Saturday, March 9, 2013

AP Bio Introduction and Expectations

About AP Biology 

The AP Biology course is designed to develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills and connecting concepts in and across domains. Topics from molecules, organelles, cells, metabolism, genetics, molecular biology, evolution, anatomy, physiology to ecology will be covered.  Throughout the year, you will be engaging in science practices that capture important aspects of the work that scientists engage in.   The key concepts and related content that define the revised AP Biology course and exam are organized around a few underlying principles called the big ideas: 

Big Idea 1: Evolution

The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.

Big Idea 2: Cellular Processes
Energy and Communication
Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain dynamic homeostasis.

Big Idea 3: Genetics and Information 
Transfer
Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.

Big Idea 4: Interactions
 
Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties.

Grading Policy

Grades are based on the percentage of points earned on assignments, tests, quizzes, projects, notebooks and learning journals.   100% - 90% = A, 89% - 80% = B, 79% - 70% = C, 69% - 60% = D, 59% or below = F

Tests and Quizzes

Tests will be given out periodically.  The students will receive notice of the test one week in advance.  If a student must miss an exam for any reason it is the responsibility of the student to notify me in advance and make arrangements with me to make-up the test.  Make up tests are only given after school to allow enough time to complete the test!  Quizzes will be given at random and may be announced. 

Assignments

It is expected that all students must complete all assignments in order to enhance and reinforce their learning experience.  Assignments include homework and classroom work. It is the responsibility of the student to turn in all assignments on their due dates.

Lab Reports

As part of the AP Biology curriculum, it is very important that students are present during lab work.  By performing the experiments and analyzing data, the students will be fine tuning the science practices.  Lab reports are major point assignments in this course. 

Late Work Policy

 If for any reason the student fails to turn in work on the due date, the student will have three days to turn it in from the due date.  Each late day will cost the student points on the assignment.  After the third date, the assignment will be an automatic zero.


Participation / Attendance

 In order for students to be successful, they must attend class! Participation points are given to those students who come to class prepared and behave, as well as involve themselves in the discussion of the topic being discussed.  


Classroom Rules

In addition to school and district policies, students must follow classroom rules in order to ensure a safe learning environment that is geared towards student success.

Be Respectful!
Be Responsible!
Be Safe!
Be Academically Engaged!
1.  Electronics must be put away before entering class.
2. Be in your seat by the time the tardy bell rings and begin on the bell work activity.
3.  Maintain a positive and respectful attitude by using polite speech and body language.  You should not interrupt other students’ learning.
4. Listen to and follow all instructions.
5. Respect yourself, each other, the teacher and all property.
6.  Come prepared to complete assignments.
7. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
8.  Anything not relevant to our class work should be put away.              
9. Be courteous: Raise your hand and clean after yourself.
10. Do not eat candy or other food in class.  This is a Lab room.
11.  FOLLOW ALL LAB SAFETY RULES!
12. Ask questions!  Take pride in your work by always doing your best.

There will be consequences for students who follow the rules and for students that do not follow classroom rules.  They are as follows:

Rewards

Students that behave well, show marked improvement, do well in class, or participate regularly throughout the year will receive the following:
    1. Verbal praise.
    2. Extra points.
    3. Good phone calls home.
    4. Homework passes and other incentives,
    5. The knowledge gained in this class.

Negative Consequences

Students that choose to misbehave in an unacceptable way in class will result in a consequence(s) that fits their actions.  These consequences are:
    1.  Verbal warning.
    2.  Isolation (Time- out) or seat change.
    3.  Loss of points and of privileges.
    4.  After school or lunch time detention.
    5.  Phone call home and/or parent conference.
    6.  Class suspension and/or referral.

Important Links


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