Course Syllabus

Biology Syllabus
2019-2020

Instructor Information
Ms. Anna Gorat
Papillion-LaVista High School (Room 206)
402 E. Centennial Road
Papillion, NE 68046
402-898-0400
agorat@paplv.org

Textbook
Biology; Miller & Levine, 2010
Students will check out a textbook to use as a resource both in and out of the classroom.

Course Description

In addition to a body of knowledge, science is a way of thinking and a way of doing.  In this class, you will build your science skills and gain an understanding of biology concepts through laboratory activities, demonstrations, group work and more.      

Class Rules and Expectations

1. Be prepared to be an active learner in class EVERYDAY. This means..

• Get to class on time. If you are not in your seat when the bell rings, you are tardy.
• Come to class prepared everyday with your student planner, textbook, paper or notebook, #2 pencil, and any homework. No locker passes will be given.
• Follow beginning of class instructions posted on the front board.
• Keep track of assignments and due dates using your planner.
• Ask questions and participate in class activities.

2. Be respectful towards all teachers, students, staff, property, and yourself. Harassment, bullying, or teasing of any sort will not be tolerated.
3. No cell phones allowed in class. If a cell phone is visible in the classroom, you

will be asked to place your phone on the instructor’s desk for the remainder of the class period.

4. All safety instructions must be followed.
5. Food will not be allowed in the classroom. Drinks must have a lid and cannot be a distraction to learning.

Grading

Regular attendance is essential for success in this course. Grades will be based on 70% summative assessment (unit exams and finals) and 30% formative assessment (lab, quiz, and homework).  It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of missing work and communicate with the instructor to ensure that assignments are completed in a timely fashion.  Each semester grade will be based on a running total.

NOTE: 10% of total points awarded will be deducted for each day an assignment is late.

Daily and Weekly Schedules

Access to daily and weekly schedules will be available on Canvas, accessible through the PLHS website. Throughout the week, the predicted schedule may change. This will be communicated to students in class. Homework and important dates will be posted in the classroom for students to record in their planners.

Biology Tentative Topic Breakdown

1^st Semester (Fall 2019)

Unit                         Unit Title                                                          Chapter           Sections

Introduction     Scientific Method and Life                              1                      1.1-1.3

1                               The Big Bang and Chemistry                         2                       2.1, Additional Sources

2                               Cells and Cellular Processes                          1, 2,                1.3, 2.3, Ch. 7-10, Ch. 12-13

                                                                                                                           7-10, 12, 13 

2^nd Semester (Spring 2020)

Unit                Unit Title                                                               Chapter           Sections

3                      Heredity                                                              11, 14, 15        All Sections

4                      Evolution and History of Life                  16, 17, 19        All Sections

5                      Classification of Life                                     18, 20-34         Variable

6                      Ecology and Energy Transfer                       3, 6                  All Sections