Northwest Classen High School
Biology
Text: Biology, Prentice Hall, 2006
Syllabus 2009-2010
Ms.Deason
drdeason (at) okcps.org
http://teacherweb.com/OK/Taft/MsDeAnnDeason/
Course Description/Overview
Biology is a laboratory-based course designed to introduce students to the
science processes, skills, and understandings related to a wide range of
biological topics. Topics covered will include the nature of scientific
inquiry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology and taxonomy. During this
course, students will learn to identify the basic questions and concepts that
guide scientific investigation and to design and conduct their own
investigations. Important skills to develop throughout this course include
microscopy, graphing and measurement, identification of research questions,
making connections, and the ability to be a self-directed learner.
Course Materials
• Textbook: (Biology, Miller Levine, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006)
• Buckle Down Oklahoma/EOI
• Prentice Hall, Reading Study Guides
* Prentice Hall, Lab Book
• Graph Paper
• 3-ring binder with 5 dividers
• Pen/pencil
Course Policies
Attendance/Absences/Make-Up Work: Students must make up tests, quizzes, and
laboratory work missed due to excused absences within one week. Students must
turn in homework assigned prior to their absence the day they return and
homework assigned during their absence the day after they return, unless the
teacher extends the deadline because of unusual circumstances.
Students who miss more than 10 days per semester will receive No Credit for
the course.
Classroom Rules/Expectations:
Students are expected to be in their assigned seats when the bell rings, to
bring paper and pencil each day to class and to participate in class
discussion. Students’ will listen when others are talking and be respectful
at all times.
Behavioral Management Plan:
If repeat violation of classroom rules becomes a problem, I will address the
issue with the following actions:
1. First Offense – Verbal reminder of the rule
2. Second Offense – Teacher/Student conference after class
3. Third Offense – Phone home to enlist parental solution to the problem
4. Fourth Offense – Referral to Assistant Principal
Homework Policy:
Homework has one or more of the following aims:
•Practice reinforces the learning of material presented in class.
•Preparation provides information for forthcoming instruction.
•Extension or elaboration involves the transfer of previously learned skills
to new situations.
•Integration asks you to apply skills and concepts to produce a single product.
Late work will receive only partial credit.
Extra Credit:
Extra credit will only be awarded to students with all assignments completed.
Honesty:
Cheating on any quiz, paper, or homework assignment will result in a grade of
zero for all parties involved.
Grading Policy/Assessment
Quarter grades will be determined as follows:
10% homework
25% lab reports
40% tests
25% class work
Course Procedures
Parents and students please read, sign and return the following forms:
1. Parent/Student Contract
2. Class Syllabus
3. Laboratory Safety
4. Computer Safety: (front and back.)
Lectures and Labs:
Lectures will emphasize biology principles, ideas, and theory. They are also
intended to help you become conversant with the language Biologists use and
the type of work that biologists do. Labs will introduce you to the skills
needed to “do” science, allow you to establish effective research habits, and
reinforce information learned during lecture. Communication is an important
part of science, and clearly written lab reports are essential.
Laboratory Safety:
Lab safety is a priority. Students will follow safety procedures at all times
and must pass a safety exam before working in the laboratory.
Use of lab equipment is a privilege. Students will treat equipment only as
instructed and keep equipment clean and orderly.
Computer Safety:
Students will follow safety procedures and computer procedures at all times.
*The Biology class will meet periodically from 2:20-5:00pm, in preparation
for the Biology EOI. (Oklahoma End of Instruction Test)
Parents will be notified in advance of additional lab times.
Lab Write-ups:
You will be expected to write a lab report after each lab activity. Write-ups
will be collected and graded after each lab activity.
Scientific Literature:
To make scientific progress, it is important for scientists to share
information with each other and with the public both orally and in writing.
You will be responsible for reading, summarizing,critiquing, discussing, and
presenting a number of scientific articles taken from recent issues of
scientific journals.
