COURSE SYLLABUS

Biology II

COURSE INFORMATION:
Course Title: Biology II
Prerequisites: Biology I, or approval from science department
Meeting Time: 7th hour

Text 81010 or to (432) 213-9975 with the following message @martin2bio this will allow you to be
able to get messages and reminders for this class.

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Find assignments by going to either www.mrsmartinssciencepage.weebly.com or

https://classroom.google.com

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Mrs Martin
Watts High School
School Phone: (918) 422-5132
E-mail: dmartin@wattsschool.com

Teaching Schedule
1st Earth Science 5th Planning
2nd Physical Science 6th Biology I/II
3rd Physical Science 7th Earth Science
4th Physical Science

REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Textbook 2, 3-ring binder 5 tabbed dividers Calculator
(scientific)
Colored pencils Pencils Pens Eraser
Lined paper

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Biology II is a higher level biology class designed for upperclassmen that have a high level of interest
in the biological sciences. Students enrolled for this class should be self-motivated and willing to
engage in critical thinking and analytical thought about our topics. This class is lab-based; using
investigations, activities, and dissection of preserved specimens to teach the key biological concepts as
outlined in the Oklahoma State Science Standards. The two main goals of the course are to develop a
conceptual framework for modern biology and to gain experience and appreciation of biology through
experimentation and inquiry. Biology II deepens the understanding of the scientific method and
exposes students to the studies of anatomy, physiology, zoology, botany, and bacteriology. Because of
the course content and pace, it is strongly recommended that students have a firm command of science
process skills and age appropriate maturity in order to effectively manage the workload. Students will
participate in projects that will develop the following skills: writing, critical thinking, technology
usage, research, time management, cooperation, and presentation skills.
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COURSE OUTLINE: Just a few topics we will cover
The Scientific Method Phylogeny
Review of biological processes Bacteria
Reproductive System Botany
Digestive System Skeletal System
Circulatory System Muscular System
Respiratory System Nervous System
Excretory System Senses (eye dissection)
Classifications Dissections
Taxonomy

GRADING METHOD:
The course grade is composed of daily and major assessments.

Daily assessments gauge progress and encourage daily preparation for learning. They quickly reveal
gaps in knowledge, skills and success-oriented behavior that need to be addressed. They contribute to
the total course grade but carry less weight. They include but are not limited to the following:
Quizzes Homework Assignments
Article Reviews In-class Presentations
Laboratory Reports Biology Notebook Organization

Major assessments gauge long-term retention and application of concepts. They contribute to the total
course grade carrying the majority of the course grade weight. They include but are not limited to the
following:
Tests/Projects Laboratory Practicals
Research & Reaction Papers Semester Exams

POINT WEIGHTING:
Points accumulated during quarterly grading periods fall into the following categories with their
respective percentages:
Tests/Projects, Lab Practicum, Research/Reaction Papers 40% weight
Quizzes, Lab Reports, In-class Presentations 30% weight
Homework, Notebook Quizzes 15% weight
Participation and accountability 15% weight
This weighting scale means major assessment points have far more influence on your quarterly grade
with day-to-day assessment serving as a buffer. Early in each quarter your course grade will appear
inflated because it will reflect only the lesser weight items. As greater weight items enter the picture,
your course grade may shift dramatically. Whether the shift is toward the better or the poorer depends
on the choices you make.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
You, the student, are accountable for meeting classroom behavioral expectations consistent with
district policy and those specific to this course. You are accountable for self-awareness and self-
management. The expected behaviors include but are not limited to those listed below. The items listed
here capture most of the day-to-day things that foster success for all students. Keep them in mind as
you are confronted with day-to-day choices. Failure to follow these expectations may result in any of
the following consequences: warning, afterschool detention, call to parents/guardian, administrative
referral, and possible removal from course.

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 1. Horseplay of any kind in the classroom is always unacceptable. Depending on the nature of the
behavior, any or all consequences may be applied.
2. Be in class, work ready to hand in and in your seat on time unless the Bell Work notation
directs otherwise.
3. Have your materials with you everyday unless directed otherwise.
4. Show respect for yourself. Practice self-awareness and self-management.
5. Show respect for others. Practice self-awareness and self-management.
6. Make sure your clothing and behavioral choices are not a distraction to learning and
instruction.
- Shirt hems must always cover the waistline of shorts, pants or skirts.
- Necklines must not expose cleavage. Its cool for the pool but not for the lab classroom.
Inappropriate attire will be met with a request to remedy the exposure.
7. Do not leave the classroom without permission. If an alarm sounds go to the designated place
by way of the designated route as a group.
8. No usage of cell phone, pager, IM, E-mail or other communication device or route during class
without permission.

