Welcome to AP Biology. My goals for you are that you develop; a life long interest in the biological sciences, critical reading skills, critical technical scientific writing skills, technological laboratory skills, and presentation skills. (oh, and have a great time).
This is a college-level course. Excellent behavior and participation are expected. Attendance is extremely important. Tardiness and cuts are not appreciated. Please be prompt. All assignments are due on the date assigned. If you need to postpone an assignment due date, contact me before the due date.
Make sure you read the calendar so you have the lab instructions with you on lab days. Many times a 'pre-lab' will be required with objective and checklist procedures identified, handwritten preferred but printed out and taped into your lab journal, pre-prepared data tables before participating in the laboratory activity. All Lab write-ups need to be typed (some calculations may be handwritten) and any graphs need to be computer generated using the best-fit format. There will be specific instructions given in class or listed on the calendar for each laboratory write-up. Graphs on notebook paper are not acceptable. If you do not have access to a computer or graphing program, please use the classroom computers which are available for your use before school, lunch or after school. PLEASE NOTE: You must complete homework and laboratory activities and write-ups on time to be eligible for an A grade.
| Grading Policy: |
|
Grade Percents: |
| 100-92 A |
91.99-90 A- |
Homework: 10 % (includes article reviews) */** |
| 89.99-82 B |
81.99-80 B- |
Labs: appx. 30% ** |
| 79.99-72 C |
71.99-70 C- |
Tests: appx. 50% ( includes quizzes 10%) |
| 69.99-62 D |
61.99-60 D- |
Final: appx. 10% |
|
59.99 -> F |
Extra Credit (max. 2%) |
* Homework: students are expected to read and study all assigned chapters in Campbell Biology. Students are also expected to show complete prep work for each chapters assigned. There are many ways to demonstrate completion (outlines, Cornell notes, concepts maps, chapter quizzes). After the first progress report, students with a 90% test average may contract out of the chapter prep work for the the next 4 weeks. Any prep work done during the excused contract time may be applied to extra credit. If the test grade average falls below 90% during the next grading period then the contract is void.
** The last day to turn in any late assignments is the Monday (or first day of the week) before finals week January 10, 2011 and May 31, 2011. Assignments are considered late after the unit exam covering that information and only worth up to a maximum 75% point value.
Grades are posted online through School Loop. http://srvhs.schoolloop.com .
Unit tests consist of 30- 50 multiple choice questions and one essay up to 100 points. Reading quizzes will be worth 5-20 points. Formal Laboratory write-ups are worth up to 50 points. Semi-formal write-ups range up to 20 points. Homework assignments are worth approximately 5 points per chapter, incomplete work will result in a zero. Article reviews are worth 5 points each.
Extra Credit: Peer Tutoring after school... you can tutor other bio students (days will be announced), point values (2 points) will be announced. The MONDAY before finals is the last day lab re-dos or late assignments or enrichment credit article reviews (2 points) will be accepted.
All work is due when assigned. Any postponements must be worked out in advance. All late work for a unit will be due by the unit test or by prior agreement with the teacher. Assignments are due on the day assigned unless mutually agreed on by the teacher and student. Remember there are computers in the classroom and library for your use. Note the following changes: if an assignment is turned in past the unit test day then the assignment can only earn up to 75% credit (even if complete). This change does not affect lab re-do re-writes that were turned in on time.)
If work was assigned before your absence, absent work is due on the day you return. Work assigned during your absence is due within 10 days of your return, unless mutually agreed on by the teacher and student. It is the responsibility of the student to check the calendar for missed assignments, pick up any handouts, seek clarification if confused and to make up missed laboratory work, tests and quizzes at lunch or after school by arrangement within one week or no credit will be given. NOTE: alternate quizzes and tests will/may be given for students who miss test dates.
Science tutoring will be available in S-4 , check with me to see if I'm available to help you.
Students and parents,
The following is the District's policy regarding non-discrimination:
"District policy states
that harassment in or out of the classroom is not to be tolerated. Harassment
based on race, ethnicity, able-bodiedness, sexuality, perceived sexuality,
gender, gender expression, monetary standing, religion or faith-base, or any
other factor will be reported to the administration and dealt with accordingly.
