Materials Required:
- Pencils
- Ink pens
- Notebook (does not need to be a separate notebook from other classes)
- Notebook paper
- 3 packs of note cards
- Calculator
Community materials:
If you are interested in buying materials that the entire class can share, here are some examples (please understand that these items will not be returned). Please give these items to Ms. Ewing so she can make sure everyone is able to use them.
- Hand sanitizer
- Ruler (w/ cm)
- Colored pencils
- Transparent tape
- Masking tape
- Washable markers
- Post-it notes
- Highlighters
- Glue sticks
- Extra pencils
Perishable items needed for labs:
If you are interested in buying materials for labs, please refer to the list below. Because of the budget, science is not able to offer all experiments that were offered in the past. If you are willing to purchase some items, we will be able to complete the experiment.
- Cups (8-12oz)
- Celery (by: ______________)
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Vinegar (distilled/ white)
- 91% Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol is 70%, 91% is usually the same price and is found next to rubbing alcohol)
- Food coloring
- Frozen strawberries (by:_________________________)
- Soil
- A cup of fertilizer (please label concentration on the bag- ex 10-15-10)
- Seeds- any left over vegetable seeds.
- Eggs
- To off set the cost of glassware and chemicals; Sanderson science classes are also accepting donations. Checks preferable made out to Sanderson High School.
Course Overview:
Biology is divided into five different disciplines. A brief description, order, and estimated time spent with each discipline are listed below:
- Chemistry- a science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the transformations that they undergo. Students will develop an understanding of the physical, chemical, and cellular basis of life. (3 weeks)
- Genetics- The branch of biology that deals with heredity, especially the mechanisms of hereditary transmission and the variation of inherited characteristics among similar or related organisms. Students will develop an understanding of the continuity and changes of organisms over time. (6 weeks)
- Taxonomy- The classification of organisms in an ordered system that indicates natural relationships; The science, laws, or principles of classification; systematic. Students will develop an understanding of the unity and diversity of life. (4 weeks)
- Ecology- The science of the relationships between organisms and their environments. Students will develop an understanding of ecological relationships among organisms. (2 weeks)
Classroom Expectations:
1. Be respectful of others.
2. Be in your seat when the bell rings.
3. Ask permission before leaving your seat.
4. Bring all needed materials to class. (pencil and paper should be brought everyday)
5. No profanity, teasing, or name calling.
6. No food or drink is permitted.
7. Do not rock back on the legs of the chair.
8. No personal grooming in class.
9. Do not sit on top of desks.
10. No inappropriate usage of electronic devices
Failure to follow these rules will result in a tardy, zero, detention, and/or administrative disciplinary action as stated in the student handbook.
Tardy:
Students must be in their seat when the tardy bell rings. In the event this does not occur the following will result:
(You will have one warning in accordance with the student handbook.)
· Occurrence 2-3 à teacher assigned after school detention.
· Occurrence 4+ à referral to the administrator. (Please refer to student handbook for details.)
Assignments:
· If a student is absent:
ü The student is responsible for getting their work from the teacher.
ü The student is responsible for turning in homework that was due on the day of their absence the day they return to school to avoid a late grade.
ü The student is responsible for turning in make-up work within in a reasonable time (2 days per every day missed).
· Late work will be accepted up to 2 days past the original due date for 50% credit of the assignment. Beyond that, the assignment is a zero.
~Homework- Due to the nature of this course, many of the topics will need additional review, as well as investigation. Students are expected to review their notes and any additional materials for at least 20 minutes a night. Due to the level of this science class, students will not always be given a sheet of paper to complete and return the next day. On several occasions, homework is spot checked. Because this homework assignment is gone over in class, this assignment can not be made up for a late grade.
~Labs/ experiments- There will be several labs assigned throughout this course. All labs and experiments relate to the topic that is currently covered and is used to reinforce the content. Labs and experiments are not ‘easy’. On several occasions, students come to high school with this idea and everyone should be mindful that experiments are teaching students about the content of the course.
~Tests- Tests and/ or quizzes are given once a week. If you are absent for a test, you must take the test in Saturday school, during my tutoring session or after school in the cafeteria within 2 days of your return to school.
The following is a breakdown of my grading scale:
