8th grade earth science classroom information for

Lithia Springs High School Teacher: Ms. Cooke

School Phone: 770-651-6700 Date: August 19, 2015

Email: [email protected] www.mscookes.weebly.com

Course: Honors Biology (S206)

Course Syllabus

Course Description: The Biology curriculum is designed to continue student investigations of the life sciences that began in grades

K-8 and provide students the necessary skills to be proficient in biology. This curriculum includes more abstract

concepts such as the interdependence of organisms, the relationship of matter, energy, and organization in living

systems, the behavior of organisms, and biological evolution. Students investigate biological concepts through

experience in laboratories and field work using the processes of inquiry. The rigor and pacing will be congruent

with an Honors level course with increased depth of knowledge that utilizes critical thinking skill and

application based knowledge. In addition, all students will complete a science fair project that can be started

the first day of school and will be due the first week of December.

Online Textbook: Glencoe Biology Science 2008. http://www.glencoe.com/ose/ access code: CAC252F524

Pacing Guide:

Performance Standards: The curriculum for honors biology follows the Georgia Performance Standards. This curriculum focuses upon inquiry based

instruction utilizing problem solving skills. The specific GPS curriculum can be accessed through the Douglas County Schools web

site at www.douglas.k12.ga.us or www.georgiastandards.org.

Expectation for Students: To be successful in honors biology, students should be self-motivated, inquisitive, and conscientious learners. In addition, students

should always be on time for class, prepared for instruction, complete assignments by required due dates, be courteous of others, ask

questions to clarify learning, remain on task, adhere to all safety requirements, and obtain and complete makeup work when absent.

Unit One Focus:

Study of Life and Cellular Structure and

function

EOCT Domain Weights:

Cells – 17-18%

Organisms – 17-18%

Unit Two Focus:

Energy Transformations

and Ecology


Ecology – 25%

Unit Three Focus:

Growth and Heredity


Genetics – 25%

Unit Four Focus:

Organism Diversity and

Evolution


Organisms – 17-18%

Evolution – 14-15%

Lab Safety & Equipment (SCSh2 a,b,c)

Scientific Measurement (SCSh3c,d,e,f;

SCSh4a,b,c; SCSh5a,b,c,d)

Microscopes (SCSh2a,b).

Scientific Method (SCSh3a,b,c,d,e,f)

Chemistry of Life (SB1b,c,d)

Function of Organic Molecules (SB1b,c,d)

Enzymes (SB1b)

Characteristics of Life (SB3b)

Viruses –as they relate to Char. Of Life

(SB3d)

Cell structure and Function (SB1a)

Homeostasis (SB1a)

Cellular Transport - Osmosis & Diffusion

(SB1a, d)

Photosynthesis (SB3a)

Cellular Respiration (SB3a)

Cycles of Matter (SB4b)

Energy Flow (SB4b)

Food Chains and Webs

(SB4b)

Succession (SB4c)

Human Impact on the

Environment (SB4d)

Ecosystem Structure (SB4a)

Biomes (SB4a)

Plant Adaptations (SB4e)

Animal Adaptations and

Behavior (SB4f)

Asexual & Sexual

Reproduction (SB2e)

Cell Growth (SB2)

Mendelian Genetics

(SB2c)

Chromosomes and

Mutations (SB2d)

DNA and RNA Processes

(SB2a,b)

Genetic Engineering

(SB2d)

DNA Technology and

Cloning (SB2f)

Biological Resistance and

Bioethics (SB2d)

Classification of 6

Kingdoms (SB3b,c)

Comparative study of

system complexity of

organisms (SB3.b)

Viruses (SB3d)

Evolutionary History

(Theorists) (SB5a, b)

History of Life-

(Evidences) (SB5a, b,c)

Natural Selection (SB5d)

Population Genetics and

Evolution of Populations

(SB5b)

http://www.mscookes.weebly.com/

http://www.glencoe.com/ose/

http://www.douglas.k12.ga.us/

http://www.georgiastandards.org/





Course Syllabus Essential Policy Information:

Tardy Policy: We follow the LSHS Tardy Policy. 1st -Offense-Detention

Discipline Protocol:

1. Department Detention and Parental Contact

2. Department Detention, Behavioral Analysis Assignment and Parental Contact

3. Department Detention, Behavioral Analysis Assignment and Parental Conference

4. Administrative Referral

LSHS DETENTION:

In an effort to create a learning-focused classroom environment, the LSHS has devised a system for addressing

inappropriate and/or disruptive classroom behaviors. Detention is held Monday - Thursdays from 3:55 – 4:55

in room A209

Transfer of Students’ Averages and Report Card Nine week Averages: The teacher will assign each grade

in the grade book with the students’ transfer average.

Policy for Make-up Work (Excused Absences): Students will be given 1 day for each day absent to complete

and turn in make-up work. Students shall be expected to contact his or her teachers to obtain make up

assignments. Students shall receive a zero for any assignment or test not made up in the allotted time. Within

this framework, the maximum time allowed shall be determined at the discretion of the teacher and building

level administrator according to individual circumstances.

