Biology Course Expectations
Ms. Flint - Room 203
Welcome to biology!  Get ready for an exciting year!  This year, we will be exploring
molecules, cells, ecology and diversity of life, evolution and plant and animal structure
and function in an effort to answer the question:
What do I have in common with other living things?
 Classroom Expectations
Organization
Leaving Class
Grading  
Homework 
Tests/Quizzes  
Projects 
Labs 
Effort/Participation  
Late Work  
EXTRA HELP



Classroom Expectations
In terms of classroom expectations, there are three that I require every person to follow:

    1) Respect your peers, teacher and YOURSELF!
    2) Come to class prepared everyday-- that includes having your 3-ring binder, textbook, writing           utensils, homework, etc.
    3) Food and drink are not allowed in the classroom-- this is very important to lab safety!

Organization
You are expected and required to have a separate 3-ring binder for this class.  Each unit of study will have its own section and should be separated by dividers.  I will periodically check your notebook organization for a grade.

Leaving Class
You are expected to be in class for the entire period, as you will be held accountable for everything discussed in class.  When leaving class to use the restroom, you are expected to sign out AND take the pass.  When you return, sign back in.  ONLY ONE PERSON is to leave the class at a time.

Grading
Throughout the year, you will be assessed on the following:
             Homework
             Tests/ Quizzes
             Labs
             Projects
             Effort/ Participation
Your grades will be based on a point system.  We will go over this in class.  Please see sample grades below.

                       Sample Grades
Name
HW-1
5 pts
HW-2
10 pts
Quiz-1
25 pts
Test
100 pts
Possible
Points
Points
Received
Percentage
Mike
Roscope
5
8
15
85
140
113
80%
Jen
Ettics
0
0
19
70
140
89
64%
Eve
O'Lution
5
10
25
92
140
132
94%

                    How do you figure that out?
Divide the points you actually received by the total possible points you could have received
and multiply by 100 to get your percentage.  Knowing this, you can keep track of your grade
throughout the semester.  However, I will periodically post your grades in the classroom.

Homework
This will be collected at the beginning of each class.  Any work accepted after the beginning of class will receive only partial credit... Please keep in mind... something is better than nothing!!  Anything passed in more than three days after the due date will be given a zero.  (Extended periods of absence will be dealt with on an individual basis).

Tests and Quizzes
Tests will be announced at least one week prior to the test date.  Quizzes can be given at any time, so keep up with your homework and reading.  I will periodically do notebook checks which will count as a quiz grade!

Projects
Projects will be assigned and you will receive a written description and rubric for each. Projects are lowered by one letter grade for each day that they are late.  HONORS CLASSES-- scientific experiment design-- click here for more.

Lab Write-Ups
You will receive a set of guidelines that will be followed for every lab write-up unless otherwise instructed.  We will go over these as a class to ensure that everyone understands what is expected.

Effort and Participation
You will receive 10 points for participation and effort at the beginning of each month.  For each day you do not demonstrate effort or active participation, you will lose one point.  Think of this as an easy quiz grade for each month.  A loss of these 10 points can easily bring your grade down.  When considering the amount of effort you are putting into class, you should reflect on the following questions:

Am I prepared for class everyday?  Am I putting forward my best work?  Am I trying my hardest?  Am I staying after for extr help when I am having difficulty with the subject?  Am I actively participating in class?

Late Work!!
ALL work is expected to be completed by the given due date.  Any assignments passed in late will receive only partial credit and will be accepted no longer than 3 days after the original due date.  Projects passed in late will be reduced one letter grade for each day after the due date.  If you are going to be absent the day your project is due, you MUST find some way to ge the project to me on that date.  Otherwise, it will be considered late.

Extra Help
I will be available Tuesday-Thursday after school for extra help, or by appointment.  PLEASE come in for help if you are having any difficulty in class.  I am here to help you to do your BEST!  




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