Class Syllabus

Instructor: Ms. Hao Tran
Room E108
Hao.Tran@FWISD.org or myscienceclass@yahoo.com
Phone 817.832.1173
Tutor Times: W/F 7:45-8:25am or by appointment


Course Description

Understanding the life cycle, the molecular and cellular functions of organisms, the way organisms in the universe revolve around each other and the constant follow of energy has been a key to advancement in human society.

Textbook

Addison & Wesley, Biology, Prentice Hall. All bell ringers, assignments and class notes can also be found on http://scienceeinstein.blogspot.com. You will be given on-line resources to perform your assignments. You are required to make-up any missed assignments when you are absent and this would be a resource for you to do so. From time to time, I will also place video links and podcasting at this site that you will have to go to the blog to retrieve and view for homework. The link is accessible at the computer at the school library.

Fee/Supplies:

Pen
Highlighter
Pencil
Notebook paper
2 inch-3 ring binder
Lab Journal or one subject spiral notebook
Flash Drive


Course Requirements and Grading

Homework will be assigned a specific due date. We expect you to turn in your homework on that day or earlier. Late work will be graded but with a point penalty. If it is turned in one day late, it will be graded from a 70. Two days late, it will be graded from a 50. Three days late it will receive a zero but still need to be turned in.


Informed and active participation 10% A 100-91
Vocabulary understanding/readings 20% B 90-81
Bell work or quiz/exams 30% C 80-70
Homework 10% D 61-69
Lab Journal entries 30% F below 60

Grades follow the Fort Worth ISD guidelines for grading. Grades will be posted every other week outside of your classroom by your student ID#. If you are in danger of failing, you will be required to take a progress report home and to come to tutorials until your grade improves. (Progress reports that show all your classes grades will be sent home every three weeks.)


Labs

Labs are to correlate with lesson plans of each unit and reinforce key concepts. They will be comprised of hands-on scientific inquiry activities and field experiential learning.

To participate in labs you must have a signed safety contract on file.

Horseplay will not be tolerated in labs. If you play in lab, you will be taken out of that lab.
If you continue to play in subsequent labs, you will be banned from labs for the semester and your grade with reflect your lack of participation in lab.


Course Schedule (this is the content we will cover but our timelines may change based on our schedule)


Introductions/Class Rules
Lab Safety/Equipment Review
Lab Safety Quiz
Interactive Lab Journals

TOPICS: Fall Semester: Spring Semester:
1. Lab Safety 1. Evolution
2. Experimental Design 2. Taxonomy
3. The Study of Life 3. Bacteria, Viruses, Protists, Fungi
4. Ecology 4. Plants
5. The Cell 5. Invertebrates & Vertebrates
6. Genetics 6. Human Organ Systems



Course Policies and Rules

All Fort Worth ISD guidelines and policies govern class attendance and disciplinary action. Students are expected to be courteous and respective and conduct safe and appropriate behavior at all times. The classroom is comprised of the following rules:


1. Be Respectful to Everyone
2. Be On Time (in your seat ready to work when the tardy bell rings).
3. Be Prepared (bring all materials to class each day).
4. Have a good attitude
5. Everyone is Responsible to help clean the classroom each period
6. Follow ALL directions the first time given.
7. No eating or drinking (unless it is water)
8. Put name on any assignment



Tardies/Absences

You are responsible for all missed work during your absences. You will be given the same time to turn in make-up work equal to the time you were absent. During each six weeks, you will be given one restroom pass. If you do not use them, you can trade them in for extra credit. The first time you are tardy, you will be given a verbal warning. The second tardy will be 15 minutes lunch detention. The third tardy will result in lunch detention and classroom service. More than three tardies during a six week period will result in an infraction.

As an acknowledgement that you have been explained the expectations and requirements of this course, you are required to sign the acknowledgement form. Please ask your parent or guardian to read through these rules, requirements, and grades, and sign below your name.

Cell Phones

Cell phones are wonderful tools of communication. However, you must respect the classroom and not use it during instruction time. School district policy applies when they are visible during class. They can be subject to be taken up and turned into the front office. You will be required to pay $15 to retrieve your phone.

If you or your parents/guardians have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 817-832-1173 or they can e-mail me at Hao.Tran@FWISD.org.


I acknowledge receipt of the class action plan and understand the expectations and requirements of the plan.




Student ______________________________________________________Date _______

Parent/Guardian _______________________________________________ Date_______





The acknowledgement form must be returned to me by Friday, August 27, 2010.