Final Exam Schedule

The following schedule will be used to administer the final exams. Plan accordingly.

Bell Schedule for June 2-5:
1st Block - 7:15am to 8:48am
2nd Block - 8:53am to 10:45am*
* Students who purchase lunch tickets prior to school will be dismissed to the cafeteria for lunch at 10:25am.

5th & 6th - Mon, June 2
1st & 2nd - Tue, June 3
7th & 8th - Wed, June 4
3rd & 4th - Thur, June 5

Bell Schedule for June 6:
4th Period - 7:15am to 11:00am*
* Students who purchase lunch tickets prior to school will be dismissed to the cafeteria for lunch at 10:40am.

Make-ups - Fri, June 6

*** BRING PAPER & WRITING UTENSIL FOR THE EXAM. SUPPLIES WILL NOT BE PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR! ***

Calculating Final Grade

This calculation is the state provided formula and only applicable to Biology I and Geometry.

FORMULA:

(Q1 + Q2 + Q3 + Q4) / 4 * 0.7 + EOC * 0.3

* Grades will be plugged in using the standard 4.0 scale (A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0).

Example:

Q1 = C, Q2 = D, Q3 = D, Q4 = C, EOC = F

(2 + 1 + 1 + 2) / 4 * 0.7 + 0 * 0.3

(6) / 4 * 0.7 + 0 * 0.3

1.5 * 0.7 + 0 * 0.3

1.05 + 0 * 0.3

1.05 + 0 = 1.05

FINAL GRADE:

A = 4.0 - 3.5
B = 3.4 - 2.5
C = 2.4 - 1.5
D = 1.4 - 1.0
F = < 1.0

Note: No rounding will occur to determine final grades (ex. 0.99 will not round to 1.0).

No Late Work is being Accepted

This isn't bowling, three strikes isn't
a good thing.

Students were given time to complete assignments. Students were given an opportunity to turn in work for late credit. Students were then given the ability to complete missing work and turn in on the first class following break. No work has been accepted after Monday, March 24, 2014 for A-Day classes and Tuesday, March 25, 2014 for B-Day classes.

A Few Reminders

Just a few friendly reminders:

Students will be taking the CGA 3 Biology on Monday, March 24, 2014 and Tuesday, March 25, 2014. Students are not required to bring their textbook to class on these two days only. Student's will need to resume bringing their books on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 forward.

Students will also be taking the Unit 5 Test on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 and Thursday, March 27, 2014. Students will need to bring their book for use after the test. There is a Unit 5 Study Guide posted for additional review. This assignment is optional.

Finally, all late work must be turned in during the student's class time on Monday, March 24, 2014 and Tuesday, March 25, 2014. No assignments will be accepted after the student's class time. There will be NO extended time for the already extended time. No Exceptions!

Assignment Due Dates

Due to students not submitting work during the semester the following changes have taken place concerning class policy:
1. Students are to have all assignments completed and turned in no later than the class following when they were assigned, unless specifically designated more or less time by the teacher.
2. Assignments that are late will be penalized 20% per class period they are not turned in.
3. Assignments will not be accepted more than 2 class periods late.
4. Students who are absent are responsible to acquire work for the missed date from the class website.
5. If a student is not present the date an assignment was due, the student must turn the work in immediately upon return or grade penalties/zeros will apply.

Notebook Content (3rd Quarter)

[UPDATED: 3/17/2013] Make sure that your notebook is properly organized so that work can easily be graded. [Click here] if you need help properly organizing your notebook. Work shall be placed in the notebook in this order to guarantee that the teacher can properly identify and grade the assignments. Assignments collected by the teacher will be notated with an asterisk (*). These assignments should currently be in the teacher's possession for grading. Everything from the first and second quarter, except your notes, can be taken out of your notebook. This is what you should have in your notebook for the third quarter:

