Course title

Pre-requisite

Course description

Pre-AP Biology Syllabus
Mr. K. Smith; Instructor
Website: http://www.fusd1.org/Domain/894
Room 713 Coconino High School
School Phone/Voicemail: 928 – 773 – 8200 ext. 6492
Email: [email protected]
Textbook: McDougall/Littell Biology
Introduction:
As you probably may already know; Biology is the study of living things; their origins; how they survive; reproduce; change over time; and interact with each other and their environments. What a wonderful topic and I think it is safe to say that it is very relevant to all of us. Pre-AP Biology is primarily focused on learning about the structure and function of living things at the cellular level; but we do take some time to look at relationships of living things as they pertain to the multicellular world as well. We will study the history and nature of science; microscopy; biochemistry; cellular structure & function; cellular energy processes; reproduction; genetics; evolution; classification; ecology; the diversity of life; anatomy & physiology and much more! Pre-AP Biology is designed to develop science skills that will help you be successful on state and district Common Assessments and provide you with a foundation to conquer other challenging science classes at CHS and even future college endeavors.
Course Overview:
The Pre-AP Biology curriculum is an introductory course that spans two semesters of high school for one lab science credit. The primary objective of the course is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of modern biological concepts and scientific processes; building a foundation for success in other college level AP courses and challenging curriculum offered at Coconino High School. The first semester will include the following topics: What is Biology; What is Science; Classification and Taxonomy; Cellular Molecular Processes; and Cellular Reproduction. The second semester will conclude with: Mendelian Genetics; Complexities of Heredity; Molecular Genetics; Evolutionary Change; Population Genetics and Evolution; Ecology and Environmental Impacts; and the Diversity of Life.
Pre-AP Biology is recommended for high-achieving students and for students who have a particular interest in biology and the natural sciences; including students who are curious about upper level curriculum and AP courses. Students are ultimately responsible for their learning; therefore; they should be organized; prepared; and motivated to learn every day.
The Pre-AP Biology curriculum differs from the regular Biology curriculum in meaningful ways. The Pre-AP Biology course places a higher priority on developing critical thinking skills by examining real world problems that are relevant to the students in personal; societal; cultural; and local and global perspectives. The Pre-AP Biology curriculum also examines topics in greater depth and includes more advanced resource material in addition to the adopted text. Laboratory investigations play a very prominent role in the Pre-AP Biology course. Labs are more sophisticated than in the regular curriculum and students are expected to design and carry out experiments using appropriate methods; resources; and technology.
Grade Level:
9th - 10th grade or those in other grades that meet specific pre-requisites
Timeline:
Pre-AP Biology is a two-semester course (1 year) with 50 and 85-minute modified block class periods.
Pre-Requisites: Ability to read & write on grade level; Internet Browser skills; appropriate scores on district entrance exams; Algebra or concurrent;
Goals:
In addition to course content; students will learn to -
• Think critically; logically; and realistically
• Develop hypotheses and design and conduct scientific experiments
• Write high quality scientific essays citing evidence to support explanations
• Conceptualize; apply; and evaluate information; rather than memorize random facts
• Collect; organize; interpret and analyze scientific data
• Solve problems by using sound scientific methodology and thinking processes
• Learn to critically read; annotate; and summarize challenging informational and technical texts for understanding
• Develop effective communication skills using all four modalities of language
• Master the ability to effectively express ideas in discussion and engage in established classroom discourse
• Develop productive note-taking skills
Required Materials:
• Students will need a composition book or 3-ring binder
• Writing materials such as pencils and pens
• Colored pencils – optional (some are provided in class)
• Graph paper - optional (provided in class)
• Access to the Internet & a word processor (some assignments are required to be typed)
• Calculator – (optional and very helpful; but some are provided in class)
• Important!!! The activation code for classzone.com is: 3681049-10 for online textbook access
• Parent and student signed Safety Contract
• Students must be prepared to go outside on any given day (old shoes and jackets may be stored in the classroom
Safety Considerations:
I like to think that the Pre-AP Biology experience is supposed to be fun and humor is an essential part of the classroom environment. However; there is a certain element of potential danger with chemicals and sharp instruments used in the lab (please see Lab Safety Contract). Therefore; a NO TOLERANCE policy will be observed for behavior problems or safety issues. Behavior problems will first be discussed individually with each student. Students will be treated respectfully as young adults. First-time offenders may be put on lab clean-up duty at lunch or before or after school. Continued problems would involve conferences with parents; the student; and administrators; and possible removal from the class. A safe learning environment will be preserved for all students at all times. Safety contracts will be collected and kept on file before students may conduct labs.

