Mr. William Burch’s Biology I Class
Phone: 865-856-3028
Email: [email protected]
INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS
The class will move at a fairly rapid pace, and require students to stay focused and complete work on-time. Students should expect work, which challenges them. Assessments will have a variety of question types, including multiple response, matching, open-ended, essay, and short answer questions. The course will also include the use of technology (relevant to the course), open-ended assignments (where the student creates content based on a rubric and the use of prior knowledge), and project-based assignments which are relevant to real-world situations.
This course will prepare you for the Biology End of Course State Test, which will be worth 25% of the final average. Biology I is a laboratory science course that investigates the relationship between structure and function from molecules to organisms and systems, the interdependence and interactions of biotic and abiotic components of the environment, and mechanisms that maintain continuity and lead to changes to populations over time. Embedded standards for Inquiry, Technology & Engineering, and Meiosis, Genetics, Biotechnology, Biodiversity, Change, and EOC Review. You learned many of these topics in middle school. This course will cover the following, with topics including:
- Introductory Biology - Cells
- Genetics - Evolution
- Ecology - Classification and Diversity
- Interdependence - Flow of Matter and Energy
- Heredity - Biodiversity and Change
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
General Rules:
- The rules for this classroom will be consistent with the rules listed in the Greenback Student Handbook. These will be implicitly followed, and consequences listed in the student handbook will be followed as defined. Examples include dress code violations, tardy rules, cell phone violations, etc.
Classroom Expectations/Rules:
- It is your responsibility to be aware of when assignments are due and when quizzes and tests will occur. Biology I follows a regular schedule; all assignments are posted in TEAMS with an assignment due date. All assignments are due at most once per week.
- You must be in class ready to work when the tardy bell rings. This means that any homework will be ready to turn in, and textbooks, binders, computers, and pencils will be out ready to work. This also means that students will be quiet (not talking or walking around). Homework is only due at most once per week, so you should plan doing your homework appropriately. When you are in class, you should be working on your homework if you have any that is not complete.
- Phones are not to be out during class. If I see your phone out, I will take it up and turn it into Administration – no questions asked. You cannot take out your phone to check the time. The only time phones are used are for educational purposes when instructed by me. If I see your cell phone out in between classes (and it is not before 8:15 a.m., after 3:15 p.m., or when you are going to lunch), I will take it up and give it to administration.
- Everyone will show respect to each other. Teacher will show respect to students, and students will show respect to the teacher and other students.
- Handwriting must be readable. If I cannot read your handwriting, I can’t grade your work.
- Positive behavior will gain positive results.
- You will respect the property of others (i.e. keep your hands to yourself – this is especially important due to Covid 19).
- Discussion is only allowed when led by the teacher and as related to the class. Class time is not chat time.
- Pick up any trash on the floor, which may be near/under your desk.
- If you are not in your seat when the tardy bell rings, you will be counted tardy. If you forget any supplies in your locker after the tardy bell rings, you will be counted tardy if you go get them. You must be prepared for class every day.
- If at any time your grade falls to a “D” average, your parents will be contacted.
- Do not get up during class without asking for any reason, as this can disrupt class. Throw any trash away at the end of class.
- You are not to leave the classroom for any reason other than using the bathroom or if you are called to the front office. Don’t ask to leave class to give something to another teacher – do that on your own time. Students will not be allowed to leave the classroom for any other reason.
- If I see you working on any other work than what is required for my class, I will ask you to put it away. Our class time is for classwork related to our class; not for other classes.
- Assignments include homework (vocabulary sheets, outlines, notes, lesson reviews, and chapter reviews), quizzes (cover 2 chapters at a time), unit tests (cover 4 chapters at a time), a midterm (covers all material learned up until Spring Break), EOC (End of Course State Test), and Final Exam.
Notebook:
- Your notebook will be organized into 5 sections, labeled:
- TABLE OF CONTENTS (which list daily objectives and homework)
- NOTES (which include notes taken during class)
- HOMEWORK (in class work and take home assignments)
- QUIZZES
- TESTS
You will need 5 dividers. Dividers will be used to separate sections.
- Notebooks will be checked at the end of every three-week period. Notebook checks will be graded. Points will be counted off for missing assignments, missing notes, or incomplete table of contents. Students MUST record the daily objectives (which are listed under “Objectives” on the board every morning) and daily homework in their Table of Contents section. Also, students MUST have a notebook solely dedicated to Biology I (i.e. I don’t want a notebook with multiple classes).
- If you need supplies, see me after class, or before or after school.
Grading Policies:
Students will be graded based on their completion of the following types of assignments:
- 50% Test Grades, Projects, Group Assignments, etc.
- 30% Quizzes
- 20% Homework (Section Reviews, Chapter Reviews, etc.)
- Attendance (policy implemented by the Loudon County Board of Education)
Students will receive 10% off for beach day work is late (up to 5 days). After 5 days, students will receive a “zero” for the assignment. Students cannot make up late work after it has fallen below a zero. Students will be sent to Detention to complete missing assignments.
It is the responsibility of the student to turn in work on time and completed. There are no excuses for NOT turning in work on time, as class time is regularly given to complete class work.
Grading Scale
A = 90 to 100
B = 80 to 89
C = 70 to 79
D = 60 to 69
F = 59 and below