OPEN DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
HUMAN BIOLOGY
Mr. M.
Dickson
Text: Biology: Principles &
Explorations
Johnson, Raven
Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Lab
fee: $10.00
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This
course is designed to prepare students to understand the fundamental principles
of life and the complex issues related to them. Cell biology, genetics, evolution, anatomy and physiology,
biotechnology, the environment and ecological relationships will be studied to
show how knowledge of each of these topics is important to human life. Students will practice scientific processes
and methods through hands on activities.
OBJECTIVES
· To develop proper study and
organizational skills.
· To develop critical thinking and science
process skills.
· To develop an understanding of how each
molecule, cell, organ and system contributes to the overall success of the
organism.
· To develop an awareness of the
interdependence of organisms.
· To demonstrate an understanding of cell
structure and function.
· To demonstrate skills and understanding
of biotechnology and its importance to health care.
· To demonstrate an understanding of
evolution and its applications.
× To explain the roles of heredity and
reproduction in the continuity of life
· To describe the basic structures,
functions, and processes of the human body.
· To identify and describe career
opportunities in the life sciences.
· To develop an understanding of science as
a continuing process of exploration and discovery of the natural world.
· To develop cooperative working abilities
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
· Come to class on time and
ready and willing to work
· Bring textbook, science binder, and
writing utensil daily.
· Follow Dixie High standards of conduct as
outlined in student handbook
·
Do not bring food, drinks, gum, makeup, etc. into the
classroom.
ATTENDANCE
Good attendance does not
guarantee good grades, but good grades are next to impossible without good
attendance. This is especially true on the block schedule. Missing one day is the equivalent to missing
two. If you know you will be absent,
notify me in advance or contact another student in the class to find out what
was missed.
Refer to the Student Handbook
for attendance policy. Absences not
excused within 2 days will become unexcused and any missed tests, assignments,
quizzes, etc. cannot be made up. Class
begins when the bell rings and I expect
students to get immediately to work.
Tardy Policy It is important that you be to class on time. A tardy is defined as not being in the
door and on your way to you desk when the bell rings or needing a pass to get a
book, go to the bathroom, etc.
There
will be daily activities/quizzes that you will not be given points for if you
are tardy. These participation
activities will make up 20% of your grade.
ASSIGNMENTS
There will be a variety of worksheets, quizzes and essays that will makeup approximately 40% of your grade. Students will on occasion correct each other’s work.
Work will be accepted up to one week after it was
due, however, there will be a 20% penalty on the score. Work missed as a result of an excused absence will be due the
class day after your return to class.
All late work must have the date originally assigned and the date turned
in at the top of the page. Tests missed
due to absence may be made up within one week Wednesdays after school or Friday
mornings before school. Labs cannot be made up for any reason. If you must miss a lab because of a school
activity you must contact me the class day prior to the activity to work out
alternative work that will be due before you leave. Much is possible if you are responsible and contact me in
advance; little or nothing is possible after the fact.. Pop
quizzes will be given frequently so you are encouraged to review readings,
notes and assignments daily in preparation for each class. Keep all returned work as proof of
completion at grading time.
LAB WORK
Students
will often be assigned to work in groups on a variety of projects and a series
of 12 labs. It is the responsibility of
each member to contribute toward the success of the group by participating and
encouraging others in the group to participate and do their part. Lab
coats must be worn at all times in the labs and no “horse play”, loud talking
or other off task behavior will be tolerated.
Violation of this rule will result in removal from the lab and a failing
grade.
COMPUTERS
We are
fortunate to have our own computer lab that we will use often. Before using the computer you must sign an Internet
Acceptable Use Policy form.
Computers may only be used for access to assigned science related
activities and web sites. Violation of
this rule will result in loss of computer privileges and probable failure in
the class.
GRADING
Grading
will be based on percentage of the total points possible. Test, assignment, quiz, lab and
participation scores will be included in the grade. In addition, students must show competency in assigned lab skills
and finish a quarterly project. Grades
will be recorded on Powerschool every week midterm grades and failing notices
will be sent home Sept.
11, Nov. 14, Feb. 1, and Apr. 23. Letter
grades will be based on the following scale.
I reserve the right to scale grades based on natural breaks in scores.
Once grades are posted at the end of a term they will not be changed.
94-100 A 80-82 B- 66-69 D+
90-93 A- 76-79 C+ 63-65 D
86-89 B+ 73-75 C 60-62 D-
83-85 B 70-72 C- 0-59 F
A FINAL WORD
This is
a rigorous course! Keep up and
participate in class activities, discussions and groups. If you need help, please seek me out
to set an appointment before or after school.
I really want to do everything I can to help you succeed. I am here for you. If you need help or would like to talk to me I am best reached
M-F between 7:00 and 8:00 A.M. or you my use my school voice mail or email.
I have
read, understood and agree to the terms described above.
_________________________________ ________________________________
Parent Student