Syllabus

** Ms. Amanda Gladys ** ** Room 1.427 ** ** Mission **** Statement ** “Improving lives through education, one student at a time.” This course is designed to guide the student toward a better understanding of the fundamental concepts and research in the science of Biology, the study of life. This is an advanced science class and as such, topics will be covered in more depth requiring students to use higher order problem solving skills. A major goal of this class is for students to learn and understand the facts, formulas, and principles that compose general Biology. Additionally, students will sharpen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they learn to successfully perform scientific experiments. This course gives students the solid grounding in the basic principles of Biology that they will need to be successful in a college science class. Students will also develop an appreciation of how Biology relates to their everyday lives. Bolded words in the Biology text denote essential vocabulary that all students should be familiar with by the end of the semester. I have an on going biology vocabulary assignment to help reinforce science literacy.
 * Advanced Biology **
 * Course Description **
 * General Topics **
 * 1) The Nature of Life 7. Classification
 * 2) Basic Chemistry  8. Microorganisms
 * 3) Cell Structure 9. Animals
 * 4) Respiration/Photosynthesis 10. Plants
 * 5) Cell Division 11. Evolution.
 * 6) Genetics 12. Ecology
 * Essential Vocabulary: **
 * I. Required Materials: **
 * Please bring the following to class every day. **
 * 1) Good Attitude & Work Ethic!
 * 2) Textbook: Biology: Holt ****replacement cost $71.60****
 * 3) 3 ring binder with section dividers used only for this class.
 * 4) Pencil & paper
 * 5) Agenda (remember no agenda means no privileges)
 * II. Grading **

Grades will be based on the percent system below : Tests 32.5% Labs & Quizzes 32.5% Class work & Homework 10% Midterm 10% EOCT: End of Course Test*** 15% * Please note that this course does have an End of Course Test given by the state at the end of the course. The test will count 15% of the student’s grade. Cheating occurs when an individual attempts to receive credit for work that they did not do themselves. Examples of cheating are using a cheat sheet on a test, copying answers from a neighbor's paper, turning in a lab report in which the individual did not participate and or copy/ pasting information from the internet and passing it off as your own. A grade of zero will be assigned to all individuals found cheating. A good rule of thumb is, if you are looking at another students work, you are probably cheating! Late work will not be accepted except in the case of a documented excused absence. It is your responsibility to see Ms. Gladys **//__BEFORE or AFTER__//** school to get you late assignments. Late work must be made up within 5 school days of the absence. 1. Be in your seat when the bell rings. 2. No food or drink except water. 3. No put-downs or offensive language. 4. No grooming or spraying of liquids in class. 5. Use class time only for class activities. 6. Talk only when appropriate. Choosing not to follow the rules will result in the following consequences. 1. Verbal warning 2. 15 minute detention (served within 3 days) 3. 30 minute detention (served within 3 days)/Verbal parent contact 4. Office referral
 * III. Academic Honesty **
 * IV. Late Work **
 * V. Class Rules: **

Dear Parents ,
I **__LOVE__** biology! I am looking forward to sharing my science enthusiasm with your child this semester. Please read this syllabus and become familiar with the behavioral and academic expectations I have of your Biology student. As a parent of a teenager, I sometimes find it difficult to get the information I need to help her make good academic choices. Parent communication is important to me; to keep you in the loop and promote positive communications between us I have generated a parent and student e-mail group. This means that I will routinely e-mail you with reminders about up-coming tests, projects and the general progress of your biology student. This e-mail group is optional, if you would like to join please include your e-mail in the space below. Please feel free to contact me at the school anytime, with questions and concerns; my planning period is from 11:44-1:44. The phone number for Apalachee High School is 770-586-5111. If I am not available, I will return your call as soon as possible. You may also e-mail me at **amanda.gladys@barrow.k12.ga.us.** Thank you for your help and support! Sincerely, Amanda Gladys B.S. Plant Biology UGA M.Ed. Science Education UGA Science Educator, AHS