Biology Classes at BGS:  Description and Expectations

 

Mr. Bowman:   gbowman@mccsc.edu

 

Description:  This is a Core 40 biology class and will cover the following topics:

• The molecular basis of heredity
• Genetics and evolution
• Cell chemistry, structure and replication
• Energy and matter transfer in organisms
• Interdependence of organisms

 

The instructional format of this class will focus on scientific philosophy and methods.  Students will learn to approach scientific questions through evidence-based inquiry.  A specific focus of biology is the study of all living organisms and all of the systems within and relationships between those organisms.

 

Length of Course:  This is a two-trimester course.  Ideally students will demonstrate full mastery of the requirements of this course within this amount of time.  However, BGS is a competency-based school and students will not be penalized for taking more time to demonstrate mastery.  For some students, three trimesters (one school year) may be required to earn both biology credits and in some cases, students may be able to complete the course in less than two trimesters.

 

Trimester 1:

 

 

• Introduction to Biology/Chemistry of Life

• Cell Structure and Function

• Energy Transfer / Cellular Respiration

• Cellular Reproduction (mitosis)

• Molecular Basis of Heredity:  DNA, RNA, Proteins

 

 

Trimester 2:

 

 

• Cellular Reproduction (meiosis)

• Mendelian and non-Mendelian Genetics

• Principles of Evolution

• History of Life on Earth

• Principles of Ecology

 

Student Expectations:

 

Successful students will observe the following classroom expectations and norms:

 

 

• Be Present - attend every day that you can and communicate with the teacher and the office in the event of absence.  When in class, be ready to learn.

 

 

 

• Be in Control of Your Devices (not the other way around) - Computers and tablets have uses in the classroom; use them wisely and as instructed.  Cell phones are not permitted in the classroom.

 

 

 

• Be Safe - Science labs can be inherently hazardous.  Always follow the lab procedures closely.  Safety equipment must be used as needed.  In the event of any accident, immediately let the teacher know - do not try to hide accidents!

 

 

 

• Be Respectful - This is a classroom.  Always be respectful of the learning environment of others (and your own).

 

 

Students who repeatedly disregard any of these norms will be given opportunities to change their behavior.  Continued disregard of norms will result in other interventions which may include, but are not limited to:  office referral, parent contact/conference, temporary removal from the classroom and/or school.

 

Assessment and Grading:

 

BGS is competency-based, meaning that completion of courses is dependent upon students showing mastery of specific requirements and standards.  Mastery can be shown in different ways and in different amounts of time for different students.   

 

Demonstration of Course Completion Includes:

 

• Assessments within each standard are at least at the level of meeting the standard.  This is roughly equivalent to a grade of C-.

 

• Assignments and Assessments which are not at mastery level are revised based on feedback and resubmitted until they meet minimum requirements.

 

• Personal Success Standards are met.  These are school-wide behaviors which help all students to succeed.  They are graded separately from content standards and account for 15% of the final grade.  The Personal Success Standards are detailed below.

 

• Personal Responsibility:  Take responsibility for personal academic success by coming to school, catching up on work when absent, doing work outside of school, and turning work in on time.

• Persistence:  Work through frustration when a hurdle is encountered by using strategies, resources, and personal determination.

• Cooperation:  Communicate and cooperate effectively with others by engaging in two-sided conversations, working together, using conflict management strategies, and both offering and accepting feedback with poise.

 

• Reflection and Revision:  Reflect on and revise work and behavior to improve performance and ability by using specifics, creating goals, taking feedback into account, and approaching tasks with a growth mindset.

Grading Scale:

 

 

• A+ 100  -  96

• A <96  -  90

• A- <90  -  84

• B+ <84  -  81

• B <81  -  78

• B- <78  -  75

• C+ <75  -  72

• C <72  -  69

• C- <69  -  65

• NC <65

 

Daily Routine

 

Successful completion of this course in a timely fashion requires each student to observe the following classroom procedures.  A typical day will be divided into three parts - new material presented by the teacher, a short break, and individual work time.

 

 

• Know what is expected of you on a daily basis.    The teacher will present new materials at a rate that will allow students to complete the course in two trimesters.  All upcoming assignments and assessment will be posted on Canvas and class objectives will be posted on the classroom whiteboard daily.

 

 

 

• Use Your Binder.   Each student will be given a three ring binder that can be kept in class or taken home if necessary.  It should be with you in class daily.  It will be used to keep the following items:

 

 

• Completed and graded interactive readers are kept in the binder to be used as reference materials ( text books are not usually sent home ).
• Any handouts relevant to assignments or assessments
• Completed and graded assessments

 

 

• Minimize absences and make up all missed work.   The goal is to complete a year-length class in two trimesters.  This cannot be done if students do not show up to class or do not use time wisely when they are present.  If a class is missed, be sure to check Canvas for any missed assignments and contact the teacher if an assessment will need to be rescheduled for you.

 

 

 

• Revision and Resubmission.  As a competency-based class, student work must be at mastery level.  If it is not, students are expected to make revisions, based on teacher feedback and resubmit.  Any assignment or assessment may be revised and resubmitted, but any assignment or assessment with a grade of NC must be revised and resubmitted.