Course Syllabus

Biology Honors

Dr. Jose Gonzalez

Contact information: josegonzalez@fcschools.net

Academic Assistance

     Tutoring Tuesdays  - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

     Review Thursdays - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

The meeting link will be in the Daily Links Section

 

Virtual Office hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM via email, text or if desired, ZOOM; students can access links for these hours from either Gmail (Grades 6-12) or their Google Calendar (Grades K-12) sent from their teacher(s).  

Students will access course information by clicking on MODULES.  Students will need their student number and password for NCEdcloud

 

PARENTS:  Use the following directions to create a Canvas Observer Account

• Have your student(s) Generate a Pairing Code (Links to an external site.) (this will be different for each student).
• Go to https://fcschools.instructure.com/login/canvas (bookmark this site so that you can easily access your Observer dashboard for your student(s).
• Click on Parent of a Canvas User? in the upper right-hand corner of the window.
• Complete the required information in the window, which will include inputting the student Pairing Code. Multiple students can be added.
• Go to the Dashboard to see your student(s)' courses.
• Parents can sign into this account to easily access their student's courses within Canvas.
• What can parents view as an Observer? (Links to an external site.)

 

BIOLOGY

The Biology curriculum is designed for the student to gain an understanding and deepen knowledge of biological science.  This includes, but is not limited to, the cell, the molecular basis of heredity, biological evolution, interdependence of organisms, matter, energy and organization in living systems, and the adaptive responses of organisms.  Honors biology is designed to give the student a more challenging and in-depth experience of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in Biology.  In Honors Biology, students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning.  Students are expected to: design and carry out several independent investigations of biological questions, read and report on recent research in biology, and demonstrate a more in-depth conceptual understanding of all biology objectives.  

Required Materials:

• A small dry-erase white board with an eraser and dry erase markers.
• 3-ring binder notebook 
• College Ruled Paper
• Pens for note-taking 
• Pencils for test-taking
• School issued charged Chromebook

 

Biology is a North Carolina EOC tested course.  Due to standards set by the state, every student enrolled in Biology must take the state issued EOC exam.  

 

Expectations:

Students are expected to act in a proper and honorable manner and adhere to all county and school regulations stated in the student handbook. Students that do not comply with classroom and school rules will face discipline from the teacher and/or administration.

 

Course Overview: 

 Welcome to the Biology class! We are excited to start a new school year. This year in Biology we will focus on the following:

• Experimental design. 

• Characteristics of life and classification.

• Evolution by natural selection.

• Energy, 

• Cell structure and function.

• DNA and Genetics

• Growth and reproduction

•  Heredity. 
• Website: We have websites linked to Franklin County Early College (www.fcschools.net). You and your student can keep track of assignments and information about the class using the Classroom Calendar. We will be sure to post important events to keep you informed of project due dates and upcoming quizzes and tests.

LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS 

Some labs will be in the classroom with calculators, maps, charts, chemicals and equipment while other labs will be outdoors moving around the campus conducting investigations. The most important aspect of any lab will be Lab Safety.  You will need to follow all safety instructions, which may include wearing goggles, handling glassware carefully, etc. Not following the safety instructions will be cause to prohibit you from participating in labs, for your safety and the safety of others. Students will be given a Safety Rules Handout

 

Class Rules:

1. Bring all necessary materials to class EVERYDAY!
2. Be respectful of school, personal property and people.  This includes not speaking while others are speaking.
3. Be prepared BEFORE the bell rings.
4. Ask permission before leaving seat.
5. Adhere to all lab safety rules as presented in the lab safety agreement.

Consequences:

1st Offense: Warning

2nd Offense: Silent Lunch

3rd Offense:Parent Contact

 

ANY behavior that is a disruption to the learning environment will in disciplinary action which can include a phone call to parents.

 

Grading and Assignments:

1. Assignments will be a combination of the following: labs, tests, quizzes, final exams, and various daily activities. The grading policy is as follows:

Tests & Projects	45%
Quizzes	25%
Classwork	15%
Homework	15%

***The final exam will count 20% of the final grade and is an EOC. No one is exempt from the EOC! ***

 

Attendance Policy:

Attendance in school is essential to educational achievement and school success.  State law requires school attendance for all children between the ages of seven and sixteen.  Parents are responsible for students attending and remaining in school daily. Parents and students should familiarize themselves with the Franklin County Attendance Policy – Policy Code 4400.  

Late Work:

Students have 2 days to make up work after their absence without penalty. After the 2 days, there will be a 20-percent deduction for every day for late work. If students are present when the assignment is given and they do not turn it in the following day, the assignment will be considered late and a 20 percent penalty will be issued.