www.GreenValleyhs.

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Course Expectations Biology I 2015-2016

J. Andy Agan
M. Ed Sec Ed. Biological Sciences
This one-year course is designed to integrate science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts,
and core ideas related to biology. The topics covered in Biology include Structures and Function,
Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems, Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems,
Inheritance and Variation of Traits, Natural Selection and Evolution, and Engineering Design.
Demonstrations and lab experiences that employ proper safety techniques are essential to this course.
Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all
cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral
part of this course. This course fulfills one of the science credits required for high school graduation
and qualifies as a laboratory science for college entrance.

Materials
Textbooks:
This year we will have an electronic textbooks to supplement the in class instruction and can be accessed
from any device with internet connection, like smart phones, tablets like Kindle or Microsoft surface, Laptops
and desktop computers, even some smart TVs, XBOX, Play stations, and apple watches. Book mark this URL
CCSD Biology FlexBook:
http://bit.ly/1f7BIA1 (Case Sensitive)
Class Website:
https://edmodo.com/public/biology-agan-gvhs/group_id/14097431 or http://bit.ly/1Mx5x7v (case sensitive)
To Join URL: https://edmo.do/j/tpddm2
Group Code : ___________________
School WiFi Network: 0945-WiFi

Password: 5zqpmwc7
Server: proxy.ccsd.net
Port: 80
The proxy must be set to manual or else the internet wont work. See me if you need help.
Classremind.com
To receive messages via text, text @biology915 to 81010.
Trouble using 81010? Try texting @biology915 to (512) 872-4907 instead.
You will need the following items daily for this class:
1. Pens (in black or blue ink) and pencils. ANY ASSIGNMENT IN RED INK WILL NOT BE GRADED
2. Highlighter (any color.)
3. Colored pencils or markers (your choice.)
4. 3 ring binder for handouts and a 1 subject composition notebook for notes.
5. Notebook paper (NOT spiral notebook paper.)
If you would like help setting up your binder to help keep you organized, I would be glad to help.

If there is a problem that makes it impossible for you to obtain these supplies, please see me ASAP. We
can work out something for you to get the necessary supplies quickly and you grade is not affected.
***The easiest way to be successful in science is to be organized*** Get a Pencil bag, Get a locker. You have
biology after lunch so make sure you go to your locker after lunch and grab all your materials.

COURSE GOALS:
1. To demonstrate an understanding of the complex interactions within ecosystems using
mathematical representations and argumentation. [HS-LS2-1, HS-LS2-2, HS-LS2-6]
2. To identify the impacts of human activity on the environment and to engineer solutions
mitigating any adverse effects.
[HS-LS2-7, HS-LS4-6, HS-ETS1-1, HS-ETS1-2, HS-ETS1-3, HS-ETS1-4]
3. To develop models and use mathematical representations illustrating how matter and
energy are cycled within an ecosystem through the processes of photosynthesis and
respiration. [HS-LS1-5, HS-LS1-6, HS-LS1-7, HS-LS2-3, HS-LS2-4, HS-LS2-5]
4. To demonstrate an understanding of how DNA determines the essential functions of
proteins and codes for traits that are passed onto offspring. [HS-LS1-1, HS-LS3-1]
5. To use a model to illustrate the roles of cellular division and differentiation in the growth
and development of organisms. [HS-LS1-4]
6. To describe multiple sources of genetic variation and apply statistical methods to explain
patterns of expressed traits in populations. [HS-LS3-2, HS-LS3-3]
7. To construct an explanation of how multiple lines of scientific evidence support common
ancestry and the role of natural selection in biological evolution.
[HS-LS4-1, HS-LS4-2, HS-LS4-4]
8. To evaluate how natural selection and environmental conditions cause the numerical
distribution of traits in a population to change over time and may result in the emergence
and/or extinction of species. [HS-LS4-3, HS-LS4-5]
9. To use evidence to evaluate how group behavior influences the survival and reproductive
success of individuals and species. [HS-LS2-8]
10. To develop an understanding of how the hierarchical organization of interacting systems
perform specific functions which maintain homeostasis through feedback mechanisms.
[HS-LS1-2, HS-LS1-3]
COURSE OUTLINE:
Unit 1: Ecosystem Dynamics and interactions (8 weeks)
Unit 2: Matter and Energy in Ecosystems (7 Weeks)
Unit 3: DNA and Heredity (7 weeks)
Unit 4: Evolution and Natural Selection (7 Weeks)
Unit 5: Homeostasis and Interacting Systems (5 Weeks)
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PRACTICES
The eight practices of science and engineering identified as essential for all students to learn and
use throughout the course are listed below:
1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
2. Developing and using models
3. Planning and carrying out investigations
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
7. Engaging in argument from evidence
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
CROSSCUTTING CONCEPTS
The Next Generation Science Standards identifies seven crosscutting concepts that bridge disciplinary
boundaries, uniting core ideas throughout the fields of science and engineering. Their purpose is to help
students deepen their understanding of the disciplinary core ideas, and develop a logical and scientifically
based view of the world.

