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Biology

Biology students in Minnesota are required to learn specific concepts

which have been organized by the State into four main strands.

These can be viewed right here on the biology webpage!

There are also strands concerning the Nature and History of Science.

 

Each chapter, as well as all the learning activities, has been correlated

to one or more of these standards. Which specific standard goes with

each lesson is listed on the various syllabi. 

Our textbook:     Modern Biology, J. Postlethewait & J. Hopson. (2009). HRW 

Quarter 3

 

I. Introduction to Biology and the Scientific Process            Chapter 1

       How is "living" defined?

 

II. Biomolecules                                                                   Chapters 2 & 3
 What are the molecules of life?
 
III. Cells and Membranes                                                    Chapters 4 & 5
    What are the functional units of living things?
      What are viruses and bacteria?                            Chapters 24.1 & 23.1
 
IV. Plants                                                                          Chapters 27 - 31
      What are the groups of plants?
      What are the systems of plants? 
       How do plants reproduce?
 
V. Photosynthesis and Respiration                                 Chapters 6 & 7
            How do living things make and use energy compounds?
 

Quarter 4

 

VI. Mitosis and Meiosis                                      Chapter 8 & 10.2, 10.3

     What patterns do living organisms show as they grow and reproduce?

 

VI. Genetics                                                                Chapter 9 & 12

     How are traits passed on from one generation to the next?

 

VII. Molecular Biology                                                 Chapter 10.1 & 10.4

     How do the molecules of inheritance function?

 

VIII. DNA Technology                                                           Chapter 13

     How can DNA be engineered? 

 

IX. the Human Body's Defense Systems                              Chapter 47

     How does the immune system function?  

   

X. Evolution and Speciation                                             Chapters 15 - 16

     What is a species and how did the wide variety of living things evolve?

 

XI. Origin of Life                                                                          Chapter 14

     How did life start on Earth?

 

XIII. Taxonomy                                                                           Chapter 17

     What are the bases for the classification of living things?

 

XIV. Ecology                                                                        Chapters 18 -  22   
            How do living things interact with the environment and with one another?
 

Class Procedures and Policies

 

Expect to cover about three chapters every two weeks -

          and to do about three hours of homework each week.

 

How to behave in class:

 

            * Treat others in positive ways.

            * Act in a manner conducive to learning.

            *Six behaviors make it easy to learn:

 

                        Act respectfully

                        Act mindfully

                        Stay flexible

                        Be mellow

                        Be decent

                        Be honest

       

Guidelines for behavior as well as consequences are spelled out in the student handbook quite specifically.

 

Rules:

           

            *Cell phones, Ipods, et cetera have no place in the classroom - Don't bring 'em!

            * Request permission prior to getting a drink or using the bathroom.

                    Give up your phone prior into the white bin.

            * Eat or drink NOTHING unless there's prior approval.

                    RECYCLE!

            * Report any accidents in the lab immediately.               

            * Clean up thoroughly after labs and other activities.

            * Generally, just don’t mess with stuff.

 

When the bell rings, you're here with your binder out and open and you're ready to go!

 

Grades:

            * Look at the syllabus for each unit to see when items are due.

            * Turn in assignments on time. Chapter assignments may not be turned in for credit after the day of the test on that chapter.

            * Turn in items to the proper hour’s basket or directly to the teacher. Written assignments may also be sent via email or Google.docs.

            * Check your grades whenever you're on line.

 

Graded items are worth a specific number of points as well as having some difficulty level assigned, i.e., assignments requiring independent thought and work are worth more than labs done in class.

 

          0          1          2          3          4          5          6          7          8          9          10

      Not in            Poorly done            “group work”             Uniquely done and shows

                                                                                                evidence of complex thought

 

Assigned work = 40%          Labs = 35%          Tests = 25%

 

Overall grade percentages:

 

            D         D+       C-        C         C+       B-        B          B+       A-        A

            40        46        52        58        64        70        76        82        88        94

 

Extra help is always available.

Schedule time with the teacher: e.g., before school, after practice,

or during lunch

 

bwiesner@delano.k12.mn.us

ext. 3023

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