Description and Objectives

The ninth grade biology program has as its major goals the development of logical thinking, the ability to solve problems, and the defense of the culture of life.  This is a general biology course and a vast array of topics will be covered.

Textbooks

Biology by Glencoe ISBN 978-0-07-677428-9

Course Requirements

Grades will be determined by tests, quizzes,  notebook checks,  projects, labs, graded essays, and class participation/homework.  In an 8 week period there will be a minimum of 8 graded assignments and some of these will be weighted differently. Students should not email the teacher.  If absent a student should contact a friend in the same class to get the homework. If homework is missed due to an absence, it should be turned in within 2 days.   Please note late homework is not accepted. Students need to develop a consistent and diligent work ethic.

Successful Students

From my observations, the greatest challenge for a student in a high school science is the need to do consistent work over the entire quarter.  Success in the course will depend on a student’s motivation, consistent daily preparation, reading ability, organizational skills, attentiveness, and the ability to think abstractly.  These skills, at the present time, may not be at their peak, but the student’s willingness to develop and apply them throughout the year is essential  for a positive learning experience.

Nightly homework is graded on a completion basis and it must be complete to receive full credit. Homework is part of the larger participation grade. Students are expected to have the proper supplies for each class such as homework, text, notebooks, etc…  which is all part of participation. Students are expected to complete even those challenging questions that may require extra thought and reading and at least put down a best educated guess.  In this way students develop the habit of completing work and become accustomed to be self-reliant learners. Doing an ordinary task in an extrodinary way is habit forming. Your support in this area will show promising benefits.

Additional Resources

As parents you can monitor your boy’s progress by checking their notebooks, folder, assignment pad, and their homework. When your child is absent be sure to have him stay to make up work. Upon his return to class the student is expected to participate in all activities unless a note is presented to me and signed by a parent. Tests, quizzes, and projects are made up the day of return. Homeowrk for a 1-day absence should be made up in 2 days and for an extended absence make up work should be completed within 5 days.