Course Syllabus

Course:  Biology

Teacher:  Lacey Smith lsmith@ecsdnv.net

Office Hours: 1:45 - 2:45pm

Course Description

 

The Elko County Biology curriculum focuses on the living components of the earth. We discuss basic biochemistry and organic molecules, then discuss the cellular basis of life. We also explore macro level discussions of populations and natural selection. Genetics and Biotechnology are emphasized in the new Common Core standards.

 

Expected Student Outcomes

 

Mastery level completion includes:

• Describe what a living thing is and its essential characteristics
• Discuss the role of genetics in heredity and speciation
• Describe common biotechnology techniques and genetic disorders

 

Expectations

 

Participation - This Biology course will require quite a bit of independent and self driven work which will call for a high degree of maturity from the student to keep up with.

Attitude - Students will be expected to learn the material, not aim to complete assignments for a grade’s sake.

Supplies - The students will work heavily from their Chromebooks. They will also need a composition notebook, writing materials and a headset.

Biology Course Outline

First Nine-Weeks

Introduction to the Scientific Method and Tools

How matter and energy move through the environment

Ecology and Population Biology

Taxonomy and Natural Selection

Adaptations and Behavior of Animals

 

Second Nine-Weeks

Homeostasis

Organic Molecules

Cells

Genetics

DNA & Biotechnology

.

 

Note:  The units above are listed in the planned order for the semester.  The teacher may make an adjustment in the course outline in the event of a lesson or unit needing to be extended, inclement weather,  or if the gym is unavailable due to an event like an assembly.  Any updates to the syllabus will be posted online.

 

The Game

This class uses a teaching strategy called Gamification. It adopts a game theme to the class assignments as well as involve the students in competitive play in order to increase motivation and interest in the class. The students are expected to engage with the game components of the class as it provides for a means of success with the class as well as teach other important skills such as cooperation, leadership, resource management and strategic thinking.

North Carolina End of Course Tests     

The North Carolina End-of-Course Tests are used to sample a student’s knowledge of subject-related concepts as specified in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and to provide a global estimate of the student’s mastery of the material in a particular content area. The North Carolina End-of-Course tests were initiated in response to legislation passed by the North Carolina General Assembly – the North Carolina Elementary and Secondary Reform Act of 1984. In the 2014-2015 school year, students enrolled in the following courses are required to take the North Carolina EOC tests: Algebra I, Biology, and English II.

 

Blended learning environment

Spring Creek high school teachers use traditional, technological, and other 21st Century instructional resources to meet the academic needs of our students.  Students may be expected to work independently on tasks and manage their time appropriately as part of a blended learning environment.

 

Mastery expectation

Students are expected to internalize the learning of material to be able to use that knowledge to solve challenges. Simple memorization of material will not afford the type of learning needed to succeed in this course. A Master expectation requires students to tackle the material, using the resources at their disposal such as the materials the teacher provided, their peers and their teacher to gain understanding of the content.

 

Email, Chat and Discussion Board Etiquette

Having access to these communication technologies through Elko County is a privilege.  Students should use them for school purposes only.  Messages should be grammatically correct, concise, and polite.

 

Making up missed work due to absences or early dismissal

High school students should meet with their teacher(s) before missing a class due to an appointment or school activity.  Before school or during the enrichment time following lunch are the recommended times.  Students have three days to make up missed work due to school absences.

Progress Reports

Because grades will be posted online, progress reports at the midpoint of each nine-week grading period will not be automatically printed and sent home.  Anyone without home Internet access may request a printed progress report. Additionally parents and guardians are encouraged to check their student’s online grades often.

 

Academic Integrity

Cheating, fabricating information, plagiarizing, and giving or receiving unauthorized help on assignments undermine honesty and trust within our academic community.  Students must approach their work with the utmost integrity and be committed to the principles of honesty, trustworthiness, responsibility, fairness, and respect for others.  Plagiarism is a specific form of cheating that is defined as presenting someone else’s work as your own.  When using (quoting or paraphrasing) the words, ideas,or materials of someone else, credit must be given. Obtaining information from Wikipedia is not considered a reliable resource even if properly credited.

 

 

Late Work

Assignments are expected at the beginning of class on their due date unless otherwise specified. If the assignment is not complete by that time the student will be coming in to make up the work at lunch until the work is turned in. Each day the assignment is late lowers the maximum grade on that assignment by 10 points. On the second day, the most a student could achieve on an assignment is a 90. On the third day, an 80 and so on.

 

Mastery Required

Students are required to Master content as previously stated. On tests that is an expectation of at least 80% correct. If a student scores below an 80% he or she will have to come back for remediation to retake that test.

WARNING:

 

Be prepared to think and write critically.

NO grades are given; you earn them.