KAMEHAMEHA HIGH SCHOOL

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
COURSE SUMMARY FOR

BIOLOGY
(FORMERLY BSCS BIOLOGY)
SCHOOL YEAR 2016-17
OVERVIEW
Biology is a college preparatory course designed for students interested in careers in science,
medicine, health, or engineering and will focus on these major themes in Biology: The Nature of
Science, Chemistry, Cells, Energy, DNA, Gene Expression and Biotechnology, Chromosomes
and Cell Division, Genes and Inheritance, Evolution and Natural Selection, Ecosystems and
Communities, and Conservation and Biodiversity. Specifically, this course has been designed to:
1. Give students college-preparatory training in biological sciences and basic laboratory
techniques 2. Inspire students to gain an understanding and appreciation of the natural world in
which they live, and 3. Engage students to participate in the stewardship of the natural resources
that sustain us.
COURSE GOALS
Through the use of credible and carefully selected educational and cultural resources, and
scientific literature, including the text, What is Life?: A Guide to Biology with Physiology, 2nd
edition by Jay Phelan (W.H. Freeman and Company, 2013), students will be provided an
experiential and inquiry-based introduction to the science and nature of biology. Supplemental
resources, such as computer programs, videos, non-fictional book excerpts, along with scientific
journals, newspaper and magazine articles are also integrated to provide you with a broad range
of hands-on, enriching educational and inquiry activities. This course encourages and requires
active involvement in learning and includes many laboratory investigations and discussions.
Through this course, students will gain an understanding, appreciation, and sense of awareness of
the natural world in which they live and their role in the Hawaiian ecosystem by focusing on the
following major themes: chemistry, cell biology, genetics and heredity, evolution, biodiversity,
ecology, sustainability, and conservation. Students learning and the 21st century skills will be
enhanced through inquiry and critical thinking activities and the integration of problem-based
learning using textbook readings, field studies, scientific literature, credible Internet resources,
web-based assignments, and laboratory investigations. Additionally, students will be involved in
activities to help them recognize their inner sense of kuleana and their connection to a sense of
place that will enable and encourage them to become stewards of the ina.
Daily activities will involve a mixture of lecture, class discussions, laboratory exercises, webbased assignments, and projects. Field studies and stewardship activities will be scheduled once
per semester and on the weekends.

INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY
Kamehameha Schools provides access to many technological tools to enhance the teaching and
learning process such as laptops, online resources, virtual labs, Blackboard, probes, etc. We
support the integration of technology as a critical component in preparing students to thrive in
our global society. As appropriate to each course, teachers will provide further classroom
expectations and guidelines as to the extent technology (e.g. laptops, websites, Blackboard,
Edmodo, etc.) will be utilized for research, instruction, assessment, and communication
purposes.
COURSE MATERIALS
The following materials should be purchased as soon as possible:
1.

Hard covered composition book for taking notes and writing down experimental results.

2.

A supply of lined 8-1/2" x 11", 3-holed notebook paper for writing homework and class
assignments.

3.

Set of colored pencils for graphing and anatomical drawings.

4.

A scientific calculator for mathematical operations performed on data from laboratory

exercises.

5.

Highlighter to emphasize key points and concepts in course handouts. The textbook is NOT
to be highlighted.

6.

Black or blue pens and pencil.

YOUR KULEANA - Student Responsibilities and Behavior

1. This course is meant to help prepare you for college. Therefore, proper classroom behavior is
absolutely necessary. You are expected to behave in a mature and responsible manner while
in class, especially when performing lab work for your own safety. You will be given more
information on proper lab safety procedures later.
2. You are expected to be in the classroom, in your assigned seat, and ready to begin class
before the tardy bell rings and to avoid being counted as tardy. If you arrive after the tardy
bell rings, you must check in personally with the instructor to avoid being marked absent.
3. You are not allowed to be using your laptop without permission from your instructor. You
are expected to have your laptops put away at the beginning of class unless otherwise
instructed. Laptops should be stored under the desks to keep the aisles clear.
4. You must ask permission to print in the classroom. Be sure to save your work on an external
drive to avoid permanent loss of work.
5. This is the file- naming format to be used for electronically submitted work in this class:
Period number_your last name, initial of first name_name of assignment.
Example: 3_Farden, H_Unit 1 Set 1 Concept Reviews

