Mrs.

Clark

Room 219

clarkmm@pps.k12.mi.us

Course Description: In this course, we will be exploring living things through a variety of topics. Covered topics include: biochemistry, cell structures and functions, homeostasis, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, mitosis, and meiosis, genetics, DNA, RNA, protein synthesis, classification, evolution, and ecosystems. Course assignments and instruction will present concepts in a variety of ways including daily work, lecture, labs, projects, reports, presentations, and problem solving. Formal written assessments consist of quizzes, tests, essays, and exams. Resources/Materials: Students will be responsible for bringing their supplies to their seat by the beginning of each class period. These materials include: Biology text, a 3-ring binder, paper, and a writing utensil. Videos & video clips to viewed in class will be approved by building administration. Video programs will be announced in class ahead of time, and may be viewed by parents upon request. Food is not allowed in class. Water may be brought in a sealable container only. Students should use materials provided to them with respect. Leaning in chairs, sitting on table or countertops, graffiti, or improper use of lab resources will not be tolerated. Grading Procedure: Grades are based on a cumulative total of points earned from assignments, tests, quizzes, participation, etc. Students should be contributing to their learning community. Students are expected to participate everyday in class. Participation will be evaluated through binder checks and other class work. Three-ring binders will be checked periodically for content and are expected to be brought to class in its entirety daily. Students should have homework every night. This is not always written work, because students are expected to continue the learning process outside of class. This may include reviewing notes, reading the chapter, or working on vocabulary each day. Students are responsible for picking up work missed from absences. Students absent the day of or the day before a test must take the test the day they return. Quizzes and tests include questions/skills of different types. Assessments will be announced at least 3 days in advance. Tests and quizzes make up 50% of the term grade, projects and labs are 20%, homework assignments are 20%, and Participation counts as 10%. Test corrections are available only to students who have completed all assignments that unit. Please make an appointment with Mrs. Clark if after school help is needed. At the end of the semester, students will complete a final exam that will be worth 20% of their semester grade. Grading Scale: A 93-100% A- 90-92.99% A- 90- 93% B+ 87-89.99% B+ 83-86.99% B- 80-82.99% C+ 77-79.99% C+ 73-76.99% C- 70-72.99% D+ 67-69.99% D+ 63-66.99% D- 60-62.99%

Grades below 60% (E) are considered failures.

Classroom Rules: 1. Clean up after yourself. CONSEQUENCE: After school cleaning detention. 2. Turn in work on time. CONSEQUENCE: No credit for assignments turned in late. 3. Do not disrupt class. CONSEQUENCE: Action Plan and call home. 4. Maintain yours and others personal space. CONSEQUENCE: Last one out of the room at the end of the hour. 5. Use a hall pass and adequate permission to leave room. CONSEQUENCE: Loss of hall privileges during class. 6. No food or colored drinks. CONSEQUENCE: Item confiscated and after school detention.

Classroom Guidelines: Be polite. Be respectful. Be responsible. Come to class prepared. Do your best work. Help others. Know its okay to ask for help. No horseplay. No putdowns. No swearing. Participate. Recycle. Stay focused. Stay in your assigned seat. Use the Three-Second-Rule. Students are to abide by all rules stated in the handbook. Consequences for

disregarding class or school expectations may include: separation from class, calls home, Action Plan, detention, referrals to the office, and/or immediate removal to office for further disciplinary action.

Take this syllabus home. Read it with a parent or guardian, and have the half-sheet signed and returned for points. Keep this syllabus in binder for the remainder of the school year. Hall passes will be administered to students upon completion of these actions. Passes may be used for the drinking fountain, restroom, or locker. These passes are to be used at appropriate times during the class only. Requests for passes may be turned down if recent student behavior is unacceptable. Students are responsible for keeping track of their own passes; they will not be issued new passes during the semester. Students leaving the room without a signed pass will be referred to the office for insubordination. Unused passes at the end of the marking period are worth extra credit points.