Pre-AP Biology Syllabus 2016-2017

Mrs. Ebers - Room E310

Contact Information:

Email: jebers@neisd.net
Webpage: http://ebersbiology.weebly.com
Schedule:

Periods 1-3: Bio 1

Period 4: Conference
Period 5: Lunch
Period 6: Bio 1
Periods 7-8: Pre-AP Bio

Tutoring availability:
Wednesday 4:10-4:30 p.m.

Friday 8:00-8:35 a.m.

See Biology Department Tutoring Hours
Online Textbook:
Biology by Holt McDougal online access. Go to: http://my.hrw.com

Username and Password (both): Type in the letters ne followed by your student
ID
Course Objectives:
Pre-AP biology is designed to prepare students academically and personally for the

rigors of AP coursework. The course is intended to consistently challenge students to

expand their knowledge and skills to obtain the recognized standard for college-level
academic work. Students enrolled in Pre-AP courses will be exposed to more challenging
curriculum that is covered at a quicker pace and a greater depth than its Biology I
counterpart, while simultaneously preparing students for the STAAR biology. Students are
expected to demonstrate a more in-depth conceptual understanding of all biology objectives
garnered through laboratory-based investigations, work more independently, and become a
strong advocate for their learning.
Required materials for class:
Hard cover composition book
Calculator
Earphones
Highlighters (yellow & 1 other color)
Folder Refill Paper
Pencils & Pens (black & blue)
Three ring binder (minimum 2 rings) with 14 dividers with the following tabs in
the following sequence:
o
The syllabus and safety information located before any of the
dividers, and the following listed tabs:

 Unit 1: Biochemistry, Unit 2: Cells and Cellular Processes,

Unit 3: Energy, Unit 4: Nucleic Acids, Unit 5: Cell Division, Unit 6: Genetics
and Genetic Engineering, Unit 7: Evolution, Unit 8: Classification and
Taxonomy, Unit 9: Microbes and Health, Unit 10: Animal Systems, Unit 11:
Plants, Unit 12: Ecology, STAAR Review Days, and After STAAR

Pre-AP Biology Course Schedule

The following outline is a tentative schedule that is subject to change:

Fall Semester

Spring semester

First 9 weeks

Third 9 weeks

Overview of Life, Biochemistry, & Enzymes

Evolution

Cell Structures & Processes

Classification & Taxonomy

Energy Processes

Microbes & Health

Photosynthesis
Cellular respiration

DNA Replication

Comparative study of animals

Diversity of plants

Second 9 weeks

Fourth 9 weeks

Nucleic acids DNA & RNA

Ecology

Structure & replication

Protein synthesis

Semester Exam

Cell division
Genetics: Hereditary & Variations

DNA mutations

Genetic Engineering

Gene therapy
Recombinant DNA

Semester Exam

Grading scale

Tests (after each unit): 40%

Quizzes: 35%
Laboratory reports: 20%
Daily activities and investigations: 5%
Semester Exam: 20% of semester grade

1. Grades are based on a point logic system, which means the more points an assignment is worth

2.
3.

4.

5.

6.

the more weight that particular assignment carries within the category. For example, within the
test category, a test that is worth 10 points weighs a fourth of a test that is worth 40 points.
No extra credit is available in this class.
Laboratory reports: Students will engage in multiple laboratory investigations throughout the
year, some of which will be inquiry based. A select number will require formal lab reports that
will be graded according to the lab report rubric that will be provided.
Homework: Homework in this class will be limited to reading assigned chapters, finishing
classwork assignments, studying, and reading upcoming labs and/or completing the pre-lab
discussion questions. It is expected that such tasks are completed in preparation for class.
Quizzes: There will be at the least, one weekly word roots quiz. Other weeks, there may also be
a pop quiz and a chapter quiz. Please see the list below for the possible words that will be
quizzed each week. Each week will include words from the current and previous weeks until
the Week of October 11 when a sample of all words will be tested.
Word Roots Sequence for the first 9 weeks:
a. Words for first 2 weeks August 22-Sept. 9 (27 words):

1, 9, 11, 12, 15, 20, 22, 24, 30, 35, 37, 43, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54,
55, 56, 62, 71, 74, 75, 78, 80, 83, and 88
b. New words for the following 2 weeks, Sept. 12-23 (21 words):

8, 18, 26, 27, 29, 31, 39, 44, 45, 47, 58, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72,
73, 76, 82, and 88
c. New words for the week, Sept. 26 -30 (18 words):

2, 5, 10, 13, 17, 19, 23, 25, 28, 41, 53, 60, 65, 79, 84, 85, 87,
and 89
d. New words for the week, Oct. 3-7 (10 words):

3, 7, 16, 33, 34, 46, 63, 77, and 81

e. New words for the week, Oct 11-14 (15 words):

all words
Tests: At the end of each unit, students will be summatively assessed using a combination of
both multiple choice and short answer questions. Each student scoring less than a 70 on a test
is eligible for a test retake.
To determine if a student is eligible, students must add the number of points
earned on both the multiple choice and short answer section and divide that number
by the total number of points on both the multiple and short answer section of the
test.
If the combined score is less than 70, the student can retake the test. Please notestudents must average less than 70 as the combined grade on the multiple choice and short
answer section to be eligible.
For example, if a student earns a 25 out of 36 questions on the multiple
choice and 4 out of 12 on the short answer section, the student would add 25 and 4
before dividing 34 by 48 to determine his/her average grade (which is a 60%).
He/she therefore is eligible for retaking a test.
TEST RETAKES: Test retakes must be completed within 2 weeks of the
administration of the unit test, for a maximum grade of 70. Students must complete the
unit test review handout prior to completing test corrections. Please note that tests are the
only assignment that can be retaken for a higher grade. The process of retaking the test
are as follows:

a)

The student must complete the unit test review handout in its

entirety, then
b)
c)

Complete test corrections with the teacher and last,

Retake another version of the test within 2 weeks of the original test

date.

