Biology Class Guidelines
Mrs. Falk
(2007-2008)

e-mail: rfalk@mercyhs.org
phone: (415) 334-0525 x377

Course Description:
         This course is a requirement for graduation at Mercy. It is an overview of various biological concepts. We will be covering topics including: animal and plant cells, DNA, genetics, evolution, viruses, and the animal kingdom. We will be utilizing our textbook and will supplement it with various recent newspaper and journal articles. There will be an emphasis on laboratory experiments and group projects throughout the year.

Supplies Needed: (to be brought to class EVERY day)
A binder with rings that are 1 to 1 1/2 inches (can have other “Red Day” subjects in it)
Dividers for the binder, binder paper and graph paper
Pens, pencils, eraser
A set of colored pencils, markers, glue stick, scissors and a ruler
A floppy disk or USB (to save computer work)

Notebook and Binder:
         Your notebook for this class should be a spiral-bound notebook (the larger the better). All of your papers are to be kept in your binder. You will have a new "Homework Log" for each unit that should be kept in the front of your binder. You are to bring your notebook and binder to class every day. 

Please follow these guidelines regarding papers that you turn in:
1.      Put a heading on all of your papers: Name, Period, Date in top right corner. [If you do not put your name on your paper, it may not be graded!]
2.      Put the title of the assignment or notes on the top right of the page (on the first rule).
3.      Use black or blue ink, or pencil ONLY. I will not accept papers in any other color!

IMPORTANT TIPS: Take good class notes. I suggest writing down the things that I write on the overhead and on the board, BUT don’t just limit yourself to what I write down – also write down any concepts that are new to you. In Biology, it often helps to draw lots of diagrams (even if you’re not a great artist), so I encourage you to do this also (it helps your brain absorb the information).

Attendance:
         If you have an excused absence on the day of a test or quiz, then you may make up the test or quiz. The test is to be made within one week from the day that you return after school in one of the Science Labs after school. In cases of extended illness, other arrangements will be made. 

Tardies:
         You are tardy if you are not in your assigned seat and ready to work when the bell rings. If have an unexcused tardy, you will have participation points deducted. Excessive tardies will lead to a lowered grade in class.

Late Assignments:
         Assignments are expected to be turned in on time in order to receive full-credit. Late homework assignments will not be accepted (unless there is an excused absence). Late lab reports and class projects will only be granted 50% of the points. If there is a group project, and one member is absent, the project must be presented/turned in at the next class, even if someone is absent again.  Once corrected labs have been passed back to the class, a missing or late lab will not be accepted.

Cheating/Copying:
Copying, or letting someone copy your work is considered academic dishonesty, or cheating. Notes taken from your textbook must be in YOUR OWN WORDS. Plagiarism and using unauthorized materials during tests is also considered cheating.  You will receive a zero and be referred to the assistant principal.

Grading:
Your semester grade will be based on points earned from:                                                                                        
Homework  (~15%)
Homework will be posted on the overhead and on the “Homework Log” assignment sheet. The homework assignments on the “Homework Log” will be checked on the day that they are due. Each assignment from your “Homework Log” is worth 3 points. On the day of each test you will turn in your “Homework Log” along with any uncorrected assignments from that “Homework Log”. Additional homework assignments will be announced and will be posted on the board.
Labs/Projects (~15%)
Lab reports will be turned in as a group or as an individual report, depending on the experiment. You will be given the proper format for a written lab report and this should be followed. Lab reports MUST BE TYPED. Points will be deducted if your lab area is not cleaned or if you are not working “on task” during labs. You will have one major group project/presentation per semester. Lab reports are usually worth 15 points. Projects are usually worth 30 points.
Tests and Quizzes (~45%)
Tests are usually some combination of Scantron (multiple-choice, T/F, matching) and short essay questions. Tests are 45-50 points.

“Hall Pass or Hail Mary”: You will not be allowed to leave the lab during class for any reason, unless a pass comes for you from the office.  But, at the start of each semester, you will be given a magical hall pass that you may use only one time, in an emergency.  If you do not use this hall pass during the semester, I will collect it from you, and in return I will add ten extra credit points to your lowest test grade.

Participation/Binder (~5%)
Keep your binder in order – it will be checked every semester.
Participation: Class participation will include your participation in class lectures, group work, and your overall class preparedness and behavior.  Participation points will be given each class period, if you are absent, you can not receive participation points.  If you are disruptive or are not prepared for class, participation points will be deducted.  Being prepared for class means that you have all of your supplies for class, including your book and notebook, and you are in your seat when the bell rings.

Final Exam (~20%)
The final exam will be worth about 15% of your semester grade. The final exam will be a combination of Scantron (multiple-choice, T/F, matching) and short essay questions.

Grading scale:

Lab Safety Rules

When we are performing experiments or labs, you will be expected to:

• Follow all instructions and safety precautions carefully.
• Know how to locate all safety equipment.
• Actively participate in the lab.
• Never eat or drink while in the lab.
• Be responsible for your lab equipment.
• Always carry microscopes with two hands and return them to the shelf at the end of the period.
• Dispose of lab materials as instructed and clean your lab area before leaving the lab – otherwise points will be taken off.
• Always wash your hands before leaving the lab.

Computer Usage Rules

• Do not turn on the computer unless directed by the teacher.
• Do not change the desktops background image.
• Do not write on the computers or the desks. Report any writing to the teacher at the beginning of class or you will be held responsible.
• Always log off and shut down the computers at the end of class.
• Do not save to the hard drive. Save to your own disk or USB.

Contacting Mrs. Falk

Should I or my parents have any questions or concerns, Mrs. Falk may be contacted by called the school and leaving a message at 334-0525 ext. 377, or by sending an e-mail message to rfalk@mercyhs.org. To check weekly homework assignments and find information on upcoming exams or projects, go to Ms. Falk's website at www.falkscience.com (Homework will be updated here, not on Edline, but grades will be available on Edline).