Welcome to Biology B Mrs. Galoob & Mrs. Rathbun 2009-2010 rgaloob@skschools

1. Welcome to Biology B Mrs. Galoob & Mrs. Rathbun 2009-2010 rgaloob@skschools.net

2. Mrs. Galoob’s website:http://hs.skschools.net/Teachers/rgaloob/ • I have a website that is linked to the schools website (http://skschools.net), from this site you should click on my name from the high school staff list. For some topics I will post the class notes and information about major assignments such as lab reports.

3. Course Themes • Characteristics of life • Basic biochemistry • Cell structure and function • Unicellular and multi-cellular organisms • Cell reproduction • Photosynthesis and cellular respiration • Homeostasis in the human body • Genetics • DNA replication and coding for specific proteins • Mutation • Reproduction in terms of genetic probability • Natural selection/ evolution • Ecosystems • Energy flow and the transfer of materials in an ecosystem • Human impact on ecosystems • Global climate change • Relationships among organisms

4. Course Activities • Students will conduct labs including their design, use of lab equipment, data collection, and communicating results • Working cooperatively in groups with peers • Demonstrate knowledge of how historical events have impacted modern scientific knowledge • Discuss in a informed way current bioethical issues • Describe the application of the relationships between form & function and cause & effect. • Demonstrate knowledge about the characteristics of life and relationships among organisms • Explore genetic probability. • Demonstrate knowledge about cellular processes

5. Lab Reports for the Portfolio: • Student Learning Expectation (SLE) A1: All students will demonstrate critical thinking by acquiring and analyzing information, employing effective research skills and using logic in problem solving. • Two lab reports (2 courses)

6. Lab Report Rubric

7. Expectations for Students Attendance! Attitude! Effort! • Be on time and prepared for class. On the due date of an assignment students should bring to class their work in a completed format. • All submitted assignments are the work of only the student making the submission. • Be courteous to others, use respectful language. • Always follow lab safety rules as specified in the safety contract. • Cell phones and MP3 players are not allowed and will be confiscated to be handed over to an administrator. Any communication with persons outside school should be done through the SKHS office.

8. Absences: • If you have an excused absence you are expected to ask for and get from me missed homework and make arrangements to complete missed class work. This could very likely include staying after school to get the appropriate help or materials to make up the work. If a student does not make up a test or quiz prior to my grading and handing them back to the class they will receive a zero.

9. Materials Students use the textbook: Globe Biology. In class every day students will need: • agenda • a pen or pencil, • Binder (1 inch or smaller) to keep notes, handouts, lab data, graded work, etc. • Textbook To pass this course students will need to keep a binder. This binder should include any handouts or materials students get in class, lab notes, and lecture notes. All assessments will be based on notes students take during class, and they will be able to use their own personal notes on some assessments. As students progress in their education and careers, the importance of the ability to take good notes cannot be underestimated.

10. Grading Grades will be calculated based on a point system. Points earned in a quarter will be divided by the total points possible to arrive at a percentage : 100-90% = A, 89-80=B, 79-70= C, 69-60=D, below 60 = F. • Homework: 5-10 points. Full credit is given for homework completed and on time. Students are expected to make corrections to their work when we go over it as a class. Late and incomplete homework is not accepted. You are expected to complete homework when absent as described above in “expectations”. • Class work, small labs, and Quizzes: 10-50 points • Tests/ Projects/ Full Lab Reports: 50-100 points Rubrics with detailed instructions will be given with all projects and lab reports.

11. High School Grade Span Expectations • Life Science #1All living organisms have identifiable structures and characteristics that allow for survival (organisms, populations, & species). • Life Science #2Matter cycles and energy flows through an ecosystem. • Life Science #3Groups of organisms show evidence of change over time (structures, behaviors, and biochemistry).Life Science #4Humans are similar to other species in many ways, and yet are unique among Earth’s life forms.