2016 2017 BIOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS

TEACHERS NOTE
Dear Students, Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to 9th grade Biology at Diego Rivera Learning Complex. I am Mrs. Calloway-Franks
and I am super excited to have the privilege to be one of your teachers this year and engage in
the study of life. (Bio = life ology = study of)
While in my class, we are all a team and you all are teammates. As teammates, its
important that we respect one another and that we get to know one another. While in class, and
out of class, I expect everyone to encourage and support their classmates. My class is a safe
place to share your opinions, ask questions, and share about the great things in your life . We will
discuss relevant, controversial, and complex topics together. We wont only discuss topics but we
will figure out what we can do to make changes in our world. Every single one of you have the
power to impact the world around you, and the assignments and projects that you complete this
year can be the beginning of your impact. I cant wait to get to know all of you! Welcome to my
class!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Calloway-Franks

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Biology is the study of living organisms and the ways that these organisms carry on life
processes, adapt, and survive. Projects, labs, activities, and performance tasks will focus on the
following topics outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards: Molecules to Organisms,
Ecosystems, Heredity, and Biological Evolution.
Parents/Guardians please encourage your son or daughter to actively participate in class, be
here everyday and to complete all assignments on time as well as take time to study the
material outside of class.
Please feel free to contact me at any time via email, or you can call (323) 846-2118 to schedule
an appointment. Also, you can contact me online via my class website.

CLASS WEBSITE: www.callowayfranksscience.weebly.com

Teacher: Mrs. Calloway-Franks
Communication and Technology School
Email: mcalloway-franks@catsdr.com

Tutoring Hours: Thursdays 3:10

4:10pm or by appointment
CATS Phone Number: (323) 846-2118
Room: C302

SAFETY
Safety will be the top priority in our classroom. Please follow directions at all times in order to
have fun and avoid accidents. In order to have a safe lab experiment, safety procedures must be
followed. For this reason, food and drinks are NOT allowed in the classroom. NO GUM!!! If you
are caught with gum, you will have to pick up trash and/or sweep the floor in the
classroom.

REQUIRED MATERIALS FOR EVERY CLASS MEETING

-

Science notebook (must be 100 page composition book)

Backpack/bookbag
- Pen/Pencil
Colored pencils (optional)
- Highlighters
Energy (as well as mental focus)

- iPad (must be charged)

- Glue stick
- Safety scissors (optional)

2016 2017 BIOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS

2016 2017 BIOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS

Unit 2 LS1: From Molecules to Organisms: Structure and Processes
What should
kids be able to
do after
learning?
What should
kids be able to
do after
learning?

HS-LS1-1

DCI LS1. A Structure and Function

Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of
DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the
essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.

DCI LS1. B Growth and Development of Organisms

Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and
HS-LS1- differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms.
4
DCI LS1. C Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems

What should
kids be able to
do after
learning?

HS-LS15

Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy

into stored chemical energy.

Unit 3 LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

What should
kids be able to
do after
learning?

DCI LS2.B Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems

HS-LS2Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the cycling
3
of matter and flow of energy in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

Unit 4 LS3: Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits

DCI LS3.A Inheritance of Traits/ DCI LS1.A Structure and Function
What should
kids be able to
do after
learning?

HS-LS31

Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and

chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed
from parents to offspring.

DCI LS3.B Variation of Traits

What should kids
be able to do
after learning?

HS-LS3-2

What should kids

be able to do
after learning?

HS-LS3-3

Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic

variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through
meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3)
mutations caused by environmental factors.
Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation
and distribution of expressed traits in a population.

Unit 5 LS4: Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

What should
kids be able to
do after
learning?

What should
kids be able to
do after
learning?

DCI LS4.B Natural Selection/DCI LS4.C Adaptation

Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of
evolution primarily results from four factors: (1) the potential for a
species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of
HS-LS4individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3)
2
competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those
organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the
environment.
DCI LS4.C Adaptation
Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in
HS-LS4- environmental conditions may result in: (1) increases in the number of
5
individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over
time, and (3) the extinction of other species.

2016 2017 BIOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS

GRADING RUBRIC (For culminating assessments)
**NOTE: Students mastery of the above standards will be assessed using a version of
the sample 4 point rubric below.
1- Limited
2- Adequate
3-Proficient
4- Advanced

Studen
t
Rubric

I know (can do)

very little of this
concept. I need to
see the lesson
again and need
more examples.

I know (can do) all the

easy parts, but I dont
know (cant do) the
harder parts. I need
someone to explain one
or two more examples
to me.

I know (can do)

everything that was
taught without
making mistakes,
but do not feel
comfortable
explaining it to
others.

I know (can do) it

well enough to
make connections
that werent
taught and/or can
explain it to
others.

