Berkmar High School

CP BIOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE TITLE: Biology

TEACHER: Ms. Stephanie Burkle General Education Teacher
Ms. Sherry Dean Special Education Teacher
Email Address
Teacher Email
Teacher Support

TERM: Fall/Spring 2015-2016

ROOM # 1.212

Stephanie_Burkle@gwinnett.k12.ga.us Sherry_Dean@gwinnett.k12.ga.us
sherrydeanoceanographyclub@gmail.com
Help sessions are available before and after school by appointment.

COURSE DESCRIPTION : Biology is an introductory course in which students will learn the fundamental
facts, theories, and principles of biology. The course is designed to help students recognize how science,
arts, and politics influence one another. The biology curriculum encourages the development of critical
thinking skills via lab activities, class discussions, and other student-centered activities. Writing is a key
part of Biology. Students will be expected to describe or explain key concepts in Biology by using
scientific words in well constructed paragraphs.

COURSE FOCUS FOR YEAR 15-16

Reading Diagrams and Writing About Them

Project-Based Learning
Science In The World, Arts, and Community

COURSE CURRICULUM CONTENT

The entire list of Academic, Knowledge and Skills for each of the following curriculum strands in this
course can be accessed through the district web address at www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us
AKS STRANDS
UNITS/TOPICS SEMESTER 1
UNITS/TOPICS SEMESTER 2
Intro to Science
DNA & RNA
A. Characteristics of Science
Ecology
Meiosis
Biochemistry
Genetics
Cell
Structure
Evolution
B. Academic Knowledge
Cell Transport
Classification
Cell Energy
Diversity of Life
Cell Division/Mitosis
EOCT
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
Published Materials
McDougal/Littel: Biology - $76.98

Instructional Supplies
1) 2 inch, 3-ring Binder
2) Dividers/Tabs
3) Pencils with erasers
Students will be provided with digital access code 4) Pens; blue or black ink
via My e-Class. Hard-copy textbooks will not be 5) Lined, 3 whole-punched paper
issued for home use; class sets will be available for6) Colored Pencils
use in the classroom.
Ms. Stephanie Burkle

CP Biology Course Syllabus Page 1 of 4

EVALUATION AND GRADING SEMESTER 1

Assignments
Classwork & Homework
Laboratory Reports
Unit Tests
Weekly Quizzes
Interim Exam
Final Exam (MC)
Performance Final

Grade Weights
Classwork & Homework (20%) Including:
Daily Assignments

8%

Labs

8%

Homework

4%

Quizzes

A:
B:
C:
D:
F:

Grading Scale
90 and above
80 89
74 79
70 73
69 or below

A:
B:
C:
D:
F:

Grading Scale
90 and above
80 89
74 79
70 73
69 or below

20%

District Assessments

2%

Summative Assessment
Unit Tests & Projects

38%

Final Exams (20%) Including:

GCPS Objective
Performance
5%

15%

EVALUATION AND GRADING SEMESTER 2

Assignments
Classwork & Homework
Laboratory Reports
Unit Tests
Weekly Quizzes
Interim Exam
Final Exam (MC)
Performance Final
EOCT

Grade Weights
Classwork & Homework (20%):
Daily Assignments

8%

Labs

8%

Homework

4%

Quizzes
District Assessments
Summative Assessment
Unit Tests & Projects
Final Exams (20%):
EOC
Performance
5%

20%
2%
38%

15%

EXPECTATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

Expectations for Academic Success

Read and Review daily
Ask questions
Be a team player AND do your classroom job
Arrive on time with correct materials
Review multiple sources of information
Challenge yourself to continuously improve
Complete all assignments in a timely manner

Additional Requirements/Resources
Tutoring Available by appointment
Online Resources posted on teacher web page

Course Requirements:
Access the Course Website for Homework, Study Guides, Instruction Materials (Videos, etc),
Calendar
Keep up with course assignments (Calendar also in classroom)
Ms. Stephanie Burkle

CP Biology Course Syllabus Page 2 of 4

ELECTRONICS:
Berkmars policy on electronic devices states that students may use electronic devices in the
Cafeteria, before and after school, and WHEN I ALLOW YOU ACCESS.
When access is NOT given, they are PUT AWAY
CHEATING
Any student found to be cheating on a test, quiz, or assignment will receive a 0 on that
particular assignment. Cheating is defined in the Berkmar Honor Code.
TEST CORRECTIONS
There are NO test corrections
HOWEVER: students will be given assignments after the exam to help remediate areas not
mastered according to the exam
MOVIES

Movies and Films or Clips of movies will be shown in class to ONLY facilitate learning
ALL are PG or PG-13

LATE POLICY
Any work turned in late will be penalized 10% per day and not accepted at all 10 days after the
due date. It is your responsibility to keep up with the class workload and due dates.
Class 3-ring Binder (at least 1.5 inches):

All graded and non-graded assignments need to be kept in your binder. We may have open notebook
quizzes over content, notes, homework, graded labs and handouts. You will be provided with instruction
on how to organize your notebook during the first week of class.

