Biology

MWF
Room: E-3
Instructor: Miss Ducote
E-mail: lducote@scu.edu
Website: http://biologywithmsducote.weebly.com

1. Course Description:

Biology the study of life is an incredibly unique disciple that requires a lifetime of
study. It must be learned through experimentation and observation to comprehend
our personal connection to the living worlds structure and function. I look forward
to sharing my passion for Biology with you through the course of this year. I have
designed a curriculum that will develop your analytical skills to make informed
judgments about society and the environment.

2. Course Content:

This is a transition year because we are embracing a new model of learning science
through the NGSS standards. First year Biology students will be expected to
understand: 1. The Organization of life, 2. Introduction to the Chemistry of Life,
3. Photosynthesis and Respiration, 4. Genetics ,5. Evolution 6. Ecology,
7. Ecosystems. All standards may be found on my website:
http://biologywithmsducote.weebly.com.

3. Materials:

1. 3-ring binder with a section for Biology

2. Binder Paper-College Rule
3. #2 pencils, ball point pens (blue or black ink only)
4. Lab Notebook-a bound composition notebook (no spiral bound). The lab
notebook will generally be kept in the classroom unless you need to take it
home to do pre-labs or finish your lab write-up.
5. Scientific Calendar

*Important: Students should bring the above materials to class each day,
contact me if you have trouble locating any of the above materials. *

4. Course Goals:

1. Enhance students experiences and perceptions about the natural world.

2. Cultivate a positive understanding of the natural world and discover the
novelty of living things.
3. Encourage analytical reasoning skills to provide a framework to make
informed choices.

 4. Build pragmatic skills relevant inside and outside of the classroom including:
interpersonal skills, communication skills, observation skills, creativity, curiosity,
and study habits

5. Student Participation
1. Students will experience greater learning if they attend class regularly and

participate frequently, therefore I have added some incentives for regular

participation and engagement in class. These incentives are raffle tickets that may
result in potentially winning a homework pass, 1 extra point, 2 extra points, music
privileges for the entire class (using your individual ear buds and during an
appropriate time appointed by me), or nothing at all.
2. Additionally, white boards will be used frequently to increase my awareness
of student learning and your own awareness of what you are learning.

6. Student Responsibility:
1. I strongly believe as a science educator that every student is capable of

learning science and can do science. However, it is the students responsibility to

attend my tutorial and voice any concerns they are experiencing about their
progress in my class. I am happy to assist with teaching study skills and deducing
what may assist my students with being successful in their studies.
2. It is the students responsibility to email me with any concerns or questions. I
am available up until 4 pm when I start my own classes.
3. It is the students responsibility to study, complete & turn in their homework
on time, maintain a positive attitude and live up to all behavioral expectations as
designated by my rules.

7. Tutorial Period:

This is a time to gain assistance and additional support in your more difficult
subject matters. You may utilize this time to complete homework, meet with your
groups to collaborate on projects, take make-up exams, quizzes and cultivate
relationships with all of your teachers. This will reduce unnecessary stress that is
innate to any academic setting. It is pivotal this time is used properly to cultivate
better academic experience. This time is a privilege that is not extended to other
schools within the district, therefore make the most of this privilege!





8. Classroom Rules: Recall our school has a Commitment to Character. All
rules listed in the student handbook will be enforced. Moreover, these specific
classroom rules will be enforced because they reflect the values of a professional
learning environment:

1. Be prepared for class with all necessary work completed, materials required and a
positive attitude. I have high expectations of all my students, therefore appropriate
classroom behavior is expected the moment you enter my class.

2. You will be marked as tardy if you are not in YOUR ASSIGNED SEAT and
completing the warm ups when the bell rings.

3. Late work will NOT BE ACCEPTED and a 0 will be issued for the assignment.
All homework assignments will be reflective of assessments and projects, therefore
it is to your benefit to complete the homework on time.

4. Instructional time is NOT social time, therefore.
a. I will hold the entire class afterwards for every second you waste.
b. NO texting during instructional time. Your cellphone will be confiscated if this
occurs.

5. Profanity is not acceptable in the classroom. 25 cents per inappropriate word fine
will be issued or a an automatic detention if the student is unable to pay the fine.

6. Derogatory or disrespectful language or engaging in behavior that proves to be
distracting to other students or disruptive to the class will result in immediate
disciplinary action being taken.

7. Use of classroom facilities:
a. Destruction or defacing of school property will not be tolerated. The student/
parent will be responsible for the financial repair or replacement of the damaged
object (s).
b. Use all laboratory equipment with great care, clean it carefully, and return it to its
PROPER location.
c. Eating is allowed in class, but you must clean up after yourself. I will revoke the
privilege if any garbage is left behind (including gum).

9. Discipline Procedure:

The following consequences will be issued if the student does not follow the
classroom behavior policy. If the infraction is blatant disrespectful or a safety issue a
referral will be issued immediately.

1. A verbal warning will be provided.
2. Noncompliance will result in documentation of the infraction and a meeting
during tutorial (same day as the said infraction). A detention may be issued
and guardians will be contacted.
3. A Referral will be given.

10. Tardy Policy

All students are to be in their seats prior to when the tardy bell rings. School policies
for the accumulation of tardies will apply. Additionally, the teacher and not the bell
will dismiss the students.

11. Bathroom Policy:

As you know it is best to use the bathroom before or after class. If you are not in
class you are not learning. You might miss a piece of very important information
so use the bathroom during class at your own risk. You must be:
1. Excused by me.
2. Sign out.
3. Place your cell phone in the Cell Phone Box.
4. Obtain a pass to use the bathroom.
5. Sign-in upon your return.

12. Homework:
Homework will be posted in class on the white board and found on the classroom
website. It is your responsibility to write the homework down first thing in class and
check your homework calendar regularly. Students are responsible for
understanding what homework was assigned and when this homework is due. All
work must be turned in on its due date at the beginning of the period. Unexcused
late work will NOT BE ACCEPTED and a 0 will be issued for the assignment.

13. Absences/ Make-Up Work/ Test Make Up:

Students must complete all assignments, including class work, homework, labs,
quest, and projects. Absent work is due no later than the total number of days that
you are absent from class. It is your responsibility to make arrangements for making
up missed work within the designated time period. When making up a lab exercise
is not possible, an alternate less fun dry lab activity may be assigned. IF students
receive an unexcused absent that will receive a zero on that assignment. Make-up
tests, quizzes and lab work must be completed during tutorial period only.

14. Written Work Format Policy:

Student headings should include:
a. Student full name
b. Course Title
c. Period
d. Date
e. Title of assignment

15. Assessment/ Grading System:

Homework/ class work 25%

Quest 35%
Performance based Assessments: Projects/ Labs 25%
Final Exam: 15%

16. Note to Parent/Guardian:

You can do a lot to enhance the success of your son or daughter in this class.
1. Provide a place and adequate time for home study (This is in addition to the
written assignments per week, your child should review each days lesson
and read the relevant pages in the text from the current unit of study.)
2. Encourage your student to attend school regularly. It is possible that many
of our labs may not be replicated due to the nature of these activities.
3. Be aware of your students progress. I post grades frequently online.
4. Encourage your student to schedule a time to come in to see me after school
if they are struggling with the material or have any questions.
5. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. My e-mail is
lducte@scu.edu . (I check my email frequently, but will be unavailable to
respond after 4pm due to my own classes starting at that time.) I prefer to
communicate by email to prevent phone-tag.

Please indicate by circling the response below:

1. My child (has/ does not have) access to the internet and a printer at home.
2. My child (has/ does not have) allergies. Please list below in the designated
section if he/she does have allergies.
3. My child (has/ does not have) documented special needs (ADD/ ADHD,
visual problems, other medical issues I should be aware of, 504, IEP, etc..)

*Important * Please list below allergies, special needs, or anything I need to
know regarding the safety, wellness and learning needs of your child:



Parent/Guardian Signature



Date