Syllabus

** Daville High School ** ** Teacher: Mr. Herbst ** ** Phone: 847-345-6147 ** ** Email: ****dcherbs@ilstu.edu** ** Room: 228 ** ** School Phone: 312-555-1500 ** ** Office: 232 ** ** Available: ** Before or after school My free periods (3rd and 6th) By appointment  ** Course Web Site: ****DavilleHighSchool-Herbst.wikispaces.com*  ** Description: ** This introductory course helps to set the foundation of thinking like a scientist. This course explores many of the phenomena we find in the natural world as well the role of humans in this world. Biology is the study of life and living organisms.
 * Biology – Fall 2011 **

** General Organization: ** You will be expected to take notes every day. A blank note skeleton will be provided for you on each day of notes. Every Wednesday you will take a short quiz which measures how well you understand the material. This quiz will be largely completion-based and count towards your participation grade. Every Friday you will take a longer quiz which measures whether or not you are learning the information. This quiz will be based on whether or not you have the right answer. We will not have Friday quizzes during weeks we have tests, which will occur every two to three weeks. I will make an announcement a week in advance of upcoming tests. All assignments, homework, and handouts will be uploaded to the course website as they are used in class under the "Assignments" tab. In the case of an absent, you will be expected to check the course website prior to contacting me for what they missed. If applicable, print out the assignment or handout and bring it to class when you return.

** Course Topics: I ** maintain the authority to remove or change the order of covered topics. -Biomes -Basic Genetics -Cells -DNA, Transcription, Translation -The Human Genome -Body systems -Animals of the World -Plants

** Class Policy: ** ** - ** All students are expected to attend class and turn in assignments on time. -Absent students cannot make up Wednesday quizzes or participation points. -50% reduction for late assignments. For example if you get 8/10 on an assignment but turn it in late you will only receive 4/10 points. -For excused absences, you will be allowed 1 full day to make up the assignment. -Large projects worth 100 points or more will be deducted 10 points for each day they are late. -No talking while I am talking. -Disruptive students will receive 3 strikes before removal from the classroom. -To avoid contamination, no food will be allowed in Biology class. Drinks are okay but they must be in reseal- able containers (bottles.) -Homework, quizzes, and tests will be handed back at the end of every class period. Students are not to ask questions about their grade until at least the following class period. -The level of fun depends on you (the student.) My class is primarily a place to learn and a place to have fun follows. Students will earn rewards such as class time to talk based on how well they are on task and complete their assigned work.

** Safety: ** Because this is a science classroom there may be some potential hazards you must be aware of. We use sharp dissection tools, chemicals, and expensive equipment in this class. You are expected to maintain the highest level of safety in Biology class. You are also expected to pass the safety unit with at least 90%, this is because I want nothing but mastery of the material. You will be allowed to retake the safety test(s) until they pass with at least 90%. Students who do not pass the safety exam cannot participate in lab exercises and will lose participation points for every incomplete lab.

** Grading: ** I reserve the right to alter the grade layout at any time. -30% of your grade will come from Exams. -30% from two large-scale projects throughout the semester. -20% from homework assignments. -20% class participation. **-100% Total** A+ = 97% or better, A = 93-96.9%, A- = 90-92.9% B+ = 87-89.9%, B = 83-86.9%, B- = 80-82.9% C+ = 77-79.9%, C = 73-76.9%, C- = 70-72.9% D+ = 67-69.9%, D = 63-66.9%, D- = 60-62.9% F = 59.9% and below.

** Tardies and Hall Passes: ** Per school rule, students are allowed 3 tardies per semester. Tardies beyond this will result in after school detentions. When visiting the restroom, the you must carry a hall pass at all times.

** Supply Needs: ** Please take home the parental information sheet provided, this is your first assignment. Your first exam will be rewarded 10 extra credit points for its completion. Additional supply needs: -Kleenex -Scotch Tape -Pens/Pencils (box) -Highlighters -Colored Pencils -Band-aids -Magnets -Dry Erase Markers -Printer Paper *5 extra credit points will be awarded for bringing in supplies. Each student may only bring in 1 item on the list for extra credit. If you are interested please contact me so we can work out what you will bring. The points will count towards your participation grade.