OPENING
1. Evolution Quickwrite
2. "When is a wing a flipper?"
3. "All the help I can get"
4. "Order from Chaos" - Per. 1 & 5
5. "Pass it Along"
6. "Name that Resource!" - Per. 5, 7 & 8
7. "Fitting In"
8. "Local Conditions"
9. "Renew or Not Renew"

NOTES
1st Quarter Notes:
1. Criteria of Science - CONPTT (slides)
2. Scientific Method (slides)
3. Properties of Water (slides)
4. Carbon Based Compounds (students took off board)
5. Macromolecules Diagram (completed in class together)
6. Reactions and Enzymes (slides)
7. "What is a Theory" (students took off board)
8. Cornell Notes + Section 3.1 (students took from book)
9. Plant Animal Cell Structure (students took off board)
10. Plant Animal Cell Functions (students took off board)
11. Cell Membranes Notes (slides)
12. Cellular Energy Notes (student produced - Sections 4.1, 4.2 & 4.4)

2nd Quarter Notes:
13. Cornell Notes - Plants (student produced - Sections 21.1, 21.3 & 21.4)
14. Plant Notes (slides)
15. Mitosis Drawing
16. Cell Cycle Notes (slides)
17. DNA/Replication Notes (students took off board)
18. DNA Drawing
19. Mutation/Asexual Reproduction Notes (students took off board)
20. Meiosis Drawing
21. Meiosis Notes (students took off board)
22. Mendel Notes (students took off board)
23. Gene to Protein Notes (students took off board)
24. Genetics Notes (students took off board)
25. Biotechnology Notes (students took off board)

Third Quarter Notes:
26. Evolution Notes (students took off board)
27. Principles of Evolution Notes (slides)
28. Hominid Cornell Notes + (students took from book)
29. Origins of Life Cornell Notes + (students took from book)
30. Brain Drawing (students completed in class)
31. Classification Cornell Notes + (students took from book)
32. Kingdom/Domain Cornell Notes + (students took from book)
33. Principles of Biology Notes (slides)
34. Population Dynamics (handout)
35. Consequences of Loss of Biodiversity (Handout)
36. Climate Notes (students took from board)
37. Changes in Ecosystems (Handout)
38. Human Sustainability (Handout)
39. Resources (Handout)

ASSIGNMENTS
1. Evolution Questions (p. 314 #s 1 - 4; p. 319 #s 1 - 5)
2. Darwin's Questions (p. 301 #s 1 - 4; p. 309 #s 1 - 4)
3. Selection Questions (p. 329 #s 1 - 4; p. 333 #s 1 - 4)
4. Speciation Questions (p. 338 #s 1 - 5; p. 343 # 3; p. 346 #s 3-4)
5. Hominid Questions (p. 383 #s 1 - 5)
6. Origins of Life Questions (p. 371 #s 1, 2, 4 & 5; p. 374 #s 1, 2, 4 & 5)
7. Creating a Dichotomous Key (p. 522 Procedures 1-4) - Per. 1 & 5
8. Classification Questions (p. 521 #s 1-5, p. 528 #s 1,3 &4) - Per. 3, 4, 7 & 8
9. Kingdom/Domain Questions (p. 535 #s 1-5) - Per. 1, 3, 4, 7 & 8
10. Tree of Life Questions (p. 528 #s 2-4; p. 535 #s 1, 3 & 4) - Per. 5
11. Unit 4 Study Guide (Optional)
12. Energy Flow Questions (p. 407 #s 1 - 4)
13. Growth Questions (p. 442 Data Analysis #s 1 - 3; p. 444 #s 1 - 5)
14. Threats to Biodiversity (p. 501 #s 1 - 4)
15. Climate Questions (p. 461 #s 1 - 5; Data Analysis p. 461 #s 1 - 5)
16. Succession Questions (p. 447 #s 1 - 4)
17. Human Impact Questions (p. 487 #s 1 - 3; p. 492 #s 1 & 2; p. 496 #s 1 - 4)
18. Conservation Questions (p. 505 #s 1-5)
19. Unit 5 Study Guide (Optional)