GRADING POLICY

{A = 100 90} {B = 89 80} {C = 79 68} {F = 68 and below}

Quizzes
Notebook Checks/Classwork/Homework
Written Assignments/Essays
Group projects/Labs

5 15 points each
5 30 points each
20 30 points each
30 50 points each

CLASS PROCEDURES: HOW WILL OUR CLASS OPERATE

Entering Class

Students are expected to be in their seats by the time class starts (OR YOU WILL BE MARKED
TARDY), get their science notebook out and start on their warm up assignment immediately,
and copy the homework for that day into their notebook.
Backpacks are to be off the table and put onto the back of your chairs.
Earphones/headphones should be taken out BEFORE entering class.

Beginning of Class

Homework will be checked and stamped at the beginning of every class period.
If you are absent you must check the Master Notebook at beginning of class, check the
absent wall, absent work bin and speak to me to get missing work. Being absent is not an
excuse for missing work.

During Class

You must raise your hand to get out of your seat to throw away trash, get tissue etc.
You are able to sharpen your pencil before class begins and after class.
If you throw anything, you must pick up 5 pieces of trash on the floor.

After Class

You are to wait until the teacher dismisses you before you get out of your seat.
The classroom and around your desk should be left clean and free of paper and trash.

EXTRA HELP

2016 2017 BIOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS

I will always be available to help you be successful. I am available for tutoring on Thursdays,
and immediately afterschool on most days or by appointment. Dont be afraid to ask for
support when you need it

RETESTING POLICY
Tests and quizzes below 70% are eligible for retesting. But, you are required to come in for
tutoring and to correct your original test. Then, you can take a retest. This must be done
within a week of receiving your original test grade.

LATE WORK/MAKE-UP WORK

Late work will receive a 1 point reduction for EACH day that it is late. Late work must be
completed before the end of the current unit in order to receive some credit. Late work will not
receive full credit.
Makeup work will be accepted within 2 days following the absence . You are responsible for
finding out what you missed. All makeup work must have the date of the original assignment at
the top of the first page. If you know that you will be a part of these official school trips, please
see me in advance in order to receive the assignments. All quizzes and exams must be made up
after school within three days of returning to school .

**Reminder: If you are absent from a class it is your responsibility to use the
Master Notebook or come to me after class, or after school to see what you
need to make up.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:
1.
2.
3.
4.

In order to maintain a strong and unified community all school rules must be followed.
Scholars will be safe in order to be successful scientists.
Scholars will be on time and present in class everyday, prepared with materials.
Scholars will be respectful of others and our classroom environment (both biotic and
abiotic).
5. Scholars will be responsible influencers in the classroom. Support and help your
community.

TEACHER EXPECTATIONS
1. Treat all students as individuals, with respect and care.
2. Provide multiple opportunities for learning and consistently provide feedback on student
performance.
3. Maintain a safe classroom environment.

RESTORATIVE POLICIES FOR BEHAVIOR

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Warning
Seat change
1-on-1 conference with student
Restorative Justice/Community Building Circle
Parent phone call
Parent/Teacher Conference
Detention
Referral
Class suspension

TIPS TO BE SUCCESSFUL
1. Study a little each night.

2016 2017 BIOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Ask for help in class, by email, after school, on my website, after class.
Sign up for Remind 101. Text @catsbio to 81010
Be actively involved in class.
Use my class website as a class resource!
Leave me comments, questions or concerns about class in suggestion box.

Please return this portion of the syllabus and bring it back signed by you the student
and by your parent/guardian.
Students: I have read the classroom policies and understand the academic and behavior
expectations for me as a scholar. I will honor these expectations and understand the
consequences if I violate them.
Student print name ___________________________________________________________
Student signature ______________________________________________________________
Date: ______________________
Parents
I have read the classroom policies and expectations and have reviewed them with my child.
Parent/Guardian print name:

____________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian signature: ____________________________________________________

Phone number: ___________________________________________________
Information
Does your child have access to a computer (circle one):
Yes or No
Please tell me about any health concerns or health conditions that your child may have
and that I should be aware of. Also, please tell me if there is anything I should know or any
accommodations that I should be made aware of to ensure your childs success in the
classroom.

Best time to contact you (circle one): Morning

Afternoon Evening Weekends
Estudiantes: He ledo las polticas de clase y entender las expectativas acadmicas y de
comportamiento para m como un erudito . Voy a cumplir estas expectativas y entender las
consecuencias si las violan.
Estudiante print name ___________________________________________________________
Firma de estudiante ______________________________________________________________
La fecha: ______________________
Padres
He ledo las polticas y expectativas de saln y los he revisado con mi hijo or hija.

2016 2017 BIOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS

Nombre del padre: ____________________________________________________
Firma de los padres: ____________________________________________________
Nmero de telfono: ___________________________________________________
Informacin

Su hijo tiene acceso a una computadora ( marcar con un crculo ) S

No

Su hijo tiene algn problema de salud o problemas?

La mejor hora para ponerse en contacto con usted (marque uno): Maana Tarde Noche
Fines de semana