Personal Statement:
It is very important that you review your notes, homework, and labs
frequently. If you are having difficulties with any of the topics covered in
this course, see me as soon as possible!
Additional Information:
Contact Information: (Room number: 203, phone number: 623-6445,
email: drdeason(at) okcps.org
I will be in my classroom for most of the school day. I am available until
3:30 for help after school on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Laboratory Report Format:
Title: What is the activity called?
Problem Statement: The purpose of the experiment. What is your reason for
doing this lab?
Hypothesis: Use the format If…Then…
Materials/Equipment: List the materials and/or equipment that you used for
this investigation.
Procedures: Describe how the lab is done. Be complete enough to be able to do
the experiment again using your lab report as a guide.
Data: Record all the information that you collected. Use both qualitative and
quantitative data. This should include any observations, drawings, graphs,
etc. Be as complete as possible.
Conclusions: The Three Part Conclusion will summarize what happened in the
lab. Use paragraph form. Tell me what you learned or gained by doing the lab.
What you did, What you saw, What it means. Support conclusions with reference
of others work when possible.
Course Content:
Semester I August 20th -December 18th
Scientific Method
Chp.1 (Process Standards 1-6 to be used throughout the entire course)
Main Ideas:
* Evaluate the design of a Biology laboratory investigation.
* Identify the independent variables, dependent variables, and control
in an experimental set up.
* Identify a hypothesis for a given problem in biology investigations.
* Recognize potential hazards and practice safety procedures in all
Biology activities.
Biochemistry (Oklahoma PASS Content Standards 5.2)
Chp.2 Section 2-3 & 2-4
Main ideas:
• Structure and function of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates,
and nucleic acids
• ATP and related molecules
• Enzymes and how they function
• Effects of different ranges of pH and temperature
Cells (Oklahoma PASS Content Standards 1.1, 1.2, 5.1)
Chp.7
Chp.8
Chp.9
Chp.10 Section 10-2 & 10-3
Main ideas
• Cell organelles and their functions
• Cell processes such as metabolism, transport, growth, and cell
division
• Osmosis, Diffusion and Ratio of surface area to volume in cells
• Photosynthesis and Respiration
Genetics(Oklahoma PASS Content Standards 2.1 & 2.2)
Chp.11, Section 11-1 thru 11-4
Chp.12 Section 12-1 & 12-2,
Chp.14 Section 14-1 &14-2
Main ideas
• Mendelian genetics
• Single- trait crosses, sex-linked traits, incomplete dominance
• Pedigree, Karyotype
• DNA to DNA replication
• DNA to RNA transcription
• mutations
Semester II January 4th-May 25th
Evolution(Oklahoma PASS Content Standards 3.1, 3.2)
Chp.15 Section 15-3,
Chp.16
Chp.17 Section 17-4
Chp.18
Main ideas:
• Works of Darwin and Lamarck
• Types and mechanisms of selection
• Genetic drift
• Types and mechanisms of speciation
• Macroevolution
• Homologous and Analogous structures
Ecology(Oklahoma PASS Content Standards 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.2)
Chp.3
Chp.4 Section 4-2,
Chp.5
Chp.6 Section 6-3
Main ideas:
• Ecosystems (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and decomposers)
• Biotic and Abiotic factors
• Geochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen and water cycle)
• Functions of decomposers and recycling
• Populations and communities
• Trophic levels (10% Rule)
Taxonomy (Oklahoma PASS Content Standards 3.1, 3.2)
Chp.25 Section 25-1 & 25-2
Chp.34
Main ideas:
• Plant structures and their functions
* Plant Responses and Adaptations: Phototropism & Gravitropism
• Classification of living things
• Use of dichotomous keys
• Major phyla
• Organisms
• Bacteria and viruses
Enrichment:
Chp.21 Section 21-3 Fungi as decomposers
Chp.23 Plants: Roots, stems, leaves
Chp.29 Section 29-2 Form and Function of Invertebrates
Chp.33 Section 33-3 Form and Function of Chordates
Chp.35, Section 35-1 thru 35-4 Homeostasis/specialized cells
Chp.36 Section 36-3 The Integumentary System
Essential Class Links:
http://teacherweb.com/OK/Taft/MsDeAnnDeason/ap2.stm
http://nwcbiology.wikispaces.com/
http://www.quia.com/profiles/drdeason
https://www.gaggle.net
****EOI Testing April 26th thru May 7th****
Oklahoma Achieving Academic Excellence Legislation:
Section 6: Beginning with students entering the ninth grade in
2008-2009,every student shall demonstrate mastery of the state academic
content standards in the following subject areas in order to graduate from a
public high school with a standard diploma 70 O.S. § 1210.523
1. Algebra I
2. English II and
3. Two of the following five:
a. Algebra II
b. Biology I
c. English III
d. Geometry
e. United States History.