LAB SAFETY:
Laboratory safety rules and procedures will be reviewed prior to any laboratory work. You will be
required to follow all safety policies at all times! A contract must be signed by you and your
parent(s)/legal guardian before you will be allowed into the lab.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Cheating, attempts to cheat, helping someone cheat, and plagiarism will be rewarded with a grade of
0% and possibly office referral or a call to parent/guardian depending on the type of assessment. See
the student handbook for more information on Academic Dishonesty. If phone is out when you are
doing assignment or taking test, it will be assumed you are cheating and a grade of zero will be
received and phone sent to office with write-up.
EXTRA CREDIT:
Extra credit means exactly what it says. Its something in addition to assignments you were expected
to complete and hand in. Extra credit work cannot take the place of an assignment you did not do or did
not hand in. Extra credit work must be handed in by specific due dates. (If you are missing assignments
extra credit will not be allowed) No extra credit work will be accepted during the last 5 school days of a
quarter. Points earned for extra credit will be calculated into your grade under the 20-30% weight
category. Most of the time it is a lot of work for minimum points.
SUBMITTING WORK:
Written work must be done in either #2 pencil, black ink or blue ink. Written work submitted in other
colors will be considered late with a deduction of 50% of the score after being resubmitted in the
required format. Reaction papers, research papers, and laboratory reports must be done in Microsoft
Word, formatted according to the provided template, and sources appropriately cited in MLA style
format. I will provide you with the guidelines for MLA format.

Get it done, get it in on time!

Attendance and Late or Missing Work Policy

Attendance is important to student success. Students who are absent from class for ANY reason are responsible
for finding out what they missed. This must be done before school or between classes; this may not be done
once the bell rings to begin class.

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When a student has 9 unexcused absences in a semester, they will fail Earth Science for that semester. 3 Tardies
equal one unexcused absence. Absences can be excused by a doctors note, court order and parent note (limit of
4 on parent notes) Check with office for other forms that may excuse.

Students who know they are going to be absent for any reason (educational trip, appointment, athletic event etc.
) must see Mrs Martin to pick up any assignments BEFORE leaving. These assignments will be due the day
the student returns to school. If a student knows of an upcoming absence, please see Mrs Martin as soon as
possible so she has amble time to prepare what will be missed.

All work (in-class and homework) must be made up when a student misses school for any reasonincluding
excused trips.

If a student is in school but misses Earth Science (sport, appointment, illness, etc.), the student MUST see Mrs
Martin before they leave to submit that days homework and to find out what he/she will be missing in class. If
the student doesnt do this, the assignments given and collected on that day will be considered late. In addition,
the student is responsible for getting missed notes from a responsible student for upcoming quizzes etc...

Students will not be tested or required to hand in assignments on the day the student returns from school if they
were assigned on the day the student was absent. Students should adhere to deadlines for tests and projects that
were established/assigned prior to the absence.

Submitting late will NOT BE ALLOWED with the exception of an occasional make-up day. When make-up day
is given, only half credit will be allowed for missing or late work. When a student is absent, they are given 2
days for each day absent to get the work turned in. It is their responsibility to look online and find out what they
missed. If assignments or study guide were given when student was present, then they must have work or test
turned in by due date, unless they were absent on due date, then it is immediate upon return.

Exceptions can be granted by the classroom teacher.

Responsibility/Participation Points

Most students show a consistent effort throughout the marking period by bringing materials, actively
participating in class, and listening attentively. Being accountable for your learning and behaviour is very
important and should contribute to your marking period grade. Therefore, each marking period you will receive
an accountability grade worth 50 points. These 50 points account for less than 10% of the overall nine week
grade for each of the two nine weeks of the course. Points will be deducted from the 50 points by the following:

1. Student is late to class without a pass -2 points for each occurrence (after three occurrences, student
may receive an office referral)
2. Student is not listening attentively during class -2 points for each occurrence
3. Student doesnt have writing utensil -2 points for each occurrence
4. Student doesnt bring materials to class: texts, notebook, -2 points for each occurrence
5. Students textbook is uncovered -2 points for each occurrence
6. Student not in seat when bell rings, attentive and ready for the day's lesson -2 points for each
occurrence
7. Student refuses to participate in class activity -5 points for each occurrence

***Students can and are expected to keep track of assignments and projects, when they are due, as well as dates
for tests, quizzes etc To help remember assignments and projects and their due dates as well as test dates,
students:

Can record the assignments and dates in their agenda planner

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 Can receive, on a daily basis, via email, assignments and projects and their due dates as well date of test
dates
Visit Mrs Martins teacher website that can be accessed anywhere
Participating parents can also receive a homework email as well as the capability of accessing Mrs
Martins teacher webpage.

*CAVEAT:
Due to the nature of this course, the above information, guidelines and procedures outlined in the syllabus are subject to change in the
event of extenuating circumstances.

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