Notebook Contents (2nd Quarter)

[UPDATED: 1/8/2013] Make sure that your notebook is properly organized so that work can easily be graded. [Click here] if you need help properly organizing your notebook. Work shall be placed in the notebook in this order to guarantee that the teacher can properly identify and grade the assignments. Everything from the first quarter, except your notes, can be taken out of your notebook. This is what you should have in your notebook for the second quarter:

Opening
1. Let the Water Flow
2. Getting Through
3. Getting Ready
4. Order! Order!

Notes
1st Quarter Notes:
1. Criteria of Science - CONPTT (slides)
2. Scientific Method (slides)
3. Properties of Water (slides)
4. Carbon Based Compounds (students took off board)
5. Macromolecules Diagram (completed in class together)
6. Reactions and Enzymes (slides)
7. "What is a Theory" (students took off board)
8. Cornell Notes + Section 3.1 (students took from book)
9. Plant Animal Cell Structure (students took off board)
10. Plant Animal Cell Functions (students took off board)
11. Cell Membranes Notes (slides)
12. Cellular Energy Notes (student produced - Sections 4.1, 4.2 & 4.4)
2nd Quarter Notes:
13. Cornell Notes - Plants (student produced - Sections 21.1, 21.3 & 21.4)
14. Plant Notes (slides)
15. Mitosis Drawing
16. Cell Cycle Notes (slides)
17. DNA/Replication Notes (students took off board)
18. DNA Drawing
19. Mutation/Asexual Reproduction Notes (students took off board)
20. Meiosis Drawing
21. Meiosis Notes (students took off board)
22. Mendel Notes (students took off board)
23. Gene to Protein Notes (students took off board)
24. Genetics Notes (students took off board)
25. Biotechnology Notes (students took off board)

Assignments
1. Plants Study Guide
2. Plant Questions (p. 642 # 2,3,5; p. 651 # 1,2,5; p. 655 # 2,3)
3. Cell Cycle Questions (p. 137 # 3,5; p. 142 # 2,3, p. 146 # 1,2,3,4)
4. DNA Questions (p. 233 #s 1,2,4,5; p. 238 #s 1-5)
5. Mutation/Asexual Reproduction Questions (p. 255 #1; p. 150 # 1-4
6. Unit 3A Study Guide 
7. Meiosis Questions (p. 171 #s 1,2,3,5; p. 176 #s 1,2,3,4)
8. Mendel Questions (p. 179 #s 1,2,3,4)
9. Gene to Protein Questions (p. 242 #s 1,2,3,4; p. 247 #s 1,2,3)
10. Genetics Questions (p. 203 #s 2,3,4; p. 207 #s 1,2,3,4,5)
11. Biotech Questions (p. 267 #1; p. 272 #s 1,2,4; p. 279 #s 3,5; p. 285 #s 2,3)
12. Unit 3B Study Guide

Reflections
1. Meiosis and Mendel Quiz

Projects
Empty

Unit 2 Test and Notebook Check

There will be a test covering Unit 2 on Friday, October 18 for B-day classes and Monday, October 21 for A-day classes. The test will cover cell theory, the organelles of the cell, prokaryote/eukaryote comparison, plant/animal comparision, cell membrane and movement (diffusion, osmosis, active transport, etc), and cellular energy (ATP, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and fermentation). Students with access to Class Zone should utilize the study tools and quizzes available for extra practice. Student's who currently do not have access to Class Zone can activate an account by following the directions [here].

Students are required to bring their notebooks to class each day, but it is imperative that students bring their notebooks Friday, October 18 through Thursday, October 24. This will be the FINAL CHECK of the notebooks for all the 1st Quarter content. Students without their notebook at the time of the check will not receive credit. Students will have one opportunity during this time to have their notebook checked and must have it available. Students have had multiple opportunities this quarter to have their notebook checked.

Check your grade on Grade Portal

Students should be checking their grades on Grade Portal regularly. To log in to grade portal you must go to https://dcps.mygradeportal.com. Your log in information is as follows:

Username - The lower case letter "s" followed by your 8-digit student number.
Password - The default password is 8 characters in length, see image below.

Progress Reports

Progress Reports went out to all students today during 8th Period. Some students will receive blanks as they may have just been transferred into a class or had an Oncourse issue. Teachers should send out a progress report for those students sometime the following week.

In this course students that received a "0" did not have their notebook in class or available to grade during the time they were being graded. Time will be made in class over the next week to regrade notebooks. Students should carry their notebook to class every day.

If their are any questions as to what should be in the notebook [click here]. If your child cannot produce this notebook it is likely that they are not keeping one or cannot produce it to be graded either.

Test scores for the Biology Unit 1 Test will be entered next week, which may also improve grades. Students receiving poor scores on the test will have an opportunity to complete remediation and then retest. The ability to complete remediation and retest should not be taken for granted as "Grade Recovery," as done previous years, is no longer available.

Notebooks Contents (1st Quarter)

[UPDATED: 10/17/2013] Make sure that your notebook is properly organized so that work can easily be graded. [Click here] if you need help properly organizing your notebook. Work shall be placed in the notebook in this order to guarantee that the teacher can properly identify and grade the assignments. This is what you should have in your notebook:

Opening
1. What is Science - HOQ #1
2. Footsteps
3. Properties of Water - Quick Write
4. Macromolecules Quick Write
5. Matter and Energy Warm-up
6. Gift Quick Write
7. Plant/Animal Cell Anticipation Guide
8. Cell Membrane Opening

Notes
1. Criteria of Science - CONPTT (slides)
2. Scientific Method (slides)
3. Properties of Water (slides)
4. Carbon Based Compounds (students took off board)
5. Macromolecules Diagram (completed in class together)
6. Reactions and Enzymes (slides)
7. "What is a Theory" (students took off board)
8. Cornell Notes + Section 3.1 (students took from book)
9. Plant Animal Cell Structure (students took off board)
10. Plant Animal Cell Functions (students took off board)
11. Cell Membranes Notes (slides)
12. Cellular Energy Notes (student produced - Sections 4.1, 4.2 & 4.4)

Assignments
1. Science Check
2. CONPTT Worksheet
3. Observation/Inference Activity - Part I
4. Observation/Inference Activity - Part II
5. Section 2.2 Assessment #s 1-5 (found in textbook)
6. Section 2.3 Assessment #s 1-4 (found in textbook)
7. Reactions and Enzymes Handout (handed out in class)
8. Section 2.4 Asmt #s 1-4 & Section 2.5 Asmt #s 1-4 (found in textbook)
9. Section 3.1 Assessment #s 1-4 (found in textbook)
10. Plant v. Animal Cell Evaluate
11. Cell Membrane Assessment (questions found in textbook)
12. Cell Energy Asmt. (p. 102 #4, p. 105 #1 & 4, p. 115 #1-3 and p. 125 #1 & 3)
13. Unit 2 Test Study Guide

Reflections
1. What is Science? Reflection
2. Observation/Inference HOQ #1&2

Projects
Empty

Biology books are available!

Contrary to some of the rumors going around by a few select students, textbooks are available for biology. Students have had all year to pick up a textbook and should be carrying it to class EVERYDAY. Students may leave them in their locker and not carry them home if they have readily available access to the internet. If internet is available students can activate a student account and use the online textbook. [Click here] for directions to access the online textbook.

Biology I Notebook

All students are required to have a notebook for Biology class. The notebook will be where students place all of their work for the instructor to check. Work that cannot be found (located) in the notebook will not be graded and therefore a zero will be inputted.





The layout of the notebook is as follows:

1. The syllabus and any information passed out to students will go in front of the first tab. This information can include anything from rubrics, additional course information, policies, etc.

2. Blank paper may be placed in front of the first tab. Students should carry extra blank paper to do assignments on.

3. TAB 1 will be titled: "Opening". Students will place all opening activities behind this tab. Students will be given a question at the start of each lesson. Students may write more than one opening on a sheet of paper, but they MUST be clearly marked with the DATE and the TITLE of the opening activity/assignment/question.

4. TAB 2 will be titled: "Notes". Students will place all notes, whether they be printed from the homepage or written, behind this tab. Students are encouraged to write and/or rewrite notes in the Cornell Notes format to assist in note taking skill development and studying purposes.

5. TAB 3 will be titled: "Assignments". Students will place all daily assignments behind this tab. Any worksheets passed out will be 3-hole punched and placed in this section as well. Students need to keep all assignments in chronological order (the order in which they were assigned). The teacher will check assignments from the notebook and it is imperative that students NOT lose their work. Work not found while the teacher is grading/reviewing the notebook will be inputted as a zero.

6. TAB 4 will be titled: "Reflection". Students will place all reflection activities behind this tab. Students will be given a reflection question(s) at the end of each lesson. Students may write more than one reflection on a sheet of paper, but they MUST be clearly marked with the DATE and TITLE of the reflection activity/assignment/question(s).

7. TAB 5 will be titled: "Focus Lessons". Students will place all focus lessons behind this tab. Instruction will be given to the student as to what constitutes a "Focus Lesson." Focus Lessons may vary depending upon the needs of each individual class, be sure to have the focus lesson that is specific for your class!

Biology Textbook

Contrary to popular opinion, students are required to carry their textbook to class everyday.

DCPS Learning Recovery Policy 2012-2013

The Duval County Public School Learning Recovery Policy has been released for the 2012-2013 Academic Year. Learning Recovery was formerly known as "Grade Recovery." Learning Recovery is designed to help improve student grades if the student earns a "D" or "F" during the quarter.

Here are the changes made to the DCPS Learning Recovery Program:

1. Students must have completed a minimum of 75% of the class assignments for the nine weeks.
2. Students must have taken advantage of the available learning recovery options during the nine weeks.
3. Students must have a parent or guardian participate in a required parent/teacher conference, phone conference, email conference, or learning recovery orientation at their school to review the expectations and timeliness for learning recovery.

The changes will require students to have made an effort during the nine weeks to be eligible for Learning Recovery, and will require parent involvement in the Learning Recovery process.

Classroom Policies and Procedures Posted

The Classroom Policies and Procedures for 2012-2013 have been posted. To view these policies and procedures click here. These policies and procedures will be available throughout the year under the "Course Information" links.

Biology I Syllabus Posted

To access the Biology I Syllabus for 2012-2013 click here. The syllabus will be available throughout the year under the "Course Information" links.

Required Supplies 2012-2013

*Textbook: Holt McDougal Biology (2012), Nowicki
*3-ring binder (NOT a folder, preferably 1 ½ inches)
*Notebook paper (NOT SPIRALED, preferably college ruled)
*Blue or black ink pens (other colors are not accepted)
*Sharpened pencils (Needs to say #2)
*Colored pencils (NOT crayons)
Internet Access (home, public library, etc.)
Access to a printer

*-Required in class everyday.

Important Message to Parents (Academic Honesty)

Parents,

Please have a discussion with your student about academic honesty. There have already been reports from other teachers that students are attempting to copy the work of other students. This will not be tolerated. Students should understand that both the person doing the copying and the person allowing the copying are both guilty of cheating.

I have also had a discussion with the students about copying (plagarizing) text directly from the book. Even with the Cornell Notes, students do not talk exactly like the textbook and should write their notes as if they were the one doing the talking.

Assignment Rubric

Above is the Assignment Rubric for your reference. Click on the picture above to make it larger.