Classroom Expectations

Classroom Expectations South Pointe Science Department Mr. Giacobbe Biology

Course & Syllabus Review… • Instructor: Mr. John Giacobbe, MA, RPA • Contact Information: • voice: 602.243.0600 • webpage: • http://www.nakedscience.org/mrg/index.html • school email: • john.giacobbe@leonagroup.com • home email: • jgiacobbe_southpointe@cox.net

Success in Class is Based on: • Notebook & Note Taking Skills • Lab Work • Daily Assignments • Unit Tests & Block Exams • Research Proposal • Participation & Behavior

Grading • Grades are based on the accumulation of points over the whole block. • Grading Scale: • A = 90 – 100% • B = 80 – 89% • C = 70 – 79% • D = 60 – 69% (Failing – No Credit) • F = 59% and below (Failing – No Credit)

Responsibility for Coursework • Bring notebook, planner, and appropriate writing tools to class. • Know due dates, and submit all coursework on time. • All assignments are posted on the bulletin board and on the class Web site.

Course Goals and Objectives By the end of the course each student will: • Understand the organization of living things and the ecological nature of the environment • Understand species diversity, and become familiar with invertebrate, vertebrate, & human biology • Understand the Process and Method of Scientific Research • Plan and Prepare a Scientific Research Proposal

Participation • Participation is everything! • If I see that you are paying attention, trying your best, and getting involved in what we are doing, I will do everything I can to see that you succeed. • Get involved every day and I can guarantee you will do well in my class. • You will also earn participation points, so stay focused and follow instructions.

Notebook • To pass this course you will need to keep a notebook. • This should include everything you get in class. • All assessments are based on notes and labs, and you can use your notes on most assessments. • As you progress in your education and careers, the importance of taking good notes cannot be overstated. • Assessment may come at any time, so you must always come to class prepared.

Research Proposal • Each student will be responsible for planning and preparing a scientific research proposal. • This will include proposing an experiment, doing research on the problem you’re curious about, and preparing a research plan. • The proposal will be geared towards participation in the Leona Group Regional Academic Challenge

Late Work • For each day the assignment is late, you will receive one grade lower than you would have received if the assignment had been on time. • At three days, you will receive a zero for that assignment.

Progress Reports • Progress reports are given out every week, and must be returned signed by the following week. • If you do not receive a progress report, you can always email or ask me for a copy.

Absences • You know the school and district rules. • If you miss five days of classes, you get no credit, sooooo… • Don’t miss class, period!!! • I have no power to reverse this rule, and students (including those who earned an “A”) fail each block because of absences!

Classroom Procedures • Each day, please enter the classroom, take your seat, and begin working on the bellwork assignment, if any. • If you need assistance for any reason, raise your hand and wait to be called on. • If you need to leave the classroom for any reason, you must get my permission and use the hall pass. • At the end of class, please put your chairs back, throw your trash away, replace your text book and any equipment used, and wait for me to dismiss you.

Miscellaneous Stuff • Honesty: Cheating and plagiarism are unacceptable. Truly dreadful things will happen to you if I find you cheating or plagiarizing. • Cell Phones: Not. If you use one in class, I may take the phone and give it to one of my dogs, they always eat theirs. • Respect: Everything else comes under the heading of respect, so show it to both your teacher and fellow students.

More Miscellaneous Stuff • Food is not allowed in the classroom, period. Too many bugs roaming around to be safe.. • Please be in your seat when the bell rings, as class begins at that time. • Major assignments and projects (but not labs) can be resubmitted (maybe, if I’m in a good mood). They will be scored at a 10% deduction. • If you miss a lab, you’re screwed. No makeups.

Classroom Consequences • 1st Offense – Verbal (bitchslap) Warning • 2nd Offense – Loss of Participation Points for the Day and a Phone Call Home. I will definitely lie to your parents and exaggerate about what a pain in the ass you are. • 3rd Offense – Visit with Mr. Mauzy, Loss of Privileges, Suspension, or Dismemberment. No field trips for the block, either.

General Student Behaviors • Be prompt • Be ready to learn when class begins. • Be prepared • Have materials with you and know due dates. • Be a polite and positive participant • Speak in a normal tone of voice, and listen attentively. • Be productive • Turn in work on time, and always do your best. • Be a problem solver • Correct problems quickly and peacefully before they escalate.

Promote Lifelong Learning You can develop lifelong learning traits: • By showing curiosity about human nature and how the world works. • By seeking and valuing diversity. • By persisting in seeking out new solutions. • By using your unique talents and intelligence to promote positive change. • By learning and applying technology tools to solve problems.

My Pledge to Students • I will trust you until you give me reason not to. • I will respect you and work with you to solve problems. • I will promptly correct and offer feedback on your work. • I will work with you to meet your learning goals. • I will offer extra help and alternative assessments should you require them.

Biology I - Course Outline Unit 1: Introduction to Biology • 1.1 What is Biology • 1.2 Scientific Method & Hypothesis Testing • 1.3 Paleontology I: The History of Life • 1.4 Introduction to Ecology

Biology I - Course Outline Unit 2: Basic Chemistry • 2.1 Classification of Matter • 2.2 Atomic Structure & Chemical Bonding • 2.3 Basic Chemical Reactions Unit 3: Biochemistry • 3.1 Organic & Biological Compounds • 3.2 Carbon Properties & Definition of Life • 3.3 The Molecules of Living Organisms

Biology I - Course Outline Unit 4: Cell Theory • 4.1 Structure and Function of Cells • 4.2 Homeostasis and Transport • 4.3 Photosynthesis • 4.4 Cellular Respiration

Biology I - Course Outline Unit 5: Cell Reproduction • 5.1 Cell Growth & Division • 5.2 Sexual Reproduction & Meiosis • 5.3 DNA: An Introduction • 5.4 Cloning

Biology I - Course Outline Unit 6: Genetics & Evolution • 6.1 Mechanisms of Evolution • 6.2 Evidence for Evolution • 6.3 Paleontology II

Biology I - Course Outline Unit 7: Ecology Part I • 7.1 Overview of Ecology • 7.2 Abiotic Environment • 7.3 Biogeography • 7.4 Environmental Science

Biology I - Course Outline Unit 8: Diversity of Species • 8.1 Classification of Life • 8.2 Environmentalism

Mr. G’s Science Department Web World • Web Page: http://www.nakedscience.org/mrg/ • Science Blog: http://nakedscience.blogspot.com/ • We have a significant web presence that you should take advantage of. This includes: • a web page with class notes, assignments, and old exams; • a Science Blog, with extra credit assignments and interesting links posted every week; • and an email newsletter, outlining what we are doing in each class each week and detailing upcoming labs, activities, and field trips. • Please send me an email address so I can add you to the list!

Biology I – Review & Understanding of the Syllabus (must be signed by parent/guardian and student) • Student Signature: __________________________ • Date: ________________________ • Student Name (print): ____________________________ • Student email (optional): _________________________ • Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________ • Date: _______________________ • Parent/Guardian Name (print): _____________________ • Parent/Guardian email (optional): ___________________

Classroom Expectations