Classroom Policies, Procedures, and Expectations

Respect yourself and others.
Come prepared to learn.
You are expected to exercise responsibility consistently, in words and in actions.
Follow directions, think, be conscientious, ask for help, attend tutoring, complete homework,
study for all tests and quizzes, complete labs, watch the helpful videos provided, complete
missing work in a timely manner, and advocate for your learning.
4.
My class time is not considered time for you to run errands or address other
personal matters.
5.
How to enter the room: Check the board for instructions and take your seat
quickly and quietly. If you are tardy, quietly make your way to your desk. Do not disrupt the
class because of your tardiness.
6.
RESTROOM PROCEDURE: Take the bathroom pass and come back quickly. If
you abuse this privilege or use it inappropriately, it will be limited. No restroom breaks during
tests or quizzes; only before or after.
7.
ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY: No electronic devices are allowed in class
unless I give specific permission. Once class starts, the electronic policy is in effect. Therefore,
electronic devices will be confiscated if they are seen or heard. It will be up to my discretion if
the device should be returned at the end of the period or given to an administrator.
8.
ASSESSMENT MAKE-UP POLICY: To make-up missing assessments (quizzes
or tests), please refer to the biology tutoring schedule that identifies the teacher available to
make-up missing assignments. You have a maximum of 3 days to complete any missing
assessment that was given in your absence.
9.
FOOD AND DRINK POLICY: Food and drink are prohibited in the classroom
for safety reasons (unless notified by the school nurse or medical note from a physician).
10.
TARDY POLICY: Students arriving to class after the bell will be marked as late if
they arrive within the first 5 minutes. Students arriving 6 minutes or later after the bell, will be
marked absent, as per district policy. Additional consequences for tardies will be based on
Johnsons tardy policy.
11.
LATE WORK POLICY: Students are expected to collect and complete make-up
work due to an excused or unexcused absence in a timely mannerone day for every day they
are absent, in accordance with NEISD policy. If a student must turn in an assignment late it is
to be turned in by the next class period with an automatic deduction of 20%. Any late work
submitted after the unit exam will receive a zero. Students with extenuating circumstances are
responsible for communicating with the teacher and may be required to attend tutorial sessions.
12.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Students found to have engaged in academic
dishonesty shall be subject to grade penalties on assignments or tests and disciplinary penalties
in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Academic dishonesty includes cheating or
copying the work of another student, plagiarism, and unauthorized communication between
students during an examination or outside of class with students who have not yet tested or
turned in work. The determination that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty shall be
based on the judgment of the classroom teacher or another supervising professional employee,
1.
2.
3.

taking into consideration written materials, observations, or information from students.

Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in a zero on the assignment without
the option for make-up and may include the following depending on the circumstances:
Parent/Teacher Conference and/or Referral to an AP.

Biology Contract
Name: ____________________________ ID#: ___________________
Period: _____
1. I have read and discussed the classroom guidelines with my parent(s) or my
guardian(s), and we understand the conditions and commitment necessary to achieve
success in this class.
2. I realize in order to receive a passing grade in Mrs. Ebers Pre-AP Biology class, I
must attend class regularly, participate daily, correctly complete 70% or more of all
assigned work, and study on my own.
3. I will ask questions when I do not understand and attend tutoring in a timely
manner.
4. I understand that make-up work is available and it is MY responsibility to obtain the
missed assignments upon my return. Even if absent, I know I am still responsible for the
material discussed, as it may appear on a test or quiz.

_________________________

__________________________

STUDENT Signature

Date

_______________________

_________________________

__________________________

Printed PARENT Name

PARENT Signature

Date

Safety Contract
I will:
1. Follow all instructions given by the teacher.
2. Protect my eyes, face, hands, feet, and body while conducting class activities.
3. Carry out good housekeeping practices.

4. Know where to get help fast.

5. Know the location of the first aid and firefighting equipment.
6. Conduct myself in a responsible manner at all times in a laboratory situation.

I, ______________________________, have read and agree to abide by the safety regulations as

set forth above and any additional printed instructions provided by the teacher. I further agree to
follow all other written and verbal instructions given in class.

_______________________________

__________________

STUDENT Signature

Date

Parent Information
I am requesting the following information for ease of communication regarding your childs
progress. I have provided my school e-mail address on the Biology Syllabus. Please contact me
with any questions or concerns about your childs progress. Please print neatly! Thank you!
* I strongly encourage you to provide at least one email address that is checked regularly. I
will send emails often regarding class assignments, quizzes, test dates, and more! *
Home Phone Number: ___________________________
Mothers Name (First and Last): _________________________________________________
Work Phone Number: _____________________ Cell Phone: _______________________
E-mail address: _____________________________________________________
Fathers Name (First and Last): __________________________________________________
Work Phone Number: _____________________ Cell Phone: _______________________
E-mail address: _____________________________________________________
In the space below, please provide any information that you feel I should be aware of in order for
me to help your child be as successful as possible in Biology. (Example: learning disabilities,
learning styles, vision or hearing problems, etc.)
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
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