Arlington High SchoolHonors Biology

Fall 2019 – Spring 2020

Biology is the study of living things. This course will cover the structure and function of organisms on all biological levels (from the cellular level to the biosphere). Students learn by investigating the living world through scientific inquiry and laboratory explorations. Emphasis is placed on current research and the importance of biology in today’s world. The course covers, in detail, a broad range of topics and is thus geared toward the highly motivated student who can manage a rigorous, fast-paced course.

A note about “honors” courses from the AHS Program of Studies: Curriculum H courses are driven by independent student-work and, along with Advanced Placement courses, require the highest amount of student discipline, energy, effort, and organizational skills.

Materials NeededTo Succeed in this class, you will need the following every day:

· Pen or pencil· 3-ring binder (1½ inches) or folder for organizing handouts. · A bound spiral notebook in which to take notes during lectures and labs (not too skinny).· Glue stick for attaching diagrams to your notes.· Textbook: Biological Science: A Molecular Approach. 9th edition. BSCS Blue Version (may be left

home).· Headphones for use with class iPads

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Ms. Graham Daley Room 424

gdaley@arlington.k12.ma.us http://www.msdaley.weebly.com

Office Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays after school or by appointment

Google Classroom Codes:

A Block: gnyid1 B Block: de9541u E Block: m71215

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Major Units of Study(Applications and labs are subject to change)

Introduction (Week 1)A. Scientific experimentation & the role of ignorance in scienceB. Evolution connection: Cladistics and Natural SelectionC. Ecology connection: White Nose Syndrome in Bats

BiochemistryA. Essential question: Why do I eat?B. Reading: chapter 1, end of 2C. Applications: Nutrition (Survivor Project)D. Laboratory: Properties of WaterE. Evolution connection: Chemical evolution (inorganic à organic molecules)F. Ecology connection: Sea Lions, Herring and Pollock

Cell Structure, MicroscopyA. Essential question: Why are cells small?B. Reading: chapters 3, 6C. Applications: Respiratory system and Circulatory systemD. Laboratory: Microscopy; Membranes; Diffusion and osmosis in cell modelsE. Evolution connection: Biological evolution (organic molecules → cells)F. Ecology connection: Microbiome

Cell EnergyA. Essential question: What if we had no plants?B. Reading: chapters 2, 4, 5C. Applications: Digestive SystemD. Laboratory: Photosynthesis and respiration in snail and elodeaE. Evolution connection: Deep time, history of life on EarthF. Ecology connection: Wolves of Yellowstone, climate change and carbon cycling

Cell Cycle, ChromosomesA. Essential question: Why do I look the way I do?B. Reading: chapters 8, 9C. Applications: CancerD. Laboratory: Population dynamicsE. Evolution connection: Evidence for evolution

ReproductionA. Essential question: Where do babies come from?B. Reading: chapters 10, 12C. Applications: Reproductive systemD. Laboratory: Flower dissectionE. Evolution connection: Evo DevoF. Ecology connection: Biomagnification and heavy metals in pregnancy

HeredityA. Essential Question: Why do I look the way I do? (Continued)B. Reading: chapters 13 - 14C. Application: Genetic counseling, Chance’s ChoicesD. Evolution Connection: Natural Selection

AnatomyA. Laboratory: Fetal Pig dissectionB. Reading: Dissection lab guides (provided in class)C. Evolution Connection: Primate evolution

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Expectations to Achieve Success· Arrive to class on time, prepared to learn, with notes, assignments and writing utensil.· Be polite, courteous, and respectful of the people, equipment and furnishings in the classroom.· Have written work neatly done.· Keep all iPods, cell phones, and other electronics turned off and in your backpack unless given

permission to use them.

Consequences will be applied according to the AHS student handbook, beginning with verbal warnings followed by after-school detention. Detentions will take place Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons from 2:30 – 3:30. Students assigned detention will be expected to serve either the same day as the offense, or on the next detention day.

CommunicationIt is crucial that we maintain frequent and open communication with one another. You are responsible for checking your Spyponder email account regularly for updates, assignments, and announcements from me. Occasionally, I will need to email or post an assignment for you. If it is emailed or posted before 3:30 pm, I will expect you to complete it by the next day. “I didn’t know” is never an acceptable excuse. Be sure you are also communicating with me about any problems or questions you have so I can best help you.

Extra HelpExtra help will be offered by all four honors biology teachers according to the following schedule: Monday 2:30 – 3:30: Mr. Conneely, room 415Tuesday 2:30 – 3:30: Ms. Daley, room 424Wednesday - Teacher meetings (extra help by appointment only)Thursday 2:30 – 3:30: Dr. Varghese, room TBAFriday 2:30 – 3:30: Dr. Knuth, room 417In other words, there is always someone available to help you. Take advantage of this arrangement!

