencils/Pens
10 dividers (2 pks of 5)
Zippered pouch for binder
Kleenex*
*Please bring these to me so that I can keep them in
the classroom for use during the school year! I do
have markers, crayons, markers, rulers, calculators,
and highlighters but if you like using your own you
should bring them.
Assignments, Homework, and Grading
Students should expect assignments frequently. These assignments will vary in type, such as concept maps, worksheets, lab reports, written
reflections, scientific journal article analysis, manipulatives, foldables, quizzes, and tests. Homework is expected to be completed and turned in by
students on the DUE DATE. Homework informs me as to how well you are progressing. If you come to class and do not have your homework, you
will receive a minor incident report according to the ROAR procedure. Our class will use the standard Hardeman County Grading scale as shown
below. I have also included the percentages that each grading category will count in your overall grade. Please notice that TESTS are the majority of
your grade. Please prepare accordingly.
Grading Scale
93-100 A
85-92
B
75-84
C
70-74
D
Below 70 F
Grading Categories
Tests
40%
Homework
25%
Writing/Projects/Labs
25%
Quizzes
10%
Make-Up Work
It is your responsibility to ask for and pick up any work when you are absent. Labs will not be allowed to be
made up; an alternative assignment may be provided if needed. Labs allow students to visualize hard to
understand concepts. Please be present on all lab days if at all possible. All quizzes and tests that are
missed must be made up prior to 8:00 am or after 3:00 pm. You must schedule the make-up quiz or test with
me prior to the date you wish to make it up.
Absences
Before work can be made up, I must see an excused absence slip from the office. School activities are excused absences. If you know that you are
going to be absent, please let me know ahead of time so that I can have your work prepared for you. Not all work may be ready depending on the
day you will be absent but it is helpful to know in advance so that we can relieve you of having excessive make-up work when you return.
Classroom Expectations
In addition to our posted ROAR classroom rules (which include many of the following), please:
BE PREPARED
Bring all materials daily.
Have homework completed.
Be in your seat and begin bell work when the bell rings.
BE A COURTEOUS, QUIET LISTENER
No loud, unnecessary talking or noise making.
Raise your hand for permission to speak or leave your seat.
BE PROACTIVE
Follow directions the first time given.
Maintain a clean, safe classroom environment; food, candy, and grooming are NOT permitted.
Make restroom stops before and after class.
When the bell rings, wait to be dismissed.
BE COOPERATIVE AND RESPECTFUL
Respect all teachers and students.
We must work together to succeed; it is not the right of an individual student to take away from the educational time of others.
Cultivate a positive attitude that supports your own learning, as well as that of others.
Consequences
All consequences will follow the Positive Behavior Intervention & Support approach. If you have questions about ROAR and the consequences
outlined, please let me know. In general, the first offense receives a verbal warning, the second offense receives a parent contact, and the third
receives a disciplinary referral to administration.
Classroom Tardies
If you arrive late to class you must sign in using the Classroom Tardies Binder located next to the front door of the classroom. Please enter, print the
date, your name, the class period, the time you entered, the reason for being tardy, and if you have an admit slip or not. You will receive a warning
after your 1st tardy, parent contact for your 2nd tardy, and an office referral for any additional tardies.
I have read the syllabus for Biology 1. I also agree that I will not plagiarize or cheat in any way this year.
Student Signature_____________________________________ Parent Signature _________________________________________
Student’s Name____________________________________