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COURSE: IB Biology HL – Year One

TEACHER: Danielle Mink

 

Welcome to IB Biology!  This is the first of a two year lab-based course sequence designed to immerse students in each of the major sub-fields of biological science.  Students will use their knowledge of experimental design and science process skills to take their understanding of biological concepts to a higher level.  The over-arching themes of biology will be used as a framework to organize studies, and include: nature of science, evolution, organization, energy interactions, continuity and change, relationship of structure and function, regulation and homeostasis, interdependence, and science/technology/society. 

 

Aims:

This course aims to:

·         develop and enhance a foundation in biological knowledge, methods, and techniques that can be nurtured, applied, and used by life-long learners

·         provide meaningful, stimulating and challenging opportunities for students to engage in scientific study within the context of biology.

·         produce scientifically literate young adults that can make informed decisions on a global scale

·         cultivate an appreciation for the complexities of the biosphere and the roles that humans play

·         connect biological concepts to current events/issues and raise awareness of the global implications of using science and technology (moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental)

·         promote and expand the usage of critical thinking/problem-solving skills, personal skills, communication skills, as well as experimental design, implementation, and data analysis

 

The following topics/concepts will be the focus of our studies over the next year:

Characteristics of Life, Taxonomy, Geography of the Cell, Stem Cells, Membranes and Exchange, Biochemistry, Cellular Respiration, Photosynthesis, Plant Science, Evolution, Populations, Ecology, Human Impact on the Ecosystem

 

For each unit, you will be provided with a list of the unit objectives (online) – as stated by the Diploma Programme Guide.  These are the objectives over which you will be tested – I recommend annotating them for use as a study tool. 

 

Furthermore, you will be subjected to the IB mark scheme for labs.  We will discuss these in more detail – but we will be keeping a portfolio of your work that will be submitted to the IBO and be used to help determine part of your overall score for the course. 

 

Expectations

 

 

 

 

Classroom Rules
  1. All school rules apply.
  2. Follow all staff directions.
  3. Everyone will be treated with dignity and respect.
  4. Do not enter the lab area or handle activity/lab materials until instructed to do so.
  5. Follow all lab safety precautions at all times.

Grades

Your grade will be calculated as follows:

bulletAssessments (65%): model IB/HL external assessment in order to better prepare students for external assessment papers at completion of second year.  Internal assessment scores, manipulative skills (summative),  quizzes, lab practicals and group 4 project grades will also be included in this category.  BONUS: 5 percentage points will be added to your unit test grade if you have all homework assignments for that unit completed to a “3” or better. 

 

bulletDaily Work (25%)
bulletLaboratory Work
bulletCompletion of assignment
bulletDemonstrates understanding of objectives
bulletAccuracy and rationality of conclusions
bulletIA skills as we develop them
bulletAssignment completion and accuracy
bulletHomework assignments – completion and accuracy (rubric online)
bulletReading Quizzes
bulletNicenet

 

bulletParticipation (10%)
bulletParticipation in class discussion/activities (3 points per day)
bulletLab work and manipulative skills (formative)

 

 

We will use Fayette County’s grading scale:

92-100 = A    83-91 = B    74-82 = C     65-73 = D     0-64 = F

Classroom Procedures

Late/Missing/Incomplete work

Assignments are due when I make a final call for it.  If I don’t have it in my hands upon the final call, it is officially late.  I will not accept late work.  If you are absent the day that a major assignment is due (lab reports, article reviews, papers, etc.) I must have it by the end of that day (either electronically or by sending it in with someone else or turning it in early).

 

Absences

Regardless of whether you have an excused or unexcused absence, it is your responsibility to find out what was done in class.  Talk with a classmate to get notes and pick up handouts from the appropriate folder on the board.  You will need to schedule a make up time (before or after school ONLY) for labs, videos, tests, and/or announced quizzes – according to school policy, only excused absences can be made up for credit.  If you schedule a make up time and then do not show, you will receive a zero.  You have a day plus a day to complete make up work.  It is up to you to remember to hand in your work on time.  You can recoup lost participation points (due to absence) by coming and making up your work with me in 45-minute intervals.   

