BIOLOGY 2015-2016

Cyprus High School, Rm 506R

Ms. Bonnie Roach broach@graniteschools.org
Course Description/Objectives:
Welcome to biology! What is Biology? bio-= life and -ology = study of. In other words,
biology is the study of living organisms and their vital processes. This course is designed to
provide you with a basic understanding of biology. Themes that we will be studying in this
course include scientific method, biochemistry, cellular processes, genetics, taxonomy, evolution,
human body systems and ecology. This class meets every other day for approximately 85
minutes. You are a living thing and understanding how you affect other things in this universe
and what you can do to make things better is important.
Fees
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& Materials Required:

$20 lab fee (please pay at school bookstore or online) Due: 8/26/2015
A good attitude and an open mind.
Spiral notebook and a folder or 3 ring binder (with paper)
Pen or pencil
Colored pencils (optional)
Basic calculator (optional)

Course Assignments:
Homework I know many of you do not like homework. The point of homework is to
practice using the information learned in class. With that in mind, homework will be
assigned every class period. If 80% or more of the homework is turned in, there will be a
bonus at the end of each quarter. The higher the percentage of homework turned in, the
better the bonus. Homework is a good study tool!
Quizzes Quizzes are used for me to gain an understanding of how much you understand.
Quizzes will be given randomly. Quizzes are a good study tool!
Exams These will be based off the information discussed in the classroom. A cumulative
test will be given at the end of each quarter. Cumulative test mean that the information
learned previously may appear on another test. The reason for this is because the science
in biology is all tied together.
Labs, Activities Labs and activities are occur in-class and will be graded based on
organization, observations, recorded raw data and data analysis. Attendance is
mandatory.
Participation Five points will be earned each class by coming to class prepared with
appropriate materials, actively taking notes, participating in the labs and class activities,
not disrupting class, answering questions and working cooperatively. Part of the
citizenship grade is awarded based on participation.
Grading:
I will use Canvas to keep track of your grades online on a regular basis. It is your responsibility
to retain all completed/graded work in your 3-ring binder or folder for study purposes and in case
any grading mistakes are made.
Course work is computed by the following scale:
25%
Homework
25%
Exams
45%
Labs/Daily work/Quizzes
5%

Participation

Letter grades will be assigned by the following percentages:

100-93 = A
92.9-90 = A-

89.9-87 = B+
86.9-83 = B
82.9-80 = B-

79.9-77 = C+
76.9-73 = C
72.9-70 = C-

69.9-67 = D+
66.9-63 = D
62.9-60 = D-

< 60 = F

Late Work:
Late work will be accepted at 10% of its total point value if you were in attendance the day
it was due. After 10 days late work will be accepted indefinitely at 50% of its total point
value. Homework must be completed within 10 days in order to receive any credit. Large
projects will be marked down 10% for each day past the due day. No credit is given for
unexcused absences.
Exams, quizzes, labs and partner assignments may not be made up if absence is not
excused.
Attendance is mandatory. It is your responsibility to find out what was done in class if you
are absent. You can check Canvas and speak with a classmate. No credit is given for
unexcused absences.
Cheating/Plagiarizing: Any student caught cheating on an exam will receive an automatic zero
in citizenship and a zero on the exam. Plagiarized written work will receive also receive a zero.
There is no opportunity for make-up in these cases.
Extra Credit: There may be opportunities for extra credit throughout the year.
Citizenship/School Policies:
We will follow the guidelines set in the Cyprus High School Student Handbook for student
attendance, appearance, behavior, cell phone usage and other guidelines. Citizenship will be
affected by tardies, and unexcused absences as well as behavioral issues, cell phone usage and
lack of participation
Classroom Expectations:
1. Treat each person in this room with respect and dignity. This includes the property of each
person and of the school. There are no stupid questions, and demeaning
comments/behavior toward other students and/or the teacher will not be tolerated. Any
behavior that interrupts the teachers right to teach and disrupts a students right to learn
is unacceptable.
2. Bring all of your materials to class and take them with you when you leave. Keep the
classroom neat and clean.
3. Be in your seat and quietly working on any assigned tasks when the bell rings.
4. Listen and following directions the first time they are given. Ask clarifying questions after I
have finished giving my directions.
5. Water in a sealable container is allowed in the classroom.
6. Cell phones may be used for instructional purposes when indicated by the instructor.
How to be successful in Biology:
Come to class and participate every day. Be organized and take pride in your work. Use
classroom materials and assignments to study for exams. Utilize the resources on Canvas.
Establish study groups and have good working relationships with others in the class. Be

open with me about difficulties you are having learning the material and attend the afterschool tutoring sessions. Finally, this is very important, relate what you learn in class to
your daily life. Make connections!