Living Earth --Biology

Textbook: "The Living Earth", STEMscopes, Accelerate Learning Inc. 2020

Objective

Living Earth is a course that integrates life science with physical, earth and space sciences involving phenomena based instruction. The general topics that will be explored include:

Ecosystem Interactions and Energy
History of Earth’s Atmosphere (Photosynthesis & Cell Respiration)
Evidence of Evolution
Inheritance of Traits
Cells (structure, function and growth)
Ecosystems Stability and Response to Climate Change

Major Course Requirements

Laboratory work- successfully complete the labs assigned during the year
Take careful notes and maintain a well organized notebook, as described in "Notebook Organization Sheet." Your notebook contents will be collected at the end of each semester. Failure to hand in your notebook contents will result in the lowering of your grade by one mark and possibly an incomplete in the course.
Maintain a running record of your daily work, progress and attendance
Hand in all work the day it is due(No late work accepted)
Display the proper attitude in class at all times
Observe all class rules-- see "Classroom Rules"

Grades

Your grade will be based on the percentage of the points possible that you earn. The distribution is as follows:

100-90%	A	69-67%	C-
89-80%	B	66-55%	D
79-70%	C	54-0%	F

Tests/Quizzes
These will be given at the conclusion of each major unit of study. In addition, you should expect unannounced quizzes (pop quizzes) at any time. If you are present in class when a quiz or test is announced you must take the exam on the scheduled day, even if you have returned from an absence.

Assignments

Every assignment must have your name and date in the upper right hand corner and the code # in top center of your paper. Omission of any of these will result in points being deducted from your total score on the assignment.

Make- up Work

No late work will be accepted for missed assignments
It is your responsibility to get all lecture/handouts notes missed during an absence (exchange telephone numbers or email addresses with "3" trusted classmates so you can find out what you missed).
Missed tests have to be made-up within one day after your return or at a time designated by Mr. Adams.
Missed labs and/or videos can only be made up (IF POSSIBLE) at a time designated by Mr. Adams.

Activities

Class activities will include: lectures, class presentations, educational videos, power point/keynote lectures, discussions, lab work (individual and group) and various projects.

Student Equipment/Materials (Mandatory)

A 1.5 inch-- "3" ring binder (loose leaf)
A blue or black pen
A # 2 pencil with eraser
Lots of college ruled, 3-holed notebook paper. No tear out paper will be accepted.
Colored pencils
A highlighter or magic-marker

All equipment listed above should be brought to class everyday. Periodic checks will be made throughout the year.

Living Earth Classroom Rules/Concerns

Rules

Bring your notebook, something to write with and your laptop computer everyday unless instructed otherwise.
Respect others at all times:
a. Be quiet when someone else has the floor. When someone is talking be it Mr. Adams or one of your fellow students, it is your responsibility to pay attention and not disturb the class by talking.
b. Keep your hands and feet to yourselves- Respect your neighbor's space.
Copying is forbidden and will result in zero points on the assignment (no matter how innocent)
Do not throw any item in class.
Electronic devices etc. are not allowed in class. All cell phones must be turned off, not on vibrate or silent. If you use these devices in class you will be referred to the assistant principal for discipline (in addition, you will lose a hall pass for each violation). In addition, using a cell phone for any reason, before, during or after a test/quiz, will result in zero score on the test/quiz.

Concerns

Students should be in their seats when the bell rings or they will be marked tardy.
The tardy policy will be strictly enforced
All assignments are due at the beginning of the period.
Absent work is to be marked ABSENT or ACTIVITY in large letters and the due date must be included.
Students will not be allowed on school activities unless they have a C- grade or better.
Unused hall passes are worth three points each (12 points total). If you must leave the room for any reason you must use a hall pass, unless you are pinked out on school business

Consequences of breaking the above rules