Old Redford Academy Preparatory

High School
2017-2018 Course Syllabus

Course: Biology Grade: 10th Room#: 200

Instructor: Mrs. Willingham Email: Kwillingham@oldredford.com
Conference Time: 2:05 p.m. 3:05 p.m. Textbook: Miller & Levine Biology
Semester: Fall 2017 # of Weeks: 19 Dates: September 5, 2017- January 26, 2018
Website Address: http://mrswillinghambiology.weebly.com

Course Description This course introduces the principles and concepts of biology. Emphasis is on basic
biological chemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism and energy transformation,
genetics, evolution, classification, ecology, human physiology, and other related topics.
Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of life at the
molecular and cellular levels. Laboratory exercises reinforce lecture topics and include
microscope techniques. Basic scientific investigations are performed during laboratory
sessions that emphasize laboratory procedures, report writing, and the scientific method.

Prerequisite classes No prerequisite is required.

Course Objectives The emphasis of this course is on understanding biology conceptsNOT memorizing and
regurgitating material. Students should focus their studies on grasping the big picture rather
than on small details. This course is a college preparatory course and its rigors will reflect a
movement towards college level work. At the end of the year, students will leave with a
foundation in biology principles and concepts.

Classroom Academic Students will be required to do the following work:

Requirements
Read assigned readings (at home and in-class)
Participate appropriately in class discussions and during group work
Maintain regular, punctual attendance
Complete daily Do Nows as assigned
Work cooperatively in groups as assigned
Speak or present 1-2 times per year
Discuss or debate topics weekly
Take and organize notes daily
Maintain Biology/ Lab Binder
Create and present Science Fair Project

Monthly/Weekly 9/5-9/8 Distribution of course rules, course syllabus, community building

Educational Calendar 9/11-9/22 The Nature of Science, Introduction of the Scientific Method, Introduction to the

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 Science Fair
9/25-10/13- Cell structure and function, cellular respiration and fermentation, use of
microscopes
10/16-11/3- Cell growth and division, Mitosis, Meiosis, Cell Differentiation
11/6-12/1- Introduction to Mendel, Applying Mendels Principles, Punnett Squares
12/4-12/22- Structure of DNA, DNA replication, RNA, Protein Synthesis, Mutations
1/8-1-19- Ecology, Ecosystems, Biomes, Population Growth
1/22-1/26- Final Exam Review
Strategies Use of PowerPoint and computer technology, class discussions, rubrics, individual student
demonstrations in class, peer tutoring, small group study and presentations, journal writing (1st
hour), small group discussion, intense use of vocabulary, conduct inquiry experiments
independently and in class.
Required Materials Please acquire the following materials for this class by Monday, September 18, 2017. Any
student who has trouble getting supplies can feel free to send me a note, email, or
just talk to me, and we will make arrangements.
1-inch hardcover Binder for Biology only with pockets (Your binder can be larger.)
Loose leaf notebook paper
Dividers
(or) multi-sectioned notebook and folder dedicated to Biology only.
Writing utensils (pencils, blue or black pens)

Biology Binders
This year in class we will be keeping a Biology binder. You will need five tabs. This will be
a major component of each students grade. I will be doing RANDOM binder checks. If you
do not have your binder and/or it is not organized you will lose participation points. You will
need to bring this binder to class every day, and keep it organized! More detailed
instructions will follow. (Tabs: Do Now, Notes, Vocabulary/ Reference Materials, Class
work, and Labs.

Grading Scale 100-93% A 76-73% C

92-90% A- 72-70% C-
89-87% B+ 69-67% D+
86-83% B 66-63% D
82-80% B- 62-60% D-
79-77% C+ <60% F
Grades & Scoring - Bellwork: Every day begins with Bellwork. Bellwork will be collected and graded EVERY
Procedure Friday. Absent and tardy students are responsible for Bellwork.
- Participation: This will be graded on a daily basis. Every day, the grade will be based on
punctuality, being engaged, and asking and answering questions. 1st hour students will be
responsible for a writing Journal. The writing prompts are to be completed the first 8-10
minutes of class. Absent and tardy students are still responsible for Journal entries.
- Quizzes: Students will be made aware of quizzes prior to quiz date. Only students with an
excused absence will be allowed to make these up by the following Thursday. (Excused
absence must be approved by the P.A.T.)
- Tests: These will be given once a unit (every 3-5 weeks). On occasion, a project, essay or
report will be counted as a test grade. If missed, these must be made up by the following
Thursday. Student will be notified in advance of all test and will be provided with a study
guide for every unit test.
- Classwork: All in-class work is due at the end of class unless you are instructed otherwise.
- Homework Policy: You may expect homework to be assigned daily. Though you will
usually be given time at the end of class to begin the assignment, homework or projects may
need to be completed on the weeknights or weekends to meet assigned deadlines.

Late Work:
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 If work is not turned in by its due date at the start of class, it will lose 10% for each day the
assignment is late.

