Class syllabus

Biology Syllabus                    2015-2016                       12th grade

Teaching Philosphy:

I believe the purpose of education is to prepare future generations to succeed not only academically, but also in real world applications.  We are not only competing on a national level for job opportunities, but also internationally.  The possibility to travel or work in other countries has never had as much potential as it does at this moment in time.  The internet gives people an opportunity to communicate, access news reports, and conduct business from country to country.  As a teacher, it is my responsibility to ensure that my students realize their academic potential.  It is also my responsibility to ensure that they can utilize what they have learned and use critical thinking skills to maximize opportunities along their chosen path.  The skills learned in an educational setting can not only be applied by college-bound youth, but also for anyone that seeks to be successful in life.  

Ms. Leslie A. Cazeaux

Anytown High School

2015-2016 school year

Email:  l.cazeaux@gmail.com

Class Blog:  www.cazeauxscience.blogspot.com  

School phone:  xxx.xxx.xxxx

Room # 555

Planning period:  is always one hour per day, varying from day to day.  Fell free to call or email for an appointment.

Science is an integral part of culture. It's not this foreign thing, done by an arcane priesthood. It's one of the glories of the human intellectual tradition. Stephen J. Gould, paleontologist and evolutionary scientist 

Course Goals and Objectives: 

Here are a list of basic class goals and objectives as dictated by the Alabama Learning Exchange:  http://alex.state.al.us/standardAll.php?subject=S1&ccode=BIO&summary=3  If you desire a copy, I will be happy to print one out for you.  

Required Materials:

•   Bring yourself!  (I have coffee!)
•   Class journal (can be digital or a binder with notebook paper and folders)
•   Lab notebook (I prefer a bound paper lab-book; ALWAYS write in pen!)
•   Pens and pencils (or money, to buy such, I will sell them at my desk)
•   Textbook  

Assignment Information:  

•   Student will be responsible for daily homework.
•   Journals will be examined daily for content, and bi-weekly for a “neatness/           completeness” grade.  The bi-weekly grade will contribute to extra exam points.
•   Bell-ringers will be given every morning to recap the previous day’s lecture.  5 bell-ringers will equal a journal grade for the week.  
•   A total of 3 exit slips consisting of 3 questions each will be given throughout the lecture week.  These will equal 1 quiz grade.  
•   A quiz will be given every Wednesday.
•   An exam will be given every Friday or Monday of the next lecture week.
•   There will be a bi-weekly lab during class-time.  
•   Students will have the opportunity to maintain a blog for extra credit, giving a paragraph (or longer) explanation of something they are interested in pertaining to the biological world.  
•   There will be one project for each quarter.  (to be announced).
•   EQTs are state-mandated tests for each quarter.  I fully anticipate the students’ readiness for this multiple choice test, it should be a “walk in the park” for them.  
•   I provide ample opportunity for grade-making, and will have a certain number of “drops”  for the quizzes, homework, journals, and blog assignments.

Attendance/Behavior Information:  

See the Mobile County School System Handbook for information on attendance, dress code, and behavior guidelines.  

Late and Makeup Work:  

•   Acceptance of late work is at the teacher’s discretion.  Multiple offenses will be addressed and possible rejected.  
•   Make-up work will be accepted within 3 days following the excused absence (see student handbook).  Extension for illness are available.  
•   Excessive unapproved absences are not eligible for make-up work.  

Assessment and Grading Procedures:  

•   50%  Weekly Exams
•   20%  Quarter projects
•   20%  Quizzes, homework, journals, and blogs
•   10%  Labs
•   3%  of grade is based on participation and conduct (come to class prepared, have materials, take notes, do not disrupt others, ask questions, and work cooperatively).  

Grading scale:  

see Student Handbook

Class Rules:  

•   Come to class on time, if you are late, you will not get an opportunity for bell-ringer points.
•   Be respectful - if actions are offensive or dangerous, they will be dealt with immediately.  
•   Depending on the block that your class falls in, a snack is allowed.
•   I love coffee and do not like students falling asleep in class, so coffee will be available.
•   Communication is key - let me know about what is going on with you - we can ALWAYS work something out!  Feel free to drop by during my planning period with questions or concerns, or up to an hour after the school day ends (parents are always welcome too!)
•   For your own safety - always adhere to lab protocol and safety guidelines.
•   I would love to have at least one field trip for each semester - suggestions welcome - details to come!  

Closing:  

I cannot tell you how excited I am about this school year.  I hope this class can prove that biology (and science in general) can be exciting and fun! 

Ms. Cazeaux

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