1. Patterns. Observed patterns of forms and events guide organization and classification, and they
prompt questions about relationships and the factors that influence them.
2. Cause and effect: Mechanism and explanation. Events have causes, sometimes simple,
sometimes multifaceted. A major activity of science is investigating and explaining causal
relationships and the mechanisms by which they are mediated. Such mechanisms can then
be tested across given contexts and used to predict and explain events in new contexts.
3. Scale, proportion, and quantity. In considering phenomena, it is critical to recognize what is
relevant at different measures of size, time, and energy and to recognize how changes in
scale, proportion, or quantity affect a systems structure or performance.
4. Systems and system models. Defining the system under studyspecifying its boundaries and
making explicit a model of that systemprovides tools for understanding and testing ideas
that are applicable throughout science and engineering.
5. Energy and matter: Flows, cycles, and conservation. Tracking fluxes of energy and matter into,
out of, and within systems helps one understand the systems possibilities and limitations.
6. Structure and function. The way in which an object or living thing is shaped and its substructure
determine many of its properties and functions.
7. Stability and change. For natural and built systems alike, conditions of stability and determinants
of rates of change or evolution of a system are critical elements of study.

Evaluation
Quarter grades will be based on the following scale
~ 40% Tests and Quizzes
A variety of strategies will be utilized to assess student understanding throughout this course. Question
format includes multiple choice, problem solving, short answer, matching, essay, and science skills,
such as performing a lab technique.
Tests will be given with at least 3 days notice. Tests may include multiple choice, essay, and
problem solving questions. If you are absent on the day of the test, the make-up test may be
different from the original test. Make up exams are scheduled after school unless prior
arrangements are made. Make-up tests will need to be completed within three days of the
absence. If the make-up test is not completed within the three days, the student will receive
a zero for that test.
Quizzes will be given periodically throughout each grading period. These quizzes can be
announced or unannounced.
~ 30% Laboratory Work and Reports
A variety of laboratory experiences are conducted during this class. Students are to keep accurate
records of each lab in order to prepare for the quarter final exam. (Dont throw work away)
Labs/Activities: You will have a lab report for each lab exercise. Some of these lab reports will be
handouts to be completed during the execution of the lab. At other times you will complete a
formal lab report. The format of the lab report will be provided at the time each is assigned.
Complete lab calculations in pencil. Each student must have a safety contract on file before
participating in any lab. A zero will be recorded for each lab until the safety contract is
returned. If you are absent on the day of the lab, it is your responsibility to make up the lab.
Make up lab are scheduled after school unless prior arrangements are made. Makeup labs will
need to be completed within three days of the absence. If the make-up lab is not completed
within the three days, the student will receive a zero for that lab.
~20% Homework and Class work
Homework and class work assignments will be used throughout the course. Homework is an integral
part of the learning experience and will be assigned an average of three to four nights a week. (Dont
throw work away)
Homework: any class work not completed in class is to be completed as homework along with
any given homework assignment. Please turn in work that is neat and represents something in

