Biology I Syllabus

Biology I Syllabus
2008 & 2009
Mr. Chandler (room 110)


Purpose: The purpose of this class is to give you a slightly more in depth survey of life science. We will examine subjects as small as basic molecules like water, as large as the entire biosphere (all the areas on Earth that contain life), and every level in between. This course is the only science course that is specifically required and the only science course with an end of course exam. Therefore, you must pass this course and you must either pass the EOC exam or go through remediation next year.

Rules: All of the rules from your student handbook will apply to this classroom. My classroom principals will be posted in several places around the room. These are intentionally broad and generally address how you are expected to act in this classroom. There are other rules which we will discuss on the first day of school. These rules address more specific behaviors such as texting/phone calls (yes, students have attempted to place phone calls during my class), wandering around the classroom, interrupting instruction, and throwing objects. These rules will be made clear. Generally, minor rules will be enforced with a “three strikes you’re out” policy. Major rules will be enforced according to the handbook.

Grades: This course is not weighted through any type of computer program. Tests are worth 100 points. Projects range from 40-100 points. Quizzes, labs, and article reviews range from 20-40 points. Class work and homework ranges from 5-20 points. Cheating (or letting someone cheat off of you) will earn you 0 points and a trip to the Assistant Principal. You will get the grade you earn – nothing more, nothing less.

Make-up opportunities: There will be dates throughout each quarter for you to re-take any test that you want. These will usually be Fridays. You will have to sign up for the test you would like to re-take by the afternoon before the re-take day. Re-takes will be given before or after school or during A lunch, not during class periods. Each quarter you will be allowed to drop two homework assignments. You will be allowed to choose which assignments to drop during the last week of that quarter.

Late work: Late work will be accepted for a week after the due date for half credit. After one full week that assignment will remain a zero. Excused absences will be handled according to your handbook.

Calendar: A basic calendar will be posted on my blog at pghsbio.blogspot.com. This blog can also be found in the faculty profiles on the high school website. This calendar will contain test dates, quiz dates, and due dates for article reviews and projects. Occasionally, homework assignments will be posted as well.

Contact information: Your parents can call me before or after school or during my prep period (8:55-9:45). They may also email me at dchandler@pgtigers.org. I will attempt to contact each of your parents throughout the year. I will also post important message on my blog: pghsbio.blogspot.com. Your parents are welcome to become a member and post messages as well.

Labs/Activities: We will have lab activities on at least a weekly basis (except for the occasional shortened week). During these lab activities any behavior deemed as “horseplay” will result in a referral to the Assistant Principal. There are simply too many opportunities for injury during lab activities. Consider this your warning.

Materials: Each student will need the following:
A three-ring binder-2 to 3 inches
Notebook paper
Dividers (you need at least 4- you could split an 8 pack with someone else)
Blue or black ink pens or pencils
A colored ink pen for grading

After the first quarter you will be penalized each day you come to class unprepared.

Your first homework assignment is to show me this syllabus by Friday with signatures from you and a parent.