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Northwest Classen High School
Environmental Science
Syllabus 2008-2009
Ms.Deason
drdeason@okcps.org
http://teacherweb.com/OK/Taft/MsDeAnnDeason/
Course Description:
The goal of this course is to provide students with the
scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to
understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to
identify and analyze environmental problems both natural
and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated
with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions
for resolving and/or preventing them. Environmental science
is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from
different areas of study. Major themes include: science as a
process, energy conversions underlie all ecological processes,
the Earth itself is one interconnected system, humans
alter natural systems, environmental problems have a cultural
and social context and human survival depends on developing
practices that will achieve sustainable systems.
Lab safety is a priority. Students will follow safety procedures at all times
and must pass a safety exam before working in the laboratory.
Use of lab equipment is a privilege. Students will treat equipment
only as instructed and keep equipment clean and orderly.
As per district policy more than 10 absences per semester will result in
loss of course credit.
Grading policy:
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
59– 0 F
25% Class Work
40% Test
25% Lab Work
10% Homework and Attendance
OBJECTIVES & STANDARDS
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Evaluate the design of a biology laboratory investigation.
Identify the independent variables, dependent
variables, and control in an experimental set up.
Identify a hypothesis for a given problem in biology investigations.
Recognize potential hazards and practice safety procedures in all biology
activities.
Abiotic Factors-
Describe the importance of the water cycle.
Recognize point and non point source pollutants.
Study all nutrient cycles.
List and describe atmospheric components
Explain why Earth and its atmosphere are like a greenhouse.
Identify types, sources, and effects of air pollution.
Analyze soil types, components, and problems with soil conservation.
Ecosystems –
Study energy relationships.
Identify energy flow through an ecosystem.
Correlate energy relationships between organisms at different trophic
levels in an ecosystem.
Recognize organism adaptations to their environment.
Compare and contrast primary and secondary succession.
Biomes-
Describe major characteristics of forest biomes (tropical, temperate forests,
temperate deciduous forests, and taiga)
Describe major characteristics of non- forest terrestrial biomes (tropical
savannas, temperate grasslands, prairies, steppes, pampas, chaparral, deserts
and tundra)
Describe major characteristics of freshwater ecosystems (lakes, ponds,
wetlands and rivers)
Describe major characteristics of marine ecosystems (estuaries, coral reefs,
oceans and polar ecosystems)
Biodiversity-
Investigate approaches to land use, planning, urbanization and resource
management.
Identify and describe factors involved in land use planning and evaluate
possible consequences for wildlife.
Populations-
Describe the factors that affect a population’s size.
Identify the factors that led to changes in the human population.
Describe the problems stemming from population growth.
Energy Sources-
List and describe conventional sources of energy.
Distinguish between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources.
Summarize types, uses and collection techniques associated with conventional
sources of energy.
Recognize problems associated with conventional sources of energy.
Identify alternative energy sources.
Environment and Society-
Identify problems associated with pesticide usage and alternatives to
pesticide usage.
Recognize and document problems associated with solid waste management.
Evaluate and summarize decision making in environmental and societal issues.
