Syllabus and Course Outline AeroStem 2022-2023 
 
Course Name : Biology 
Teacher Name : Mr. J. Morse
Teacher Contact information:   
Email    : jmorse@aerostem.org  
Prep Period Time  : Period 0 
Room    : 3 
 
Welcome to Biology Class! 
 
Core Subject Description:  
   This subject is designed to provide a general background for the understanding of the science of Biology. This course develops an appreciation of the beauty of life from its simplest composition at the molecular level to the global spectrum of complex ecological issues. It discusses Genetics, Cytology, Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration, Populations, Ecology, and Evolution. Issues, concerns, and problems with life are also included. It also deals with the basic principles and processes in the study of biology. It covers life processes and interactions at the cellular, organism, population, and ecosystem levels. This course makes heavy use of Media, using the Discovery Platform, and other forms of media as needed.  
  
General Standards:      
   The learner demonstrates an understanding of basic concepts and processes in Biology as deepened by other disciplines to analyze/solve problems critically, think innovatively / creatively, and make informed decisions to enhance the integrity and wellness of the human person, protect the environment and conserve resources to sustain the quality of life.  
 
Materials: 
If there is any difficulty obtaining these materials, please let your teacher know as soon as possible. 
•	• Colored pencils (suggested)   	District/Personal Laptop  
•	• Earbuds or Headphones      	Highlighters (any color) 
•	• Notebook, pencils, and erasers  	Personal sanitizers and face mask 

Grading Procedures: 
   Quarter grades will be calculated from cumulative points per quarter from weighted categories. Semester grades will be calculated with each quarter being 40% and the final being the remaining 20%. Letter grades are assigned based on the scale listed below: 

 A = 90% - 100%
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
F = 50% - 59%	
Quarter 1     = 40%
Quarter 2     = 40%
Final Exam    = 20%

Total         = 100	
Assessments       
Classworks & HW     
Labs/Simulations     
Participation        

Total  = 100%
	
= 35%
= 30%
= 20%
= 15%	
				
Checking your Grades: 
   It is expected that students and parents regularly access PowerSchool to check grades. Also, students are expected to access their grades at least once a week and report on their progress grade through a grade check. 
 
Classroom Expectations:  
•	A. Classroom Routine 
•	1. Enter the Class Room Quietly. Go to your seat and begin to work on the warm up (Warm ups are handed in weekly). 
•	2. During Roll Please Say "Here". 
•	3. The instructor will take this time to check on homework completion. 
•	4. Announcements. 
•	5. Lecture Time -- please do not talk and take notes. 
•	6. Have all materials needed READY for the day! 

Policies Classroom Policies: 
1. Dress Code:  Please refer to the dress code in the handbook. No hats or Hoodies in Class. 
2. Environment:  No distracting noises, gestures, or talking. Only those things appropriate for school are acceptable, No      	Phones at anytime in class, no chewing gum in class, and do not through anything in the classroom.   
3. Language:  Please follow school rules for appropriate language use, no inappropriate language will be tolerated. . 
4. Active Participation in class is expected from each student is expected.  
5. Raise Your Hand: If you have questions, or need something please raise your hand and ask the teacher. 
6. Technology in the Classroom: Only those sites, WebPages, or programs that are part of the class work are acceptable. 
7. Laptop Policies: The teacher may mute or stop the video, lock out a site, or close a tab of any student who is not meeting 	expectations, this way the student may remain in the class. 
8. During Classes, everyone is expected to respect the speaker may it be your teacher or fellow students. Avoid 	distracting 	the class any means possible to avoid sanctions. 
9. Lab Procedures: From time to time there will be Lab assignments. It is imperative for the safety of all that ALL SAFETY 	regulations are obeyed to during lab times, no horseplay or other un sanctioned activities will be tolerated. 
10. Tools and Equipment: All tools and equipment are to utilized only with the proper safety precautions: If you break it the 	total price of the tool or equipment will be charged to you. 

Absences and Make-up Work:   
•	It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any missed work and notes in cases of excused absences.  
•	If a long-term assignment has been assigned before the absence, the due date stands.  
•	Make-up work must be received within the number of days (s) of the excused absence and according to the time of 		the assignment or it will be treated as late work.
•	Students will not receive any credit for work from an unexcused absence. It is important to be present every day in class. 

Late Work: 
Due dates are posted several times and you are responsible for knowing these. If an assignment is not handed in 		when asked for or due, it is considered late. 
•	If late: You will not be reminded to turn in late work. 
•	Late work will be accepted at teacher discretion. 
•	Any late work accepted by the teacher will have a 5% deduction per day from the final grade. 

Science Lab Notebook: 
   Each student will be required to keep all work for this class in a composition notebook. The science lab book (composition notebook) will be used weekly. The folder will be used for handouts. Periodically, the lab book will be checked for organization and completeness using a rubric. It is the student’s responsibility to keep their lab books current. An up-to-date example of the lab book can be accessed before or after school.  

***May 15-19 Review and Pretest***
***May 23-27 Map Testing Review and Structure***
***May 31- June 2 Final Exam***

 
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WE HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE CONTENTS OF THE BIOLOGY COURSE OUTLINE 
 
Student Signature:_______________________________________________________________
 
Parents Signature:_______________________________________________________________
 
Date:__________________________________________________________________________