• Gateway STEM High School

    Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow!

    Biology

    COURSE SYLLABUS

    2021-2022

    INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer Rice                                   PLANNING PERIOD: 1st and 6th period

    E-Mail:jennifer.rice@slps.org                                 Room: 312W

    Link to Teams page: https://teams.microsoft.com 

    COURSE FRAMEWORK:

    Welcome to Biology at Gateway STEM High School! I am Mrs. Rice, and I am very excited to engage my students in biology – the study of life! The general biology framework has undergone some changes this year. SLPS will be using an entirely new curriculum where content is taught through a series of storylines rather than the traditional Unit/Chapter format. Student activities will primarily consist of investigations, discussions and other student-centered learning. In order to get the most of this course students will need to be active participants and engaged daily during lessons.

    LEARNING OUTCOMES:

    By the end of the course, students will gain an introductory level of understanding in:

    • Genetics
    • Evolution
    • Cellular/Molecular Biology
    • Ecology

    COURSE OUTLINE:

    First Semester

    • Quarter 1
      • Storyline 1
        • Bend 1: Addie’s Illness (5 weeks)
        • Bend 2: Juncos (6 weeks)
      • Quarter 2
        • Storyline 2
          • Bend 1: DMD (5 weeks)

    Second Semester

    • Quarter 3
      • Storyline 3
        • Bend 1: Serengeti
        • Bend 2: Trees
      • Quarter 4
        • Storyline 4

    REQUIRED MATERIALS:

    • School Laptop

    STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:

    1. Be in your assigned seat, ready to work when class begins.
    2. Come to class prepared to learn with a charged laptop, paper, and a writing utensil.
    3. Use positive language at all times (i.e. no put downs).
    4. Cell phones are only permitted when given permission by the teacher.
    5. Take charge of your learning and ask for help when you need it!

    TEACHER EXPECTATIONS:

    1. Provide a rigorous and standards based curriculum.
    2. Provide a safe, positive & healthy learning environment.
    3. Communicate with parents about student progress.
    4. Correct and return work in a timely manner.
    5. Always be fair, logical, and empathetic.

    CONSEQUENCES

    • Verbal Warning
    • Written Warning
    • Loss of Participation Points
    • Phone Call Home to Parents/Guardians
    • Referral

    GRADING POLICY/SCALE:

    Assignments                                 Descriptions                                                   Value

    Formative           homework, lab activities, quizzes, participation, lab reports          =   40%

    Summative         exams, final exams and projects                                                 =   60%

                                                                                                               TOTAL = 100%

    Semester Grade Policy:          

    Grading Policy:  Students will follow the grading scale issued by the district which is as follows:

    Grade                                          Grading Scale

    A                                                       100 – 90

    B                                                        89 – 80

    C                                                        79 – 70

    D                                                        69 – 60

    F                                                        59 and below

     

    Parents may have internet access to their student’s grades and assignments at https://sis.slps.org/SLPS/Default.aspx

    Because this is an EOC class students may also have a chance to raise their grade by scoring high enough on the EOC exam (scoring at Proficient or Advanced)

     

    ACADEMIC INTEGRITY/ PLAGIARISM:

    Students must complete and turn in their own work. Plagiarizing and other forms of cheating will not be tolerated and will be reported to both parents a