Evaluation:
The mandatory FUSD grading system is explained below:
• 85% Broken down as follows:
o 20% Practice (Homework & out of class assignments)
o 20% Performance (Labs; projects; activities; & in-class work)
o 60% Measurement (Exams; quizzes; notebooks; & lab practicums)
• 15% Final Exam
Grading Scale:
89.5 -100 A
89.4 -79.5 B
79.4 - 69.5 C
69.4 - 59.5 D
Below 59.4 F
Advice and Tips for Success:
The goals from my side of the desk are likely the same as yours when it comes to being a successful Pre-AP Biology student. I would like to see every student in the class attain a grade of C or better. It is really quite simple if you follow THIS ADVICE:
• Show up on time to class EVERYDAY. Tardies & absences contribute to lost learning experiences that cannot be recovered just by making up assignments.
• Bring all necessary materials to class EVERYDAY. Be prepared to take an active part in teaching and learning.
• Complete & turn in assignments regularly and on time on given due dates.
• Daily work; labs; and projects are not accepted late under any circumstances except in case of excused absence or teacher-approved emergency.
• Study hard and work well with others. Expect to read a minimum of 30 minutes per night. See HW Rubric!
• Keep up from the get-go; it is nearly impossible to get out of a hole later on.
• Missed work or assessments due to absence are the responsibility of the STUDENT! Make up times can be arranged at lunch or before or after school.
• Learning can be fun; but nothing worthwhile comes easy.
EXAM Weighting:
Exams will be over material we cover in class; supplemental material you are asked to read; and material covered in handouts; labs; or other activities. The tests will vary from multiple choice; true/false; matching; to essay format. Exams are weighted as 60% of the semester grade. Quizzes may be given at any time covering assigned reading; previous lectures; homework; or lab procedures at a 60% weight as well. Comprehensive final exams will be given each semester weighted at 15% of the semester grade. Students should study daily to be prepared for exams & quizzes. The teacher reserves the right to administer a different make-up exam &/or quiz for absences.
Labs; Lab Reports; Class Activities; and Homework Weighting:
Laboratory experimentation and exploration are a large part of this course. All labs; reports; and in-class activities will be weighted at 20% of the semester grade. Homework and out of class assignments will also carry a weight of 20% of the semester grade. Independent practice is of primary importance for students to be successful in Pre-AP Biology. Written out of class assignments can be expected two to three times per week to supplement concepts covered in class. Homework is necessary and given to benefit the student as opposed to being considered busy work. Homework is vital to helping students exceed on quizzes and exams despite the relatively low weight.
Study Techniques:
The most common problem new students have is that their study skills are not adequate for high school level classes. Studying for classes involves more than just "cramming the night before a test." Chapter Reviews are provided at the end of each chapter and study guides are posted on my teacher website for each section studied. The following are suggestions are listed to help improve your grade in Pre-AP Biology and other high school courses.
1. Prepare for class before coming by reading over your notes soon after you have written them and also read over the sections of your text that will be covered in that day's lecture.
2. Make and use a vocabulary list consistently as you work through each section.
3. Complete all worksheets; study questions; labs; reading; and activities; etc.
4. Keep your handouts; lecture notes; and study questions organized in a notebook.
5. Always read assigned material and outline all the main ideas for each section.
6. Pay attention and actively participate in class.
7. Study frequently and consistently in small doses. Cramming does not foster long-term understanding that will stick with you!
8. Set up a study group and study with friends.
9. Closely study figures; sidebars; and diagrams from lecture and from your text.
10. If you are having trouble with the material; get help early. Do not wait until TEST DAY!!!

School Country

School state

School city

School Address

School zip code

Date submitted

Approved

Approved competency code

• LBIO
• Biology

Approved date

Online / Virtual