Bio Course Description

                             Biology 
                     Round Rock High School
                COURSE OUTLINE AND OBJECTIVE


COURSE OUTLINE AND OBJECTIVE
Biology is the study of living organisms, their origins, how they survive, 
reproduce, change over time, and interact with each other and their 
environment. Laboratory investigations play a prominent role in the 
course and students are expected to design and carry out experiments using 
appropriate methods and resources. Students will also be expected to write 
formal lab reports over major labs.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Required Materials: Students must bring the following material to class each 
period.
*Biology Journal- Composition notebook used for journaling (taking notes 
over reading and in class lecture)
*A pen AND pencil (both are required) NO gel pens!!!
*Calculator (TI83 Plus preferred but not required)
Additional Materials: Because of the nature of the class, great deals of 
expendable items are required. It would be greatly appreciated if each 
student would bring at least one of the following items to be shared with 
the class:
	*Paper towels
	*Antibacterial liquid hand soap or hand sanitizer
	* Zip lock bags (gallon, sandwich, or quart,)
	*Facial tissue
	*Washable markers
	*Clorox or Lysol wipes

Grading Policy: The following policy has been adopted by RRHS Science 
Department as a whole. Grades are weighted as follows:
*Assessments (Major/Minor & Projects)				40%
*Lab (Major requiring formal lab report 		        40%
      and daily labs)		                	
*Homework/Daily work/ other	                		20%	
	
                                                		100%

Current Events: will be assigned every two weeks during the fall semester 
and an Abstract/React assignment each six weeks during the sprig. These 
assignments will be equivalent to a test.

Late Work Policy: Late work will be accepted following these guidelines: Day 
after due date (1day)  - 90% of credit earned
		2 days late   (next block) - 80% of credit earned
                3 days late                - 70% of credit earned
                4 days late (second block) – 60% of credit earned
		NO Credit after 2nd block


If you are participating in a school related activity and know you will not 
be in class when an assignment is due, I expect you to turn it in prior to 
the absence. If you have an excused absence and come to school the following 
day you should bring the missed assignment to me upon your return.



Tutorial or Make up time: My scheduled tutorial times are before school 
Monday and Tuesday. (There may be an occasional conflict due to 
faculty obligations. I will do my best to be available at an alternative 
time when these circumstances occur.)  I prefer to group students who are 
working on the same concept together during tutorial time. I find that 
students learn better when they work together, especially when they explain 
the concepts to each other. 
Please utilize tutorials; if you cannot attend during the scheduled time, 
you may set an appointment with me for anytime I am available. My greatest 
desire is for you to succeed!!!

Behavioral Expectations: The most important policies in my class are the 
four following simple expectations. A student who fully complies with these 
expectations every day will be successful in my class.

1.Be Prompt and Prepared-excessive tardies and absences will effect a 
students eligibility to exempt exams.
2.Participate Actively-Biology is the coolest class you will ever take; I 
promise if you participate you will have FUN!!!!!!!!
3.Stay on Task-In order to cover all required objectives you will have to 
stay focused. Do not expect “down time” in class.

It is RRISD policy that NO electronic devices be in use during the school 
day. This includes cell phones! If you are observed using any type of 
electronic device during class (of if your phone accidentally rings) I am 
required to take it and turn it into the business office. YOU WILL BE 
REQUIRED TO PAY $15.00 TO GET IT BACK

Eating or drinking in class is prohibited(except bottled H2O) 
Occasionally lab/activities will involve food. This will be the only 
exception.


Welcome to Biology. I know we will have a great year!! Ms. Hoffpauir