alexandra.beels@dcsdk12.org ajbeels@dcsdk12.org

www.beelsscience.weebly.com 303-387-0770 ext. 69076

Biology is the study of life. Life is what distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter. This includes growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change before death. Throughout this course, we will be developing science skills and scientific thinking through the process of experimentation and essential questions. This will allow us to analyze the world around us to further develop academic and learning skills though self reflection in order to understand and create strategies to work through individual strengths and weaknesses.

Welcome to Biology

Grades for this course will be based upon a letter written by students to Ms. Beels explaining their progress and skill development in the class. Through a discussion with Ms. Beels, students will defend their letters to agree on a final grade for the term. Feedback on progress will be shared in infinite campus and will be organized in the

following categories: Content, Making Connections, Scientific Thinking, Self Reflections, and Habits of a Science Learner.

• Content: Weekly quizzes & Classwork Grades will be updated and posted on Infinite Campus

• Making Connections: Student Made Flow Charts 90 – 100 = A 70 – 79 = C

• Scientific Thinking: Lab Reports & Projects 80 – 89 = B 60 – 69 = D

• Self Reflections: Weekly/Daily Reflections Feedback 59 or lower = F

• Habits of a Science Learner: Will be tracked using GOPJAH but will NOT be included in progress grade calculation.

1. Scientific Thinking – This skill is essential in designing experiments, developing

scientific questions, analyzing data, and drawing critical conclusions.

2. Making Connections – All concepts in biology have important connections to other concepts in biology, but also to other subjects, such as chemistry, physics and mathematics. Additionally, biology plays an enormous role in our everyday lives. The ability to recognize and define these connections is critical to a deep and enduring understanding of biology.

3. Self – Reflection – The skill of self-reflection allows us to understand ourselves as

learners and participants in a community. It helps us develop awareness of how our thoughts and actions affect real-world outcomes and how we can improve our learning in the future.

Grading Policy

Using GOPJAH

This year we will be focusing on the type of contributions you make to the class. Together we will track how you use the behaviors to

enhance your learning and the learning of our community.

G = Group Work

• Is a productive member in small and large groups. Collaborates with others when sharing the workload, listens to group members, takes on leadership role when needed. Makes an effort to include all learners.

O = Other Model • References a previous model or idea/topic from outside this

class used to help with understanding of current material. P = Perseverance

• Despite making a mistake or getting stuck, continues working and exploring. Uses mistakes to help guide future work. Embraces critical thinking skills to remain tenacious.

J = Justifies Scientifically • Defends work with sound scientific thought. Justification may

include the following types of communication: drawing diagrams, defining terms, enhancing with graphs, sharing group insight. Critically examines and questions conclusions.

A = Another Way • Volunteers to show a different method to solve a

problem. Uses creativity to think of a problem differently. H = Helpful Question / Helpful Assistance

• Bravely asks questions of presenters and group members. Gives constructive feedback to help the presenter clarify their thinking.

Topics

1. Characteristics of Living Things

2. Metabolism and Energy

3. Molecules and Matter of Life

4. Genetics and Reproduction

5. Cell Structure and Types

6. Ecology and Interactions

7. Evolution and Diversity

Habits of a Science Learner Biology Outcomes

Rules and Expectations

1. Be prepared and on time for class.

2. Students will be RESPRECTFUL of themselves, fellow students,

teacher, classroom materials and their work.

3. No food or drink. Only exception is water.

4. No talking when Ms. Beels is explaining something to the class.

5. The classroom is considered to be your ‘workplace’. This means that

feet on the desks, sitting on tables, not cleaning up after yourself, etc.

are not acceptable. Students are responsible for all equipment given

to them to use.

6. Carefully follow instructions.

7. There may be a variety of skill levels in this class. I expect you to

be aware and tolerant of this situation.

Supplies

1. 1 in. Three Ring Binder (separate from other classes)

2. Binder Tabs:

a. Notes

b. Graded Worksheets

c. Graded Labs

d. Assignments to Complete

e. Assignments to Turn In

3. Pencils and/or Pens

4. Lined Paper

Policies Homework

á Students will have the term to turn in any assignment that was completed during that specific term at no penalty to them. I understand that all students have different ways of learning, which requires more time to learn and grasp concepts. Because I am giving ample amounts of time to complete work, it is suggested that the assignments should be completed before the end of a unit. In addition, all assignments will be required to be fully completed and neat. If an assignment is turned in half done and messy, it will not count – even if the answers are correct. Again, since I provide plenty of time for assignments to be completed, I expect the assignments to be fully complete. Any assignment that is turned in after the due date, will need to have a late form attached so that I have a record of WHY the assignment was late (late points will NOT be deducted, I just like to have records)

Lab Work:

á All students must follow lab procedures and safety á All labs must be completed á All lab write-ups must be neat and organized á Certain labs will be followed up with a proper typed lab write-up

Tests, Quizzes, Projects:

á All tests, quizzes and projects will be announced in advance. If the student is absent during the day of the test, it is the student’s responsibility to schedule their make up test on the day they return. Tests can be made up after school. If you are absent more than one day, you will have to arrange for a make up. All make up tests must be taken within the time frame according to school policy.

á IF you fail a test or quiz (59% or lower), students have the opportunity to retake the test for a maximum of a 65% after completing the “Request to Retest” form, located on the class website. Students will need to see me for remediation before I give them a retake.

Website

á www.beelsscience.weebly.com

á We will be using the website constantly. It is a resource for you. If you are absent, please see the class website (before approaching Ms. Beels) for what we completed that day then make any necessary arrangements with Ms. Beels. There will be a daily agenda posted that is color coordinated according to the unit we are working in. Please see the “Tips for Success” for more information about the website.

Communication

á The absolute best way to reach Ms. Beels is through e-mail. If you would like to meet in person, on the class website there is a tab for you to book an appointment.

Cell Phone

á As always, there is a time and place for cell phones. Ms. Beels does not mind if your phone is out and you’d like to use it. However, if it starts to become more of a distraction than a tool to help you research, she will take it away for the remainder of class.

Bathroom

á You are in high school. You are welcome to use the bathroom when you need; but if the trips start to become too long and/or too frequent, Ms. Beels will start to limit your trips.

First Homework Assignment:

Please review the syllabus with your parent/guardian and sign this bottom portion.

Due: Friday, August 12th 2016

Any questions I can answer? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(student printed name) ______________________________________________ has reviewed the above syllabus with (guardian) __________________________________