III. Course Outline: IV. Attendance and Tardies , it is their responsibility to obtain all notes and assignments missed.

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AGBU High School Marine Biology Course Syllabus 2015-2016 School Year Teacher: Karla Halbohm Room # 203 Email: khalbohm@agbumhs.org Website: mshalbohmsclassroom.weebly.

Anytime you have a question about homework, grades, what we will study, or the behavior that is expected in class this is the place to look for the answers. I.

1 AGBU High School Marine Biology Course Syllabus School Year Teacher: Karla Halbohm Room # khalbohm@agbumhs.org Website: mshalbohmsclassroom.weebly.com Room Phone: ext. 203 Welcome: This syllabus is designed as a reference for you and your parents. Anytime you have a question about homework, grades, what we will study, or the behavior that is expected in class this is the place to look for the answers. I. Major Instructional Goals-Overview AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School is steadfastly committed to cultivating the potential of each student-scholar in an inclusive and collaborative setting which promotes academic excellence, cultural appreciation, and ethical conduct. II. Course Description: This course provides an overview of marine biology. We will be have the opportunity to go a couple field trips relating to topics of marine biology that will be communicated to the parents and students ahead of time. Laboratory activities integrating scientific investigation and process skills make up an important component of this course. Students will: 1. Apply concepts of scientific inquiry 2. Demonstrate how the developments of theories, technology and human endeavors have contributed to current scientific knowledge. 3. Read and comprehend science texts. 4. Present findings from original scientific research in a formal setting. 5. Demonstrate an understanding of marine ecosystems and their ecology. 6. Explain the physiology of lower and higher invertebrates. 7. Describe what it means for an ocean to be in jeopardy. 1

2 III. Course Outline: This is a half year course. We will cover Marine Biology, marine ecosystems, and the anatomy and physiology of lower and higher invertebrates and the following topics: 1. Scientific investigation. 2. Genetics. 3. Marine ecology. 4. Vertebrate physiology. 5. Coral reefs. 6. Harvesting the oceans resources. 7. Oceans in jeopardy. IV. Attendance and Tardies 1. In science, many of the concepts build on those that have been previously studied; therefore your presence in class has a direct effect on your performance. Students are expected to be in attendance and on time every day. To encourage your attendance the following program will be honored. 2. Each student will receive 15 pts. per week (3 per day) for participation. Each student will receive the full three points if they come to class on time and prepared. I will deduct the full 3 points if the student is absent, tardy, leaves early, or has to go to their locker during class time. 3. In addition to the 15 participation points each week, each student will start out the semester with a bank of 25 behavior points. Each time this student uses their cell phone, uses the bathroom during class time, talks when the teacher is talking, or does any kind of behavior to interrupt the class, they will lose 5 of these points. Once they are all gone, the student will serve a detention during recess with the teacher. These points will be replenished at the end of the semester. 4. If the student is tardy to class, they will not be permitted to participate in any bell work or quizzes that they missed during the time they were absent. They will receive an F for that assignment that day. They will also lose their 3 behavior points for that day. 5. If a student is absent from class, it is their responsibility to obtain all notes and assignments missed. a. Following a student s return from an absence, the student will visit the classroom after school or during lunch and go to the teacher to obtain all missed assignments, as well as check with me to make sure they receive each assignment that they missed while they were away. b. The student will then have two school days for every day they were absent to make up any missed work. Missed assignments must be turned in no later than the second day following an absence. c. If the assignment is turned in on the third day, the student will receive a zero. 2

3 V. Classroom Norms and Procedures: In my classroom, I ask that you follow the five Ps: Prompt be on time, in your seat when the bell rings. Positive have a good attitude, no whining! Polite respect the teacher, respect your classmates always! Prepared- have your class notebook and a pencil ready when the bell rings! Productive you are here to learn first, work hard and use class time to learn! These will be posted in the classroom to remind you every day. If you do these five things, you are good to go, if not see the next section. VI. Consequences If you fail to show respect, I reserve the right to pick from the following consequences. A warning. A hallway conference. A call to your parents. An after school detention with the teacher. Have you fill out an action plan on how you are going to correct your behavior. A referral to the office. Severe Disruptions (i.e., fighting, stealing, drugs, lying, arguing or yelling at teacher ) will be an automatic referral to the Principal s office. VII. Disruptive Behavior: 1. Disruptive speech or conduct that disrupts classroom work or school activities. 2. Rule of thumb: if the teacher or a student is talking, any behavior that occurs that does not involve listening or participating in school work, will be considered disruptive behavior and will receive consequences. VIII. Grading Policy 1. Numerical grades will be given for each assignment including, but not limited to, exams, quizzes, papers, lab reports, science notebook, homework, and unit projects. 2. Your final grade will consists of: a. 25% for Tests, quizzes, and projects b. 25% for Laboratory work c. 15% for Homework and classwork d. 10% for Projects e. 25% Participation f. Letter grades are assigned based on the percentage of points earned out of the number of points possible. IX. Assignments: All assignments will be due the following class period, unless otherwise stated. Any assignments turned in after two days after the due date, unless due to illness or other compelling reason will receive a zero. Any assignment turned in late will receive a 20% reduction in grade for the first day, a 40% reduction for the 2 nd day, and will receive a zero for anything turned in on the 3 rd day late or later. 3