6. During class discussions, you are expected to be attentive to whoever is speaking. You are
encouraged to actively contribute to the class discussions. Holding your own private
conversations, working on homework for other courses, or sleeping in class will not be
tolerated.
7. During laboratory exercises, you are expected to participate in the activity with your group.
Do not sit by passively while others do the work. Do not wander around the room visiting
other students or conduct any activity that interferes with the learning of other students.
"Playing around" has no place in a laboratory. One careless slip may mean injury to a fellow
classmate or the loss of valuable material.
8. You are expected to have your binder, laptop, and notebook with you each day unless
instructed otherwise. Failure to bring proper materials to class may result in detention or a
call to your parents or dorm advisor.
Violations of these behavioral expectations may result in dismissal from class, plus a phone call
to your parents.
Your teachers are committed to providing you with the best possible learning experience.
Everything they do and say is focused on helping you succeed as a student and as a person.
GRADING PROCEDURES
Components of grades:
Your grade will be based on several factors:
1. Activity Grade - includes written work such as lab reports, homework assignments,
worksheets, and article abstracts. Your instructor will explain how each assignment will be
graded. Your activity grade represents 60% of each quarter grade.
2. Test Grade - you will be given a test for each unit covered in this course. Each test will
contain multiple choice and essay questions. Your test grade will count as 40% of your
quarter grade.
3. Quarter Grade - this is calculated as 60% of your activity grade (with any extra credit
included) plus 40% of the average of your test grades.
4. Semester Grade - your semester grade will be determined as 80% of the average of your two
quarter grades, plus 20% of your semester exam grade. In December, you will take a first
semester exam, which will test your comprehension of all of the material covered in the first
and second quarters. Your second semester exam in May will cover all of the material
covered from the third and fourth quarters, with some general questions from the first
semester.
Example: Quarter 1 (40%)+ Quarter 2 (40%)+ Semester Exam (20%)= Semester 1 Grade

Extra Credit:
Mlama ina: You are encouraged to perform 4 hours of ecologically-oriented community
service each quarter and write a one page reflection on your service project(s). Completion of
this community service and submission of the required reflections may raise your Activity Grade
to the next higher grade, assuming all other assignments have been completed. For example,
your Activity Grade may be raised from 87% (B+) to 90% ( A-). Details about the qualifying
types of community service will be distributed later. Your kumu may also have alternative
opportunities for extra credit.
The high school grading scale:
A = 93% - 100%
A- = 90% - 92%
B+ = 87% - 89%
B = 83% - 86%
B- = 80% - 82%
C+ = 77% - 79%

C =
C- =
D+ =
D =
D- =
F =

73% 70% 67% 63% 60% 0 -

76%
72%
69%
66%
62%
59%

Students and parents are encouraged to use KS Connect to determine a students current
grade status.
Policy on late and makeup work:
All assignments are due at the beginning of the period unless otherwise instructed.
No late work will be accepted for full point value without a written request from your
parents or dorm advisor that explains why your work is late. For unexcused absences,
there will be a 5% deduction for each calendar day for your late work. Excused late work
may earn the full point value of the assignment as long as the assignment(s) are turned in
per teacher agreement. It is your kuleana to see your teacher on the SAME day you
return to school to make arrangements for study help and for due dates on late
work. Otherwise, your work may be considered unexcused.
If you are absent from school due to illness, it is your responsibility to check Blackboard
for assignments and due dates. You may also contact your teacher for further
clarification on your homework assignments or refer to your due dates on your activity
guide. Laboratory make-up work should be scheduled upon your return.
If you miss a quiz or exam, it is YOUR kuleana to contact your teacher regarding the
missed assessment. It is also your kuleana to contact your kumu for a day and time to
make up the exam. You must make up the exam on YOUR time, not during regular class
time. If an exam is not made up for within ONE week after the exam was given OR
within one week of your returning to school, your kumu may record a grade of zero (0)
and not allow further opportunities for make up.
If you are at Hale Ola during your scheduled biology period and you readmit later in the
day, you MUST turn in your homework assignments by the end of that same day.
If you are excused from class because of another school activity such as a field trip,
rehearsal, sports game, etc., you are still required to turn in your assignments on the
day they are due.

Study help information:

If you need help with material covered in class or in preparation for a test, be sure to
contact your teacher to arrange for help.
As a final comment, you will be learning many concepts and facts, gaining new ideas, and
developing a greater understanding and appreciation of the wonderful world of living things.
Many of the worlds most exciting scientific research and newest discoveries are occurring in the
field of biology. If you make a commitment to work hard in this course, keep up with your
assignments, and cooperate with each other in class, you will have a good time learning about a
very important subject and good grades will follow automatically. If you choose to be actively
involved and strive to reach your highest goals, you will be fulfilling your obligation as a
Kamehameha student to do your best and live up to the legacy of Princess Pauahi.
IMUA AND HAVE A GREAT YEAR!
Teacher Contact Information
Nathan Nishimura
Office: Paki 207
Phone: 808-842-8589
Email: nanishim@ksbe.edu
Donna Tully
Office: Paki 303a
Phone: 808-842-8019
Email: dotully@ksbe.edu
Lea Arce
Office: Paki 303a
Phone: 808- 842-8239
Email: learce@ksbe.edu