Welcome to Mrs. Reaves' Biology class!

Please check back daily for updates, assignments, and more. 

Class Schedule:

A Day: 

1st - Biology

3rd - Biology Honors

5th - Biology

B Day:

2nd - Biology Honors

4th - Biology

6th - Biology Honors

Mrs. Reaves' Biology Syllabus 

Course Overview:

Biology is the scientific study of life and is an extraordinarily broad and diverse field. This is a highly rigorous class that requires a large volume of content and implementation of scientific argumentation. This course will cover biological vocabulary, theories, and concepts. Course work involves vocabulary building, note taking, practice worksheets, homework, quizzes, lab work, QSMAs, and Unit Tests.

Units:

Unit 1 – Nature of Science – Ch 1

Unit 2 – Macromolecules/Properties of Water – Ch 2

Unit 3 – Ecology - Ch 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Unit 4 – Cell Structure, Function, Cellular Energy - Ch 8, 9, 10, 11

Unit 5 – Genetics and Meiosis – Ch 12

Unit 6 – Molecular Genetics – Ch 13, 14, 15

Unit 7 – Biotechnology - Ch 16

Unit 8 – Evolution Ch 17, 18, 19, 20

Unit 9 – Classification & Plants - Ch 21, 22, 23

Unit 10 - Body Systems - Ch 27

2019- 2020 Materials Required:

            - Covered Textbook: provided in class and online

            - Composition Notebook - 100 or more pages (a dedicated notebook for this class) (example) 

             - Honors ONLY: duotang folder with prongs (example) and spiral notebook (example) for science fair

             - Highlighters and Pencils

            - Colored pencils

            - Glue sticks

            - Planner / Agenda (will need for all classes anyway)  

Grading:

The student’s grade will be determined by the following types of work:  tests, quizzes, classwork, labs, projects and an interactive science notebook.

Tests, Projects, Labs, Science Fair (Honors)      50%

Quizzes, Notebook, Classwork                         40%

Homework                                                     10%

End Of Course Exam:

The EOC exam will be given in May. This exam will account for 30% of your total grade!!!  Everything we do throughout the year is meant to prepare you for this exam. Keep up with your notebook, notes, and lessons to create the ultimate study guide for yourself.

Honors Biology- SCIENCE FAIR:

Biology Honors students are required to conduct their own science fair project as part of the course. Each component of the project will be graded separately and count as test grades. A timeline of all due dates and rubrics will be available under the "Biology Honors" tab as needed. Students are responsible to keep up with the project and turn in components ON OR BEFORE THE DUE DATE! Anything turned in after the due date will earn a zero. Students also have the option of participating in the regional science fair where they can show off their project. We will discuss all of this at length in class. Again, the science fair project is mandatory! 

Contacting Mrs. Reaves:

Have a question or need help? Ask and you shall receive! I am available before and after school, from 8:00-8:30 and 3:00-3:30. I am also available during CAT Period if you receive a pass from me ahead of time. You MUST schedule before- or after-school help with me ahead of time, in case I happen to be unavailable that day due to meetings, conferences, etc. Sign up for Remind to text me directly. Email is also super effective! I check it before and after school. Be sure to check the class website to find power points, assignments, due dates and other important items.  

Classroom Rules and Expectations:

• Follow directions first time given. Ask for clarification if needed.
• Be courteous and respectful at all times.
• Be on time and ready to work when the bell rings.
• Be prepared with all necessary materials.
• Raise your hand for recognition. Do not get out of your seat while I’m talking.
• Do not ask to go to the restroom during a lesson or video.
• Turn all work in on time. NO EXCUSES!
• Maintain a neat and accurate science notebook.
• Safety first! ABSOLUTELY NO HORSEPLAY IS ALLOWED.
• No food, drinks, gum or grooming in the classroom. Water bottles with lids are okay.
• Follow all FHS and Classroom Policies and Procedures.

Classroom Policies and Procedures:

• Positive, responsible and safe participation is expected of all students.
• Be considerate and respectful of your instructor, classmates and learning environment.
• Classroom disruption will result in disciplinary action.
• Plagiarism and cheating will result in serious disciplinary or corrective action.
• Include your name, period, date, and assignment title on all work. No name, no grade!
• Hall passes will be given according to FHS policy. Please ask for permission, take the pass, and sign out and in by the door. Do not abuse this policy.
• The teacher dismisses the class. Remain in your seat and do not pack up until the dismissal bell rings. Do not wait by the door for the bell to ring.
• Be respectful and cooperative with substitutes.
• When all announcements come on, STOP what you are doing and listen quietly.
• Stay with the class during fire or bomb drills and in the auditorium during presentations.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices Policy:

You may not have any electronic devices out in the classroom without permission.  I encourage students to take pictures of the boards, however you must ask before doing so. Anyone with their phone out will be given one warning. If it is not put away, the student will be written up and will have to take their phone to discipline and return to class without it.

Class Work/Makeup Work Policy:

• Do all work independently unless otherwise assigned.
• Classwork is due by the end of the period in which it was assigned unless otherwise stated.
• Homework is due at the beggining of class on the due date. After the teacher collects it is counted as late. 
• IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to find out what you missed during absence(s), and to follow up on make-up work according to FHS policy. You have 2 days per absence (up to 6 days total) to make up work and tests that are assigned while absent.
• Any assignment turned in late will have points deducted for every day it's late. 10% off for each day late (up to 5 days). After 5 days, it will remain a ZERO in the gradebook.
• Make up work/notes can be found on the web site, in the class planner, or by asking the teacher. 
• Do all makeup work at home or in CAT, not during class.
• Arrange a time to make up tests with me as soon as you return. These can be taken during CAT period or before / after school.

Homework:

All homework assigned is designed to help guide your studying and help reinforce content learned in class. You should look over your notes after school everyday. Students who expect to succeed should STUDY. 

Florida Statute 1003.47 Biological Experiments on living subjects.

1(a) Dissection may be performed on nonliving mammals or birds secured from a recognized source of such specimens and under supervision of qualified instructors. Students may be excused upon written request of a parent.