PreAP Biology Syllabus

In Biology, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students in Biology study a variety of topics that include: structures and functions of cells and viruses; growth and development of organisms; cells, tissues, and organs; nucleic acids and genetics; biological evolution; taxonomy; metabolism and energy transfers in living organisms; living systems; homeostasis; and ecosystems and the environment. (TEA website 2010)
Instructor
Ally White
awhite@eanesisd.net
512.732.9260 ext. 34402
Conference Period
7th per (2:24pm - 3:14pm)
Textbook
Texas Biology © 2015
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publication Company

Online access to textbook: http://my.hrw.com/

Textbook pages are also available by chapter on the WHS Biology website.
Syllabus Topics
Course Materials
Google Classroom
Supplies
Grading
Learning Targets
Makeup Policy
Late Work Policy
Tutorials
Test Access Policy 
Retest Policy
Class Discipline
Safety Contract
Course Materials
  • Charged iPad
  • Binder or folder with loose-leaf paper
  • Pens/pencils
  • Scissors, glue, colored pencils (needed occasionally, but can mostly be left at home - students will be informed when to bring to class)
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Google Classroom
This is how students will access course handouts and notes.
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Supplies
To make our school year run a bit more smoothly, you are kindly asked to donate supplies to our classroom. Thank you!
Ms. White's Wish List 
  • Paper towels
  • Tissues
  • Hand soap
  • Ziploc bags - either gallon or quart
  • Sanitizing wipes (for surfaces)
  • Colored pencils
  • Index Cards
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Grading
  0%   Practice 
  5%   Daily
35%   Quiz and Lab
60%   Tests and Projects
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Learning Targets
This is a very important document that will be given to each student at the beginning of each unit. This document will also serve as a review sheet for the unit and should be used to prepare for the unit quizzes and tests. All assessments are designed from the content on the learning targets. 
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Makeup Policy
For every one day a student is absent, the student will have one school day to make up assignments. The student is responsible for getting the assignments that were missed. School related activities are known in advance and the assignment will be due before the absence occurs, if possible. Students must fill out an Excused Late Work slip and attach it to the assignment upon submission. 
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Late Work Policy
Late work (due to not turning an assignment in on time) will be accepted one school day after its original due date for a maximum grade of a 70. Assignments turned in after one day will be accepted for a maximum grade of a 50. Assignments turned in after the unit assessment will not be accepted. 
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Tutorials
I am available before school from 8:00AM to 8:35AM on most mornings for Drop-In Tutorials (where students can ask quick questions about assignments, his/her grades, etc.) and by appointment for longer tutoring sessions, if necessary. 
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Test Access Policy
Unit tests are reviewed in class 1-2 days after taking the test. Tests are not to be taken out of the classroom. Parents wishing to view the test after student completion of the test may schedule an appointment with the instructor to view the test. 
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Retest Policy
Any student may retest up to a 90 on a unit assessment. The retest grade is the grade that stands. In order to be eligible to retest, the student must
  • have ALL unit assignments (Daily, Practice and Lab) turned in
  • complete an item analysis of the unit test
  • create and complete the teacher-approved review activity
The test format will be selected response, short answer and essay. The student must complete the retest within five school days of receiving the test results. The student must sign up with the instructor if he/she chooses to retest. If a student signs up to retest, but fails to complete the retest in the allotted time frame, he/she will lose retest privileges for the rest of the semester. The student is only allowed to retest one time per unit.   

In PreAP biology, unit quizzes can be replaced by a higher unit test grade. Students may NOT use retest grade to replace a low quiz grade. 
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Class Discipline
  • Cell phones must be used responsibly in class. They may not be used when Ms. White is addressing the class as a whole. Failure to comply will result in confiscation of cell phone.
  • Inappropriate iPad use (gaming, messaging, etc.) will result in the student losing iPad privileges for that class period. If necessary, further disciplinarian action will be taken. 
  • Earbuds/headphones may not be worn during class, except during independent work time.
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Laboratory Safety Contract

A student will be removed from the science activity area by the teacher if:
  • the student is behaving in such a manner that he/she can cause injury to themselves or to other students.
  • the student is not following the prescribed safety rules for the biology activity area or the particular biology activity being conducted.
  • the student is going beyond the limits of the biology activity into areas that may lead to an unsafe situation.
  • the student has not completed the pre-experiment activities that will allow them to work in the laboratory situation.
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Honor Code
Please familiarize yourself with the Honor Code as outlined in the WHS Student Handbook.
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