Syllabus
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Biology / Living Environment
Mr. Kasper
Overview:
Welcome to Biology. This course is going to fly by. Do not get behind and you will all do very well for yourselves. The course ends in the NYS Regent’s Exam. You must pass this, one other Regent’s science and a third science to graduate.
Because of the quick pace and block schedule, it is very important to keep as organized and focused as you possibly can. This sheet will give you most of what you need to guide you through and make you aware of what is necessary to succeed.
Materials:
- Three ring binder. (for notes)
- A second three ring binder. (If you have me for class AND lab.)
- Writing utensils – Pens and Pencils – Bring one for a friend
- Agenda
The above materials must be brought with you to every class.
The following may be required for certain classes and will be announced in advance.
- Calculator
- Colored Pencils
This list is not all-inclusive and may be added to in the future.
Policies and Procedures:
Time - Time is very important. You will be done with biology in January/June! Every minute of our eighty minutes together is important. Because of this, you must be in class and ready to begin working at the beginning of the period. Not one or two minutes into the period, On Time!! This means being in your seat (not in the doorway) with all of your necessary materials for that day. If you do not have your materials for the day, you will not be able to fully participate. This will be detrimental to your success in class. (See also: Grading) If you miss class, it is your responsibility to meet with me during advisement and learn what you missed and/or turn in any homework that may have been due. Your time ends with me when I dismiss you, not when the bell rings, when the clock says it’s time or when your watch tells you its time. I will, I promise, dismiss you every day.
Behavior - Once in class, appropriate behavior is to be observed. We are all adults and need to behave like adults. While I am quite sure no one needs further explanation, I am going to continue to be sure that no discrepancies in our definitions of appropriate adult behavior surface.
*Show respect to others by leaving cell phones in your locker.
*Keep safe and clean by leaving food and drink products outside of the classroom etc.
*Be polite by not talking while others are and raise your hand if you would like to add to the discussion etc.
*No swearing or unkind acts.
*No whining.
*Do your own work, I can usually tell if you’re not, and I guarantee you will learn more if you do it as your own.
*Be comfortable by taking care of bathroom breaks before class.
Grades – This is what every body wants to know. What do I need to do to get the grade I want? Basically, of all the work you do in this class (and you will do work):
- Homework will account for 20%. (**It has been my experience that people that do not do the majority of the Homework, Do not Pass. **)
**Homework is due at the beginning of class. Items not turned in on time will receive no credit. If you are absent the day an assignment is due, you must pass it in as soon as you return. If you are absent the day an assignment is given, you must see me in advisement (or after school) the day you return to get the assignment and due date.
- Quizzes will account for 20%.
**Quizzes will quiz your knowledge of recently covered materials. It is your responsibility to make up any missed quizzes. If you do not make it up in a reasonable amount of time, this will result in a zero.
- Tests / Projects / Papers will account for 40%.
- Labs will account for 15% - See your lab teacher for other important details.
- Participation will account for 5%.
There may be some opportunity for extra credit, but only if your work is up to date. Extra credit is just that, EXTRA. If your other work isn’t done you do not have time for extra work.
Basic topics that will be covered: Ecology, Cells, Body systems, Genetics and Evolution