4 It is best to following the TWS to make sure you are turning in all assignments on time and you are not falling behind. You may access the TWS from the school website or from my personal website. School excused absences do not excuse you from obtaining and completing assignments. This includes lab exercises and exams, and the late work policy will apply. You may need to schedule a time to complete a lab or an exam, this is your responsibility. I reserve the right to deny late work for certain assignments or projects and this will be communicated to the students when the work is assigned. It will generally occur at the end of the grading periods or prior to an extended school break. The amount of time needed for homework varies depending on the class. Science courses generally require more time spent on homework. If work is not completed in class, it then will become homework and is due at the next class period. If a student is going on a class trip, they are required to get all assignments from me before they leave. The student must also schedule a time to complete quizzes, tests, and labs. The late work policy pertains to any assignment that is not completed in class and then becomes homework. There will be a few opportunities for extra credit, when those opportunities arise they will be offered to the entire class and will not be able to be made up. Extra credit will be given for extra assignments as communicated by the teacher. X. Cheating Cheating will not be tolerated in any form in my class. The first offense will result in a zero for the assignment, quiz, or test and a phone call home to your parents. Using a cell phone or other electronic device during a test unless otherwise stated by the teacher will be considered cheating and will result in an F for that day s assignment. Copying another student s homework is also considered cheating or plagiarism. If you copy another student s work, you will receive an F for that assignment and you will lose 3 behavior points for that day. Refer to the student handbook for further consequences regarding cheating. Parents will be notified in all cases of cheating. Talking or texting during a quiz or exam is considered cheating and is not allowed. This includes the time after you have finished and others are still working. XI. Cell Phones and Electronics You are not allowed to use your cell phone or other electronic device during class time. This includes cell phones, MP3 players, laptops, Ipads/tablets, etc. Each student will place their phone in the designated area in the classroom during class time. They may then retrieve it at the end of the class period. If the student has to use the restroom during class time, the phone must stay in the classroom. XII. Lab Safety 4

5 Lab safety is very important in any science class. The lab safety rules are separate from the classroom rules and must be followed in the lab area at all times. They are provided on a separate safety contract that must be signed to participate in laboratory activities. You must pass a short quiz to demonstrate your readiness, before you can participate in the lab. A grade of zero will be recorded for inappropriate behavior in the lab setting. It is too dangerous for students to engage in this type of behavior in the lab. This includes any rough housing or inappropriate use of laboratory equipment. XIII. Extra Help If you have questions about assignments or other aspects of class, please feel free to come by the room before or after school. You can also me at khalbohm@agbumhs.org or call me at my room phone that is listed above. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns. We will also have a comment/suggestion board in the classroom for any feedback you may have. XIV. Required Materials: Each student will be required to purchase a 2 inch, 3-ringed binder and bring it to class each day. Students will keep their notes, homework, and their two week schedules inside their binders, so that they will know where they are at all times. I will do random notebook checks in class to make sure each student is completing their assignments correctly and on time. Each student will also need a calculator for some units. Parents or Guardians Please feel free to contact me (Ms. Halbohm) between 3:00 and 4:30 at ex 203, or me at khalbohm@agbumhs.org if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. I look forward to a great semester with you! Please return the following page by Friday, August 14 th, to receive 10 pts. (An A) on your first quiz grade. 5

6 Please return to Ms. Halbohm by August 14 th, 2015 : Student I,, have read and understand all items covered in this syllabus. I will perform everything that is required of me with 100% effort I will come to class ready to meet the day s goals and will stay engaged throughout the lessons. Parent/Guardian By signing below you are acknowledging you have read and understand the syllabus. Name: Address: Phone: Signature: Date: Student Information: Are you on a team at school? Which one(s)? Other activities at school Do you play a sport outside of school? Which one(s)? Other activities outside of school Hobbies or interests Goals for this class: What do you want to learn in this class? Any career plans at this time? Is there anything specific you want me to know about you? 6

CLASS EXPECTATIONS Respect yourself, the teacher & others 2. Put forth your best effort at all times Be prepared for class each day

CLASS EXPECTATIONS Respect yourself, the teacher & others 2. Put forth your best effort at all times Be prepared for class each day CLASS EXPECTATIONS 1. Respect yourself, the teacher & others Show respect for the teacher, yourself and others at all times. Respect others property. Avoid touching or writing on anything that does not