Ms. Aguilar's Website

Biology

Biology Links:

• Classwork
• Assignments
• Extension Activities

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Syllabus

Course Description

Biology is a year-long lab science course presented through an inquiry-based model designed to encourage the students to explore and question as we move through the six unifying themes of:  Evolution; Homeostasis; Energy, Matter and Organization; Continuity; Development and Ecology.

General Classroom Information

I am currently participating in a curriculum development research project through NAU and funded by the non-profit science education organization BSCS.  As part of the project, this class will be utilizing a different textbook, written from a human approach (how biology applies to humans), and designed for inquiry-based learning.  As such, most work will be done through hands-on activities and experiments in the classroom.  The goal of the project is to better prepare the students for the AIMS science exam and develop life-long learning and critical thinking skills.  To ensure fidelity of the curriculum itself, the class will be videotaped on a daily basis.  The focus of the taping is on the teacher, not the students, to maintain that the curriculum is taught within the framework of the inquiry method.  The tapes will be collected by NAU periodically, as part of the research data collection.  No students will be identified on the tapes and they will be destroyed at the conclusion of the project.  Feel free to contact me with any specific questions regarding the taping or the research project itself.

Classroom Behavior

Students are expected to be in their seats and ready to work when the bell rings.  Those not yet in their seats will be marked tardy.  Referrals for excessive tardies will be given in accordance with the student handbook and posted tardy policy.

Due to the hands-on inquiry approach, attendance in class is important and expected.  School policies will be followed, which include possible loss of credit for excessive absences; refer to the student handbook for more information.

Students are expected to come to class prepared to take notes.  At the least, students should have a pen or pencil and notebook paper.  Students will be provided with one biology folder for the year.  It is the student's responsibility to replace the folder if it is lost or damaged, as it will be used on a daily basis.  Students are required to provide a 1-2 inch binder to be kept in the classroom. 

This course is a study of living organsims and as such, there are several classroom pets.  Students are allowed to handle the animals, with teacher permission.  While they are somewhat used to human handling, they are wild animals and their behavior cannot be predicted.  Respect for the pets as living beings is expected; any behavior that is harmful to the animals or their habitats will not be tolerated and disciplinary action will result.

Respect for the classroom learning environment is also expected.  Therefore, all hats and electronic devices should be put away during class.  Those items still in use during class will be confiscated by the teacher and held in a secured location until Friday of that week.  A rarent may pick up the item before or after school any day that week.  Continued infractions  will result in disciplinary action.

Grading

The expectation for the course is that all students will not only pass the class, but will achieve a level of success measured by attaining a 70% on all major assignments, tests, quizzes, projects & portfolios.  These assignments make up the majority of the grade for the semester.

Scores lower than 70% will be entered as a zero.  Students will be given the opportunity to re-do the work until they attain at least a 70%.

Students who achieved a score above 70%, but wish to improve their score, will be given one opportunity to do so.

All work will have a deadline cut-off that is posted.  Work not re-done by that date will remain as a zero.

A weighted grading system is used for all class work.  Grades are weighted as follows:  Tests/Quizzes/Projects=60%; Biology Portfolio=10%; Participation=10%; Semester Final=20%.  The grade is cumulative for the semester.  The grading scale is          90-100%=A; 80-89%=B; 70-79%=C; 60-69%=D; 59% and below=F.  

All work will have a due date given when assigned; the work is expected on that date.  Work turned in after the due date will receive a maximum score of 89%.  Students are responsible for checking the agenda and "Make-Up File" for missed work after an absence.  All classwork is also posted on the website.