Schedule:
• P1: Pre AP Biology
• P2: Biology I
• P3: Biology I
• P4: Biology I
• P5: Planning
• P6: Biology I
​ • P7: Pre AP Biology
Students click on the links above to join the Edmodo class
Parents ask your child for their Edmodo code to link their student account to your parent account. If you need help, contact our technology coach, Mr. Watts
Syllabus:
Charles J. Colgan, Senior High School
“Preparing and Inspiring Students for their Future”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mrs. Walther
Biology
2019-2020 Course Syllabus
571-374-6550• WaltheLA@pwcs.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 7:00-7:20
Or By Appointment
Course Description
Biology is the study of life and the factors that impact living organisms. In this course, we will investigate, through hands on science, each of the characteristics that living things share as well as how they interact within their environment.
Required Class Materials
- Agenda
- 1 ½ in Binder
- Paper (loose-leaf)
- Highlighters
- Pencils/Pens
- Colored Pencils
- Closed toed shoes for labs
- Homework
Course Unit Topics:
Unit 1 - Characteristics of life and scientific method
Unit 2 - Biochemistry
Unit 3 – Cell Structure
Unit 4 – Cell Energy
Unit 5 – Cell Reproduction
Unit 6 – DNA and RNA
Unit 7 – Genetics
Unit 8 – Evolution and Classification
Unit 9 – Ecology
Unit 10 – Biology Survey
Grading
Over the course of the year students will be given opportunities to show course content mastery. This year, 80% of the quarter grade will be calculated from summative assessments (tests, projects and a quarterly assessment) and 20% of the quarter grade will be calculated from formative assessments (daily quizzes, classwork, homework, labs and projects). It is imperative that students prepare for all assessments at the time that they are assigned to be successful in this course.
Relearning and Retake Policy
All students will be re-assessed on the standards covered during each marking period on a cumulative quarterly exam. The quarterly exam will count as an additional summative assessment and will also serve as the retake for the summative unit assessments taken during the marking period. All students will take the quarterly test regardless of their score on the original assessment.
Students who are not satisfied with the results of their unit assessments will be given a relearning/remediation packet for that unit. This work must be completed and submitted before the quarterly assessment in order for it to count as the retake for that unit.
Relearning is the responsibility of the student. Do not wait until exam day to ask for help!
Missing Work Policy
If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure that you get the assignments that you have missed. Each student will have a folder where they can find handouts that were given while they were out. If you are out the review day prior to an assessment, you are expected to take the assessment on your return.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is “the act of taking or using the work of another person and representing it as your own”. This includes copying and pasting from the internet or any other source. Also included is copying another student’s work. Suspected violations will be handled on a case by case basis, with consistency in that students will be referred to an administrator and parents will be contacted for each incident (including the 1st).
Contact Information
Students: If you have questions about classwork, homework, tests, etc. the fastest way to reach me is through email. My email address is walthela@pwcs.edu. Please also subscribe to the class Edmodo page. This is a resource to stay on top of assignments, due dates and class events.
Parents: The best way to contact me is through email at walthela@pwcs.edu. Please encourage your student to be proactive and self-advocate. Both students and parents should check The HUB weekly and address any concerns as soon as they arise. I am flexible and willing to help in most circumstances; however, it is very difficult to provide assistance at the last minute or at the end of the quarter/semester/year. The use of ParentVue/StudentVue, Edmodo, and email will be extremely beneficial in monitoring your student’s progress. Please let me know if you have any questions at any time.
Technology Policy
We live in a technologically advanced society and it is my belief that there is a time and a place for such technology. In this course, you will not be permitted the use of cell phones. Having cell phones can become a distraction and their use will not be permitted. At no time should students be posting to social media, texting or making phone calls; such behaviors will not be tolerated, and violators will have their technology confiscated and parents will be notified.
Classroom Rules In this classroom, rules are not optional. You must follow them to ensure the safety of yourself, peers and teachers. It is with these rules that we can have a productive and successful school year.
- RESPECT – for your peers, Colgan staff, scientific specimens, and all equipment
- Be in your seat with your materials ready when the bell rings
- Come to class prepared. (Binder, Writing Utensil, Assignments)
- Follow ALL rules and regulations outlined in the student handbook.
Lab Safety:
Prior to working in the laboratory, students and parents will sign a detailed Laboratory Contract explaining the safety procedures. All students are expected to comply with safety rules and regulations during all classroom and laboratory exercises. Violation of the safety contract may result in being removed from the laboratory setting with no credit awarded for the hands-on portion of the lab(s), or other consequences as deemed appropriate by the instructor and/or school administration. Students must dress appropriately for labs and wear appropriate personal protective equipment to participate.
I am looking forward to a great and exciting school year. I welcome questions, concerns and comments from both students and parents or guardians. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
Mrs. Walther