HHS Pre-AP BIOLOGY

Pre-AP Biology satisfies one year of the science requirement at Hendrickson High School while at the same time preparing the student for the AP biology course. The topics studied will be the use of the scientific method, the microscope and other laboratory tools, the chemical and structural basis of life, genetics, heredity, bacteria, viruses, infectious diseases, scientific classification systems, and ecology. Topics cover the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills) and will prepare students to pass the TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge & Skills)

Course objectives: Each student will be able to....

1. Explain the scientific method
2. Explain how living things are classified.
3. Name the parts of the cell, give their functions and understand how organisms are affected by what happens at the cellular level.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of heredity.
5. Identify and use the basic principles of healthy living.
6. Explain the relationship of all life to the environment.

Methods: Class Notes/discussions, Activities, Individual & Cooperative Group Projects, Lectures, Demonstrations.

At the beginning of every period, the students will copy the “Agenda” into their notebooks so that we keep a log of our activities and assignments. Every student should have this so Parents, please be sure to ask your Son/Daughter for this.

Assignments are often started in class and expected to be finished at home. Turn in all assignments at the beginning of class unless other instructions have been given. Remember: The person who does the work is the one who learns. Copying is not advised and is distinguished by the teacher when assigning grades.

LATE WORK IS NOT GIVEN FULL CREDIT. THE STUDENT MAY HAVE TO COME AFTER SCHOOL TO CORRECT AND GO OVER THE WORK IN ORDER TO EARN CREDIT. IN ADDITION, POINTS MAY BE DOCKED.

If you complete the work and turn it in late, it will earn a “SL= submitted late ” which counts as 60 % .

Assignments turned in not completed sufficiently will earn an "NF.. Not Finished" and counts as a 50% for that particular assignment.

If you get an “0” on an assignment this means no attempt has been made to complete and turn in the work and this counts as a ZERO “0 %”

Exams

Exams will be given at the end of each topic. Make up exams or exam correctives are not during regular class time but are encouraged before or after school. You should sign up on the calendar to help me plan for your needs. If you miss an EXAM it will be marked as a ZERO “0 %” until it is made up.

Grading: Grades will be based on the percentages earned....Please make sure you understand that they are weighted and are NOT equal in value when calculating your grade

Tests & Projects 50 %

Activities & Quizzes 30 %

Assignments 20 %

CITIZENSHIP GRADE

Participation, cooperativeness, attitude, responsibility, work habits, promptness, dependability, and enthusiasm can affect your Citizenship portion of the grade. Citizenship grade is awarded at the end of each 6 week cycle.

Please note that you must earn at least a 70 OVERALL in order to get credit for the course.

Class Guidelines:

1. Students can be marked tardy if not in their seat and prepared with class materials WHEN THE INSTRUCTION BELL RINGS.

2. Come to class prepared with proper materials.

3. Treat others with respect

4. Sit in assigned seat facing forward during instruction.

5. NO open sodas, lollipops/suckers or seeds are allowed.

6. NO selling of fund-raisers without permission first...otherwise you will forfeit your goods and have to pick them up from your Principal.

7. No use of cell phones, text messaging, personal stereos, mp3 players, radios, cd players or wearing headphones inside the school building

8. Follow all instructions given and stay on assigned task.

9. It is required that you have an active email address on file so you can receive your grade reports.

10. Do every assignment fully and turn it in on time.

SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS IN BIOLOGY

1. Do every assignment. Most frequently the people that do poorly in this class do so because they are not doing their homework and assignments. Likewise, those that do every assignment usually do very well in the class.

2. Carry a good attitude. Tenacity and perseverance will most of the time take you further than someone with a high IQ and a sour disposition.

3. Come in for help if you genuinely do not understand a subject or topic. I'll be glad to help you as much as possible. I am available for tutoring every day .... my time is flexible in order to help you.

4. Earn Bonus Points..whenever possible...this shows me that you take an interest in your education and increases your Citizenship grade. Bonus points are worth 5pts each and accumulate until the end of the term and then are added to your score.

Notebooks: Each student MUST have a notebook or a section in a multi-subject keeper. All paper work pertaining to this class is to be KEPT in this binder. The objective is to get you to keep your work for further reference. Term exams are comprehensive, and you will need your notebook material to study for these. In addition, the “Learning Journal” assignment may be scored periodically.

Personal Progress Reports: (PPR's)

Printouts will be given on a frequent basis. Usually one per week. Occasionally they will be taken home for Parents to sign and handed in for approximately 10 points each. After being recorded they will be returned to you for your records. It is your responsibility to make sure that they are accurate. In addition, grades will be emailed to those Students and Parents that have provided an active email address.