The following is an overview of what is expected of you throughout this course and is intended to help you be successful.  

What I expect from you (How to get a good grade!):
1.  Try to be present for every class.  Just paying attention in class is the easiest way to do well.
      If you are absent, it is your responsibility to make-up all missed work.

2.  Be on time and ready to participate in class.

3.  Be prepared with any needed books or materials.  You will always need your notebook and   
     something to write with.

4.  Complete assignments and be prepared to discuss them with the class.

5.  Respect your fellow classmates and me.  This includes listening when others are speaking 
     and treating others fairly.

6.  Follow all safety precautions involved in lab work or other activities.

7.  Ask questions when you do not understand something. 

8.  Approach every topic and assignment with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

 What you can expect from me:
1.  I will be on time and prepared to teach.

2.  I will treat every student with respect.

3.  I will listen to your questions and comments and value your opinions and thoughts.

4.  I will be available to help when needed.

5.  I will approach every topic with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

6.  I will provide hands on activities and try to relate Biology to the real world to make it fun and 
     interesting.

 Required Books and Supplies:

• Biology Text Book:  The Living Environment, 2007 McGraw Hill.
• A three-ring binder.     This is to be used only for biology.
• Pens and pencils.

Grades:
Total points earned divided by total points available
Approximate weights:
Quiz scores ………………….………………20%
Exam scores (all exams are cumulative)…..30%
Laboratory …………………………………..20%
Projects ………………………………………10%
Homework, Notebooks……………. ………..20%

 Quizzes and Tests:

• If you are absent for a quiz or test, you must see me as soon as you return to class to discuss a 
  make-up date during 10th period. 
•  It is your responsibility to see me.  If you do not take a quiz or test, a zero will be recorded.  
  You have 2 days to make up a quiz.

 Laboratory:

• We will be spending a great deal of time working in the lab and putting your knowledge to use.  
  This is a very important part of the course and you must take it seriously.  You must complete a 
  certain number of labs to take the regents exam and pass the course. 
• Labs turned in late or incomplete will lose 2 points a day until they are satisfactorily turned in.

Notebooks and Homework:

• This course involves a great deal of information and proper note taking is crucial to understanding 
  the material and doing well in the course.  Since all tests are cumulative it is important that you can 
  easily go back and review your notes.
• All notes must be kept in your biology notebook and I will periodically check them for neatness and 
  content (this is an easy way to score some points, but is also very important).
• All homework is to be handed in on the date due. If we have not gone over the work in class, 
  homework will be accepted one day late with a 25% deduction.   If there are emergency 
  circumstances they must be communicated in writing by a parent/guardian to the teacher.
• If you are absent it is your responsibility to find out what notes and homework you missed.  
  You have two days to turn in homework missed from an excused absence.

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