Course Syllabus Biology Intervention

2017-18

Instructor Information

Instructor: Laura Conrad

Telephone: (254)299-6820

E-mail: laura.conrad@lavegaisd.org

Tutorials: 8:00-8:25 am on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays (by appointment)

Course Description/Overview

The purpose of this course is to prepare you for the Biology STAAR Retest that will take place at the end of the semester. We will review the questions on your STAAR Biology test from last May, and we will also review each of the 5 Reporting Categories. The five Reporting Categories for STAAR include:

RC 1: Cell Structure and Function

RC 2: Mechanisms of Genetics

RC 3: Biological Evolution and Classification

RC 4: Biological Processes and Systems

RC 5: Interdependence within Biological Systems

Course Resources

Text: Biology (Holt, 2015)

We have a class set of textbooks available in the classroom. Student textbooks can be checked out from Mr. Hicks across the hall if you would like to have a copy of the textbook.

Course Website(s)

Teacher Website https://tinyurl.com/lavegaconrad

Course Supplies

Colored Pencils.

School-wide binder (at least 3-inch ring) with dividers

o Dividers: Course Info, Warm-ups, Graded Work, Miscellaneous

Highlighter

Pens or Pencils

1 package of 100 index cards

Grading Scheme

Grading Policy

Grades will be based on the following:

Daily Work 70%

Tests, Projects, etc. 30%

Total Points 100%

Late Assignments

Please turn in your work on time. Many concepts we learn will build on each other, so failure to complete work in a timely manner may make it difficult for you to learn the next day’s lesson. At the same time, my philosophy on turning in work is “better late than never.” Late assignments will be accepted with a penalty of 10% per day up to a maximum of 50% deducted from the grade.

Makeup Work

If you know in advance that you will miss a day of class, please talk to me beforehand. If you miss a day of class and it wasn’t planned, you will go to the back of the room, read the agenda for the days you missed, and pick up any handouts you need. This will happen at the beginning of class on the day you return. Any assignments that were due on the day of your absence (including tests/quizzes) will be due on the day you return to class. If an assignment was given on the day of your absence, you will have extended time to complete that work.

Course Policies

“The Rule” Don’t do anything that interferes with my ability to teach or anyone’s ability to learn. Expectations:

1. Come to class on time with all required materials. 2. Follow staff directions the first time they are given. 3. Participate with your best effort and give others the opportunity to participate. 4. Be safe and take care of school equipment and facilities. 5. Follow all school rules.

Procedures:

1. When you enter the classroom, go straight to your seat, take out materials, and start working on the warm-up.

2. End of class – the bell does not dismiss you; the teacher does.

Collaboration/Plagiarism Rules

Cell phones and other electronic devices are not to be used in the classroom at any time without teacher permission. Collaboration will be encouraged on some assignments, but papers turned in must represent your own work. This means you can talk about the process of how to approach a question, but don’t copy from somebody else’s paper. No collaboration will be permitted on quizzes or tests.