William Redman St. John Vianney High School (314)965-4853 Ext. 767 [email protected]
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Biology 2 is a continuation of the concepts covered in Biology 1. Biology 2 focuses on taxonomy, the classification of organisms in an ordered system that indicates natural relationships, through laboratory projects, current events, and interactive instruction. Topics covered include Bacteria, Viruses, Protists, Fungi, Plants, Invertebrates, and Vertebrates.
MISSION: 1) To gain a better appreciation of the glory and grandeur of God's created order and lay the groundwork for further study in the sciences. 2) To sharpen analytical, problem-solving, and study skills while developing a consistent, biblical world view.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Textbook, spiral notebook or 3-ring binder devoted specifically to biology, folder, pencil or pen (blue or black ink only).
ONLINE RESOURCES: wredman.weebly.com (assignments, syllabus, and other class info) Skyward (Grades are updated weekly)
EXPECTATIONS: 1) Come prepared for class, bringing all necessary materials and completed homework. 2) Show respect for others, refraining from disruptive behavior. 3) Contribute to the class with constructive questions and comments.
Students who do not make sufficient effort will be assigned mandatory encore. Students who fail to turn in assignments must make them up in homework hotel.
CLASS RULES: 1) Be responsible for your actions. 2) Be respectful of others learning. 3) Keep your questions and comments on the topic being discussed. 4) Keep phones put away.
Failure to follow these rules will result in: 1) detention, 2) parent notification, and 3) referral to the dean of students.
ASSIGNMENTS: Quizzes will be assigned on a weekly basis to assess the students understanding of the material. Tests will cover an entire unit and will occur approximately every 2-3 weeks. Homework assignments are graded on completion and effort, and will be due during the class period. If an assignment isn’t completed during class, it should be done that night unless other directions are given. Understanding of content will be assessed daily. Exams will be comprehensive, There will be a midterm and final exam. The midterm will cover the first eight weeks covering botanical topics. The final exam will be over the final eight weeks covering zoological topics. Formal Presentation will be made by each student on certain topics; details will be given later.
GRADING: Performance will be based on a percentage of total points earned in each category. Class grades will be based on the following types of assignments with these approximate weights:
Unit Tests 30% Quizzes 10% Midterm Exam 10% Final Exam 10% Lab Work 20% Homework 10% Participation 10% FINAL GRADE 100%
GRADE SCALE: The grade scale used follows: A 100-93% B 92-85% C 84-76% D 75-70% Below 70% -- Failing
LATE WORK: Late Work will be accepted from excused absences, when made up in a timely manner. Otherwise late work will not be accepted without special approval.
STUDY HINTS: In biology, one concept builds on those which precede it. Therefore, it is necessary to master the material as it is presented; it cannot simply be studied before a test and forgotten. With this in mind, doing the following will greatly enhance your chances for success in this class: 1) Dedicate some time to review the material of this class each day. 2) Complete homework and related reading assignments during class. 3) Write down questions on items you don't understand. 4) Learn to apply concepts to other problems / situations. 5) ASK questions! Finally, don't let others do your work for you—it is your responsibility and you won't have them to help on a quiz or exam.
Course Content Botany – soil, composting, plant identification, leaves and roots. Zoology – classification, taxonomy, invertebrate, and vertebrates