 

Communication with families

Students who fall to a D/F status will have families notified via mail approximately every six weeks. Correspondence via e-mail is highly encouraged, I may be e-mailed at Danielle.mink@fayette.kyschools.us. I may also be contacted via phone: 381-3620, ext. 1808.  Please understand that voice mails are typically checked in the mornings and afternoons only.  I am frequently not in my classroom during planning periods.  Infinite Campus is a great resource, and I encourage you and your parents to use it frequently!   

 

Lab Work

Sometimes partners will be assigned, sometimes you will pick your own.  All labs are to be conducted adhering to safety rules.  Failure to comply will result in dismissal from the lab and you will be given an alternative assignment.  Lab areas should be cleaned and all materials returned to their origins upon the conclusion of the lab.  You are responsible for all lab materials – if you break it, you will be expected to replace it. Horseplay, under any circumstances, is NOT acceptable in the lab area.

 

Tardy to Class

We will be adhering to the TCHS tardy policy.  If you are late to class, please report to the office for a note.  If you are with another teacher, please have that teacher call me to avoid being marked absent.   A note about tardies: if you have an unexcused tardy, you will not receive credit for the work done while you were missing class.  

Extra Credit

Extra credit assignments will occasionally be available online.  In order to be eligible for extra credit, you may not have any zeroes for the current unit,  unexcused absences or tardies, and you must have a satisfactory conduct grade.  Deadlines will be posted and adhered to – no late work!

Materials

1.     3-ring binder or folder: you will be expected to keep a notebook, the details of how to organize it will be left up to you.  Your notebook should be for this class only. 

2.     Text:

3.     Loose-leaf paper

4.     Graph paper

5.     Calculator – whatever you are using for math will be more than sufficient

6.     Colored pencils

7.     Assignment book: get something you will use J

Assignments

Assignment lists will be posted on the board – it is your responsibility to copy down this information.   Both “long range” and “daily” assignments will be posted.  You should check the board each class period - corrections/changes will be starred, and you are responsible for updating your assignment book.  Assignments will also be posted online.  Daily activities, homework, tests, and announced quizzes will be posted. 

 

Notebook: At the very least, your notebook should contain your class notes (dated), handouts (also dated), graded assignments, and any returned tests/quizzes.  Organize things in a way that makes sense to you – be able to find things when you need them!  Also, remember you are taking a test over all this material that is TWO YEARS away.    

 

Nicenet: This class has an online classroom that will serve as a discussion board.  I will post prompts about videos we have watched in class, articles we have read, etc. and you will be instructed to post your thoughts and replies to others in this space.  Appropriate language is expected, and discussions should be focused on CONTENT, not people.  More on this later.  Instructions on how to join are on your website.

 

Article Reviews:

The details of this assignment, along with a rubric, are available on your website.  It is a SMALL GROUP assignment (no more than 3 people).  You may work with individuals from the other IB Bio I class.  You may also work individually if you so desire, but it is not recommended.  I will provide you with deadline dates – you are responsible for submitting your reviews by the deadline dates – I don’t want them early (unless you know you will be missing the class period it is due), and I won’t take them late (regardless of the reason).  If you need to e-mail me the review, make sure that I have it BEFORE class.  You need to accumulate two reviews each semester.

 

Article selections will be available in the library – see one of the librarians for assistance.  None of the articles may be removed from the library, but you may photocopy them or read them there.

Class Webpage

Your class web page can be found at: staff.fcps.net/dmink/  This is an invaluable resource – your assignments, unit objectives, extra credit opportunities, and links to helpful websites can all be found here.  

Classroom Expectations

1.     Be on time!  I teach class from bell to bell!

2.     Be prepared!  Bring your text when instructed, have notebook, paper, writing utensils, and assignment book EVERY DAY.

3.     Be polite!  Treat others (including the animals) the way you wish to be treated.  Respect is a two-way street. 

4.     Do your own work.  Copying, or letting others copy your work, will result in a significantly lower grade.  Repeat infractions will result in zeroes and parental notification.

5.     THINK!  I can’t say this often enough.  Keep those wheels spinning and ask why – and try to find the answers!  Don’t rely on me to be the purveyor of all biology knowledge. 

6.     If you have a question, please ask. 

7.     Try.  Take responsibility for your own learning.  Learning is an active process – and you are the only one who can do YOUR learning!  Develop positive study skills that you can continue to develop and use in the years to come!

  1. Listen to and follow instructions the first time they are given.