CLASSROOM RULES
1. Be respectful.
2. Be on time.
3. Be prepared.
4. Be a participant. .
Consequences for inappropriate behavior:
1st incidence: Warning
2nd incidence: Detention/Parent contact
3rd incidence: Referral to administrator
*In the event of a severe misbehavior, the student will be referred to an administrator immediately.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR:
Arriving early
Completing daily jobs
Staying after school to help me or another student
REWARDS FOR POSITIVE BEHAVIOR
Lunch with the teacher(s)

ATTENDANCE:
Ms. Stephanie Burkle

CP Biology Course Syllabus Page 3 of 4

Because class sessions will introduce new material, allow time for questions, include performance of labs with
highly perishable materials/organisms, and include special instructions. It is, therefore, essential that the student
make a conscientious effort to attend every class and be prepared to participate. Attendance will be taken at each
class session.

BIOLOGY NOTEBOOK
All students are REQUIRED to have a Biology Notebook. Notebooks will be divided according to the units
covered in that semester. I will assist you in the first few days of class with your notebook organization. It is
important to keep your notebook neat & organized, as you will be given random, un-announced NOTEBOOK
QUIZZES throughout the semester. When turning in assignments, each item should include your NAME, DATE,
and CLASS PERIOD. No Name items will receive a grade of zero. Be sure handwriting is clear and legible.

Purpose: Science is a hands-on laboratory class. You will be doing many laboratory activities, which will require the use of
potentially hazardous materials. Safety in the science classroom is the first priority for students, teachers, and parents. To
ensure a safe science classroom, this list of rules has been developed and provided in this safety contract. These rules must
be followed at all times. One copy of the contract is provided. This copy must be signed by both you and a parent or
guardian and returned to Mr. Thornton before you may participate in the laboratory.
As a science student I will adhere to the following safety rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Follow all general and specific instructions given by the teacher for a lab activity.
Study the assignment. If you are in doubt about any procedure ask the teacher for help.
Do not perform unauthorized activities.
Immediately report any accident, injury, incorrect procedure or damage equipment to the teacher.
Safety glasses and aprons should be worn for any activity indicated by the teacher.
Do not engage in horseplay or other inappropriate actions during lab.
Use the safety equipment provided. Know the location of the fire extinguisher, safety shower, fire blanket, first aid kit
and closest administrators office.
8. Any accident that might cause personal injury must be reported to the teacher. A copy of this accident report will be sent
home. An incident report must be filed with county security for any major accident.
9. Place broken glass and waste chemicals in designated containers. Keep solid objects out of the sink.
10. Never taste or mouth-pipette any chemical substance. Never inhale chemicals. Keep combustible materials (hair spray or
sprayed hair) away from open flames.
11. When the lab is complete, turn off the water and gas and disconnect electrical connections. Clean your work area. Return
all materials to their proper places.

Ms. Stephanie Burkle

CP Biology Course Syllabus Page 4 of 4

Parents & Students: Please sign to indicate that you have read and understand the Syllabus & Safety Contract presented.
Please return this sheet NO LATER than Monday, August 11, 2014.

After reviewing the syllabus, please complete and return the following portion to Ms. Burkle/Dean:
STUDENT: I have read and understand the class syllabus and will adhere to all rules and policies.
Students Name: _____________________________

Date: __________________

Student Signature: ________________________________________

PARENTS: I allow my student to view educational movies listed on the syllabus. My child has discussed the syllabus and
the lab safety rules with me. I understand and will support these rules and policies.
Parent Name(s): ____________________________________________
Parents signature: __________________________________________
Parent Phone #: ____________________________________________
Email Address (for the purpose of sending any updates via email). Write as legibly as possible.
Student Email: _________________________________________________________
Parent Email: __________________________________________________________

Ms. Stephanie Burkle

CP Biology Course Syllabus Page 5 of 4