Welcome to Biology!
Biology is the study of living things and what makes life possible. This year will include major units on animals, plants, microorganisms, and human beings, in preparation for advanced biology or medical study. Students will need: 1. BJU Press “Biology” textbook, fourth edition 2. corresponding Lab Manual 3. Three ring binder with notebook paper in it. 4. “Icons of Evolution” by Jonathan Wells Please have your students bring their text, lab manual, and binder to class each week. The lab fee of $50.00 is due by August 23, which covers all lab materials and copying for the year. Cash, check, or Paypal me at [email protected]. Structure of the Class Students will study one chapter per week, taking the weekend to read and answer the Student Response Questions. They will also make flashcards for vocabulary, diagrams, or concepts listed at the end of the Student Response Questions handout. We will then discuss the major concepts through slides or other in-class activities. Afterwards, there will be a lab experiment which explores a few of the key ideas further. Homework is the largest part (50%) of student’s grade. Reading the text is the most important part of mastering this subject, so most homework assignments will consist of the reading and SRQs. Occasionally there will be a lab to do at home or other homework besides the weekly questions from the chapter. Homework will be graded mainly for completeness. Homework will be collected at the start of class and must be handed in on time. Half-credit will be given for late homework, except in the case of absence. This is to foster good habits for college, and also because of time pressure; with 25 chapters, the student cannot make up missed parts of the text easily. Parents are welcome to contact me about sickness, vacation, etc., to work out what is appropriate in those situations. Every two weeks or so, a test will be given in class to make sure students are keeping up with the reading. They may use flashcards which can have any handwritten notes they want. Tests will comprise 25% of the student’s grade. The remaining 25% of the student’s grade will be a participation grade which includes things like participation in class & labs, attitude, and work ethic. A rubric for this part of the grade will be provided so students can get a sense of what is expected from them. The point of this grade is to reward students for hard work and effort in class even if science is not their best subject or they struggle with tests. There are also ample opportunities to pick up extra credit points each week. Doing an extra good job on homework, or being extra diligent/helpful during a lab earns points. There are often bonus points on review worksheets or tests as well. To sum up, the student’s grade consists of: Homework (50%) Tests/Quizzes (25%) Participation (25%) Class Rules
Final Words In closing, thank you so much for the opportunity to work with your student! This is the year where high schoolers often discover they are interested in science or medicine. It is a prime time to let them watch documentaries, get involved with health issues that arise, take the pet to the veterinarian, take over the lawn care, or fix a bug infestation… anything biology-related! This will help the subject come alive for them, beyond the page. And who knows? You may find a budding doctor, nurse, arborist, or researcher on your hands!
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AuthorMrs. Riddle teaches Life Science, Biology, and Earth Science at Brighton Academy for 2017-2018. She homeschools four children and has 10 years of co-op teaching experience. Her family is part of Radiant Church in Overland Park, KS. ArchivesCategories |