Ms. Poppert’s Syllabus

Ecology/Anatomy & Physiology

 

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR CLASS:

3-ring binder with dividers –NO spiral notebooks

paper, pens (no wild colors)

#2 pencils

index cards (optional)

colored pencils (anatomy only)

graph paper (ecology only)

 

GRADING POLICY:

You will be graded on various assignments throughout the year.  They will be divided and weighted as follows:

            Ecology                                                          Anatomy& Physiology

    Tests                        40%                             Tests                                        50%    

    Labs/Quizzes            30%                             Labs/Quizzes                           25%

    Homework               20%                             Homework/Class work            15%

    Notebook                10%                             Notebook                                10%

The county grading scale will be used to determine the letter grade.

            89.5-100%               A

            79.5-89.4%              B            Remember that a D is still considered passing, but

            69.5-79.4%              C            can lower your GPA below a 2.0.

            59.5-69.4%              D

            59.4 and below            F

 

NOTEBOOKS:

You will keep a notebook in this class and it will comprise 10% of your quarter grade.  In the front of your notebook will be a copy of your lab safety rules, classroom rules and this sheet.  After these papers you must have four divided sections in your notebook.  The sections are as follows: 1-NOTES; 2-TESTS; 3-LABS/QUIZZES; 4-HOMEWORK/CLASSWORK.  You will keep a log of assignments/notes in front of each section.  On this log keep the date, name and score of the assignment.  At progress report time I will show you how to calculate your grade.  At the end of each quarter I will collect your notebook for a grade.

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

Your homework assignments will be on the board for the week with their due dates.  It is your responsibility to check it at the beginning of the week.  Homework that is to be tuned in will be turned in on my desk in the tray.  Please remember that copying someone else’s homework is still considered cheating.  I can still give you (and the person you copied from) a zero if I catch you.  Make sure you have your name, date, and period in the top right hand corner of your paper.  Any paper without a name will be thrown away.  Class work and Labs are due at the end of the period unless otherwise instructed.  I do allow late work.  It is 5pts off each day it is late.  After being 3 weeks late it will be worth 50%.

ABSENCES:

If you would like to do well in science, a good start is by being here everyday.  If you are absent, you need to go to the counter where the assignment logbooks are.  Go to the date you were absent to see what we did that day.  If we had a handout I have it for you.  If you missed notes, then you need to get with another student and copy the notes from them.  I do not accept photocopied notes as part of a notebook grade.  Please be responsible with this.  Do not take them home with you and then “forget” them or not show up to class.  If you missed a lab, test or quiz get with me at the end of the period or another appropriate time to schedule your makeup.  Just because you miss a test does not mean you have five weeks to make it up.  If you miss your assigned test makeup you will only receive one other makeup and then you will keep the zero.  You have the amount of time you were absent plus one to makeup your work from THAT day.  Any time after that will be considered late and subjected to the penalties described above.

 

TESTS:

Tests will be given at the end of a covered unit.  Occasionally I will give pop quizzes over material covered the previous day.  I give oral reviews (anatomy) or review sheets (ecology) a day or two before the test.  Talking during the test is not allowed.  If you need something raise your hand.  If you are caught cheating you will have your test taken away with no questions asked and receive a zero.  I may also contact your parents.

 

LABS:

Labs are used to integrate and reinforce the material presented in lectures.  Because labs usually take time to do preparation is key to a successful lab.  This will help to ensure efficient use of time.  You must follow all lab safety rules to the letter when doing labs.  You are responsible for your lab station.  You need to keep it clean and orderly.  No one will be dismissed from lab without my consent.  If you need to get up to move for some reason you need to ask me.  Any student who behaves inappropriately will receive a zero and be written up.

 

HOUSEKEEPING:

Field trip forms, weekly progress reports, restroom passes and tardy passes must be placed on my desk in the tray marked “housekeeping”.  Every student should take responsibility in keeping the classroom looking neat and orderly.  Trash belongs in the trashcan.  Please pick up around your desk before the end of the period.  Writing on the desk is considered vandalism, even in pencil.  If I catch you, you will be spending an afternoon with me cleaning all of my desks.

 

ANIMAL SAFETY:

I have animals in the classroom.  It is imperative that you use your head and my safety instructions and care for the animals.  These animals are not used to torture you but to provide you with a positive experience you may otherwise not ever have.  I hope that your will enjoy them as much as I do.

 

Extra Credit:

There will be opportunities for extra credit points on tests.  There will also be projects available as well.  If you find that you have completed all the assignments and are still doing poor, come to me and I will help you any way I can.  Word of caution:  If you come to me within the last two weeks of the quarter there may be nothing more for you to do except to pray.