classroom expectations south pointe science department mr. giacobbe biology
TRANSCRIPT
Classroom Expectations
South Pointe Science Department
Mr. Giacobbe
Biology
Course & Syllabus Review…
• Instructor: Mr. John Giacobbe, MA, RPA
• Contact Information: voice: 602.243.0600webpage:
• http://www.nakedscience.org/mrg/index.htmlschool email:
• [email protected] email:
Success in Class is Based on:
• Notebook & Note Taking Skills
• Lab Work
• Daily Assignments
• Unit Tests & Block Exams
• Research Proposal
• Participation & Behavior
Grading• Grades are based on the accumulation of
points over the whole block.
• Grading Scale:A = 90 – 100%B = 80 – 89%C = 70 – 79%D = 60 – 69% (Failing – No Credit)F = 59% and below (Failing – No Credit)
Responsibility for Coursework
• Bring notebook, planner, and appropriate writing tools to class.
• Know due dates, and submit all coursework on time.
• All assignments are posted on the bulletin board and on the class Web site.
Course Goals and Objectives
By the end of the course each student will:
• Understand the organization of living things and the ecological nature of the environment
• Understand species diversity, and become familiar with invertebrate, vertebrate, & human biology
• Understand the Process and Method of Scientific Research
• Plan and Prepare a Scientific Research Proposal
Participation
• Participation is everything!
• If I see that you are paying attention, trying your best, and getting involved in what we are doing, I will do everything I can to see that you succeed.
• Get involved every day and I can guarantee you will do well in my class.
• You will also earn participation points, so stay focused and follow instructions.
Notebook• To pass this course you will need to keep a
notebook.
• This should include everything you get in class.
• All assessments are based on notes and labs, and you can use your notes on most assessments.
• As you progress in your education and careers, the importance of taking good notes cannot be overstated.
• Assessment may come at any time, so you must always come to class prepared.
Research Proposal
• Each student will be responsible for planning and preparing a scientific research proposal.
• This will include proposing an experiment, doing research on the problem you’re curious about, and preparing a research plan.
• The proposal will be geared towards participation in the Leona Group Regional Academic Challenge
Late Work
• For each day the assignment is late, you will receive one grade lower than you would have received if the assignment had been on time.
• At three days, you will receive a zero for that assignment.
Progress Reports
• Progress reports are given out every week, and must be returned signed by the following week.
• If you do not receive a progress report, you can always email or ask me for a copy.
Absences
• You know the school and district rules.
• If you miss five days of classes, you get no credit, sooooo…
• Don’t miss class, period!!!
• I have no power to reverse this rule, and students (including those who earned an “A”) fail each block because of absences!
Classroom Procedures• Each day, please enter the classroom, take your
seat, and begin working on the bellwork assignment, if any.
• If you need assistance for any reason, raise your hand and wait to be called on.
• If you need to leave the classroom for any reason, you must get my permission and use the hall pass.
• At the end of class, please put your chairs back, throw your trash away, replace your text book and any equipment used, and wait for me to dismiss you.
Miscellaneous Stuff• Honesty: Cheating and plagiarism are
unacceptable. Truly dreadful things will happen to you if I find you cheating or plagiarizing.
• Cell Phones: Not. If you use one in class, I may take the phone and give it to one of my dogs, they always eat theirs.
• Respect: Everything else comes under the heading of respect, so show it to both your teacher and fellow students.
More Miscellaneous Stuff
• Food is not allowed in the classroom, period. Too many bugs roaming around to be safe..
• Please be in your seat when the bell rings, as class begins at that time.
• Major assignments and projects (but not labs) can be resubmitted (maybe, if I’m in a good mood). They will be scored at a 10% deduction.
• If you miss a lab, you’re screwed. No makeups.
Classroom Consequences
• 1st Offense – Verbal (bitchslap) Warning
• 2nd Offense – Loss of Participation Points for the Day and a Phone Call Home. I will definitely lie to your parents and exaggerate about what a pain in the ass you are.
• 3rd Offense – Visit with Mr. Mauzy, Loss of Privileges, Suspension, or Dismemberment. No field trips for the block, either.
General Student Behaviors• Be prompt
Be ready to learn when class begins.
• Be prepared Have materials with you and know due dates.
• Be a polite and positive participant Speak in a normal tone of voice, and listen
attentively.
• Be productive Turn in work on time, and always do your best.
• Be a problem solver Correct problems quickly and peacefully before
they escalate.
Promote Lifelong Learning
You can develop lifelong learning traits:
By showing curiosity about human nature and how the world works.
By seeking and valuing diversity. By persisting in seeking out new solutions. By using your unique talents and intelligence to
promote positive change. By learning and applying technology tools to
solve problems.
My Pledge to Students
• I will trust you until you give me reason not to.
• I will respect you and work with you to solve problems.
• I will promptly correct and offer feedback on your work.
• I will work with you to meet your learning goals.
• I will offer extra help and alternative assessments should you require them.
Biology I - Course Outline
Unit 1: Introduction to Biology
• 1.1 What is Biology
• 1.2 Scientific Method & Hypothesis Testing
• 1.3 Paleontology I: The History of Life
• 1.4 Introduction to Ecology
Biology I - Course Outline
Unit 2: Basic Chemistry
• 2.1 Classification of Matter
• 2.2 Atomic Structure & Chemical Bonding
• 2.3 Basic Chemical Reactions
Unit 3: Biochemistry
• 3.1 Organic & Biological Compounds
• 3.2 Carbon Properties & Definition of Life
• 3.3 The Molecules of Living Organisms
Biology I - Course Outline
Unit 4: Cell Theory
• 4.1 Structure and Function of Cells
• 4.2 Homeostasis and Transport
• 4.3 Photosynthesis
• 4.4 Cellular Respiration
Biology I - Course Outline
Unit 5: Cell Reproduction
• 5.1 Cell Growth & Division
• 5.2 Sexual Reproduction & Meiosis
• 5.3 DNA: An Introduction
• 5.4 Cloning
Biology I - Course Outline
Unit 6: Genetics & Evolution
• 6.1 Mechanisms of Evolution
• 6.2 Evidence for Evolution
• 6.3 Paleontology II
Biology I - Course Outline
Unit 7: Ecology Part I
• 7.1 Overview of Ecology
• 7.2 Abiotic Environment
• 7.3 Biogeography
• 7.4 Environmental Science
Biology I - Course Outline
Unit 8: Diversity of Species
• 8.1 Classification of Life
• 8.2 Environmentalism
Mr. G’s Science Department Web World• Web Page:
http://www.nakedscience.org/mrg/
• Science Blog: http://nakedscience.blogspot.com/
• We have a significant web presence that you should take advantage of. This includes: a web page with class notes, assignments, and old
exams; a Science Blog, with extra credit assignments and
interesting links posted every week; and an email newsletter, outlining what we are doing
in each class each week and detailing upcoming labs, activities, and field trips.
• Please send me an email address so I can add you to the list!
Biology I – Review & Understanding of the Syllabus
(must be signed by parent/guardian and student)
• Student Signature: __________________________
• Date: ________________________
• Student Name (print): ____________________________
• Student email (optional): _________________________
•
• Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________
• Date: _______________________
• Parent/Guardian Name (print): _____________________
• Parent/Guardian email (optional): ___________________