Memorial High School
Biology Syllabus 2012-2013 School Year
Instructor: Debra Lestrud
Course Title: Biology
Course Length: One year
Email: lestrde@tulsaschools.org
Please read this syllabus over carefully. This syllabus will directly affect the grade you get in this class. Failure to comply with these guidelines and rules will affect your grade in this class.
Course Description:
“Biology is designed to help young adults learn about the biological sciences. The cycles of life: basic chemistry, cell growth, development, and reproduction, human body systems, genetics, and inheritance patterns, classification and organization, behavioral biology, ecosystems, and more.”* After passing this course, this course will meet one of your required science credits needed for graduation under Oklahoma State Law.
“Biology is a course to discover through laboratory. You will be provided with demonstrations and hands on learning experiences. You will need to demonstrate problem solving skills, data interpretation skills, and reasoning skills while following all scientific method and safety guidelines.”
A safety test must be passed to participate in the laboratory experiences. A grade will be given for labs and paper work.
Textbook:
The text will be determined by the instructor after she can evaluate her needs of the students.
Teaching Methods
Instructional techniques will vary during the school year. Lectures, dash, chapter and section reviews, quizzes, tests, games, movies, projects, reading, labs, class participation, and more will be used in class. Please check Memorial’s Website for weekly lesson plans.
Grading Policy
Your grade will determined by you. I will put in grades for daily assignments/labs, dashes, projects, quizzes, participation in daily work, and tests. Other than hall passes, extra credit is negotiated as an individual bases at instructor’s discretion for students with 90% attendance and all assignments turned in. Tests and quizzes will be worth more than all other tasks.
100-90% A, 89-80% B, 79-70% C, 69-60% D, 59% and below F
Hall Pass Policy
Your school and personal business should be taken care of out of this class. However the student must wear their school id and have their hall pass with them. No ID then you cannot leave.
Late Papers
Assignments not turned into the teacher when you attend class will be considered late. On an individual bases will late work be allowed for those who are trying all period long. If you do not try than it is due that hour. You must communicate with the instructor if you are having trouble with task expectations and with any interference being given to you. Modifications and accommodations are automatically adjusted for each class period in a special education classroom.
Make-up Test Policy
For any excused absence or suspension, if the student was here for test review the student is responsible for asking for the test upon returning from the absence. If the student was absent or suspension during the test review, the student has two days to study and is responsible for taking the test upon the third class period. It is the student’s responsibility to make up the assignment/test. If it is a planned absence for school, the student should get the work in advance. The assignment is due the next class period.
ISS/TRAICE Policy
Being in ISS is no excuse for not having daily assignments/tests done. You are responsible for doing all assignments/tests for this class in ISS/ TRAICE. You are responsible to get all assignments/tests back to this teacher no later than Friday the following week you return. You should review all material from the chapter that we are on. You should see the adult in charge of ISS/TRAICE for your assignments. You can take a test in ISS/TRAICE without any notes if notes are offered. Labs must be made up before or after school. You must arrange with the instructor. If you have transportation issues see your school counselor.
Expectations
Safe
Tactful
Attend
Responsible
Trustworthy
Consequences for not Meeting Expectations
1st time: Classroom management
2nd time: Call home
3rd time: Call home, email to roster teacher and dean notified of consistent violation of expectations or sever violation.
Severe violations will skip to most severe consequence with notice to dean, parent and roster teacher.
Supplies
Two boxes of facial tissues
200 note cards
Three package of college rule paper
24 dividers for the binder
One package of 24 colored pencils
One 2 inch binder
One container of 16 ounce all purpose glue
All supplies will be left in the room 109.
I have read the syllabus. I understand what is expected of me, and agree to abide by the syllabus. I will bring the tools each day, follow instruction and directives, and do my best to learn the skills and concepts that will be taught.
Print Student Name: ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(Student Signature) (Parent/Guardian Signature)
___________________________________________________________________
(Subject) (Period) (Date)
Contact information
____________________________________________
Email address telephone number
As a team we must communicate to keep our team running smoothly. Ms. Lestrud will attempt to communicate positive and negative comments home. Please circle the way you would like the contact to be presented either by email or by telephone. Email Telephone
I look forward to our teamwork for a successful year.
Thank you again for your support in our year long endeavor.