Biology (The Study of Life)

Biology is a required course for all students.  Taken during their 9th or10th year, this STAAR tested subject, incorporates all of the sciences that they have learned during the past several years and ties it all together.  

Chemistry, from IPC, will help students understand the concept of biomolecules and from there how these biomolecules can form different cellular components.  LIfe Science, from the 7th grade, will help students understand homeostasis and how each body system intricately works with other body systems.  

There will be various labs and projects throughout the year to show understanding.  Dissection, of an organism (frog, crawfish or both), will take place at the end of the year.  There will be several worksheets and packets that we will work on in class, but sometimes the student may need to finish on their own time if they are absent or unable to finish in class.  It is the students responsibility to turn in their assignments when the assignment is due.  If a student is absent, they have 3 days to make up the work that is assigned on the day that they were absent.  I will work with students when it comes to circumstances out of their control.  Assessments will be given during the fall and winter to determine STAAR readiness.

I will offer one-on-one after school tutorials for those struggling with a concept.

STAAR Tutorials: Starting Spring Semester, every Monday and Wednesday, I will be offering tutorials after school that will focus on STAAR concepts.  I will also be helping those that are struggling overall.  I want to ensure that every student has the help that they need, not to just pass, but to have this knowledge and know how truly important it is in their every day life.

Late Work:  I have several children that do not seem to understand the concept of a due date.  Within the first three days of being past due, they may receive a 70.  After that it drops to a 50% or Zero, determined by the length of days past due.

Grading Policy

Per district policy tests will make up 60% of the student's grades while daily work makes up 40%.

Make-Up Work Procedures:

According to district policy, students have 3 days to turn in make-up work from the last date of absence. This includes school-sponsored activities as well.

Retake Policy

If a student receives a failing grade on a daily assignment or test, they will be given 3 days to retake or correct from the date of return according to handbook guidelines. Furthermore, that assignment cannot exceed a maximum grade of 70 according to the handbook. It is also at the discretion of the teacher to assign detention due to missing work and assignments.

Some of the topics that we will cover, but not limited to are:

Active and Passive Transport

Animal Interactions and Relationships

Biomagnification

Biomolecules

Cell Cycle

Cellular Respiration (Kreb Cycle) vs Photosynthesis (Calvin Cycle)

Classification

Dichotomous Keys

DNA Replication

Electron Transport Chain

Endosymbiosis

Evolution

Food Webs and Energy Pyramids

Fossils and the Geological Time Scale

Homeostasis

Medelian Genetics

Mitosis vs Meiosis

mRNA and Protein Synthesis

Plant Tissues 

Viruses vs Bacteria