Syllabus

TEXTS
Biology: Principle and Explorations, Orlando, Florida: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston Inc., 1996.

OVERVIEW
· Science and society
· Cell anatomy and physiology
· Diversity of life
· Human anatomy and physiology
· Genetics
· Theory of evolution

EXPECTATIONS
Reading and writing skills will be emphasized in this course. Anticipate spending time in the evening to read the text and other supplemental materials. Students should expect homework most nights. Students will be expected to complete a research project. This may be a Science Fair project or an entry into a science contest. Students may choose to be involved with a class research project

GRADING
Your grade will be determined using a point system. Points will be earned through homework assignments, textbook checks, laboratory reports, projects, quizzes and tests. Students will also be expected to keep an organized notebook. Each student will be responsible for continuously evaluating his performance and progress throughout the school year. The quarter grade can be calculated by dividing the total points possible into the the points earned and then multiplying by 100. This percentage will then be converted to a letter grade, based upon the Fairfax County grading scale:

The yearly grade will be determined by adding the numerical average of each of the four quarter grades and the score received on the final exam, then dividing by 5. Fairfax County guidelines give teachers the option of assigning a final grade based on performance trend. If a student shows steady improvement throughout the year, I may assign a final grade higher than the numerical average. Just as if a student’s level of performance declines throughout the year, I may assign a grade lower than the numerical average.

CLASSROOM POLICIES
· You are expected to come to class prepared. This includes bringing a pencil or pen, three ring notebook, spiral notebook, graph paper, ruler, colored pencils, and a covered textbook.
· You will need to have access to your school network account as well as several floppy discs.
· You are expected to be in your seat when the bell rings, not running down the hall and sticking your foot in the door as the bell is ringing. Students who are frequently tardy will serve detention. This is in addition to the school policy, which requires me to notify your principal for every 3 unexcused tardies and/or 1 unexcused absence.
· Assignments will not be accepted late. You have one day to make up missed work for every day you are out of class with the exception of pre-arranged absences in which case the details of your missed work will be worked out before you leave. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain all make up work after any absence from class. A class activity log will be available in class which will list the daily activities and homework. It will be the responsibility of the student to check this log immediately upon return to class.
· Cheating will not be tolerated. Unless otherwise stated, all homework, laboratory reports, quizzes and tests should reflect only your work. If you are caught cheating, you will receive a zero for the assignment and your parents will be notified. All scientists collaborate on their work. They do not, however, copy each other’s data, results and conclusions. Likewise you may work together to gather and compare data. Questions and conclusions should reflect only your work.
· Beverages, food and candy are not permitted in this classroom.

Curator: Beth Jewell, beth.jewell@fcps.edu