AssignmentsHomeworkThe majority of homework assignments in this course will involve textbook readings. Students will be expected to read carefully and take thoughtful notes. Reading assignments will sometimes be challenging, and students will be expected to reread, come for extra help, and watch supplemental video lectures to ensure mastery of the material. In other words, skimming the text one time will be inadequate; you will find yourself falling behind in classwork and on tests with this strategy. Late homework assignments will receive a maximum of 50% credit.

ClassworkStudents will work in small groups to complete in-class activities. These will involve research, discussion, experimentation, and scientific reading and writing. Groups will remain together for the duration of the term, and group members will be assessed on their participation.

Lab ReportsWe will conduct one in-depth experiment and write a detailed laboratory report each term. A detailed laboratory format/expectation sheet will be provided. Some reports will be written individually, others will be written in collaboration with your term group.

Tests and QuizzesOne major exam is given each term. Quizzes based on readings and homework assignments will be given throughout the year.

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Honor PledgeAll assignments are to be done on your own. All work submitted must be representative of your understanding of the material and must be stated in your own words. Plagiarism is taking credit for any ideas, or words that are not your own. Plagiarized assignments will receive no credit.

GradingTerm grades will be comprised of tests, quizzes, group work, homework assignments, and laboratory reports.

Letter Grade Explanation from AHS Program of Studies:A. Superior work. Content knowledge, complex reasoning skills, and work habits exceed the standard for

the courseB. Proficient work. Content knowledge, complex reasoning skills, and work habits meet the standards of

the course.C. Fair work. Content knowledge, complex reasoning skills, and work habits partially meet the standards

for the course.D. Poor work. Content knowledge, complex reasoning skills, and work habits meet only the minimum

standards for credit in the course.F Failure. Student has failed to demonstrate the minimum expectations for content knowledge and

complex reasoning skills in the course.

Group GradesThe work done with your term group will be graded differently than individual assignments; points earned on group assignments will be added together (at the end of the term) to form a group work grade (GWG). This grade will be based on the points earned by the team, and on the way your peers assess your contribution to the group. In other words, being a stellar team member will result in a higher GWG than the average group member. Be careful though, because the grade can also be shifted downward if group members feel you didn’t pull your weight! In an ideal group, everyone would do a fair share, and all group members will get the same GWG.

Make Up WorkIt is your responsibility to get all missed information and assignments when you are out, or immediately upon your return to school. You may request missed assignments in person or via e-mail. Make up work is subject to the following:· If you have to miss class for field trips or other previously planned events you must arrange

beforehand to make up any quizzes or labs that you will miss.· If you miss class and have an excused absence you should meet with your teacher to discuss modified

due dates the day you return to school. This is your responsibility; your teacher will not chase you down, and un-submitted work will receive no credit.

· Unexcused, late assignments will be accepted for a 50% penalty until the end of the term. · Homework problems to be checked in class will not be accepted late. If you are not prepared in class

with your homework assignment, you will receive a zero. · You will know the dates for tests and quizzes well in advance. Students coming to class on a test day

after an absence will be required to take the test.· Students who cut class will be given a zero for the day and will be given no opportunity to make up the

work.

IEP and 504 AccommodationsAny student with IEP or 504 accommodations is welcome to speak with me in private at any time about particular needs or any concerns. I greatly appreciate a student’s initiative in reminding me about and making arrangements for accommodations such as extended test time, etc.

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BIOLOGY Laboratory Safety RulesKEEP THESE RULES IN YOUR NOTEBOOK

Safety is your first priority! Your safety and the safety of others around you is your responsibility. You are expected to follow the laboratory protocol as well as all written or verbal instructions provided by the teacher. Horseplay, practical jokes, and distracting conversation or behavior will NOT be tolerated at ANY time.

While performing a Lab Activity I will….1. ALWAYS know the location of safety and first aid equipment including: fire extinguisher, eyewash, safety shower and first aid kit.2. ALWAYS wear aprons and goggles when instructed to do so by the teacher or lab procedure.3. ALWAYS conduct myself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.4. ALWAYS report any accident, incident, or unsafe situation to the teacher.5. ALWAYS read labels and instructions carefully.6. ALWAYS follow all instructions given by the teacher, and only make changes as instructed by the teacher. 7. ALWAYS clean and return equipment at the end of the lab. Wash hands thoroughly.8. ALWAYS wear appropriate clothing for the lab. Avoid sandals or exposed toes/feet.

While performing a Lab Activity, I will ….1. NEVER place others or myself in danger by acting inappropriately.2. NEVER touch, taste, or smell any substance without teacher permission3. NEVER eat, drink, or chew gum in the lab.4. NEVER conduct unauthorized activities. Stick with the script!5. NEVER handle broken glass with bare hands. Broken glass is to be disposed of as instructed by your

teacher. Always check glassware for cracks before starting a procedure

Biology/Anatomy/Other Life Sciences1. Wash all dissecting equipment carefully.2. Pay attention to the location of microscope cords so they are not pulled off the table. Carefully wrap all

cords when equipment is not in use. 3. Avoid electrical shock by

a. Pulling the plug and not the wire when disconnecting power cords.b. Keeping work areas, hands and feet dry when working with electrical apparatus.c. Not placing unauthorized objects in outlets

4. Do not take any parts or organisms out of the laboratory.5. Care should always be considered when dealing with sharp objects. Scissors, probes, tweezers, razor

blades, and scalpels should be handled with care.

