• Biology Syllabus

     

    Instructor: Mr. Brady Johnson                                              Blocks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd

    E-mail: johnsonb@bcssk12.org                                             Room: 201

    Website: https://ga50000627.schoolwires.net/domain/531

     

    Course Description: Biology is the study of living things. Biology is a laboratory-based course which allows the learner the opportunity to explore many aspects of life, such as: the nature of biology, ecology, biochemistry, cell structure and processes, photosynthesis and respiration, genetics, theory of evolution, and classification.

     

    Course Objectives: The student will…

    1. Evaluate the importance of curiosity, honesty, openness, and skepticism in science.
    2. Use standard safety practices for all classroom laboratory and field investigations.
    3. Identify and investigate problems scientifically.
    4. Use tools and instruments for observing, measuring, and manipulating scientific equipment and materials.
    5. Demonstrate the computation and estimation skills necessary for analyzing data and developing reasonable scientific explanations.
    6. Communicate scientific investigations and information clearly.
    7. Analyze how scientific knowledge is developed.
    8. Understand important features of the process of scientific inquiry.
    9. Assess the dependence of all organisms on one another and the flow of energy and matter within their ecosystems.
    10. Analyze the nature of the relationships between structures and functions in living cells.
    11. Derive the relationship between single-celled and multi-celled organisms and the increasing complexity of systems.
    12. Analyze how biological traits are passed on to successive generations.
    13. Evaluate the role of natural selection in the development of life.

     

    Textbook: Biology, by Miller and Levine (2018). Pearson. New York. 

     

    Units of Study:

                Cells, Genetics, Natural Selection, Classification, and Ecology

     

    Grading Policy:

    40% Formative Assessments: voc., cer’s, interactivities, labs, quizzes etc. 

    40% Summative Assessments: tests

    20% Biology Milestones EOC(Dec. 11th or May 7th).

     

    Instructional Focus Time: Students will have approximately 20 extra minutes a week during IF to work on targeted remediation and enrichment activities. These will be assigned to students individually and participation will count towards formative assessment.

     

    Make-up Work: It is the student’s responsibility to request, complete, and turn in missed assignments. If you are absent, please email me or meet with me at school to find out what you missed. You can also check on Google Classroom. Late work will be scored according to the grading rubric.

     

    Re-Test Policy: Students will have the opportunity to retake tests or portions of tests on which they have performed poorly. Retakes will be scheduled with the teacher and must take place during after-school tutoring or during Instructional Focus. Prior to retakes, students must demonstrate they have completed additional work to develop an understanding by using the learning contract. 

     

    Homework: Students will have homework if they failed to complete that day's task or if they were absent. 

     

    Materials: Writing utensils.

     

    Classroom Rules & Expectations: See JHS #RD4L Matrix on the JHS website.

     

    Cell Phone Policy:  See JHS Student Handbook and Code of Conduct

     

    Consequences: See JHS Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.



    This school year will offer many opportunities for students to grow and learn both academically and personally. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with you as we strive to meet our academic goals. One of the biology teachers will be available to offer additional help outside of class during after-school tutoring. Please email or call to schedule an assignment, review, or retake for such additional help. The After School Program is M-R. from 3:30 - 4:30 starting on Aug. 25th and Jan. 26th of the respective semester. 

    Sincerely,

    Brady H. Johnson