Jim Hill High School: IB MYP BIOLOGY I SYLLABUS! 2185 Fortune Street Jackson, MS 39204

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Jim Hill High School: IB MYP BIOLOGY I SYLLABUS! 2185 Fortune Street Jackson, MS 39204 Instructor: Ms. A. Soto!! Room #: 606! Email: ashleysoto8@gmail.com Class Name: Biology I!

1 Jim Hill High School: IB MYP BIOLOGY I SYLLABUS! 2185 Fortune Street Jackson, MS Instructor: Ms. A. Soto!! Room #: 606! ashleysoto8@gmail.com Class Name: Biology I!! Credit: 1 unit Phone #: (601) Grade Level: 10th grade!! Pre-requisite(s): IB MYP Chemistry Textbook(s): Prentice Hall Biology, Student edition by Miller & Levine, 2010 Special Test/ Requirement: Biology I State Test & Science Fair Conference Hours: Monday- Friday: 7:45-8:15 a.m. or 3:30-3:45 p.m. (By Appt Only) After School Tutoring: TBA Class Website: mssotosbiologyclass.wordpress.com (A calendar, materials, and assignments will be posted on this website.) Course Description: Biology I is a core academic course dedicated to understanding and mastering concepts in the study of life. Students will receive a foundation for future studies in biology and other science courses. This course is structured around three basic frameworks: Inquiry, Life Science, and Physical Science. Biology includes the study of the microscopic structure of single cells. It also includes the study of the global interactions of millions of organisms; the study of the life history of individual organisms as well as the collective history of all organisms; and the study of cell structure and function, stability and homeostasis, reproduction and inheritance, evolution, interdependence of organisms, and matter, energy, and organization. Methods for mastering these concepts include, but are not limited to, laboratory activities, research, and technology use. This course is part of the Subject Area Testing Program, which means you are required to pass the class and the state test administered in May 2012 to graduate. In addition, this course is part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP), and students work toward the Diploma Program in an effort to receive the IB Diploma as a Senior. Thus, assessments and evaluations increase in rigor and expectations. *What makes this course MYP-Biology? Assessment. MYP looks at assignments and assesses them in a unique way. It requires a thought process that requires the students to reflect on their own learning, and their place in a global society. The MYP subjects are linked to each other through the Areas of Interactions (AOI). Assessments that are specific to Biology focus on six criterion. In this class, MYP assignments will be assessed on one or more criterion. These include: One World The student explains how science is applied to addressing a specific local or global issue. The student explains some of the benefits and limitations of science in solving the

2 issue. The student discusses how science and its applications interact with some of the following factors; social, economic, political, environmental, cultural and ethical. Communication in Science The student communicates scientific information effectively using scientific language correctly. The student presents all the information appropriately using symbolic and/or visual representation accurately according to the task. The student acknowledges sources of information appropriately. Knowledge and Understanding of Science The student explains scientific ideas and concepts and applies scientific understanding to solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar situations. The student analyses and evaluates scientific information by making scientifically supported judgments about information, the validity of the ideas or the quality of work. Scientific Inquiry The student defines the purpose of the investigation, formulates a testable hypothesis and explains the hypothesis using scientific reasoning. The student identifies the relevant variables and explains how to manipulate them. The student evaluates the method commenting on its reliability and/or validity. The student suggests improvements to the method and makes suggestions for further inquiry when relevant. Processing Data The student organizes and transforms data onto numerical and diagrammatic forms and presents it logically and clearly, using appropriate communication modes. The student explains trends, patterns or relationships in the data, comments on the reliability of the data, draws a clear conclusion based on the correct interpretation of the data, and explains it using scientific reasoning. Attitudes in Science The student works largely independently, uses equipment with precision and skill; pays close attention to safety and deals responsibly with the living and non-living environment. The student consistently works effectively as part of a team, collaborating with others and respecting their views. *From get_group_file.phtml?fid= &gid= Course Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to... Apply inquiry-based and problem-solving processes and skills to scientific investigations. Describe the biochemical basis of life and explain how energy flows within and between the living systems. Investigate and evaluate the interaction between living organisms and their environment. Investigate and explain the structure and function of the levels of biological organization. Demonstrate an understanding of the molecular basis of heredity. Demonstrate an understanding of principles that explain the diversity of life and biological evolution

3 Science Department Mission: The Jim Hill Science Departmentʼs mission is to prepare students in science for university, professional or vocational schools and careers. We will provide quality courses that allow students to develop skills in critical thinking, problem solving and scientific literacy as well as develop an appreciation for science. We will assure student success through the use of meaningful instruction and lab experiences that provide opportunities to transfer knowledge to real world situations that will lead to 95% success rate on standardized tests. Classroom Management: Jim Hillʼs classroom rules and consequences are clearly posted in every classroom. Be sure to carefully read them and adhere to them. Rules 1. All Tigers will be on time and bring all necessary materials to class. 2. All Tigers will be observant of the 20/20 rule. 3. All Tigers will follow the district policy regarding cell phones and other electronic devices. 4. All Tigers will refrain from eating, drinking, gum chewing or candy selling in the classroom or hallways. 5. All Tigers will refrain from horse playing and profanity. You are expected to adhere to the classroomʼs rules as well. Classroom Rules: 1) Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak or leave your seat. 2) Come prepared to class. 3) Use appropriate language. 4) Follow all directions the first time given. 5) Keep your hands, feet, objects, comments, and outbursts to yourself. Rewards Individual Rewards: 1. Verbal Praise 2. Positive Phone Call Home 3. Tickets for raffle 4. Display Stellar Work Class Rewards: 1. Raffle on test days 2. Class of the Month (Determined by highest number of PBIS points as a class. Students will receive points based on behavior and tallied at the end of the month.) Repercussions* 1. Warning 2. Writing Assignment(s) 3. Behavioral Intervention(s)

