Pre AP Biology.

Expectations and Policies of Pre-AP Biology

2006-2007

 

 

Occasionally communication gaps occur among parents, teachers and students. In an effort to                  bridge these gaps, we would like to acquaint you with the Pre-AP Biology program at Preston.

 Pre-AP biology is a higher-level biology class that encourages critical thinking and

communication skills. 

There will be just as much homework as in regular biology class although more challenging. 

Pre-AP classes assist in increasing reasoning capabilities and communication skills,

which promote

higher-order thinking skills, which will benefit the student in high school AP classes. 

The topics, which will be studied, are listed on this introduction along with a tentative

schedule listing the dates each unit will be presented.  All course material is based

on the required state standards of Colorado.  There are many topics but the hope is

o give a thorough overview of each and show how they interrelate.  Within each topic

there will be more labs and inquiry lessons which will continue to enhance higher-order

thinking skills and reasoning capabilities.

                 The ninth grade year is your student’s first year of High School.  All grades earned

               this year count toward final High School academic credit and grade point average. 

                 Successful completion of Biology is required for graduation from High School.

                 Students who are involved in extracurricular activities (i.e.  sports, music, band..)

                 that take away from class time must make up any missed work within a week, or any

                 Work missed will be marked as a zero. Missed work must be made up for class

                 success and prolonged absences are discouraged!

 

Materials Required

three-ringed binder                   pencil pouch                              

colored pencils (12)                  daily planner                 

topic dividers (5)                       covered textbook                                               

clean paper (lined and unlined)     ruler     

 

*note: the text book replacement/damage fee is costly!!       

Notebook

Each student will be required to keep a separate three-ringed notebook with five topic dividers for PreAP Biology only.  The dividers should be labeled as;

                          1.   Permanent Handouts (always in colored papers)

2. Current Unit (i.e. Genetics, notes, handouts....)

3. Assignment sheet with graded work

4. Vocabulary

5. Notebook paper/lined for notes

                                                   

Homework

Homework will be assigned several times per week.  Assignments must

be turned in on time to receive full credit.  Each assignment will be

half credit if turned in late. No credit will be given to assignments

turned in more than one class day late.  Exceptions for

illness and excused absences will be given.

 

Tests

Students will be given objectives for each unit. Unit tests, projects, and

Quizzes will be based on these objectives and all material

covered in class.  Students are encouraged to

study and prepare for the tests.  Individual concerns

or modifications should be discussed with the primary teacher.

 

Lab

There will be a formal lab write-up at least 3x during the year. 

The labs need to be type written (preferably typed) and

in the proper format which will be outlined in class.

 

Grades

Factors determining a student’s grade include all tests and quizzes, homework, lab work, projects, and current events.  Attending class and participation can also count towards your final score.                                                                           

 

Absences

See absence contract

 

Current Events

Students will be required to turn in one current event due according to schedule handed out in class.  The first due date is September 8 and the remainder of the due dates are outlined within the current event handout which will be handed out in class.

                                                                                                                                                                                          

 

Thank you in advance for helping with  a successful year in Pre-AP Biology!

 

 

Donna Widhalm - Periods 7 & 8 plan (M, 1:15- 1:45 & 1:55-2:30pm, T/R and W/F 1:04 – 2:30pm)

              PHONE: 419-7332                                                        dwidhalm@psdschools.org     

                                                                                                                                       

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