2006– 2007
Welcome to Biology! This course is designed to allow students to examine biology in detail and to understand its applications in the living world. Specifically, students will explore the relationship between biology and health, as well as the environment.
It is my hope that each student will master concepts in science and apply these concepts to his/her life and in turn impacts this community. To be able to accomplish this, each student will be engaging in many different activities throughout the year to ensure that learning will be challenging and interesting. Each student will be participating in laboratory activities, scientific projects and reports, and written and oral assignments.
As their teacher, I am committed to each student’s success, in that they acquire and understand the necessary material; the student is then responsible for putting the time and effort into the class to master its content. If a student needs extra instruction or have questions they can schedule an appointment with me during lunch or after school. Parents are also encouraged to contact me regarding any concerns about their child.
Contact Information:
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Ms. Chung |
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tchung@fremont.k12.ca.us |
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(510) 657-3600, ext. |
Textbook:
Lisowski, Marylin and Strauss, Eric.
(2000). Biology:The Web of
Life, 2nd ed.
This course includes the following topics:
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Organization: Being organized is the key to success in any class! Students are strongly urged to keep a separate binder for Biology. I recommend 3 sections for: (1) lecture notes/ handouts, (2) classwork/ homework, and (3) labs. Loose-leaf paper is preferable over spiral-bound paper for notes and applicable assignments. ALL handouts and work should be kept for reference!! Verifications in grading must be supported by the students OWN records, not just the teachers’!
Classwork, homework, and labs may be stamped for on-time credit, but turned in at a later time. When the teacher grades the assignment, the stamp verifies that the work was completed on-time. No stamp indicates no credit for that assignment, or a particular portion of that assignment. It is the students’ responsibility to retain any work that may be turned in at a later time than when it is due. No exceptions are made for “lost” assignments, unless the issue is discussed with the teacher prior to the turn in date for the assignment.
Please bring pens, pencils, erasers and two different highlighters to class each day. In addition, students are recommended to bring or purchase colored pencils (a box of 8-12 pencils will do), as we will use these occasionally to complete activities in class.
Make-up Work / Tests:
Students must notify the teacher if there is a planned absence, (i.e.,
for a school activity), so arrangements
can be made. If a student is absent on
the day an assignment is due, then it must be turned in (or stamped) on the day
of return, for full credit. Otherwise,
the assignment is considered late. When
a student is absent on the day of a test/quiz, the student must make up the
test on the day of return or after the same amount of days of absence. For example, if a student is absent for 3
days from school, then the make up test can be taken BY the third day after the
student has returned. Keep in mind that
make-up tests/quizzes are not necessarily the same tests as the scheduled
tests/quizzes the student missed. THE
STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ARRANGING MAKE-UP WORK AND TESTS AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE. A GRADE PENALTY WILL INCUR IF
THE WORK IS NOT COMPLETED BY THE ARRANGED DATE.
Late Work: Students are expected to be responsible and
turn all work in on time. Due to the
different circumstances that occur in the school year, each student will be
allowed to turn in the late homework the day after it is due for partial
credit.
Grading / Grade Distribution: The student’s grade is based on a cumulative point system each semester, with the following grading scale:
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90% - 100% A |
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80 – 89 B |
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70 – 79 C |
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60 - 69 D |
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59 or lower F |
**Note: Each student is guaranteed at least the
letter grade corresponding to the percent ranges above. However, these ranges may be curved, at the
discretion of the teacher.
Grade Breakdown: The following is an ESTIMATE of the grade each semester:
45% tests and quizzes
45% homework, labs, and projects
10% final exam
Extra Credit: Extra credit will be given at the discretion of the teacher.
Classroom Rules: To ensure that everyone has a positive learning experience, the following rules have been developed for students to follow.
Consequences:
I reserve the right to skip any of these steps and write an immediate referral for any action I consider a serious breach of classroom behavior including any violent, illegal or rude action.
Cheating: Cheating includes, but is not limited to: copying assignments, labs, and tests/quizzes. Students caught cheating on the first offense will receive an F on the assignment, a parent notification, and a referral; depending on the category of cheating, up to a 5 day suspension may be given. The severity of discipline increases with further offenses. DON’T COPY…IT’S NOT WORTH IT!
Don’t be afraid
to seek extra help and to ask questions!
If you need help in any assignment, project, or concept, please see
me. Since I’m not always available, it
is best to schedule an appointment to meet during lunch or after school.
I have read and understand the policies and expectations stated in the 2006-2007 Course Expectations for Ms. Chung’s Biology class:
Student name (please
print):
____________________________________________ Period:
_______
Student signature:
______________________________________________ Date: ________________
Parent/guardian name: _____________________________________________
Relationship to student (please circle one): mother father guardian
Parent/guardian signature:
____________________________________________ Date: _____________
Which is the more
convenient way of communicating directly with you: by email or phone, (circle
one)?
Please write your contact
information below. If you provide a
phone number, please indicate if it is a cell phone, home number, etc.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
-----------Please keep the bottom
portion of the sheet for your reference and return the above portion with your
child to the teacher.
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Ms. Chung,
Biology |
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tchung@fremont.k12.ca.us |
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(510) 657-3600, ext.
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