Extra Credit : PARENTS AND STUDENTS: EXTRA CREDIT WILL NOT BE OFFERED!!!! PLEASE DO

NOT ASK!!!!

CDA Policy: Douglas County Schools has established an assessment plan to provide a consistent measure of

student progress across the county. Each subject has common district assessments (CDA’s) that students are

required to take as part of their assessment grades. The CDA scores will be counted as a regular test grade.

Students may take a CDA retest and replace the previous CDA grade. The test will be similar in nature and will

follow the district pacing guides.

Appeals: A student/parent has 5 business days from the date report cards are issued to appeal the final grade.

The building principal’s ruling is final.






Course Syllabus

LSHS House Rules:

Always be on time and prepared to learn. Passes will not be issued during the first 10 minutes of class or the last

10 minutes of class. Hats, hoods, headbands, and/or head garments of any kind are not to be worn in the school

building. Electronic devices, including phones, iPods, ear buds, etc., are not permitted during the school day.

All electronic devices must remain turned off and out of sight or they may be confiscated. Confiscated items

will only be returned to legal parent/guardian. Please stay in your class and in your seat until the bell rings.

Please assist in keeping our high school clean by picking up around your area and throwing your trash away.

This is particularly vital in the cafeteria area.

Classroom Procedures: Occurs every day, you should always be on Task!!!

Entering the classroom:

1. Enter the classroom quickly and quietly and go to your assigned seats

2. Be in your seat when the bell rings.

3. Begin working on the Bell ringer/Warm up activity

4. When you are finished with the “Activator/Warm-Up” write your homework down.

Dismissal of class Procedure:

1. Check your surroundings. Discard unwanted materials as you exit room.

2. Gather your belongings.

3. Wait for teacher dismissal. The bell does not dismiss you, Teachers do.

4. When dismissed push your chair under the table.

Hall / Bathroom Procedure:

1. No passes allowed the first 10min or last 10min of class.

2. Make sure the pass is hanging up before you signal to use the restroom

3. Hold up your pinky finger until you have been acknowledged

4. Retrieve the hall / bathroom pass

While you are working Procedure:

1. Stay in your seat unless you are given permission to be up

2. Only authorized movement allowed around the class

3. Do not disturb others or the learning process

4. Listen closely to all directions

5. Follow school and classroom rules at all times.

If you need help Procedure:

1. Re-read the directions

2. Ask a classmate – during work time, not instruction time

3. Raise your hand and wait for the teacher to come to your seat

4. Do not get out of your seat to get teachers attention

5. Ask Teacher, but make sure you have a specific question. Do not ask “What are we doing?”






Course Syllabus

Attention Procedure:

1. When I need your undivided attention I will hold up my hand and count down from five

2. When you see my hand, or hear the bell the procedure is a follows:

A. Freeze

B. Turn and face Teacher, pay attention

C. Be ready for instruction and questions related to assignment

Classroom Rules: Occurs every day and result in consequences if broken

Classroom Rules:

1. Do not talk while the teacher is talking or giving instructions

2. Be in your seat during instruction

3. No food or electronic devices inside the classroom. NOTE: Teachers will inform you when to use

your electronic devices

4. Follow instructions first time given

Technology Rules:

1. Students take full responsibility for their electronic devices. The school is not responsible for the

security of the electronic devices.

2. Devices must be in silent mode while on school campus

3. Devices may not be used to cheat on assignments or tests, or for non-instructional purposes (such as

making personal phone calls and text/instant messaging).

4. Devices may not be used to record, transmit or post photographic images or video of a person, or

persons on campus during school activities and/or hours.

5. Students will be allowed to access only files or Internet sites on the device which are relevant to the

classroom curriculum. Games are not permitted.

Classroom Expectations:

1. Be seated and prepared to work upon the ringing of the tardy bell

2. Do not talk while the teacher or other students are talking

3. Stay in your assigned seat

4. Do not talk loud or use outside voices in the classroom

5. Complete all assignments

6. Stay on task

7. Follow rules at all times

8. Be Respectful






Course Syllabus

Anticipated Teaching methods:

Instruction will include several different modalities including the following: lecture, laboratory inquiries, group

discussions, computer investigations and cooperative learning. Students will be required to takes notes and

maintain an organized notebook.

Assessment/Evaluation:

All grades taken on assignments, tests, and/or projects shall be recorded in the Student Information System

(electronic grade book).

Douglas County Grading Scale (100-90 A; 89-80 B; 71-79 C; 70 D; below 70 F)

Summative Grades: Will comprise of 50% of the 36 week average. These categories or grades could include,

but not be limited to examinations/tests, projects, labs, term papers, compositions, benchmarks, common district

assessments, quizzes, midterms, and other similar assignments.

Formative Grades: Will comprise of 30% of the 36 week average. These categories or grades could include,

but not be limited to class work, notebooks, labs, quizzes, homework, and other similar assignments.

EOCT/Final Exam: End of course tests or SLO courses will count 20% of the 36 week average. Non

EOCT/SLO courses can use a culminating project or final which also count 20%.

