INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS

The course is an advanced course in Freshman Biology. Since the students will take the Biology Regents in June, this course will follow the comprehensive review of the Key Ideas, Major Understandings, Performance Indicators, Process Skills, and Real World Connections as set forth in the University of the State o New York Education Department: Biology Core Curriculum. As an honors course, the topics will be covered in greater detail so that the students may also sit for the SAT subject test in Biology which is administered in May.

The following topics will be covered:

Key Ideas and Details in Biology

• Evolution
• Energy, Matter and Organization
• Maintaining A Dynamic Equilibrium
• Reproduction, Growth and Development
• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Interaction and Interdependence ( Ecology)

Laboratory Skills

• Use of the Scientific Method in designing and conducting an experiment
• Proper use of laboratory equipment
• Safety in the lab
• Using a compound and stereoscope microscope
• Using indicators and interpreting changes
• Dissection of various plants and animals including the fetal pig

NEEDS AND RESOURCES

Required Materials

·         Textbook : Biology : Principles and Explorations

·         Workbook : Principles and Explorations Student Review Guide

·         Lab Manual : Investigating Living Systems

·         Composition notebook for lecture

·         Three Folders for lab, tests and class

·         Sketch book for drawings

·         Colored Pencils (24)

Online Resources

• www.nysedregents.org/testing/hsregents.html

COURSE SCHEDULE

Course will include tests, projects and formal lab reports

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Grading Policies:

·         Tests will be given at the end of each cycle and may include questions pertaining to lab.

·         Homework will be given daily and it will count as one test grade. Students must put their homework in my mailbox before homeroom begins. Every time a student does not complete a homework assignment, there will be 5 points deducted from the 100% homework grade and the student will report to academic detention that afternoon after school

·         Lab notebook will also count as one test grade.

·         Projects will also count as a test grade.

·         Final grade will be determined by averaging all of the above grades

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

·         Students are responsible for making up any missed material. If they are absent on the day of an exam, they will be given a make-up exam after school on the day they return.

·         If a student comes to class unprepared, he must report to academic detention that afternoon after school.