This
course meets the core requirements of the
New York
State biology curriculum known as “The Living Environment”.
The Honors Biology curriculum is
further enhanced in all content areas, particularly in the areas of
biochemistry, molecular biology, and evolution. In addition, I will be teaching
a great deal of the content included in the SAT II Exam in Biology.
I expect that most honors biology students will take the SAT II exam in Biology
towards the end of the current year in biology.
Students will be assigned additional readings from publications such as
Scientific American, Discover, and Nature, as well as from primary scientific
literature such as the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology.
These readings deal with current biological topics. Students will respond to the
readings both through written analysis and through class discussion. Students
will also be called upon to use internet sources in their explorations of
biological topics. Of particular interest this year are topics including stem
cell research, biotechnology, and genetic engineering.
Students in the Honors Biology program will also be given the opportunity to
participate in more in-depth lab work involving the use of specialized tools
such as spectrophotometers and gel electrophoresis equipment (used in DNA
profiling).
Basic Information:
Homework
– Each student will receive a weekly homework sheet
which will
state the assignments for the week. Homework is generally given every
night. Homework includes preparing for quizzes and tests.
Quizzes and Tests
– Quizzes and/or tests are given weekly and together will count for 60% of the
overall quarterly grade.
Lab Work
– Each student will keep a databook, which is a record of his/her lab work. The
databook in an important part of the course and must be kept up to date. In
case of absence, limited make-up time is available during or after school
(usually Wednesdays). If a lab cannot be made up during the allotted time, then
a written report relating to the lab topic will be assigned in its place.
Satisfactory completion of lab work (including write-ups) is a New York State
requirement for entrance into the Regents exam in June.
Materials
Needed:
·
Three-ring binder (1 ½” to 2”)
·
Databook (spiral notebook filled
with graph paper; a limited number are available at school)
·
Pen and pencil (you
need both!)
·
Colored pencils (optional)
·
Book Cover (Please, not
the sticky kind! Textbook is to be covered at all times.)
Extra Help
– Students may get help from me before, during, or after school by appointment.
Missed labs can generally made up after school on Wednesdays and I am always
available for before or after school review before a quiz or test is given.
Interim Reports
– On the day that school interim reports are given out in homeroom, I also give
every one of my students a detailed printout of their biology work to date.
This report lists individual assignments, quizzes, and tests along with their
scores. The report shows the overall grade and its breakdown into homework
(15%), lab (25%), and quiz & test (60%) grades. Students must obtain the
signature of their parent or guardian and return the interim report to me within
a week of receiving it in class. I give credit for the completion of this
task! If I don’t get the signed report back and I have concerns about a
student’s work, I will make phone calls home.
General Expectations:
1.
Show respect for yourself, others, and your educational opportunities.
2.
Build a positive attitude and positive relationships.
3.
Always do your best.
4.
Be on time and prepared.
5.
Keep our room neat and clean.
