Classroom Vision Project: Syllabus

Biology 1
Hi! Welcome to Biology 1! My name is Mrs. Urban and I am the teacher
for Biology 1, Biology 2, and Anatomy and Physiology. I graduated from
Illinois State University with a degree in biology education. I am also
certified to teach chemistry and middle school science.

Contact Information:
Email: cstegal@ilstu.edu

Website: http://urbanscienceclass.weebly.com/

Students: Please feel free to come talk to me before or after school. You may also email me, but I will
not be answering any emails after 8:30 pm.

Course Description:
This year we will be covering a variety of subjects including genetics, anatomy, evolution, botany, and
ecology. While we explore these topics we will be cultivating our science literacy skills such as lab skills,
discussions and presentations, data analysis and interpretation, analysis and application of science
literature, etc. Our goal, as a class, will be to learn these science skills alongside the content and then
create a bridge between the realm of science and our everyday lives. One question that you will be able
to answer after this year is why science is important to you. The objectives for this class align with Next
Generation Science Standards; these standards can be found www.nextgenscience.org. The following is
a list of major concepts that we will be covering in each unit.

Unit 1: Genetics

DNA structure and function

Mitosis/meiosis
Genetic variation
Mendelian genetics

Unit 2: Anatomy

Growth and development of organisms

Body systems
Homeostasis in organisms
Cellular respiration

Unit 3: Evolution

Evidence for common ancestry

Natural Selection
Classroom Vision Project: Syllabus

Adaptation

Unit 4: Botany

Structure and function of plants

Photosynthesis
Economic botany

Unit 5: Ecosystems

Carrying capacity
Biodiversity
Energy transfer
Organizational webs
Effects of disturbances (especially by humans)

Supply Needs:
For the classroom:
These items are not required, however, they may be
o Clorox wipes
turned in as extra credit. Each item is worth 3 points, but
o Kleenex
you can earn 10 points if all 3 are turned in.
o Hand Sanitizer
For personal use:
o Composition notebook for lab work
o 3 ring binder (1.5"-2") and binder dividers to hold notes and hand outs
o Loose leaf paper for notes OR you may print out the slides for that class period and
take notes on them
o Pens and pencils

Grading Scale
A: 90 100

B: 80 89

C: 70 79

D: 60 69

F: > 60

The grades for this class are based on a weighted system. Projects are worth the most because it gives
me the best way to assess your learning and your ability to apply the concepts that we have learned to
your lives. I make tests worth less in order to take the pressure off for those that have anxiety when it
comes to tests.

Homework = 10%

Quizzes = 10%
Classroom Vision Project: Syllabus

Tests = 30%

Projects = 50%

Class Policies:
Late work:

Late work will be accepted one day after it was due, however, 20% will be deducted from the
final grade. This applies only to homework; late projects/presentations will not be accepted.

Absent work:

If you have an excused absence, then you have one day for each day you were absent to make
up your work. For example, if you were sick for two days (and have a doctor's note) then you
have two school days to make up any work that you missed. If it is an unexcused absence, then
you must turn in any missed work the day you return to school.

Responsibilities:

It is your responsibility to show up to class on time and totally prepared. You must be in the
classroom by the time the bell rings with all the materials necessary for that class period. You
are also responsible for completing all assignments thoroughly and on time. In this class, there
is a lot of group work; I expect that each student should pull their own weight in order to
complete group projects/presentations.

Relationships:

I expect every student to treat each other with respect. Please be kind to others even if you feel
they do not deserve it. If you are having a problem with another student, I will gladly act as a
mediator for you. We will work together to resolve issues with one another without any name
calling or violence. And in the same way, please be respectful towards me, and no matter the
circumstances, I will always respect you. If I have done something that you do not agree with,
please come talk to me.

Safety:

Each student must sign the safety contract. In addition, the parents or guardians of each
student must also sign the safety contract. Until the safety contract is signed, I will not allow
that student to participate in labs, and they will receive a zero in the grade book. There is no
exceptions to this rule. We will be adhering to the Flinn Safety Contract. If you lose your paper
copy, there is a copy available on the website.