Purpose of this syllabus: This syllabus provides an overview of the course goals, expectations, materials, and assessment criteria.

Course Title: General Biology

Teacher:  Christine (Chris) Wieland

Contact Information: 

email:  wielandc@issaquah.wednet.edu

phone:  425.890.1923

Course Description: (from course guide for 24-25)

Course Goals:  

• High school year-long course, which fulfills a lab science requirement for graduation and college entrance.
• Provides a knowledge base that helps students understand the nature of life and prepares them to make informed decisions about health, medicine, genetics, and the environment.
• Emphasis on using the scientific practices, focusing on developing and using models, constructing explanations, and engaging in evidenced-based reasoning.
• Successful completion of this course supports students as they prepare for the High School Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS).
• This course fulfills college prep requirements as outlined by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) as a lab-based science course.

Course Outline by Semester or Trimester:  

Trimester 1:

• Science of biology and the chemistry of life
• Ecology, specifically matter and energy in ecosystems, population dynamics, and human impact on the biosphere.
• Ecosystem interactions, including group behavior.

Trimester 2:

• Cellular biology, energetics, cell growth and division.

Trimester 3:

• Genetics, including molecular inheritance, genetic regulation of processes, and biotechnology.
• Evolution of populations, biodiversity and modern classification.

Required Course Materials and Supplies

• Technology including access to Canvas  
• Textbooks 
• Supplies:   Bring the following to class daily:

❑ Planner
❑ 1in 3-ring binder with paper
❑ Graph Paper
❑ Pencils, pens, and RED pen/pencil for correcting
❑ Colored Pencils
❑ Highlighter(s)
❑ Ruler
❑ Calculator – 4 function 

Grading Policies

Grade Percentages: 

Letter Grade    Range

A                      93-100

A-                    90-92.99

B+                   87-89.99

B                      83-86.99

B-                     80-82.99

C+                    77-79.99

C                      73-76.99

C-                     70-72.99

D+                    67-69.99

D                      60-66.99

F                       0 -59.99

S,U,P - Override Grades

Assessment Criteria 

Grading categories, weights, and types of work: 

Summative Assessment (70%):  This includes projects, tests and culminating lab reports. Formative Assessment (30%):  This includes daily work and skills development.

Recovery Plans:  Students will have recovery opportunities for grades below 80% on coursework that substantially impacts the student’s course grade.  Please read below to understand the conditions for this course:

• This is an opportunity only for the student who has completed all formative work for that summative assessment and before that summative assessment.
• If so, they can complete test corrections to recover up to half of their missing points.

Homework:

• Expect an average of 30 minutes a night of homework. If a students uses their class time well, there should be a limited amount of homework.
• Formative assignments will be posted on Canvas and include reading assignments, laboratory work, simulations, laboratory and safety skills, learning checks and collaboration skills. The purpose of this work is to introduce students to and support their mastery of content and skills before the Summative Assessment.
• All assignments are to be completed on time as announced or posted and turned in at the beginning of class on the due date.
• This work will be accepted for full credit until the summative assessment is completed.  

Classroom Expectations  

Academic Integrity:

• Please refer to the ISD student handbook for the districtwide academic integrity policy. 

Be Safe:

• Safety in the science classroom and laboratory is the FIRST PRIORITY. 
• The completed signature page (separate) indicates that you and your family have read these Rules, understand them, and agree to follow them at all times. 
• To participate in labs, this form must be signed and returned.
• When you arrive in class, please do not handle any equipment/materials until directed to do so by the teacher.
• Students may not eat/drink in class (covered bottle for water is okay).
• The science prep room/office and the area behind the teacher work station are off limits.
• No outside toys or chemicals are allowed in the classroom.

Be kind.  

• Treat others, yourself, classroom, and materials with respect. 
• Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
• Listen thoughtfully, build on other’s ideas, use inside voices.
• The use of profanity and/or harassment of any kind are strictly prohibited.
• Occasionally, I may be absent due to conferences, district meetings or illness. Student are expected to treat guest teachers with extreme respect and courtesy.

Stay engaged.

• Phones are off and away at all times unless you are given permission
• Raise hand to speak and to get out of seat unless notified otherwise.
  
• Before leaving class, everyone is expected to help clean up their work area.
• If you are absent, please review Canvas for the days missed and make a list of work.  Print off handouts or get a hard copy from the Copies Crate in class.  See Ms. Wieland at the end of class if you have questions.  

Be Mindful.

• Come to class on time with all required materials and ready to work.
• Unfinished class work is to be completed for homework, unless otherwise stated.
• Make sure the work you hand in is your work and not someone else’s.
• Teacher dismisses students-- not the bell.
• Do your best!!