4 4. Parent Contact (Phone Call or Parent/Teacher Conference) 5. Referral to Administration for Automatic ISS/OSS *Severity Clause: Skipping to any repercussion is at Ms. Sotoʼs discretion. Required Supplies & Materials: Paper Writing utensil 1 Laboratory Notebook to be kept in class 7 Dividers Index Cards (3x5, 1 pack) Post-its High-lighters Colored Pencils --A 3-Ring Binder will be provided-- Cell Phone Policy: No electronic devices are allowed in JPS. All visible cell phones will be confiscated and taken downtown to JPS security (no exceptions). Refusal to surrender a device will result in severe disciplinary action. Tardy Policy: 1 st Tardy - Warning 2 nd Tardy - Tardy Report sent to office; Parent Contact 3 rd Tardy - Friday Detention (1 hour) 4 th Tardy - ISS/ Parent Conference 5 th Tardy - 2 day suspension * To enter the class after a tardy, you must have a corridor pass from a school official. * Lock-out will be enforced daily at all periods. Students found in halls will see administration. Cut Policy: Jim Hill High School Policy will override if needed. 1 st Cut Friday detention (3:45 4:45) Teacher and Administrator will contact parent 2 nd Cut 2 days in ISS and referral to the counselor. 3 rd Cut 2days suspension and parent must bring student back to school. 4 th Cut 3 days suspension and parent must bring student back to school. Grading Policy: Daily Grades 40% 1. Bell Ringer 2. Materials 3. Assignments (Homework) 4. Quizzes

5 Assessments 60% 1. Tests 2. Projects 3. Presentations Progress Reports: Student progress reports will be issued every four weeks. Progress reports must be signed by parent or guardian and returned to teacher. Studentʼs progress may be requested at anytime. Students may check progress at Students must also track grades and assignments with an assignment. Binder: An organized binder helps to ensure academic excellence; therefore, there will be binder checks each test day worth a test grade. It should be arranged in the following order: 1. Important Documents 2. Science Skills & Lab Safety 3. Biochemistry 4. Cells 5. Genetics 6. Evolution 7. Ecology Each section must include a Table of Contents. More instructions will be given as the class proceeds. Assignments: 1. Must be completed and turned in on time! 2. Must include proper heading on the top right side of the page.!!!!! Name!!!!! Date!!!!! Block!!!!! Title!!!!! Due Date 3. No late work will be accepted. 4. No name? No grade.!!!!!!!! Make-up & Extra Help: When a student has been absent and returning to school with an excused absence, the students will have one day per absence to make-up work. It is not the teacherʼs responsibility to make sure make-up work is received. With an official excuse (excused absence), any chapter, district, semester, or final exam can be made up on its respective make-up day.

6 I will provide extra help at the studentʼs request and when the help is needed. Extra help may also be received during after-school tutorials and before school when requested. Extra Credit: Students may bring any of the following supplies for a free 100% Daily Grade (limit 3/ student/9 weeks): Printer Paper (1 Pack), College-Ruled Paper (1 Pack), Post-its (1 Pack), Kleenex (1 box), Hand Sanitizer, Clorox Wipes (1 pack), White board markers (1 pack), White board cleaner, Index Cards (1 pack), Writing Utensils, Folders (3), Construction Paper (1 Pack). Additional/alternative extra credit assignments will be posted in the classroom and class website. Class Content: This class will follow the schedule as set forth by the district course pacing guides. We will cover the following units throughout the course of this year: Unit 1: Science Skills & Lab Safety Unit 3: Cells Unit 5: Evolution Unit 2: Biochemistry Unit 4: Genetics Unit 6: Ecology Academic Integrity As a student in this class you must be sure that all work done for submission is YOUR work. You must not ever try to take credit for work that is not authentically yours. If sources need to be cited, be sure to cite them according to instructed guidelines. Copying and cheating will not be tolerated in any form. These actions will result in a grade of zero and the assignment or task can no longer be handed in for grading. Science Fair Each student in a science class is required to participate in the school-wide Science Fair that takes place at the end of January. Students will have time in class to work on their experiment, but it will take time outside of class to successfully complete their project. Science Fair is worth a number of daily grades throughout the first semester, and it is worth six test grades in the 3rd 9 weeks grading period. If a student does not complete their project, they will not pass the 3rd 9 weeks. Each student will be graded on their research paper and lab, tri-fold board and presentation by the provided rubric.

PreAP Geometry. Ms. Patricia Winkler

PreAP Geometry. Ms. Patricia Winkler PreAP Geometry Ms. Patricia Winkler PreAP Geometry Second math course in the high school curriculum It can be a difficult course and may, require additional time for preparation and practice. Come to class