Biology Syllabus

2015-2016 School Year

Course: Biology
Instructor: Ms. Rebecca Yackanin
Email: ryackanin@aoths.net
Website: YackaninAOTHSscience.weebly.com
Textbook: Biology, Stephen Nowicki, Holt McDougal - Students will be assigned a Biology textbook
in class.
Course Description:
This is a yearlong course that encompasses traditional concepts in Biology and encourages
exploration of new discoveries in this field of science. Curricular components include biochemistry,
cell biology, cell processes, heredity and reproduction, the evolution of life, and ecology.
Required Materials: Materials must be present with student by Monday August 10 th 2015 and
brought to EVERY science class.
-1-Two pocket folder OR 1- Three ring binder with pockets to hold loose papers
-Loose-leaf lined paper (college ruled) can be placed in folder/binder
-Laboratory Notebook (college ruled composition book OR college ruled notebook) *Must not share
with any other subject this journal is solely for science and at times will be left in class to be graded*
-Black and blue pens
-Highlighters of different colors
-Pencils
-Helpful materials that will be needed (will have extras in classroom): calculator (may use the same
one for math class), 1 ruler, 1 pair of scissors, colored pencils/markers.
Grading Policy:
The breakdown for grading is as follows:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F Below 60
Your grade will include the following categories:
Science Journal: Science journals are necessary for student success. Students will take notes
throughout class and will use their journals as a study guide for upcoming quizzes and tests. Science
journals are expected to be organized with decent handwriting (there is a specific format that must be
followed) and will be used during class and at home. Journals will be graded bi-monthly and will be
worth 20-50 assignment points depending on the content from the previous week. Absent students
MUST make up missed notes/work in journal upon return, students will not be excused from any
journal notes or activities (regardless of an excused absence please see absent policy below).
Homework: There will be regular homework assignments for this class. These will include reading,
note taking, writing assignments, etc. All assignments will have assigned due dates. Homework will
be due at the beginning of the class period unless otherwise stated by the teacher. Please see

Late Work Policy for more information.

Bellwork: Students will complete 1-6 bellwork questions at the beginning of each class period. These
questions will be recorded and answered in their science journals and graded with the bi-monthly
journal checks. Bellwork will include review and standardized test prep questions.

Quizzes and Tests: Students will be given bi-monthly quizzes and unit tests throughout the school
year. All quizzes and tests will be announced prior to the test date with study sessions and review
guides available. Science journals and passed back work are essential study tools and should be
reviewed. Make-up quizzes/tests must be made up within one school week (5 days) upon return (it is
the responsibility of the student to inquire about make-up times).
Laboratory Reports/ Science Case Studies: Students will be responsible for completing laboratory
reports and case studies. These reports will have a specific format and rubric that students will be
graded on.
Laboratory Participation: Students will be required to participate in laboratory experiments. If a lab
day is missed students must contact Ms. Yackanin as soon as possible at ryackanin@aoths.net (or in
person the next day) to schedule a make-up lab. It is imperative a student contacts Ms. Yackanin as
soon as possible if a lab is missed because some laboratory materials have an expiration date or a
long set up/take down time.
Final Paper & Project: At the end of each semester students will turn in a final paper associated with
the semester project. The paper and project will have a set rubric and format and will be discussed
with students in class.
Classroom Participation: Students are encouraged to participate in class by asking questions and
participating in discussions. Overall attitude and effort in the classroom will be included in this grade.
Late Work Policy:
Work should be complete and turned in when it is due. On the high school level, and especially in
science, falling behind and catching up can lead to difficulties. Work will be accepted for full credit
until the end of the school day on the day it is due. After that, all work will be accepted for up to two
weeks past the due date and given 85% of the grade earned. If a student is absent, they must contact
me at ryackanin@aoths.net to receive missed work so the student wont fall behind.
Absent Make-up Work:
At a high school level, students are responsible for requesting and completing make-up work. You are
allotted one day to make up work for excused absences only. Work must also be made up for daily
bellwork activities and are due at the bi-monthly journal checks. Since journals are graded bi-monthly,
students have ample time to make up science journal work by collaborating with classmates and/or
working with the teacher. Quizzes/tests must be made up within one school week (5 days) upon
return. If students know of an upcoming absence (doctors appointment, school fieldtrip, etc) student
should let the teacher know ASAP and turn in work before the missed day. Please contact me at
ryackanin@aoths.net if you have any questions.

In order to be successful in this course students must ALWAYS try their best, come in with a good
attitude, and have excellent open communication with the teacher. Remember, effective students
are proactive rather than reactive. Time to have a GREAT year!
Parents and students, please sign and return this portion no later than Monday August 10th 2015:
I have read the syllabus and understand the policies set forth by Ms. Yackanin. I also understand that
if I have any questions or concerns I am encouraged to contact Ms. Yackanin as soon as possible at
ryackanin@aoths.net. I also understand the first HW assignment for this class will be to submit this
syllabus and have all required materials listed above by Monday August 10 th during class.

Date:
Parent Name:
Parent Signature:
Best way to contact parent (email preferred):
Student Name:
Class Period:
Student Signature: