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Olympus Junior High School Biology
2018-2019 School Year
Instructor: Mrs. Brown. Room 207
Consultation: 4th Period
Phone: (385) 646-9521 (desk) (385) 646-5224 (front office)
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: Canvas; brownsci.weebly.com
Welcome! GT Biology gives students the opportunity to take high school biology while still in junior high, freeing them to pursue more advanced science when they reach high school. The Biology Core Curriculum has three major concepts for the focus of instruction: (1) the structures in all living things occur as a result of necessary functions. (2) Interactions of organisms in an environment are determined by the biotic and abiotic components of the environment. (3) Evolution of species occurs over time and is related to the environment in which the species live. Students were introduced to many of the concepts in 7th and 8th grade science, but now have the chance to experience the full spectrum of how these systems work together.
My teaching philosophy is that students should experience science, not just hear about it. You can expect a multi-faceted and student-centered approach in my class. In addition to hands-on activities, students will engage in reading, writing and research activities throughout the school year which will support and emphasize the topics we are covering. Gifted and Talented students can expect to cover the same information as Honors Biology, but will be expected to complete more individual and group projects, maintain high standards, and cover each topic in more detail throughout the year. The emphasis in GT will be on projects, student-centered work, and real-life applications of science. Our science classroom has IPads and Chromebooks available for every student to use during class.
Materials required:
Homework:
You should plan for an assignment and starter in class each day, Monday through Friday. Work not completed in class is homework. Students are expected to read from the textbook to supplement activities we will be doing in class. Our textbooks, Prentice Hall Biology, contain excellent information as well as activities students can try at home. It also has an online edition that is interactive and easy to use. In addition, there will be specific homework assigned, as well as several projects throughout the year. A calendar list of assignments will be available on Canvas, and copies of assignments will be available for download.
Grades:
A certain point value will be assigned to all work completed by students, including reading assignments and students’ observation journal. These points will determine the student’s grade in science. Students will be expected to keep track of all assignments using planners, and should be able to estimate their grade at any given time. Generally, I will update grades in the computer weekly, and hand out notices twice per term.
A 93-100%
A- 90-92
B+ 87-89%
B 83-86%
B- 80-82%
C+ 77-79%
C 73-76%
C- 70-72%
D+ 67-69%
D 63-66%
D- 59-62%
F 58-below
Classroom Rules
Students are expected to follow classroom rules at all times. Of primary concern in my classroom are safety and respect--all classroom rules can be boiled down to those. If a student shows disrespect to me, another student, or for safety rules, they can expect immediate action. I generally give students two warnings for behavior, and if they do not improve they will be sent to in-school time-out or to the office. In extreme cases, I may simply send students straight to the office. Overall, it is important that my classroom is a safe and friendly environment to work in, and my rules emphasize that attitude. Students are asked to not use cell phones, record video or take pictures during class unless given permission ahead of time.
Citizenship
4 = Honor
3 = Good
2 = Satisfactory
1 = Poor
0 = Failure
Student Citizenship grades reflect the school’s policies. They are based on behavior, attendance (no unexcused absences), punctuality, preparedness, and classroom participation. Students will start out the year with a “3,” and can earn either a higher or lower citizenship grade. Honor citizenship will be given to those students who show enthusiasm, dedication and empathy for other students, as well as leadership in the class. I follow the school’s tardy and attendance policies. Students who are off-task, tardy or do not follow class rules run the risk of lowering their citizenship grades. Those who do excellent work in participation, cooperation and other areas will receive recognition.
Extra Credit
1. If you feel that you need extra points and have turned in all assignments, you may turn in extra credit. Extra credit will be given in addition to regular work, but will not be accepted in place of it. Extra credit can raise a grade by 1/3 at most (e.g. A- to A).
2. Extra credit work usually includes work on an outside project, attending a science event, or other opportunities as they arise. The purpose of this work is to reinforce information students are learning about in class. A list of extra credit topics is available on my website, and may change throughout the year.
3. All make-up work and extra credit is due the week before the last week of the quarter.
Other Rules and Information:
1. Be in your seat and ready to begin when the bell rings.
2. BE PREPARED! Bring all materials to class, including all assignments to be turned in.
3. Assignments are due at the beginning of class. Late work will be accepted for half credit, up to one week after the due date. Absent students must make up work missed within one week of the absence.
4. Students may bring water bottles to class during hot weather, and will not be excused to get a drink from a fountain. Please do not bring food, drinks or gum to class otherwise. Students will have three hall passes a term available for bathroom breaks and errands, with exceptions in special cases.
5. Students will occasionally correct their own or each other’s assignments during class. This not only helps to give students immediate feedback on their work, but allows students to compare their own thought processes to those of others. Please let me know if there is a problem with this practice.
