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FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOLOGY CLASS REQUIREMENTS

Required Materials * lab notebook * #2 pencils

* pocket folder with worksheets * looseleaf paper * one blue or one black pen

WORKSHEETS: Each student will be given a worksheet packet to begin each section or chapter. You will be expected to have this packet in your possession for each class and you will be expected to complete assigned worksheets. GRADING: The grading system used in this class is a point system. Your grade will be determined from the ratio of your points to that of the total points for the quarter. You are strongly encouraged to keep a record of your grades so that you can check it with the teacher's records. Your evaluation in Biology will be determined by the following: HOMEWORK: The teacher will regularly assign and collect homework including laboratory write-ups and worksheets. Anytime that a student does not complete an assignment on time 50% of the grade will be deducted. A reduced penalty will be available for those students willing to stay after school and complete the assignment. If the student still has not completed the assignment by the second day the grade will become a ZERO. LAB WORK: Your lab work is your professional work and as such, it is expected that you complete it on time. The teacher will collect your lab notebooks once or twice a quarter and grade all labs up to that point. It is the responsibility of the student to keep her lab work up to date. The lab work is the major part of the homework grade. QUIZZES: You will frequently be given a brief quiz covering the topics studied since the last quiz or test. These quizzes are usually 30 to 50 points and they will usually be fill-in-the-blank paragraphs with a word bank. TESTS: You will generally be given 2 or 3 tests during each quarter. These tests will usually cover one chapter and will have a much higher point value than the quizzes. They will consist of a variety of different types of questions including multiple-choice, matching, completion and short-answer essay. RE-TESTS: You are welcome to take one re-test on ANY of the tests during the semester. This re-test grade will be averaged with the original test grade and that average will replace the original grade.

CLASS PRESENTATION: Each student will be expected to complete and present an 8 to 10minute lecture and/or activity late in the third quarter. Topics will be drawn from a list of biological subjects in the area currently under discussion. Each activity must include an outline or worksheet, supplementary audio-visual material and a bibliography of various sources. Each assignment will be worth 75 points. Late presentations will be deducted five points per day until they become zeros. MAKE-UP WORK: Any time that you are absent from school and miss quizzes, tests or assignments it is YOUR responsibility to make arrangements to complete the work promptly. Absence from school does not excuse you from the work. Work not made up promptly will become zeros. PREPARATION GRADE: You will receive a 30 point preparation grade each quarter. Points will be deducted for lack of preparation; including not having your notes or other materials. Points will also be deducted for inattentiveness or class disruption. Chronic discipline problems will be dealt with through violations. EXTRA CREDIT: Usually extra credit will have to be attained through attendance on field trips. These trips will usually be to local sites of biological interest (such as local hikes or tours of places such as the Zoo and Aquarium). These trips will always be after school or on weekends. The extra credit grade will be determined from either a collection made as a consequence of the trip or from a quiz on the material covered during the trip. CLASS PARTICIPATION: My classroom will be operated on what is known as the Socratic method. Students are encouraged to ask and answer questions on the topic under discussion frequently. I want you to feel free to ask anything on the subject about which you are curious. Remember that the teacher cannot read your mind so you are required to ask questions anytime you dont understand. BEHAVIOR: Each student will be expected to abide by the school rules in the classroom. The guiding rule in the classroom is respect for others. This is demonstrated through attentiveness and politeness such as not speaking when someone else has the floor. Infractions such as not staying on task, sleeping in class, talking out of turn or use of a cell phone will merit the consequence of a violation. All violations will be accompanied by one or more detentions. Cheating (academic dishonesty) is expressly prohibited by the Notre Dame Handbook and will not be tolerated. Cheating will is punishable by a ZERO on the item in question in addition to further disciplinary penalties. A student found guilty of cheating will not be permitted to make up the work. At no time may a student publicly challenge the authority of a teacher as this completely disrupts the learning process. If you have any questions on appropriate behavior please see the teacher outside the classroom. Definition of disruption: Any action on the part of a student that hinders or prevents the teacher from conducting the class in his normal and comfortable manner. I understand the rules set above and agree to observe those rules to the best of my ability. Student signature Date

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