Classroom Policies and Procedures

For information on classroom policies and procedures, please look through our classroom syllabus below:

COURSE INFORMATION SHEET

BIOLOGY

INSTRUCTOR: JULIA HARVEY

PRACTICUM STUDENT TEACHER: NATASHA CROOK

Room 419

OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE

This is a two-semester course. During the first semester, we will investigate cells, the chemistry of living things, different kinds of living things and how they are classified. In the second semester, we will learn about genetics and heredity. We will also study the interrelationships of living things and the environment and the special features that allow them to survive in their environment. This course is not a lecture class. It involves student participation and involvement. It is a lab course with related discussions, readings from Biology: The Dynamics of Life, films, and other activities.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Comprehend the characteristics, structure, and function of organisms.

2. Understand the transmission of traits in living things.

3. Acquire an understanding of the relationship among living things and their environment.

4. Develop the knowledge and shills needed for scientific inquiry.

*This course will prepare the students to take Chemistry, Physics and other science courses.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Appropriate modifications and accommodations will be made for identified special needs.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. All assignments should be done neatly, completely and understandably.
2. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a zero for that assignment.
3. Papers are due at the beginning of class unless other instructions are given. This means work should be competed before arriving to class.
4. NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Late papers will be accepted only for excused absences. Only absences due to illness or extreme family emergency are excused. It is your responsibility to check the assignment sheet in the classroom for assignments missed due to the absence. If you know you will be absent, then the work must be completed before you leave.

GRADING

1. After the first few weeks of the term and periodically thereafter a computer printout of grades will be posted.

2. The final grade is determined from the following scale:

A 90-100% C 70-79%

B 80-89% D 60-69% F 59% or below

3. The final grade is based on percentages from various categories as follows:

Lab work=35% Assignments=25% Tests/Quizzes=40%

4. Cheating on tests or quizzes will result in a zero for that test or quiz.

NOTEBOOKS

Each student is expected to keep a three-ringed notebook for science papers. This notebook will help you organize your papers for test reviews as well as help you understand the material. The notebook should include all of the papers you do or receive during the term. A sheet with the correct order of papers will be posted in the classroom.

LABORATORIES

1. Labs are an important part of this course. They are difficult to make up and some can’t be made up. If you miss a lab and it can’t be made up, you may obtain the results form others in the class but you will not receive full credit for the lab.

2. You will be working together in small groups for many activities and labs. I encourage you to discuss your work with each other and to study together. This is different from copying. Blatant copying will result in NO CREDIT for either paper.
3. Safety is the top priority in the lab.
4. The Science Department will be charging a fee of $5.00 to help cover the costs of consumable supplies.
5. You are responsible for any laboratory equipment that you damage or break.

ATTENDANCE

1. If you are absent and it is excused, you are responsible for getting caught up. Absences must be called into the attendance clerk within two days. If you know you will be absent then it is your responsibility to complete the work before the absence.

2. More than 7 absences (excused or unexcused) or 5 unexcused absences may result in partial credit.
3. You must be on time to class. You are tardy if you are not inside the classroom at the time the bell rings and you do not have a written excuse from a staff member. Three tardies will result in a referral to the office for community service.

CLASS BEHAVIOR

1. No student has the right to disrupt another student’s education. Students are expected to be respectful to others. If you behave in a disruptive manner, I will send you to the office and discuss the incident with your parents.

2. Bring your own pencils, colored pencils, paper and your notebook to class each day. I also recommend that you bring a calculator as well.
3. You are not allowed to leave the room without permission.
4. Food, drinks, radios, cell phones, I-pods, and headphones are not allowed in SEHS classrooms.

QUESTIONS

My office is 419B, located in the science wing. I will have office hours during 2^nd period. I also will be available 7^th period and after school by appointment only.

Natasha can be reached by email: ncrook@uoregon.edu

It is important that each of you does well in this course. If you maintain a positive attitude and give a sincere effort, you will likely be successful. I look forward to an exciting year.