which you can be proud. All problem-solving work should show a logical sequence, and your
answer should be clearly marked with a circle. DO NOT COPY ANYONE ELSES WORK.
Constructed Response Questions: Students will be expected to answer their questions in the form
of a constructed response. A constructed response is an answer that is, at a minimum, a complete
sentence; but preferably their answer should show evidence that the student understands a
concept and can prove it. Their constructed response may contain part of the prompt if that helps
them and should give a reason or support for their answer. Unless otherwise specified this will be
the expectation on all homework questions, test questions, lab questions and verbal questions in
class.
~ 10% Class Participation
You will be given a participation grade each quarter. These points can be maintained by being in your seat
when the bell rings, writing the daily objective, copying notes, participating in class activities and discussions etc.

A notebook is required for this class. Keep ALL materials given, homework, tests, quizzes and
notes (in chronological order) in your notebook.
Make-up Work
When you return from an absence, you have three days to acquire, complete, and submit the missed
work as per school policy. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to see the instructor and obtain any
materials and assignments given during your absence outside of normal class time. It is HIGHLY
recommended that students get a Study Buddy in order that they may copy missed lecture notes.
You are allowed the same amount of time as the other students in order to complete and present the
work. There will be a basket kept in the classroom with extra handouts and worksheets for those
students who were absent; this is an excellent place to start if you are absent. If you are going to be
absent due to a school activity, please let me know ahead of time, if possible, and coordinate the work
prior to departure.

ALL assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date. Any assignment
that comes in after that point will receive the standard one day late deduction of
10%.
Assignments lose 10% a day for each day late. If an assignment is more than five
days late, the grade you receive will be half of what you would have received if the
assignment had been handed in on time.
LETTER GRADE SCALE: (Note: There will be NO rounding of the calculated percentages.)
A 100-90.0%
B 89.9-80.0%
C 79.9-70.0%
D 69.9-60.0%
F below 60.0%
The final semester grade will be determined by the average of the first and second quarter grades
weighted at 90%. The semester final will be worth the remaining 10%.
Quarter 1
45%
Quarter 2
45%
Semester Final
10%
Semester Grade
100%
CITIZENSHIP GRADE CRITERIA:
Class participation, working at ability level, cooperation, and general student conduct are all considered
when assigning a citizenship grade of O-outstanding, S-satisfactory, N-needs improvement, or Uunsatisfactory.

HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLAR SKILLS

Good work habits often determine success or failure. You are expected to utilize class time wisely.
BIOLOGY TIME IS FOR BIOLOGY WORK! Any other work, notes, books, materials, or objects
will be confiscated and not returned.
Dont try to do your Math HOMEwork during Biology CLASS time.
Dont try to do your English HOMEwork during Biology CLASS time.
Dont try to do your Elective HOMEwork during Biology CLASS time.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR
I believe that all students can behave appropriately in the classroom whether working individually or in
groups. I will not tolerate any student stopping me from teaching and/or stopping students from learning.
As a student in our classroom, you shall be:
CAPABLE:
COURTEOUS:
CONSIDERATE:

In your seat with the required materials when the final bell rings.
Respect each member in the classroom including visitors and substitutes.
Raise your hand to speak or leave your seat, and allow others to express
their ideas and opinions without interruption. Also, I will dismiss you, not
the bell.
COOPERATIVE: Help to keep the class neat and orderly (i.e. clean up after
activity/lab)
CONCENTRATE: Stay on task while taking notes and doing work in class, and
NOT saving it to do later at home.
CELL PHONES/iPODS ETC: Technology has changed the world. Science has grown through
the use of technology. Use it properly. No calling or texting in class.
Calculators, Cameras, stopwatches can be used in the classroom.
****Please refer to Green Valley High Schools Student Behavior Manual for further student
guidelines including dress code, food and drink policy, and absences policy. These guidelines will
be upheld and enforced in this class.
CONSEQUENCES
If you make the choice to break a classroom rule, then a disciplinary action will follow.
1st - Student warning
2nd - Student warning, and short conference to discuss solution and phone call home
3rd - Student to serve a thirty (30) minute classroom beautification detention
4th - Written referral to Deans Office
***Severe Clause: For any severe infraction, immediate removal from the classroom environment and
written referral to the Deans Office will be used.
~With regards to cell phones, iPods, etc., students will NOT be given a verbal warning about cell
phones, iPod, etc. if it is being used improperly in the classroom. The cell phone, etc. will be taken and
left at the Deans office for pick up by parent or guardian. PARENTS, DID YOU SEE THIS!
~Being tardy to class is disruptive to the learning environment. If you are tardy, the door will be locked.
Knock politely as to not distract my class or any other class in the hallway, and I will let you in.

~ Corridor and Restroom Passes: student must have a pass when outside of the classroom. Only one
student will be permitted to leave the class at a time. No student will be given a hall pass in the first and
last 10 minutes of the period, unless it is an emergency. You will be given 4 bathroom passes per
semester.
~ Submitting Work: Please check to make sure that your name is on your work, and place it in the
appropriate bin at the when it is due. If your name is not on your work, I will place it on the board for 2
days and then throw it away if it is not claimed.
~ Group Work: everyone in the group is expected to participate in group activities.
Students will be occasionally assessed and or graded by their group members on their contributions to
the team which will have an effect on the students grade.
EXTRA HELP
If you are having problems with your assignments, please come in for extra help. I am available before
school from 7:30 - 8:00 am, after school from 2:20 - 3:00 pm, and by appointments. If you have any
further questions I can be reached by email at jaagan@interact.ccsd.net. Dont wait until its too late.
I will do everything in my power to help you, to motivate you and to make class interesting and fun so that you
can have a productive and worthwhile experience. I love science and would like you to enjoy it. I am here as a
resource for you, but the ultimate responsibility for your education and learning belongs to you.
Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech said the following: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?
Your playing small doesnt serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so other people wont
feel insecure around you. We are born to manifest the glory within us. Its not just in some of us; its in everyone.
And, as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated
from our own fear our presence automatically liberates others. I hope that you will be willing to manifest your
brilliance and let your light shine in my class as we strive for excellence together throughout the year.

Signatures Required for Student and Parent/Guardian: attached is a response sheet. This is to indicate
that the student and parent/guardian have received, read, and understand the course expectations.
These expectations are subject to change as the course progresses. Students and parents will receive an
addendum to these course expectancies if the instructor deems it necessary to make any modifications
during the school year.

The Best way to contact me is through email

In an effort to maintain effective communication with parents/guardians, I am available through email
24/7 at jaagan@interact.ccsd.net. Please be aware that your students grades and attendance are
available to both you and your student through Infinite Campus. The web site is updated daily (every
time an assignment is graded) to keep you well informed of their childs progress. Please contact the
school if you need to activate your account or reset your student or parent password.
Parent/Guardian Signature Form for Course Expectations Sheet
Name of Student: _____________________________________________________________
First
Last
Student Email _____________________________ Student Cell phone__________________
Do you have a smart phone YES
NO
My favorite subject is _________________. My least favorite subject is _________________.
This year, I would like to learn __________________________________________________.
This year, I would like receive the following grade ___________________________________.
Name(s) of parent/guardians: (First and last names)
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Parents Home Phone: _________________________________
Parents Work or Cell Phone: ____________________________
Parents email: __________________________________________________________
Preferred contact method: ________________________________________________
Check the following boxes if at home you have access to: a Computer

internet

printer

I have read the Biology 1 Course expectations and understand that I must take responsibility for my own
academic advancement, as well as my classroom behavior.
X___________________________________________________
Student Signature

___________________
Date

I have read and discussed with my son/daughter the Course Expectations for Mr. Agans Biology 1
course.
X___________________________________________________ _____________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date

Please feel free to add any additional comments: