Harrells Christian Academy
Syllabus: Honors and Regular Biology
Grade Level: 10
Textbook: Modern Biology,
Holt, Rinehart, and Winston
Instructor: Margaret Toothman
William C. Maus Hall, Room #603
Home phone – (910) 285-2106
School phone – (910) 532-4575
Required
Materials: Writing instruments
Three ring notebook
Multicolored index cards
1 Large Book cover – COVER YOUR BOOK ASAP
Honors
Biology: Tests are more in depth and analytical
More outside work on computers
Major
Objectives: * To understand the biological fundamentals in preparation for
higher education
* To appreciate, care for, and preserve the living species in our
environment
* To become aware of the opportunities for careers in the
biological sciences
* To increase biological vocabulary
* To learn and practice study skills
* To use scientific equipment
* To use the scientific method of investigating
Class
Requirements: * Be present and on time
* Bring all materials
* Complete assigned work
* Read assignments
* Participate in class discussions
* Keep notebook complete and in order
Class conduct: * Follow handbook rules
* Be courteous
* Respect property of the teacher and fellow students
* Keep the classroom neat
* Be pleasant, not disruptive
Grading
System: * Tests, labs, notebooks, and projects count equally
* Class participation, homework, and current events can add/delete
one to four points on the final average
* Late work results in a letter grade lower for each school day that
it is late
* Grades are not curved
* DVD/VCR tapes equal a 95 if they are related to a current topic
* All tests are corrected and returned for students to evaluate
mistakes and ask questions. These tests are then filed and
available if parents desire to see them and /or have a conference
* Getting a professional speaker in the biological field to address the
class equals a grade of 100.
Study
Skills: * PROPER STUDY SKILLS HELP YOU ACHIEVE
ACADEMIC SUCCESS!
* Read the first page of the chapter to get an overview
* Each chapter is divided into sections with objectives and key terms.
I give out a study guide to help you – read the questions FIRST
so you know what you are searching for.
* Study any illustrations, charts or graphs, as well material printed in
bold type. Draw and label all required work neatly in your
notebook (you do not have to be an artist)
* Read and copy the questions at the end of each chapter and answer
each one completely
* The study guide, drawings, and end of chapter questions will make up
your notebook, in addition to your notes. Near the end of the
six weeks I will collect your notebooks for a test grade. Each
omitted questions counts off two points so proofread each page
carefully to make 100%. I go over questions in class, so if you
have questions – ask me. Late work counts off a letter grade for
each school day.
* Review your vocabulary words each day! About 20 will
be in each test.
* Following this pattern of study, staying focused in class, asking
questions and making relevant comments in an orderly manner should
make you a successful student in my class. Next remember to study
some each night, not just at test time. I am here to help you achieve to
the best of your ability? Together we can have a great year.
Testing: * I have included a list of approximately one hundred and twenty “word parts”
which will be on each test. I give the word apart and you give the meaning.
We will use these all year. Put them on your index cards and do not
lose them. Reviewing them each night will make this process much
easier and you will retain their meaning successfu7lly. It is helpful to
draw pictures beside these to help you recall the meaning.
* The test contains true-false, multiple choice, blanks, essay questions,
and vocabulary. Most tests have 50 points so questions count off two
points each.
Projects: * One project per six weeks the first semester. Details will be given for
each. Second semester projects are optional.
* Leaf collection is first.
* Model and information on DNA is second.
* Family medical tree is third
The following are second semester options:
* Paper on a specific disease
* Capture and study of an invertebrate animal
* Insect identification/collection
* New developments in genetics
* Booklet on monocots and discos
* Other possibilities according to student interest
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In signing below, I affirm that I have read and understand this syllabus and the expectations of this course. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me. I am looking forward to a successful year.
Sincerely,
Margaret Toothman
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