BiologyCourse Descriptors and Expectations

2012-2013

Christina Dunbar, Ed.Stina.dunbar@douglascounty.k12.ga.us

Course Description

Course ObjectivesThe Biology curriculum is designed to continue student investigations of the life sciences that began in grades K-8 and provide students the necessary skills to be proficient in biology. This curriculum includes more abstract concepts such as the interdependence of organisms, the relationship of matter, energy, and organization in living systems, the behavior of organisms, and biological evolution. Students investigate biological concepts through experience in laboratories and field work using the processes of inquiry.

 

Curriculum Map/Pacing First 9 weeks ORGANIZATION  Life is organized at all levels from

cells to biosphere 1st 9 weeks  Focus: Cell structure and Function Evolutionary History History of Life Classification of Kingdoms Ecosystem Structure Viruses 2 unit tests

Second 9 weeks ENERGY TRANSFORMATIONS Energy can be neither created nor

destroyed but can be transformed from one form to another as it flows through organisms and ecosystems. 

Focus: Chemistry of Life Function of Organic Molecules Photosynthesis Cellular Respiration Cycles of Matter Energy flow Food chains and webs 2 unit tests

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How can I be successful in Biology class?

Come prepared- paper, notebook, writing instruments

Be organized- keep all your work in one notebook, use dividers, agenda

Make up missed assignments Study!!! You will not have assigned

textbooks and there is no electronic book site-You must use your notes and the internet to study.

How will assignments be graded?

Mastery of Standards-40%, Daily/Labs-40%, EOCT (final)- 20% continuous grading**

Honors- 3 points added to final grade You will have S.A.F.E.’s (short and frequent

evaluations-quizzes) most every week and unit tests.

Major daily grades are Notebooks that you will turn in before the unit test-this is worksheets, activities, YOU keep to show your work for that unit.

Where can I find information?

New Manchester High School website Teacher ‘s site and email

Douglas County web site Moodle-assignments, Infinite campus-grade

portal Science Fair information-this will be optional

and will be treated as extra grades. Let me know if you would like to participate.

What are class procedures?

Get to class on time and prepared BEFORE the bell rings! 2nd tardy-parent contact; 3rd- office referral

Follow seating chart Stay organized with a 3 ring binder and

dividers; folders Start WARM-UP immediately No FOOD, GUM, UNCAPPED DRINKS

Procedures; con’t. KEEP all your papers and assignments-

EXCEPT for LABS-until unit Notebook is turned in.

Assignments that require Homework to complete will be signed by me on the due date; NOT signed = late= points off

Work Bell to Bell I dismiss you-NOT the bell

Lab Procedures You will have assigned lab partners Emphasis will be on writing solo Lab

reports We MUST be as QUIET as possible-it

echoes in there bad! ALWAYS clean up as directed for each

lab and place chairs under desks at the end of class

Miscellaneous info Tutoring-Monday and Tuesday 3:45-4:15 Bridges tutoring available also Follow dress code Don’t forget you are allowed to bring

technology to school You MUST make up missed assignments

in a timely manner, no > 2 weeks You will have a pre/post test-points on

post

Questions?

Live or Not? Get out a sheet of paper Create a T chart: Living/Nonliving Record the names of the items in the

following pictures under each column You will then write down at least 5

characteristics of living things-and we will define them

Warm-up 8/9 and 10 Levels of Organization: these are simple

to complex levels that build to an organism:

Place the pictures in order from simple to complex-write the names from left to right using arrows to connect the terms.

Ex. Molecule-> macromolecule-> ?

ORGANISM ORGAN

ORGAN SYSTEM

MOLECULE

ATOM

TISSUE

Bone cell