Biology Course Expectations 2019-2020

Biology is a semester long course that will cover concepts ranging from scientific method,
characteristics of living things, cell structure and function, cell division, protein synthesis,
Mendelian genetics, human genetics, evolution, classification of life, viruses, bacteria,
protists, fungi, plants, animals, and some human physiology.

High school comes with high expectations, and I feel that all students can succeed when
everyone supports the rules and procedures. A few general rules:
● Be aware and compliant with the school dress code as it will be enforced.
● Cell phones and any other electronic device need to be placed in the “phone parking”
pockets on the board upon entry of the classroom. This is a school wide policy. If you
choose to leave your device in your locker, that is fine. However, if it magically appears
on your desk during class, I will take it (until 3:30pm). Be responsible with your
technology.

This course relies on a strong work ethic and maturity of its participants to be able to keep
the pace required to cover all required material.
The topics we will cover in Biology are:
Scientific Method: Everything follows a process, we will use this process to explore
scientific topics.
Characteristics of Living Things: To be a living thing, an organism must possess
specific characteristics.
Cell Structure and Function: Cells are made up of many pieces that have to work
together in order to function properly.
Cell Division: In order to replace the cells we lose, our cells need to divide.
Protein Synthesis: A big part of who we are is the proteins that make up our DNA.
Mendelian Genetics: Ever wonder why we look like our siblings, parents, or
grandparents? You’ll learn why!
Human Genetics: The human genome is made up of many parts that make each of us
unique.
Evolution: Living things change to better live in their environment, this is evolution.
Classification of Life: To be as specific as possible, we must classify all living things.
Viruses, Bacteria, Protists, Fungi, Plants, & Animals: Each group of organisms have
unique features and traits.
Human Physiology: The human body is made of many systems that will work together in
order to function.

A course guide is included at the back of this document.

Materials to be brought with you EVERY day:

● Science Notebook (will be handed in twice a quarter as part of your grade)
● Biology textbook - assigned, covered, and used regularly.
● Pens/pencils/highlighters/colored pencils
Grading “Grades are earned, not given.”
You will not be able to pass this course without being in class, participating, and completing
ALL assignments. You will be required to utilize Google Classroom, Infinite Campus, and check
email to see assignments, quizzes, and other critical class information. I will try to have
everything graded and up to date on Infinite Campus by Monday morning of each week. This
is not a guarantee, teachers have a life outside of school as well.

Late work is accepted at -10% per day, down to 50% (5 days). Work will not be accepted beyond
the last day of the quarter. There are many ways to submit your assignments electronically.
This is how you can turn things in when working from home. We will discuss these options
later. The deadline for all assignments is 11:59pm on the due date.

Excused absences have 3 days to submit work missed, and if you miss a quiz or test, you have
3 days to make up the assessment. Students must be proactive in making up missing work
and are responsible for all missing items in the gradebook. Time will not be taken during class
to review missed assignments on an individual basis. I strongly encourage students to come
by before/after school or during resource to get missed work. Please refer to the student
handbook pg. 12-13 for unexcused absences.

Any form of cheating, plagiarism, or copying will result in a 0% for that grade for all students
contributing to the cheating, plagiarism, or copying. Parents will be notified along with
administration.

Grade for the grading period will be based on the following:

A 100%-92% B+ 89.9%-88% C+ 79.9%-78% D+ 69.9%-68%
A- 91.9%-90% B 87.9%-82% C 77.9%-72% D 67.9%-62%
F <60% B- 81.9%-80% C- 71.9%-70% D- 61.9%-60%
Please refer to the student handbook pg. 11

Room Environment:
● Do not disturb materials and experiments that are property of others. They don’t go
through your stuff, don’t go through theirs.
● There are supplies in the classroom that can be utilized by any student. Please keep
this area neat and return the item(s) to their proper place when you are finished.
● Lab safety is it’s own thing and you will be required to pass a brief quiz to work in the
lab. Safety issues in the lab may result in your loss of privilege to do lab work.
● Be respectful of everyone and you will be respected in return. I will not tolerate
discipline problems in our classroom.
● The bell doesn't dismiss you...ever! Please remain seated and working until you are
dismissed. Congregating by the door will result in the entire class being dismissed late.
Bathroom Policy and Leaving Class:
I would strongly encourage you to use the bathroom before you come to class. However we all
have times when we need to go so don’t wait! I reserve the right to take your privileges away
completely if abused. Use it wisely. Please let me know if you have a condition that required
you to visit the bathroom more frequently.

You should not need to go to your locker once class starts. Come prepared for class!

You choose your success in this class. If you work hard, ask questions, and show up ready to
learn every day, you will likely succeed. It is completely up to you how well you do in this
course! Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns. Communication
between students, parents/guardians, and teachers enhances learning! I look forward to
working with each of you this year!

Mrs. Canfield
Contact Information:
Email: b.canfield@macs.k12.wi.us
Phone: 715-723-9126
Website: mrscanfieldmacs.weebly.com