Welcome to Biology!

Throughout this year, we will cover the following overarching themes:

Exploring and defining the fundamental unifying concepts, organization, and inquiry techniques
underlying the science of biology.
Investigating life processes at the cellular level and understanding both how these processes work and
how they are maintained and regulated.
Delving into heredity by investigating how genetic structures and processes provide the mechanism
for continuity and variety among organisms.
Investigating processes that allow populations to change in response to different environmental and
genetic pressures.
Identifying and deciphering the distinguishing characteristics of all categories of living things and
establishing the genetic, ancestral, and behavioral relationships among them.
Analyzing the ecological processes by which living things interact with their environments and with
each other.

Required materials
3-ring binder, with loose-leaf paper (dividers recommended)
Writing utensils (pens, pencils with eraser, highlighters)
Gmail email address
Remind101 registration

Classroom Policies and Procedures
Be Responsible
You are expected to conduct yourself in a manner that is safe for you, your teacher, and your
classmates. Safety guidelines are provided in your Student Safety Contract. Violation of safety
procedures may result in a loss of laboratory privileges.
Come to class prepared, seated in your assigned seat, and ready to learn. If you are absent, it is YOUR
responsibility to get any material you may have missed. This is a rigorous course that requires hard
work for success.
Cheating or plagiarism will NOT be tolerated. You are expected to turn in work that reflects your
original thought.
Be Respectful
Respect your teacher. You are to listen and follow Mrs. Howells instruction at ALL times. When I am
talking, you are to be quiet and refrain from disruptive behavior.
Respect your classmates. You are expected to treat your classmates with respect and decency at ALL
times. You must show consideration for their space, their work, and their viewpoints.
Respect the classroom. You are not to access the supply closet, cabinets, or drawers without Mrs.
Howells permission. You are expected to help keep the room as clean and organized as possible. This
includes:
Throwing away or recycling trash; returning lab materials to the location you found them, and
in the condition you found them; keeping food outside of the classroom
Be Engaged
Learning is not a spectator sportyou are expected to be active participants in the classroom.
Please refrain from the following during instruction, unless otherwise specified:
Naps, personal conversations, listening to music, and using electronic devices. Cell phones
must be CONCEALED from your eyes, and you are NOT to charge any electronic device in the
classroom.
Discussions, questions, and commentary are welcomed and encouraged as long as they are
appropriate and non-disruptive. Please raise your hand if you wish to contribute.

In addition, students are expected to obey all schools rules outlined in the student handbook. Violation of any of
the rules and expectations mentioned above may result in academic or behavioral consequences.
Biology
Mrs. Howell
2014-2015
Scope & Sequence
Unit 1: Scientific Methods Unit 6: Genetics
Unit 2: Biochemistry Unit 7: Evolution
Unit 3: Cells Unit 8: Relationships Among Organisms
Unit 4: Energy Unit 9: Ecology
Unit 5: Plant & Animal Systems


Grading Policies
Grades for each of the four nine-week periods will be based on two components:
Assessments 60%
Assessments include quizzes, tests, and projects, and they will be given throughout each unit to
evaluate your understanding of the standards. There will be a quiz on every standard. If you do
not grasp the standard right away, you will have the opportunity to complete a remedial
assignment, and re-take the quiz for up to an 80%. There will be a test at the end of every unit;
you can re-take unit tests for up to an 80%.
Daily Activities 40%
Daily activities and assignments may include labs, Bellringers, reflections, exit slips, study
guides, etc...You may be assessed individually or as a group. Late work will NOT be collected
after its standard is assessed.
There will also be a midterm and an End of Course (EOC) assessment that will count as your final exam. The
EOC will be 20% of your final grade in the class.





Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns
Kristin Howell
kristin.howell@shelby.kyschools.us
sciencewithhowell@gmail.com
(502) 647-1160 ext. 1532
www.sciencewithhowell.weebly.com