Goals & Syllabus

Outcomes

First Quarter Outcomes (2007-08):

Academic & Learning Behavior Outcomes:

  1. Student can take part in planning an experiment including observing, forming a hypothesis, conducting an experiment, organizing data, comparing data.
  2. Student can identify and define the following components of typical experiments: constants, variables, experimental group, control group/setup.
  3. Student can use appropriate methods (data tables, pie, bar, or line graphs) to communicate data in a written form and can pick out data using these forms.
  4. Student can organize the biomolecules (lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates) in terms of their structures, and functions, give examples of each of the biomolecules and name their monomers.
  5. Student can analyze his/her diet for 7 days for biomolecules and recommend a diet based on an ideal combination of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates.
  6. Student can sketch cells and cell parts and use a microscope appropriately.
  7. Student can distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in terms of their complexity.
  8. Student can compare and contrast plant & animal cells in terms of the structure and function of their organelles and cell parts (chloroplast, nucleus, mitochondria, cell membrane, cell wall, centriole, and endoplasmic reticulum, vacuole.
  9. Be There-Student comes to class on time. Student is prepared. Student is engaged in class activities.
  10. Be Responsible-Student accepts responsibility for her/his own actions and behaviors. Student completes assignments on time and in a thorough manner. Student meets classroom-based expectations and rules.
  11. Be Respectful-Student respects self, peers, teachers, classroom rules, and learning community.

 

Third Quarter Outcomes: (2006-07)

  1. Be There-Student comes to class on time. Student is prepared. Student is engaged in class activities.
  2. Be Responsible-Student accepts responsibility for her/his own actions and behaviors. Student completes assignments on time and in a thorough manner. Student meets classroom-based expectations and rules. (including keeping a binder & portfolio)
  3. Be Respectful-Student respects self, peers, teachers, classroom rules, and learning community.
  4. Student can record, analyze, and interpret simple and complex data in a variety of forms including tables and graphs
  5. Student can identify the parts of a microscope and can use a microscope to view cells.
  6. Student can compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  7. Student can compare and contrast animal and plant cells, including describing the structure and function of the following organelles and cell parts: chloroplast, nucleus, mitochondria, cell membrane, cell wall, centriole and endoplasmic reticulum.
  8. Student can describe how a semi-permeable membrane works and how diffusion and osmosis are involved in the process, in particular how animal and plant cells will respond in hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic solutions.
  9. Student can describe the uses of stem cells.
  10. Student can describe the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction.
  11. Student can describe the phases of mitosis and describe the type of reproduction it is used in.
  12. Student can describe the role of meiosis in creating the type of cells needed for sexual reproduction to take place.

Syallabus

Students will be evaluated on their abilities to demonstrate high performance or proficiency on the above outcomes for the first quarter. Outcomes for the second, third, and fourth quarter will be provided at a later date.

L

Units of Study

 

Texts

The following texts will be used as a basis for the course:

Materials

By Monday, September 10, 2007, please bring to class every day:

  1. Pen or pencil-blue or black ink (please, no other colored or shiny ink pens)
  2. 2 inch 3-ring binder (to be used in both math & biology)
  3. 4 tabs for the biology section of your binder
  4. spiral notebook (with 3 holes-kept in your binder)
  5. Colored pencils or markers (for use at home)
  6. Calculator (for use at home)

Class Expectations/Rules

My rules are in line with the MAS Expectations and are reflected in the Learning Behavior Outcomes.

  1. Be Respectful
  2. Be Responsible
  3. Be There

You are a young adult, I should not have to school you on behavior. I prefer to work through violations of those expectations on an individual basis, but if you choose to not follow those basic rules frequently, you may be removed from the activity or classroom and/or your parents may be called or the school’s administration will be involved. ALL MAS RULES & REGULATIONS WILL BE FOLLOWED.

Work hard, be prepared, and never give up!

Grading & Homework

You earn your grade by the work that you hand in and the effort that you put into it. Unless specified otherwise, write all answers in complete sentences. You must turn homework & assignments in on time. It gets you ready for the real world—where no one will wait for you. Homework will be due at the beginning of the period unless indicated otherwise. All assigned work should be turned in on the date that it is due.

We will use rubrics to evaluate our work. Sometimes the rubrics will be generated by the class and sometimes a rubric will be provided to you. You will receive more information about rubrics in an additional packet. The rubric system will correspond to the rating system used at MAS.

You must reach proficiency or high performance on 70% of the course outcomes in order to pass the course. We will work together in order to help you achieve your goals.

Absences and Make-up Work

You must be here every day to be successful. You should not be absent, unless there are extreme circumstances. If you are absent, you are responsible for any work missed, including labs, tests, and quizzes—turn it in within three days of your absence. You may make up work from an EXCUSED absence only. When you return, and then check the Assignment Binder located in the classroom for any materials you missed. In the binder, items written in black (pencil) can be found in the Assignment Box, items written in red are quizzes, exams, or labs that must be made up with Ms. Adams. Items in green are notes that you must get from Ms. Adams or from another student.

Tutoring/Extra Help

I am available and willing to help you if you are having problems after school on Tuesdays from 3:10-4:15 or by appointment for extra help. I am very willing to help, you just need to let me know!

Parent Teacher Conferences

I am very eager to get to know my students’ parents or guardians as we work together to help your son or daughter succeed. I would be happy to communicate with you by email, phone, or in person. I am available by appointment. Please call 773-535-4242 or email me at jladams@cps.edu to set up an appointment.