Mr. William Burch’s Biology II 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. 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 II Final, which will be worth 20% of the final average. Biology II 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. This course will cover the following, with topics including:
- Cells - Zoology
- Flow of Matter and Energy - Heredity
- Biodiversity and Change - Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
- Botany - Ecology
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:
- You will 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, and pencils will be out ready to work. This also means that students will be quiet (not talking or walking around) and ready to work.
- Cell 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 must put your phone in the phone holder under your number assigned to you. You cannot take out your phone to check the time. The only time phones are used are for educational purposes are when instructed by me. If I see your cell phone out in between classes (and it is not before 8:15 a.m. or 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).
- Discussion is only allowed when led by the teacher and as related to the class.
- Pick up any trash on the floor, which may be near/under your desk.
- Supplies (pencil, paper, book) may be borrowed, as they exist.
- 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 below 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 a bathroom pass or if you are called to the front office. 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.
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),
- TESTS (contains all tests taken), and
- QUIZZES
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 (on the board by my desk) 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 each 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