HULL HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT COURSE EXPECTATIONS
2011-2012
473 HONORS BIOLOGY~~~~~~~~MS BLAIR~~~~~~~~~6 CREDITS~~~~~~~~ROOM C113
CONTACT INFORMATION: ~
Phone Number: ~781-925-3000 ext. 2120
TEXTBOOK: ~Miller & Levine, Biology. Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2004. Cost: ~$78.40.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: ~Honors Biology is an intensive and challenging course that investigates the intricate world of living organisms. Students taking this course will explore a wide range of topics from the basic chemistry of life, to general ecological principles. As a result of taking this course, students will receive appropriate instruction in line with the Massachusetts Frameworks for life science.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: ~The following course objectives for biology correspond to the course objectives outlined in the Massachusetts Science & Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework booklet. ~The student will:
ØUnderstand the chemistry of life by explaining how chemical elements form organic molecules that interact to perform the basic functions of life.
ØUnderstand that cells have specific structures and functions that make them distinctive; the processes in a cell can be classified broadly as growth, maintenance, and reproduction.
ØUnderstand genetics by explaining how genes allow for storage and transmission of genetic information; genes are a set of instructions encoded in the nucleotide sequence of each organism; genes code for the specific sequences of amino acids that comprise the proteins that are characteristic of that organism.
ØUnderstand the basics of human anatomy and physiology by explaining the relationship between the organization of cells into tissues, and tissues into organs; the structure and function of organs determine their relationships within body systems of an organism; homeostasis allows the body to perform its normal functions.
ØUnderstand the concepts of evolution and biodiversity by explaining that evolution is the result of genetic changes that occur in constantly changing environments; over many generations, changes in the genetic make-up of populations may affect biodiversity through speciation and extinction.
ØUnderstand ecology by explaining that ecology is the study of the interaction among organisms and between organisms and their environment.
COURSE CONTENT: ~The following is a list of topics that students will be learning in honors biology:
ØIntroduction to Biology
ØThe Chemistry of Life
ØCell Biology
ØGenetics
ØAnatomy & Physiology
ØEvolution and Biodiversity
ØEcology
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS: During this course students will:
Øwrite effectively
Øread actively and critically
Øpresent information and ideas fluently and comfortably before an audience
Øbe a competent problem solver
Øuse technology appropriately to acquire, integrate, evaluate, create, and impart information in a knowledge economy
REQUIRED READING: ~The following is a list of reading materials that will be used in biology: textbook, scientific journals, periodicals, newspaper articles, internet sites, etc.
REQUIRED WRITING: The following is a list of possible writing assignments in biology: lab reports, laboratory abstracts, open response answers, research projects, etc.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: ~The students in this course are expected to come to class everyday with a three-ring binder designated solely for the course of honors biology, notebook paper, a writing implement, previous class notes and work, and biology textbook.
COURSE EVALUATION CRITERIA: ~The final grade per quarter for this course will be averaged on the following basis:
~~~~~~~~Exams…………………………............…………………..50%
~~~~~~~~Quizzes…………………………..........…………………..20%
~~~~~~~~Laboratory Activities/Reports & Online Activities……… 15%
~~~~~~~~Homework & Class Assignments………………………....15%
COURSE POLICIES: ~The following are regulations that will be adhered to throughout this course:
Please carefully read and follow the Hull High School policy regarding attendance, tardiness, behavioral consequences and academic dishonesty as printed in the student handbook.
Ø Homework & Assignments: ~This grade includes in-class assignments & homework. ~ALL HOMEWORK & CLASS ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TURNED IN ON TIME. ~NO CREDIT (“0”) WILL BE GIVEN FOR HOMEWORK OR ASSIGNMENTS THAT ARE LATE, MISPLACED, OR TURNED IN WITHOUT A NAME!!
The student will receive 0, 5, or 10 points out of 10 possible points per homework/class assignment. ~If 100% of the homework is complete, the student will receive a grade of 10. ~If at least 50% of the homework assignment is complete, the student will receive a grade of 5. ~If the student completes less than 50% of the homework assignment, the student will receive a grade of 0. At the end of each marking period, a percentage will be averaged as a homework grade for that marking period.
Homework assignments will be posted on Ms. Blair’s School Web Site daily. To access homework assignments via the web, perform the following:
- Web Site: www.town.hull.ma.us
- Click “Hull Schools”
- Scroll down and click “Hull High School”
- Scroll down and click “Faculty”
- Scroll down and click “Mrs. Jacoby” or “Ms. Blair”
- Click “Honors Biology Homework”
Ø Laboratory Activities: ~During the school year, most lab activities will be collected and graded. Inappropriate behavior during a lab activity will result in a “0” for that particular lab activity and may result in permanent exclusion from future labs. ~Specific laboratory experiments require written laboratory reports.
- Technology/Computer Lab/Online Activities:
The Biology text includes interactive resources such as online lab activities and animations. Online resources require the students to work in a computer lab. All rules pertaining to the classroom also pertain the to the computer lab. There are additional rules for participation in online activities in the computer lab in order to ensure the safety of the student and equipment. These rules are discussed with the students and posted in the computer lab. Inappropriate behavior online (games, music, email, inappropriate websites, etc.) and inappropriate behavior in the computer lab will result in a “0” for that particular activity and may result in permanent exclusion from future online activities.
Ø Make-up Policy: ~The Hull High School Science Department Make-up Policy:
1) Missed assignments, such as tests, quizzes, labs, class work, and homework, may only be made up before or after school, NOT during class time, 2) For each day of absence, the student has two school days to complete any and all missed work, or two school days to communicate with the teacher and schedule a make-up time, 3) If missed assignments have not been made up according to the “make-up policy,” the student will receive a “0” for that particular assignment. ~
IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CONTACT THE TEACHER REGARDING A MISSED TEST, QUIZ, LAB, CLASS WORK OR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT!!
Ø Extra Help: ~Do not hesitate to ask for help. ~Ms. Blair is available before and after school. ~Please schedule a time with Ms. Blair for extra help (see contact information above). ~Science is a demanding subject. ~Please seek help as soon as possible.
HULL HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT COURSE EXPECTATIONS
2011-2012
473 HONORS BIOLOGY~~~~~~~~MS. BLAIR~~~~~~~~~6 CREDITS~~~~~~~~~ROOM C113
STUDENT/PARENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT
~~~~~~~~Your signature indicates that you understand the terms of these expectation sheets
~~~~~~~~and know what is expected of you for the successful completion of this course. ~
~~~~~~~~Please keep these sheets in your notebook and refer to them whenever you have
~~~~~~~~any questions concerning this course.
~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~Student Signature: ~_________________________________ Date: ~_________
Your signature indicates that you have had the opportunity to read these expectation sheets and discuss the expectations with your son or daughter. ~I thank you for your cooperation, and please do not hesitate to call me at the high school at 925-3000 ext. 2120 or email me at sjacoby@town.hull.ma.us or sblair@town.hull.ma.us,
should you have any questions or concerns about your child’s progress or if you would like to schedule an appointment with me.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ~__________________________ Date: ~________ ~
| 
