Biology 11- Miss Heighton

YMCHS 2011-2012

            Welcome to Biology 11.  I hope you will enjoy this course as much as I do.  The course covers many different topics such as:

Unit 1:  Matter and Energy for Life

            We will be learning about cells as the basic unit of life.  This unit will cover how matter and energy is transferred in the cell.  In order to learn about cells we will also learn about various technological advances that have allowed us to reach our current level of understanding.

Unit 2:  Biodiversity

            There are a wide variety of life forms on this planet from “A”moeba to “Z”ebra.  This unit will cover the similarities and differences between living things and how they can be classified.

Unit 3:  Maintaining Dynamic Equilibrium

            In this unit we will be covering at least 3 of the following body systems:  circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory and immune systems. 

Unit 4:  Interactions Among Living Things

            How do living and non-living things in our environment interact?  How do populations grow?  How does energy flow through an ecosystem?  These are a few of the questions that will be answered in this final unit. 

Your final mark will be broken down as follows:

Assignments and Labs:                  20 pts

Project:                                              15 pts

Quizzes:                                            15 pts

Tests:                                                  25 pts

Exam:                                                 25 pts

Total                                                   100 pts

Materials Needed:

            - Binder, looseleaf, pen, pencil

- scissors, glue, markers, ruler, coloured pencils, calculator (not required everyday)

General Information:

Attendance:

This course is very much based on performance and classroom activity. Since it is very difficult to evaluate students who are not in the class, being present and prepared for class becomes crucial to success in this course.  Students are responsible for any work missed while they are away.  They must ask a classmate for missed notes, assignments, etc.

Assignments:

All assignments to be passed in are to be presented in an acceptable fashion, written in either pencil or blue/black ink.

Extra Help:

Extra Help will be available by appointment where necessary.

Classroom Rules and Expectations:

1.        Be prepared for class (pen/pencil/paper/homework/etc)

2.      Be respectful.

3.      Keep the room clean.  Do not put anything inside the desks.

4.  Food is not permitted in my classroom.  You are, however, allowed to have something to drink in the classroom (water, pop, coffee).

5.  During tests/quizzes students must leave all belongings in their locker or at the front of the classroom except for a pen or pencil to write with. 

6.  Meet all other expectations listed in the YCMHS “Behavior Expectation Matrix”