I want to invite all Parents, Foster Parents, and Guardians to email me or send me a text message to schedule a meeting to discuss your student's progress in my class.

I know everyone has a busy schedule, but please take the time to review your student's grades in power school and their attendance records. You can also access their canvas homepage and take a look at the assignments and what we have been working on in class.  

  I have attached a copy of the syllabus for you to reference, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me:

New Bern High School

Biology Course Syllabus 2021-2022

Gail Rodriguez, Instructor, gail.rodriguez@cravenk12.org

Welcome to Biology!

1. Course Description:
   Biology at New Bern High School is an introductory biology course in the life sciences. The following are links to the topics that will be covered in this course:

Unit 1: Scientific Method

Unit 2:  Biological Molecules

Unit 3:  Structure and Function of Living Things

Unit 4:  Cell Reproduction

Unit 5:  Protein Synthesis

Unit 6:  Heredity

Unit 7:  Evolution

Unit 8:  Classification

Unit 9:  Ecology

The state-required End of Course (EOC) exam is administered upon completion of this course.

1. Course Curricular Objectives:

The biology course at New Bern High School is vitally important in helping students experience the richness and excitement of knowing about and understanding the natural world.

• Students will gain a basic understanding of the characteristics and interactions of living organisms.
• Students will gain a basic understanding of changes in ecosystems.
• Students will gain a basic understanding of the interactions of organisms with their environments.
• Students will gain a basic understanding of the process of scientific inquiry.
• Students will gain a basic understanding of the impact of science, technology, and human activities.

III. Course Materials:

Students will be using their iPads every day in Biology and need to bring them to class every day fully charged. We will use Canvas as our learning platform on which some assignments will be posted and turned in. Other assignments are still paper-based. We will be using https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-biology-flexbook-2.0 for chapters assigned as class readings. the hardcopy book Biology (2012) published by Holt McDougal will be available in the classroom for students as an additional book resource. The students will also be provided with other materials that review or enrich the content presented in class.

1. Course Policies:

1. Behavior: Students will respect the rights of others in the classroom, and the school’s equipment and facilities. All students will be required to pass a safety quiz and return a signed safety contract (student and guardian) to participate in labs. It is a privilege to do labs. They help to make learning meaningful, fun, and exciting. For safety reasons, a student who behaves inappropriately during labs will not be allowed to finish the lab. If horseplay is involved, the student potentially endangers other students in class and will be referred to the office. Electronic devices will be used for academic purposes only. Students will be using iPads on a regular basis and will be expected to use all technology appropriately and responsibly. The cell phone policy will be strictly enforced in Biology.
2. Absences: Daily attendance is strongly recommended in this course (and all other courses). Makeup privileges will be as follows:
   If you are absent due to a school function (extracurricular activities, field trips, etc.), you are expected to get your assignments PRIOR to your leave and complete them by the due date. It will be your responsibility to come in for any additional help as needed before/after school to get the work done on time.

• If you have an excused absence, (not due to a school function), you are expected to see me before or after school on the day you return to pick up all makeup work. Do not expect assignments to be given to you during valuable class time. Students must have makeup work completed by the time they take the associated unit test. No makeup work will be accepted after the unit test.
• All makeup tests will be given before or after school and may not be the same tests as given to other Students

1. Testing: Biology is a challenging class and students need to learn how to effectively study and take tests. Students often do not know the difference between “recognizing” a concept and “knowing” it. Students are usually well trained to recognize answers when given test banks or sets of possible answers but are sometimes unable to generate complete answers in writing, which requires that they know the material. To help students make this transition, students will be allowed to retake written sections of a unit test (by learning target) if they receive less than a 70% on that learning target section. The student must meet two criteria to be eligible for a retake: 1.) the student must have all assignments turned in on time 2.) the student must come in to go over their previous test prior to taking the retake. The maximum score the student can receive is a 70% on the retake. This privilege is used at the teacher’s discretion.
2. Lab Policy: Students are expected to do all lab activities. If a student is absent or does not complete the work in class, he/she must come in before or after school to complete the assignment. Even if lab work is done in pairs or small groups, everyone is expected to turn in his/her own work unless told otherwise. Data is shared, not the interpretation of the data. Plagiarism will not earn credit. E. Academic Dishonesty: Cheating on tests or homework will result in:

• A zero grade for the entire test or assignment.
• Parental notification if caught cheating on a test or assignment.
• Notification to the principal if caught cheating on a test.
  

1. Grading Policy/Assessment
2. Insert Table
   
3. Course Procedures:
   ● Students need to be in their seats when the bell rings and begin working on the daily opener question.

• Biology class is to be used for the study of biology. You will not be allowed to work on homework from any other class unless your biology work is complete. Any homework from other classes that is out when you should be working on biology will be confiscated.
• Labs need to be cleaned up appropriately before the end of class bell rings. There should be no used paper towels or lab materials left on the floor or counters, the sinks and strainer should be clean, and lab equipment returned to the proper place.
• Students must be in their seats at the end of class to be dismissed. The teacher will dismiss the students, not the bell.
  

VII. Additional Information:

 My intent is to help all students be successful and to facilitate a positive learning environment. I am easy to get along with, but I have high expectations for all my students. I will not accept anything less than your best and you shouldn’t either. I am at school by 7:30 a.m. and stay until at least 4:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday. I am willing to stay later on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday if a student needs extra help. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or to discuss grades! Communication is key. I provide students with printed and highlighted grade reports per unit, indicating progress and missing work. PowerSchool is updated weekly and will provide the student with updated course progress as well as missing assignments. Please feel free to contact me by email anytime or by phone before or after school.