Incomplete Grades: Incompletes are awarded to students who did not complete their End of Course Test upon

finishing the course, did not complete their final exam, and/or have major grades missing due to an unexpected

absence or illness. For EOCTs, incompletes will be converted to a numeric grade once the EOCT is completed

by the student or the student is given numerous opportunities to take the test and a zero is awarded for the

EOCT score. For missing exams or major grades, students have ten days to complete the missing items.

Students will be expected to access the internet to complete some assignments. If the student does not have

internet access at home, computer access is available at the local public library. You can use computers at the

public library at no charge. (There is a fee for printing at the public library.) Lack of internet access will not

be accepted as an excuse for late or incomplete assignments.

Late Work - Late work must be turned in within 3 days. Approximately a letter grade a day will be deducted

for late work. After five days, the assignment will be accepted with a grade of “F”. If the assignment is not

turned in, a zero will be given. On long term assignments (such as terms papers), the assignment will not be

accepted.

Any assignments containing any Plagiarized work will receive 0 points (including any work copied, etc., from

another student of source.) That means that the entire assignment (i.e. test, lab reports, homework, research

paper, portfolio, projects) will receive a 0. Both the giver and receiver of copied work will receive the zero.

Failure to adhere to the safe laboratory practices will result in earning 0 points for the lab and the loss of

laboratory privileges. Proper class behavior is expected even when a substitute is in the room.






Course Syllabus

Students should keep all graded material throughout the semester. Remember it is your responsibility to

obtain any missed assignments or notes and return per handbook guidelines! Tests are announced in

advance, so each student can prepare. Help will be available for students as requested. Tutoring will be

available after school on Tuesday 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Study every day to avoid last minute cramming! Make-up

test will be given by appointment after school only.

Tutoring: School-wide tutoring is as follows: 7 AM-8 AM or 4 PM-5:30 PM, Monday – English/Language

Arts, Tuesday – Science, Wednesday – Social Studies, Thursday – Math.

Materials Needed:

70 page college rule Spiral notebook

1.5 inch 3 Ring Binder

College Rule Paper

Page Dividers

Blue/Black Ink Pens Only

1 ream of copy paper.

A calendar or small notebook to write down homework assignments and projects.






Course Syllabus

CLASSROOM RULES/EXPECTATIONS/PROCEDURE CLASS PERIOD_________

1. Do not talk while the teacher is talking or giving instructions

2. Be in your seat during instruction

3. No food or electronic devices inside the classroom. NOTE: Teachers will inform you when to use your electronic

devices

4. Follow instructions first time given

5. Students will not interfere with the learning process

6. Students will not damage or destroy materials.

7. Students are not to complete any other subject work in class.

8. Students will have no physical contact with other students.

9. Students need to be in their assigned seats, and ready to work. Homework is expected to be out when the bell rings.

10. Any electronic devices such as a cell phone, IPod or MP3 player that are out without permission will result in

disciplinary action. 11. Students are expected to do as they are told, the first time.

12. Students must talk with respect to others, including using an appropriate tone of voice and body language.

13. Students must take care of all personal needs during class changes.

14. Students must not talk while others are talking.

15. Students will not cheat. Cheating on any graded work is defined as giving or receiving information. Cheating

results in a zero for that test or graded work.

16. Plagiarism will result in a zero and is defined as using somebody else's work, even partially.

17. Students will receive a zero on a lab for not following proper procedures, dressing appropriately, or playing in the

lab. Labs that are not 100% complete will be returned to the student.

The result of a student choosing to behave inappropriately, the following protocol will be followed

1. Department Detention and Parental Contact

2. Department Detention, Behavioral Analysis Assignment and Parental Contact

3. Department Detention, Behavioral Analysis Assignment and Parental Conference

4. Administrative Referral

We, the student and caregiver(s), have read and understand the syllabus and classroom rules and agree to abide by all

procedures and policies outlined in this syllabus.

________________________________ ______________________________

Student name (print) Parent name (print)

_______________________________ ______________________________

Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature






Course Syllabus

CONTACT DATA:

Parent/Guardian First Name: ___________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Last Name: ____________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________

Apartment Number: ________

City: _________________________

Zip Code: ________________

Home Phone: ____________________________

Work Phone: _____________________________

Cell Phone: ______________________________

Parent Email address: (print clearly) _________________________________

Student Email address (print clearly)_________________________________

Dear Parents.

Lithia Springs High School will be engaging in a professional learning opportunity with teachers during the 2015-2016

school year that will include videoing in their classroom in an effort to increase research-based teaching practices. Each

video will be used for professional learning and only viewed by certified school personnel. By signing below you

understand that during videoing, your child may be included in the video and also understand that the video will not be

published.

Please sign and return entire page.

I, ______________________________________________ (print student name) agree to the standards and rules set forth by the syllabus for this course and comply with the video statement above. I, ______________________________________________ (print parent/guardian name) agree to the standards and rules set forth by the syllabus for this course and comply with the video statement above. _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _______________________ Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature Date:


8th grade earth science classroom information for

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