Extra Credit:
Your first opportunity for Extra Credit will be given today. In our busy, social media driven
world I find it easiest to communicate with students and parents via an App called Remind. I
will use this App to update you about homework, quizzes, test, changes in our schedule,
snow days, etc. You can receive 20 Extra Credit Points buy simply signing up. To receive
messages via text, text @ora2017 to 81010.

Grading System Bell Work 10%

Tests 20%
Quizzes 20%
Homework 10%
Classwork 10%
Projects (Essays) 20%
Participation + 10%
100%
Homework Students will receive homework at least 3 times a week. Homework will consist of research,
completing unfinished classwork, and studying. New material is cover almost every day. In
order to me successful in Biology it is important that you review the materials covered daily.
The materials will build day to day. In addition, students will be required to complete a
Science Fair Project. Although we will work on the basic skills of the Science Fair Project in
class, the majority of the research will be done independently.
Classroom Rules& The following classroom policies and norms are to be followed at all times:
Policies o Respect yourself, your classmates, and your teacher. Basically, the golden rule,
Consequences and treat other people and objects with respect.
Rewards - Raise your hand and use good manners.
- Try your best at all times.
(Please see the Student - Be kind to everyone, no exceptions.
Code of Conduct) - Clean up your area before you leave, remember that the teacher dismisses you, not
the bell!
o Support others in their educational endeavors and everything else that we
attempt as a class.
- Arrive to class on time, prepared, and ready to work: Every minute counts! Being
prepared includes having a completed homework assignment, binder and/or folder,
and a writing utensil.
o Food and Drink are not permitted, except for closed water containers.
o Follow ORAPHS policies on cell phones and technology. There will be
designated times to use cell phones, I Pads, etc.
o Teacher will not charge cell phones. If you have an emergency please visit the
main office.

Rewards and Consequences

1. Positive class behavior (including consistently coming to class on time and prepared)
will result in earning various privileges, as well as a happier teacher!
2. Keeping class work organized will greatly benefit you and your grade! Please bring
your binder and folder to class each day.
3. Negative behavior by the class as a whole will result in consequences, to be
determined by the severity of the action.
4. Negative behavior by a particular student will result in the following actions:
First offensewarning
Second offenseconference after class or after school
Third offense a phone call home
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 Fourth offense phone call home and referral

Certain behaviors may result in an immediate dismissal. In addition, if a substitute

leaves your name, you will automatically be placed on the 2nd or 3rd offense with no
questions asked!
Classroom Procedures - Quietly enter the classroom, be seated before the bell rings, and begin your Bell Work (Do
Now).
- Listen to and follow directions the first time they are given.
- Raise your hand and wait to be called upon before speaking.
- Remain in your seat unless otherwise directed by your teacher.
- The teacher dismisses you, not the bell.
Attendance & Students are responsible for attending all classes on time with the course materials ready to
Tardiness learn. If a student is tardy or absent from class, it is the responsibility of the student to
(Please see the Student establish non-truancy or excused absence by one of the following methods:
Code of Conduct) 1. Presenting a note from a parent, grandparent, or guardian.
2. Presenting a note from a nurse, physician or other health-care professional.
3. Being involved in an approved school-related activity.
4. Presenting a note from an administrator, counselor, or instructor.

Students who do not present a note will be considered truant and will be subject to
disciplinary action as prescribed by the School Code of Conduct. This includes, but is not
limited to, detention and/or suspension from school.

Make-Up Missed In order for the student to receive make-up or missed assignments, parents must submit a
Assignments signed absence excuse within 3 days of the students return to school. All make-up or missed
(Please see the Student assignments will be accepted on the designated date prescribed by the teacher.
Code of Conduct.)
All handouts will be located in the Were you absent? bin in the back of the class. Find the
folder that coordinates with the day of the week you were absent.

Tips for Success 1. Have a positive attitude!

2. I am here to help you succeed, so feel free to ask me for help. I am available before and
after school in room 200 (7:00 a.m.- 3:20 p.m).
3. Ask lots of questions. If you are unclear about something from the textbook, lab, or from
discussion, ask.
4. Make sure that you understand how the lecture, homework, and labs interrelate. Labs and
homework are designed to reinforce significant ideas from the text. Make sure that you
see these connections.
5. Start studying for tests early. By studying and reviewing each night you are not only
helping to prepare for the test more effectively, you are also more prepared for class each
day and any quizzes that may be given.
Resources: Please visit http://mrswillinghambiology.weebly.com for resources we are using in class that
pertain to each Unit/ Chapter. Class resources can be fund under the Resource Tab. I will
update them regularly.

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 Course Syllabus Acknowledgement Form

Teacher: ___Kierra Willingham _____________________________

Course: __Biology _______________________________

_________________
Student Name (Print) Date

___________________
Student Signature Date

___________________
Parent Signature Date