Biology Syllabus

2008-2009

Welcome to sophomore biology.  This is going to be a great year.  In order for everyone to be successful in this course, there are certain guidelines that must be met.

Instructor: Mr. Biesbrouck

                                    Email: Click Contact Me

                                    Phone: 623-435-6409

Office Hours: Wednesday- 8:30-9:20am, after school tutoring available (see your instructor).

Overview:  This sophomore biology course is designed to introduce you to a variety of topics in science through an inquiry approach.  We will be using hands on approach to investigate the world of biology.  We will also be working on reading, writing and discussion strategies that will aid you on the Science AIMs test.

Required Materials: 

3-ring binder with notebook paper (at least 1” in  size)

Pencils

Pens (black or blue ink only)

Highlighter

Items That Can be Donated to the Class:

One box of tissues

Colored pencils

Thin coloring markers

**In order to participate and pass this course, you must keep an updated and organized three ring binder which will function as your science notebook.

Classroom Expectations: the following behaviors are expected in class at all times.

Have respect for yourself, peers, adults and environment.

Always be prepared and on time.

Words appropriate for school.

Keep all electronic devices stored away.

School and district rules apply here.

**If at any time these rules are violated or class is disrupted: students will be warned, assigned detention, or given a disciplinary referral.  Failure to serve an assigned detention on the day that it is scheduled will result in further disciplinary action.

Consequences:

Student Conference

Detention

Call home and detention

Administrative Referral

** The instructor reserves the right to skip to ANY consequence when a situation warrants such action.

Tardy Policy

Being late to class is not acceptable.  All tardy students will be required to go to sweep.  Tardy means you are not in the room by the sound of the last bell.  Remember, sweep is not an excuse for not turning in work or not taking a test.  If you are swept, it is YOUR responsibility to see me by the end of the day or before first hour the following day to receive your work.  If you fail to see me before first hour the day following you being swept, you will not be eligible to receive the missed work or complete class assignments you missed.

Bathroom Passes

We are very limited on class time; therefore all bathroom breaks should be taken care of during the passing time between classes.  Upon the return of the signed portion of this syllabus, students will receive two bathroom/emergency passes.  These passes can be used during the first semester.  These are the only passes the student will be issued, so it would be wise to save them for emergency use only.  If a student does not use his/her bathroom/emergency passes during the semester, they may be redeemed at the end of the semester for extra-credit points.  This will be one of the only extra-credit opportunities available in this class (extra-credit will not be given at the end of the semester for students wishing to inflate their grade).  At the start of the second semester students will again be issued two bathroom/emergency passes to be treated in the same manner as those given first semester.

As is Apollo’s policy, when a student uses a bathroom pass, they MUST present their ID to the instructor in order to leave the room.  If the student does not have their ID, they will be issued a one hour detention.

Electronic Devices

In accordance with Apollo’s electronic device policy, no electronic devices are permitted from 7:55 am-2:35 pm.  This includes, but is not limited to cell phones, music players, portable gamming devices and cameras (both still and video).  If an electronic device is visible to the instructor, it will be confiscated and given to the attendance office.  Appropriate consequences will be determined by the attendance office.

Grading: 

100% - 90% = A/1

89%   - 80% = B/2

79%   - 70% = C/3

Below 69% = F/5

Suggestions for Success:

Students need to be in class everyday for the entire class period.

Students need to complete all assignments.

Students should seek help when needed.

Students need to use the Learning Center every Wednesday.

Students need to have a positive attitude.