2009-2010
Instructor: Mrs. Elizabeth Meredith
Email: MeredithE@HaydenHigh.org
Course Description
This course offers a general survey of
the basic concepts of biology, which includes the study of the cell and
introduction to plant and animal life. Evolution is a major theme in this study
of living organisms. This course will acquaint students with scientific
methodology and help to foster an understanding of life processes and
ecological relationships.
1. Students will
demonstrate technological skills in making observations and measurements
(qualitative/quantitative).
Students
will:
a) demonstrate proper use of measuring instruments
b) demonstrate operation and use of microscope
c) demonstrate skill and safe practices in handling chemical
substances and biological specimens
d) interpret and construct graphs and tables of scientific data
Chapter 1: Study of Life
Chapter 2: Chemical Basis of
Life
Chapter 3: Cell Structure
and Function
2. Students will
participate in investigative activities in the resolution of problems.
Students
will:
a) develop the steps involved in the process of scientific
investigation
b) demonstrate
an ability to collaborate effectively with classmates and instructors to solve
problems
c) design investigations to demonstrate proficiency in solving
problems
d)
demonstrate skill in identification and investigation
of authentic local and societal issues
Chapter 1: Study of Life
Chapter 13: Classification
Chapter 36: Populations and
Communities
3. Students will relate
the role of genetic mechanisms to the evolutionary process.
Students will:
a) compare and contrast the phases of mitosis and meiosis
b) compare and contrast structure and function of RNA and DNA
c) explore the principles of Mendelian
genetics
d) identify and discuss the basic principles of
e) describe how living things have evolved over time
Chapter 5: Cell Division
Chapter 10: The Theory of
Evolution
Chapter 11: The History of
Life
4. Students will examine
the complimentarity of structure and function.
Students will:
a) relate the role of organelles to their structure
b) compare and contrast the structure and function of varying
cell types
c)
demonstrate an understanding of physiological
mechanisms underlying each of the major systems
d) explain how living things reproduce and develop
Chapter 2: Chemical Basis of
Life
Chapter
3: Structure and Function
Chapter 5: Cell Division
5. Students will examine
the mechanisms involved in maintaining a stable environment.
Students
will:
a) explore
the metabolic activities of the cell and describe the structure and functions
involved in these activities
b) explore
the interaction of organ systems within multicellular
organisms and their role in maintaining homeostasis
c) discuss the energy acquiring and releasing processes of the
cell
Chapter 3: Cell Structure
and Function
Chapter 4: Photosynthesis
and Cellular Respiration
Chapter 5: Cell Division
6. Students will examine
the interactions of organisms and their environments.
Students
will:
a) recognize
the interdependency of all life forms and evaluate man’s role in this process
b) explore the relationship between biotic and abiotic factors in the environment
c) explain how energy and minerals are recycled in nature
d) differentiate
between populations, communities, and ecosystems and identify factors that
influence population stability
e) analyze
the natural changes that accompany succession and man’s influence in these
changes
Chapter 35: The Biosphere
Chapter 36: Populations and
Communities
Chapter 37: Ecosystem
Dynamics
7. Students will examine
the diversity and unity of living forms.
Students
will:
a) identify
life from non-life by recognizing characteristics of living things
b) apply the system of classification for living things
c) identify the importance of the cell theory and the
components of the cell
d) explore unity and diversity between
the five kingdoms
Chapter 11: The History of
Life
Chapter 12: Human History
Chapter 13: Classification
Laboratory
activities and mini-labs:
Labs and
mini-labs will be included in many of the topics covered in the curriculum to
foster the development of the abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry.
Labs are essential to learning, but do require responsible actions on your
part. Misuse of equipment or misbehavior
in labs will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action.
Quizzes will be
given at the end of each chapter or topic covered. These will be announced.
Tests will be
given at the end of each unit. One test
will carry the weight of two or three quizzes.
Options to
improve TEST grades below 70% are:
1.)
Re-testing
for an 80% maximum score
2.)
Correct
tests- Students can make corrections to incorrect test questions, however,
corrections are only worth 50%
Grading:
Hayden High
Schools grading scale will be used. (see agenda)
Grades for each
quarter will be weighted as follows:
50% quizzes/test/other assessments
25% homework
25% labs.
*Late Policy on
Homework and Labs- 10% will be deducted
every day from any work turned in late.
* There are 2
semesters/ 4 quarters in the year. Each
semester’s overall grades will include the two quarters’ grades worth 45%, and
the final exam will comprise 10% of a semester’s grade.
|
Semester 1 |
Quarter 1 =
45% |
Quarter 2 =
45% |
Final = 10% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Semester 2 |
Quarter 3 =
45% |
Quarter 4 =
45% |
Final = 10% |
Materials
Needed:
Spiral Notebook
Loose-leaf paper
Writing utensil
Scientific calculator
1.
Respect- Show respect for your peers and
instructor at all times. This means serving others, listening considerately,
and responding with kindness.
2.
Responsibility- As young adults you now have greater
responsibilities. Others depend on you
fulfilling those responsibilities. Neglecting responsibilities means that you
will lose respect.
3.
Promise- As your teacher, I will never ask you
to do something I would not be willing to do myself, and I will always keep a
promise I make to you. This means that I
will expect the same in return. Breaking
your promises means you will lose respect. Challenge yourself.
4.
Students
must be familiar with and obey all of the rules for
5.
Always
bring your materials. You will NOT be
permitted to go to your lockers after the bell has rung.
6.
Be
in your seat ready to learn when the bell rings.
7.
Whenever
you need to use the restrooms you MUST have one of the two hall passes. ALSO
you must sign in and out on the log sheet.
These things can be found on the podium by the door.