Course Description:
This course will provide an overall view of current theories and practices in
the life sciences. Learning will be hands-on and relevant to student's daily
experiences. Major areas of study include an introduction to Biology, Basic
Chemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Classification of Life, Ecology and Human
Environmental Impact.
Course Outline:
Qtr #1: Nature of Science
The Metric System Review and The Scientific Method
Introduction to Biology
Diversity and Classification of Life
Photosynthesis and Respiration
Cell Structure and Function
Genetics
Qtr #2: Diversity of Life
Bacteria
Protists
Fungus
Plants
Animals
Qtr #3: Human Anatomy
Levels of Organization
Skeletal and Muscular Systems
Nutrition and Digestive System
Circulatory System and Blood
Respiration and Excretory System
Nervous and Sensory Systems
Reproductive System
Qtr #4: Ecology
Populations and Species Interaction
Carbon, Nitrogen and Oxygen Systems
Succession and Laws of Sustainability
Environmental Concerns
Text and Notebook:
Each student will be given a numbered text at the start of the school year.
It is expected that the student return the same textbook at the conclusion of
the year in good condition. In addition to the text, it is required that each
student maintain a three-ring notebook to be used for science only. There will
be many handouts that the student will be held responsible for keeping track
of. Notebooks will also be checked periodically throughout the year.
Grading:
The marking period grades in Life Science will be measured by the point system.
The total points earned by the student will be divided by the total number of
points possible to determine his/her grade. For example, if there is a total
of 1000 possible points at the end of the quarter and a student has acquired
850 points, his or her grade will be an 85%. There will often be rubrics for
labs, projects, and other activities that will make it easy for the student
to know exactly what is expected. Listed below are some common point values
for assignments so that you can get a sense for what each is worth.
Homework - 10 points
Class/Lab Participation - 10 points
Quizzes - 50 points
Tests - 100 points
Projects- 50- 200 points (depending on the
amount of work required)
* I am available for extra help during the enrichment period and most days before
and after school. Please do not hesitate to seek my assistance, though advance
notice is preferred.
Homework:
Expect to have some sort of homework assignment for every class. Assignments
will be checked for completion at the beginning of each class. Students may
receive a maximum of 10 points for thorough completion of assignment and 0 points
for missing assignments. Late homework assignments will receive a maximum of
5 points if turned into me before the end of the unit. No late assignments will
be accepted after the final assessment for that unit.
Daily Classroom Expectations:
All students have the right to learn and I have the right to
teach.
Maintain a safe learning environment for everyone- this includes lab safety!
RESPECT people, property, and ideas
Come to class prepared and on time.
You MUST bring the following items to class everyday:
- Your covered text book
- Your three-ring binder with blank paper
- Your assignment book
- A writing utensil
Attendance:
Both attendance and punctuality are a reflection of your performance in this
class. I will follow school policy for all excused and unexcused absences as
well as tardies.
You are responsible for getting all missed information and homework when you are not in class. I will not chase you down to make up work. If you miss a quiz or test you have up to one week to make it up, after which it becomes a zero.
Final Thought:
" If today is a typical day on planet Earth, we will lose 116 square miles
of rainforest, or about an acre a second. We will lose another 72 square miles
to encroaching desert, the result of human mismanagement and over population.
We will lose 40 to 250 species, and no one knows whether the number is 40 or
250. Today the human population will increase by 250,000. And today we will
add 2,700 tons of chlorofluoro-carbons and 15 million tons of carbon dioxide
to the atmosphere. Tonight the earth will be a little hotter, its water more
acidic, and the fabric of life more threadbare." (David W. Orr, Earth in
Mind, 1994, page 7)