biology grading schema

8/3/2019 Biology Grading Schema

1/3

Biology Mr. Medley 2011-2012

Biology is the study of life in its many forms. In this introductory class for 9th graders we will undertake

this study in 5 units. The first is on populations and ecosystems. In this unit we will look at large scale

phenomena, including what affects population sizes and what are the many interconnections among

species in a community. The second unit will focus on viruses and bacteria. In this unit we will study

cells, the spread of diseases and begin to consider the wide range of living species on earth. The third

and fourth units are on genetics and evolution respectively. We will go from the small to the large here

from how DNA codes for characteristics and how genes are passed through generations to how life has

spread over the earth in its myriad forms. The final unit is on energy flow through living systems. In this

unit we will consider photosynthesis, respiration and how we gain and store energy in our body, but also

fossil fuels and our societys energy habits.

Biology, like all science, is a way of thinking, and we will focus on what distinguishes that way of thinking

throughout the year. We will generate and use data to test hypotheses. We will develop and test

models. We will look for evidence constantly, and we will struggle with just how strong of conclusionsour data will support.

Supplies:

Students should bring a three ring binder and pencil to class every day. They may largely leave their text

book at home for studying and homework.

Work and Grades

Quizzes and Tests:

Every other week on Friday we will have a 10-15 minute quiz. This gives students and me a chance to

find out iftheyre keeping up. They will get a chance to redo this quiz the following week.

There will be major tests at the end of each of the five units and finals at the end of each semester. It

will also be possible to redo these.

The quizzes and tests will have two parts. Everyone must do the C-level parts. Those students wanting

As and Bs must do the A-level parts also.

Daily Work and Notebooks

Students will turn in their three ring binders every other week on Friday. In it they will keep theirhandouts and the work they do in class. Each class will start with a warm up for which you will get a

stamp. These stamps count in your notebook grade too.

Labs, Projects and Homework

Each unit will have a certain set of lab write-ups, projects and homework packets. At the beginning of

each unit I will tell you which you have to do to get an A, a B or a C. As a general rule, all students will


2/3

have to do the labs and projects we start in class, but only the students trying to get As and Bs will have

much homework.

Units will typically be about 7 weeks. To get an A, you should expect to complete about 7 lab write-ups,

projects and homework packets at an A level. To get a B it will typically be 5 at a B level on average, and

to get a C it will typically be about 3 at a C level. These assignments will have scoring criteria on them

One project per unit can count as extra credit to help make up for a poor quiz or notebook.

Grading

This system is a little bit of an experiment, and I reserve the right to go to a more traditional points

system if it doesnt work.

A Score 100% on all C level tests and quizzes Score at least 80% average on the A level parts of tests and quizzes

(Extra quality can compensate for some lost points on the C level

tests.)

Complete notebooks at 90% or better. Complete A level projects, lab reports and homework packets. Participate in class fully and productively

B Score at least 90% average on all C level tests and quizzes Score at least 50% average on the A level parts of tests and quizzes Complete notebooks at 80% or better. Complete B level projects, lab reports and homework packets. Participate in class consistently and productively

C Score at least 80% average on all C level tests and quizzes Complete notebooks at 70% or better. Complete C level projects, lab reports and homework packets. Participate in class consistently with few exceptions

D Score at least 70% average on all C level tests and quizzes Complete notebooks at 60% or better. Complete C level projects, lab reports and homework packets, but

with insufficient quality.

Participate in class regularlyF Score less than 70% average on C level tests and quizzes

Complete notebooks at less than 60%. Do not complete C level projects, lab reports and homework

packets.

Participate in class haphazardly or disruptively.

A few extra notes

Work is expected to be completed on time. A letter grade will be taken from work that is one day late.

No work will be accepted more than one day late. The exception to these rules comes from excused


3/3

absences. Students will be allowed an extra day to complete work for each day absent. Additional time

allowed with teacher arrangement.

For purposes of computing averages, one test is worth 4 quizzes.

Behavior Expectations

Students are expected to come to class on time and ready to learn.

All school rules are enforced in class, notably the no hats policy and the no electronics policy. Cell

phones should be muted and put away.

Students must respect each others right to learn. Intimidation, put downs, disruptions and disrespect

will not be tolerated

Consequences for misbehavior will escalate from warnings, time outs, detentions after school andeventually referrals to the administration. I try to phone home when I see poor behaviors that arent

improving or are affecting learning.

How families can best support their students.

The first page in the students notebooks will list the work that they are doing during each two week

period and the goals for those weeks. Thursday nights before the quiz are a good time to check with

students to make sure their notebooks are complete and that they are confident about the material that

will be on the quiz.

On the following Tuesday they should be able to show you their notebook and quiz or test scores.

Encourage them to retake the quiz or test if they did not do well.

I regularly update my blog at http://biologyghs.blogspot.com/

Feel free to contact me [email protected].
http://biologyghs.blogspot.com/http://biologyghs.blogspot.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://biologyghs.blogspot.com/

biology grading schema

Documents