BIOLOGY I COURSE SYLLABUS

North Atlanta High School

Teachers: Eric Jackson, Blaine Harris,
Usha Patke, and Ramon Reeves
Phone Number: 404-802-4700
Room Number: 4123,4157,5123,5157 Email: blaharris@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Semester: 2014-2015 Tutorial Days: Tuesdays
Textbook: Modern Biology Tutorial Hours: 3:45 to 4:45
Textbook Price: $75 Tutorial Location: 5157

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course involves the study of living organisms ranging from the molecular to
that of the biosphere. The approach and method of study will be varied with an emphasis
on investigation, discovery, and experimentation. Core topics will include the study of
cells, the chemistry of life, genetics, ecology and evolution, and human health and
physiology. Along with the core topics a choice of any two topics from the following
options will also be included: cells and energy, evolution, neurobiology and behavior,
applied plant and animal science, further human physiology and/or ecology and
conservation. Some topics at the higher level for example, genetics, are studied in further
breadth and depth at the higher level.

MYP Information

This course is part of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program at
North Atlanta High School which emphasizes a format based on the following
concepts: holistic learning, intercultural awareness, and communication. Students
will gain analytical skills in order to promote informed decision-making.
Technology will be used appropriately through inquiry-based learning in order for
students to gain an increased understanding of how literature, written discourse,
and presentation relate to the world around them. As content is studied throughout
the year, the following global contexts will be in constant consideration as part of
the Middle Years Program (MYP): identities and relationships, orientation in time
and space, fairness and development, globalization and sustainability, scientific
and technical innovation, and personal and cultural expression.

Assessments for this course also include how well student work relates to the
following MYP criteria: knowledge, concepts, skills, and organization and
presentation. A year-long MYP personal project accompanied by a journal is to
be produced at the end of the 10
th
grade year for the MYP Diploma. Timelines
and descriptions of tasks will be provided.







COURSE TEXT:
The text for the course is Holts Modern Biology The replacement cost of the text is $75.00 if you lose
or damage it.




CONTENT ORGANIZATION: subject to change

Topic CCGPS/ alignment AOI Timeline
Process skills
/Inquiry
SCSh2: Students will identify
and investigate problems
scientifically
ATL Review-2 weeks
Cellular
structure and
function
SB1. Students will analyze the
nature of the relationships
between structures and functions
in living cells.

Homo Faber/ATL/Environment/Health
and social education
6 Weeks
Genetics SB2. Students will analyze
how biological traits
are passed on to
successive generations.

ATL, health and social, Environment 5 Weeks
Organisms-
Relationships
SB3: Students will derive the
relationship between single-
celled and multi-celled
organisms and the increasing
complexity of systems
Community &
Service/Environment/Health & Social
4 Weeks
Organisms-
classification

SB4: Students will assess the
dependence of all organisms o
one another and the flow of
energy & matter in their
ecosystems

Community &
Service/Environment/Health & Social
4 Weeks
Ecosystems

Evolution
SB4
SB5: Students will evaluate the
role of natural selection in the
development of the theory of
evolution
Community

Environment/Health & Social/ATL
5 Weeks


4 Weeks

COURSE FORMAT:

Instructional methods will include a combination of direct instruction, readings, discussion, experimental
and observational laboratory investigations, field study, audiovisual presentations, cooperative learning
situations, computer simulations, role-playing, and problem solving.


GRADING POLICY: Projects 15%
Classwork 15%
Homework 5%
Quizzes 10%
Tests 20%
Labs 15%
Mid Term 10%
Finals 10%
GRADING SCALE

A: 100-90
B: 89-80
C: 79-70
F: 69 <


SUPPLIES: Students will need a 3 ring binder, pens/pencils, notebook paper. Composition note book
(Lab Reports) others to be announced in class.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS: Students are expected to bring their textbook, notebook, paper and writing
utensils (blue/black ink or #2 pencils) to class each day. Work is due on the day it is assigned, unless
otherwise noted. Late work will be accepted for 2 days after the due date and will receive 1/2 credit.

BINDER SETUP: In order to keep track of notes, classwork, labs etc, it is imperative to have an
organized binder. Students binders should have 5 dividers. Your binder must contain the following
sections labeled- Sponge, Classwork/Notes, Homework, Lab, & Misc. (This section will hold your tests,
quizzes, and any paperwork that I give to you). This way student is able to keep track of their grades. This
will also give them the ability to dispute any discrepancies concerning their grades.

LAB EXPECTATIONS: All labs will be conducted in a manner consistent with the lab safety rules that
are distributed and signed at the beginning of the semester. These rules will be re-emphasized at the
beginning of each lab. Students are expected to follow all safety rules when in the lab. NOTE: A one
page, typed research paper must be written for any missed lab.

MAKEUP WORK: The county policy for makeup work will be followed. Only work missed due to an
excused absence can be made up. Absences are considered unexcused until I have signed an admit slip. It
is the students responsibility to check with the teachers to obtain any missed work.


TARDIES: Students will be marked tardy if they are not in the classroom when the bell rings. The
county tardy policy will be followed.

HALL PASSES: Each student is allowed 9 hall/restroom passes each semester. Students should make
every effort to go to lockers, restroom, etc. between classes. Phone passes will be given only in
emergencies. The WARRIOR handbook MUST be used for passes and should be brought to class
each day!

STUDYING: Biology can be a very challenging course. Nightly studying will improve your grades. I
suggest at least 30 minutes each night, more before tests/quizzes.

ATTENDANCE: It is important that students attend class regularly. Because the class is taught on the
block schedule, we cover a large amount of material each day. Students may never miss class to
be with another teacher without prior written approval from me. No class is more
important than the other.

EATING IN CLASS: Due to the risk of contamination from chemicals, no food/drink may be consumed in
the classroom. Bottled water is acceptable.

SCIENCE FAIR: ALL MYP BIOLOGY STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO
COMPLETE A SCIENCE PROJECT BASED ON ANY TOPIC IN BIOLOGY.
THIS PROJECT WILL BE DUE ON NOVEMBER 4th, 2014. STUDENTS
WILL RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION IN CLASS.





Semester Dates Deficiency Schedule Report Card Schedule
Semester 1 Begins 8/4/2014 10//14
Midpoint, Sem. 1 10/8/14 11/13/14
Semester 1 Ends 12/19/14 2/9/14
Begin Semester 2 1/6/2014
Midpoint Sem. 2 3/13/2014 4/20/2014
Semester 2 Ends 5/22/2014


NOTE TO PARENTS: It is my experience that parental involvement increases a childs achievement.
Parents are encouraged to contact me if they have any questions concerning their childs progress. I am
available before and after school.


________________________________ _______
Parent/Guardian Signature Date


Parent/ Guardians email ID --------------------------------

Cell phone #-------------------------------

_______________________________ _______
Student Signature Date