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How to do Objectives

What are objectives? For each unit, you will be given a list of learning objectives. This is the material that you should know by the time we finish the unit. Objectives are based on State Frameworks, material in your book, and my decisions about what you need to know.

What do I do with them?Write the full objective in your notebook. You should give each objective an entire page in your notebook, so we can add to your notes during class. Read your textbook or watch your video lecture carefully. Think about what you have read/heard. Decide what information to write down in your notebook to summarize what you have read in a way that satisfies the objective.

Why should I do this? · Tests and final exams will be based on these objectives.· Doing objectives helps you make decisions about what is important and allows you to focus directly on

the material. · You are essentially creating a study guide. If done carefully, these objectives will be a great help to you.

(If you view them as annoyances, or do only enough work to get credit for the assignment, you will be doing yourself a disservice.)

How much should I write? When wondering whether or not your objectives and notes are complete, consider the following: if you were given an open notes test or quiz, would you be happy with what you have written?

Be sure to:A. List any vocabulary terms related to the objective. Make sure that all terms are explained or defined.

Highlight vocabulary terms.

B. Do what the objective states/asks (in the right column, if a two column system is used). Pay attention to the verb at the beginning of the objective. Explain, list, and define are different things.C. Include relevant diagram cutouts for full credit. These can be found on the last pages of each packet.

(Note: some objectives will not have relevant diagrams.)

Packet Assessment

You will be given a packet for each section/unit of the class. The purpose of each packet is to provide you with the activities involved in each unit. They also contain the learning objectives for each unit, and the homework associated with each unit. Given the importance of packets as storehouses of information, it is imperative they be filled out completely and accurately. Packets are generally worth 10 points. They are graded after we complete the unit. You will receive full credit for your packet if you do the following:

· All homework is done on time· Packet is completed· All answers are correct· Corrections are evident from class discussions

Points are deducted from each packet in the following instances:

· Minus 1 point per uncompleted H.W. objectives (late homework is not accepted)· Minus ½ point per uncompleted question in the packet. · Minus ½ point per incorrect question.

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AHS SCIENCE 2014-2015 Academic Honesty Contract

At the beginning of the school year, you signed that you had received a copy of the AHS Student Handbook. Since you were given a lot of information at that time, I wanted to call your attention to the academic honesty and plagiarism section. Please carefully read the excerpted section below and sign the pledge that you understand the expectations and consequences. This policy applies to ALL assignments, including homework.

The Arlington High School community values personal integrity so students will take pride in their academic behavior and achievements.  Academic honesty requires that a student submit work that is his or her own. Academic dishonesty in contrast, is a student’s attempt to show or claim possession of knowledge or skills that he or she does not possess.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviors:

· Using another person’s words or ideas without acknowledgment. Plagiarism is stealing.· Purchasing or selling an assignment from another person or technological resource· Looking at another student’s test/quiz or essay and submitting the work as one’s own· Communicating with anyone other than the teacher during a test/quiz· Discussing a test /quiz with students who have not yet taken the test/quiz· Allowing one’s own work to be copied and submitted by another person· Using unauthorized assistance (for example: notes, calculators or other devices) on a test/quiz· Submitting an assignment copied from or done by another person (for example: artwork, computer

programs, lab reports, projects or homework)· Falsifying scientific or other data submitted for academic credit· Acquiring, without authorization, copies of tests/quizzes before the scheduled exercise

Consequences

The following actions will be taken for every violation of the academic honesty policy.

· Teacher will consult student about the suspected offense. **· A zero will be given for the assignment with no opportunity for a make up (including extra credit).· Teacher will notify the appropriate House Dean who will enter the infraction into the student’s Discipline

Record.· Teacher will notify the parents or guardians.

Depending on the severity of the offense or accumulation of offenses the administration may take the following actions:

· Detention or suspension imposed· Intervention plan imposed· Honor societies, co-curricular activities, award committees, or colleges notified

**The teacher will make a final determination as to whether an academic dishonesty offense has occurred.

My guardians and I have read and understand the AHS academic honesty policy. I agree to abide by the policy and we understand that I may be held accountable with the consequences listed above should I violate this policy.

Please Sign the Google Form to show you read and understand the syllabus and policy.

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Use one of these homework passes anytime you need to this year.

A pass entitles you to a one-school-day extension on any assignment. This could be a lab, a case study, or any other assignment. If passes are not used during the year, you may “cash” them in for points on the final! 1 pass = 1 point

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