This includes slang such as 'that’s so gay' or 'that’s retarded.' Both are
considered hate speech."
In conclusion, I thank you for taking the time to read this policy. Carefully read the science departmental citizenship policy that follows. If you have questions, feel free to e-mail rgroch@srvhs.org or call me 552-3728. The academic success of the student is of the utmost importance. Any problems or concerns require urgent attention. Kindly sign or email the signature sheet (link located at the end of this document) within the first 10 days of school.
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY POLICY
Students: You alone are responsible for your learning; no one else can learn for you. You are also responsible for your own behavior and attitude. You are responsible for attending class and participating fully.
Parents: Are responsible for providing a home environment in which students are able to learn. Are responsible for monitoring the student's progress and attendance via online calendar and email progress updates. Should act as a positive advocate for the student with teachers and school administration.
Teachers and schools: Are responsible for providing an environment in which students are able to learn. High academic and behavioral standards shall be maintained. An atmosphere of trust and caring will be promoted at all times.
Read the policy carefully. If you have questions, feel free to e-mail, or call me. The academic success of the student is of the utmost importance. Any problems or concerns require urgent attention. Please read and return the bottom portion of sheet sent home with the student.
Defined as cheating of any kind, including misrepresenting one's own work, taking credit for the work of others without crediting them and without appropriate authorization, and the fabrication of information.
Common examples of academically dishonest behavior include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Cheating - intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials to improve one's grade; use of a cellular phone during testing, copying from another student's work; submitting same work for an assignment in more than one class without prior permission of both instructors; representing material prepared by another as one's own work; inappropriate test taking conduct; violating rules of academic conduct relating to this course.
2. Fabrication - intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any data, information, or citation in an academic exercise.
3. Plagiarism - intentionally representing the words, ideas, or sequences of ideas of another, as one's own in any academic exercise; failure to attribute any of the following: quotations, paraphrases, or borrowed information. There are no joint assignments. You may consult with other students, but your work must be original. Working on an assignment together and turning in virtually the same assignment will either result in a ZERO for that assignment or the score divided up between the authors with directions to rewrite in your own words. All sources must be cited using APA formate (see www.easybib.com). Use of new technical vocabulary without definition may be seen as plagiarism.
4. Falsification and forgery - knowingly making a false statement, concealing material information or forging another's signature.
5. Facilitating academic dishonesty - intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of academic dishonesty.
6. Use of any electronic devises (not limited to cellular phones, photos, text messaging, etc) during exams- the use of any electronic devises for any reason will result in a zero on that test.
Any of the infractions mentioned in this section will result in a discipline notice to the appropriate assistant principal. This will be entered on the student's discipline screen. Student will be dropped from a course with an "F" on the second academic dishonesty violation which takes place in any class during the school year.
All rules and policies in the San Ramon Valley High School Student Handbook will apply if not addressed in this class policy.
Success Tips:
1. Attend class daily. Turn in all work on time, neat and legible.
2. Take pride in your work. Make every effort to do all of the assignments, especially for days you have missed. Even though you receive reduced points for late work you are still responsible for the subject matter covered. It will help you on the Final exam in the long run.
3. Participate in class discussions: ask questions; take notes; get notes when absent.
4. Maintain communication with your teacher by school e-mail, School Loop email, or last resort-phone,.
5. Cooperate and participate during labs. You will be expected to know how to use equipment and how to do certain procedures.
6. Review for quizzes and tests.
Thank you,
Mrs. Groch (Email: rgroch@srvhs.org Voice Mail: 925-552-3728)
Please have your parents copy and paste the following and email to Mrs. Groch at rgroch@srvhs.org
I (we) have read the above AP Biology policy and am aware that grades will be posted on line at http://srvhs.schoolloop.com/ .
Course information is located online at http://www.grochbiology.org/apbioindex.htm .
Course Policy Signature and Donation sheet is located at http://www.grochbiology.org/apbiopolicydonationsheet.htm