Curriculum: Grade 8, Biology
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Academic Center Biology Course Syllabus 2007-2008
Ms. Emily Benz
Whitney Young Magnet High School
(773) 534-7500 ext. 23748
email: ebenz@cps.edu
Welcome to the study of life!
Course: This year we will explore many realms of the biological sciences in order to understand the sustainable living world around us. Most importantly, we will integrate the issues and current topics in life science with fundamental concepts in biology.
One science credit will be received upon completion of this class. The prerequisite is acceptance and entrance to the Academic Center program.
Learning Objectives
You will be asked to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry through design, interpretation and analysis of several concepts in general biology. Our course is designed around a number of current topics in biology that are of importance in the world today. Through these current topics we get to explore the foundations of modern biology as well.
Learning Experiences
Projected Course Outline
Our course this year is organized around five major and current concepts in modern biology. In order to understand these concepts we will be developing our knowledge of the history, discovery and current work as it pertains to each major topic. You will notice that these concepts are being discussed worldwide and we will create a foundation of knowledge on each to be able to contribute to that global discussion.
Course Materials
1. 3 ring binder with lined, loose-leaf paper that will only be used for this course
2. one package of note cards
3. colored pencils, pens, pencils
4. Access to Edline and printing capabilities (in-school labs or internet at home are both good options)
Course Overview
We will engage each other through laboratory activities, inquiry work, group discussion, elaborate projects and thorough questioning about a variety of topics in the biological sciences. It is my expectation that you will always come to class prepared to engage as thoughtful learners and members of our scientific community. If you have to miss class for any reason it is your responsibility to contact me and to make up your work in a timely fashion. Your grade will immediately reflect any missing assignments. This class will be a joint venture between us all and your full participation will lead to our success. Late work will not be accepted once a quarter is complete unless individual circumstances are considered in advance.
Grading
Your grade in this course will be calculated by combining the following components:
Notes on grading:
Lab work cannot always be made up. Late work will not be accepted for full credit.
Tests and quizzes must be made up outside of class time. It is your responsibility to schedule these for your lunch period, before or after school. If you break an appointment for a make-up quiz or test you may not receive credit for that assignment.
Please check Edline often for updated grade reports and assignment materials.
Cheating in any form will result in a zero on that assignment, possibly an F for the grading period and possibly failure of the course. Discussing the content of exams and quizzes with other classmates is cheating even if you are not giving answers. Copying any assignment material and pretending that it is your original work is also cheating. No one has found lasting success through plagiarism or attempted displays of false knowledge! If you are unsure, ask the teacher.
Those students earning an A or B grade in this course will be recommended for Honors coursework as he/she matriculates into freshman year. Those earning a C or below will be recommended for Regular courses. No exceptions.
Grading Scale – Academic Center Honors Biology
Percentage of Total Possible Points Letter grade
93% or higher A
83% - 92% B
73% - 82% C
70% - 72% D
Lower than 69% F
For extra assistance or questions you may contact me anytime - during your lunch period, after school, before school or at home. I am also available by leaving a message on the school phone at 773-534-7500 ext. 23748. Feel free to email me as well at ebenz@cps.edu. |
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