2018-2019 School Year
Instructor: Mrs. Brown. Room 207
Consultation: 4th Period
Phone: (385) 646-9521 (desk) (385) 646-5224 (front office)
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: Canvas; brownsci.weebly.com
Welcome! GT Biology gives students the opportunity to take high school biology while still in junior high, freeing them to pursue more advanced science when they reach high school. The Biology Core Curriculum has three major concepts for the focus of instruction: (1) the structures in all living things occur as a result of necessary functions. (2) Interactions of organisms in an environment are determined by the biotic and abiotic components of the environment. (3) Evolution of species occurs over time and is related to the environment in which the species live. Students were introduced to many of the concepts in 7th and 8th grade science, but now have the chance to experience the full spectrum of how these systems work together.
My teaching philosophy is that students should experience science, not just hear about it. You can expect a multi-faceted and student-centered approach in my class. In addition to hands-on activities, students will engage in reading, writing and research activities throughout the school year which will support and emphasize the topics we are covering. Gifted and Talented students can expect to cover the same information as Honors Biology, but will be expected to complete more individual and group projects, maintain high standards, and cover each topic in more detail throughout the year. The emphasis in GT will be on projects, student-centered work, and real-life applications of science. Our science classroom has IPads and Chromebooks available for every student to use during class.
Materials required:
- A composition notebook will be provided for Observation Journal and writing exercises (will be turned in regularly). Students who prefer a 1” binder may provide one instead.
- Writing materials (pencils, pens with blue or black ink)
- Science books (Prentice Hall Biology; USOE Biology, can be purchased; Pearson Biology in class)
- Other materials as specifically requested.
Homework:
You should plan for an assignment and starter in class each day, Monday through Friday. Work not completed in class is homework. Students are expected to read from the textbook to supplement activities we will be doing in class. Our textbooks, Prentice Hall Biology, contain excellent information as well as activities students can try at home. It also has an online edition that is interactive and easy to use. In addition, there will be specific homework assigned, as well as several projects throughout the year. A calendar list of assignments will be available on Canvas, and copies of assignments will be available for download.
Grades:
A certain point value will be assigned to all work completed by students, including reading assignments and students’ observation journal. These points will determine the student’s grade in science. Students will be expected to keep track of all assignments using planners, and should be able to estimate their grade at any given time. Generally, I will update grades in the computer weekly, and hand out notices twice per term.
A 93-100%
A- 90-92
B+ 87-89%
B 83-86%
B- 80-82%
C+ 77-79%
C 73-76%
C- 70-72%
D+ 67-69%
D 63-66%
D- 59-62%
F 58-below
Classroom Rules
Students are expected to follow classroom rules at all times. Of primary concern in my classroom are safety and respect--all classroom rules can be boiled down to those. If a student shows disrespect to me, another student, or for safety rules, they can expect immediate action. I generally give students two warnings for behavior, and if they do not improve they will be sent to in-school time-out or to the office. In extreme cases, I may simply send students straight to the office. Overall, it is important that my classroom is a safe and friendly environment to work in, and my rules emphasize that attitude. Students are asked to not use cell phones, record video or take pictures during class unless given permission ahead of time.
Citizenship
4 = Honor
3 = Good
2 = Satisfactory
1 = Poor
0 = Failure
Student Citizenship grades reflect the school’s policies. They are based on behavior, attendance (no unexcused absences), punctuality, preparedness, and classroom participation. Students will start out the year with a “3,” and can earn either a higher or lower citizenship grade. Honor citizenship will be given to those students who show enthusiasm, dedication and empathy for other students, as well as leadership in the class. I follow the school’s tardy and attendance policies. Students who are off-task, tardy or do not follow class rules run the risk of lowering their citizenship grades. Those who do excellent work in participation, cooperation and other areas will receive recognition.
Extra Credit
1. If you feel that you need extra points and have turned in all assignments, you may turn in extra credit. Extra credit will be given in addition to regular work, but will not be accepted in place of it. Extra credit can raise a grade by 1/3 at most (e.g. A- to A).
2. Extra credit work usually includes work on an outside project, attending a science event, or other opportunities as they arise. The purpose of this work is to reinforce information students are learning about in class. A list of extra credit topics is available on my website, and may change throughout the year.
3. All make-up work and extra credit is due the week before the last week of the quarter.
Other Rules and Information:
1. Be in your seat and ready to begin when the bell rings.
2. BE PREPARED! Bring all materials to class, including all assignments to be turned in.
3. Assignments are due at the beginning of class. Late work will be accepted for half credit, up to one week after the due date. Absent students must make up work missed within one week of the absence.
4. Students may bring water bottles to class during hot weather, and will not be excused to get a drink from a fountain. Please do not bring food, drinks or gum to class otherwise. Students will have three hall passes a term available for bathroom breaks and errands, with exceptions in special cases.
5. Students will occasionally correct their own or each other’s assignments during class. This not only helps to give students immediate feedback on their work, but allows students to compare their own thought processes to those of others. Please let me know if there is a problem with this practice.