Ms.
Wheeler’s Biology Class Guidelines
2016-17
Email lwheeler@lcusd.net
Web site home.lcusd.net/lchs/lwheeler
Subject: Biology is a yearlong course that is recognized by the UC schools as a college prep class. This means that it meets the requirement colleges see in fulfilling a lab based class. Therefore, labs are an integral part of this class and vary in depth and topics. Topics in this class will include scientific method, biochemistry, ecology, cells and their functions, DNA and genetics, evolution, and homeostasis.
Expectations
In order to get the most from the class, it is imperative that we all cooperate
in making it work. Below is a set of guidelines that not only will help
you succeed in your study of biology, but will be the basis for the citizenship
grade. Adherence to these guidelines on a daily basis will ensure an
"Outstanding" in the citizenship grade.
1. Show respect for yourselves, other, and property.
2. Be in your seat when the bell
rings. See school policy on tardies and absences.
3. Listen carefully to your teacher when she’s giving instructions or
information.
4. Speak to your lab partners respectfully and clearly.
5. Food, gum, and drink are NOT allowed in class.
6. Follow close instructions in labs. Stay with your group throughout and
do your assigned job.
7. Make up tests and labs in the day after your absence. Tests may be
made up
during school or with me after school. Labs can be made up after school by
appointment.
8. Use the bathroom at passing period.
One emergency pass per quarter not counting block periods
9. Do all your own work. Take
pride in doing your own work. Show
integrity and dignity by following tight control on temptations to cheat, share
answers, or plagiarize. Any form of
cheating under the new Honor Code will not be tolerated.
Consequences include getting a 0 on the assignment, parent contact,
suspension, and possible college contact.
No make up work will be put in place to make
up the grade.
10. Leave your cell phones in silent mode and keep in your backpack. See
school policy.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned daily. Each unit will have an assignment sheet
that can be found on my website as well as hardcopy with the pages and or
chapters we are covering on those days, assignments to be completed, dates of quizzes, and projects to be completed for that
unit. On each assignment sheet there are
links to other helpful material, power points, and some online activities. Therefore, I suggest in addition to keeping a
hard copy of the assignment sheet, that you bookmark my website to access an
online copy at home. Homework is checked
daily and recorded once a week. You are responsible for hanging on to all
homework papers, notes, handouts, and activities in your notebook. I collect a
packet at the end of each unit. It
includes all stamped homework assignments, handouts, and class work for that
unit. It is then you will receive the appropriate points for your work.
Late homework may be added to these packets for partial credit.
Assessment:
Your grade comes from both the work you do in
class and at home (homework packets, projects, portfolio 40%) labs 15% and
tests/quizzes (45%). Quizzes and tests
are given approximately one every 10 days.
The final exam is worth 10% of the test grade. Below is the grading scale for this class:
A= 90-100 B=80-89 C= 70-79 D= 60-69
F= 0-58
Tests and quizzes may be a mixture of
multiple choice and short answer questions.
All quizzes and tests will be sent home or may be viewed on my website
for a period of one week after the taken.
Below is an example of a multiple choice question that may be asked on a
quiz or test
Chose the term that best describes the way a
body cell divides:
a.
though a process
of sexual reproduction
b.
through a process
of asexual division called mitosis
c.
cells do not
divide
d.
Body cells divide
both sexually and asexually
Short answer: List the steps of mitosis in order and tell
one significant event that occurs to the DNA during this time.
I suggest using Illuminate to check on a
student’s progress if you are concerned with your child’s progress. You may also contact me with your concerns
with an email or phone call
1. 3 ring binder biology divided into 4 subjects: Classwork/Homework, Labs and Projects, and
Quizzes and notes.
2. Glue stick
3. pencil and pen
4. colored pencils- small pack of 12
5. metric ruler- small
6. highlighter
7. small scissors
8. Lab book with graph paper
9. File Folder White or beige
10. lab donation of $20
(see flyer on registration forms)
Citizenship: In order to get the most from the class,
it is imperative that we all cooperate in making it work. Below is a set
of guidelines that not only will help you succeed in your study of biology, but
the citizenship grade or “S” or better depends on adherence to the rules listed
on the original guidelines. Reoccurring
infractions of one or more of these guidelines will result in a dropped
citizenship grade of “N” or below.
Outstanding “O” citizenship grades are recognized 90% during lab time
and 10% during class time. Below is how
to best succeed in lab/block time.
Labs: You will be assigned a role in your lab group
which you will have the entire quarter. Typically labs are done during the
block period and are due on the following Monday. Assigned roles will help you move easier through
the lab and get information needed in the lab.
Cooperation with your lab partners make the labs fun, learning more
prevalent, and of course will get you the best citizenship grade possible.
Contact
information: I am available after school on
most days to discuss grades, content, or anything else of concern. Following are
some of the ways I am available out of school
Remind.com: As
a way I might text students important reminders, I use a special system that
involves students texting the number 81010 and then in the text field adding
their information: Period 2 texts
@g3a96, Period 3 texts @8f4kb, Period 4 uses @adc326, Period 5 uses @aceahd, and Period 6 uses @a783a. Students may also be able
to text me as well using this app.
Google Classroom:
Each student will also be asked to sign up with a particular Google
Classroom where certain online assignments and links will be available: Period 2 code is 82wo9h, period 3 is w0ch1iw.
Period 4 is ff2q5w2, period 5 is seohozu, period 6 is lckn4h8
I
am looking forward to having a great school year with you. I am looking forward to a wonderful year in
biology with you and your child.
Sincerely,
Laura
Wheeler
On the next page, please sign that you
understand the various aspects of this class.