Mrs. Lisa Barnett
classroom 126/ office in room 124
Office hours: 8:00-8:50 and 12:10- 1:00.
Office phone: 816-936-1467
School email: lbarnett@pembrokehill.org Home email: esbarnett@att.net
Resources
Textbook: Biology- Exploring Life, by Campbell
Websites:
www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/LBarnett1/ This website will be used frequently. Assignments, due dates, hand outs and important class resources are all found on this website.
www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
This textbook website contains a complete online textbook. It also contains supplemental on line activities that will be assigned throughout the year.
Goals
Increase understanding and appreciation of the living world.
A variety of techniques and skills will be used including, laboratory work, reading, classroom discussions, computer investigations, classroom activities and research.
Develop laboratory skills necessary to study biology
A variety of lab techniques will be incorporated in this class. Students will learn to think critically and creatively, and work independently.
Improve written and verbal communication
Students will learn to express ideas accurately and comprehensively as it relates to biology both in written work on tests, quizzes and papers as well as orally in class discussions and formal presentations.
Evaluation
Tests: Tests account for aproximately 35% of the quarter grade. Graded tests will be returned to students in class approximately a week after the test date. Students will have the opportunity in class to correct answers and ask questions. Corrected tests will be returned to the teacher and place in the students test folder. Students will have access to the tests during the last week of the semester for final review.
Quizzes: Quizzes account for approximatley 10% of the quarter grade. Quizzes will be given every Monday. Quizzes will cover information from the previous week and the WOWS. At the end of the quarter, a student can drop the lowest quiz score. All missed quizzes must be made up by Friday of the given week.
Homework: Homework accounts for approximately 25% of the quarter. Homework assignments include reading and taking notes from the book, completing on line activities, and answering follow up questions to in class activities.
Biology notebook: All students are required to keep a comprehensive organized notebook. All handouts, notes, lab reports and assignments must be kept in the notebook. The notebooks will be turned in for a grade at various times.
Lab reports: Lab reports account for approximately 30% of the quarter grade. Several labs will require a formal written lab report. A hand out detailing the requirements for a formal lab report will be provided.
Semester exam: A semester exam will be given at the end of each semester.
Expectations
Notebook and organization
A 3-ring binder with dividers is required for class notes, homework, handouts etc. Students are required to bring the binder with them to class every day. (bringing your textbook to class every day is NOT required) Notebooks will be checked regularly and given credit. Your notebook must be organized with all assignments, hand outs, homework, and used exclusively for biology.
Homework assignments
To receive full credit, assignments must be completed by the beginning of the hour on the due date. Late assignments, which include any assignments turned in after the start of the hour, will receive a 50% deduction in credit. Students may turn in one late assignment per quarter with an attached “late pass” for full credit.
Absences and tardies
It is the student’s responsibility to schedule missed class work with the teacher the day he/she returns from an absence. Most labs and tests must be made up after school or during meetings period. Work that is not completed on the arranged date will receive late credit. If a student is absent on a day class notes are taken, a photocopy of a classmates notes may be made. Photocopied notes are only acceptable for the notebook check on the days the student was absent. Students are responsible for turning in any work that was collected during their absence.
Students who are late to class without a note from a teacher will receive one warning. Subsequent tardies will result in detention.
Academic dishonesty
The school’s academic dishonesty policy is detailed in the hand book. Important excerpts appear below.
“Students should not copy, or allow to be copied, homework or other papers. Working together on problems or making editorial suggestions on a paper is a good learning process, but loaning or making use of another’s finished work is dishonest.”
“Possession or use of unauthorized notes or copying answers from another on an exam, test or quiz is blatant cheating.”
Academic dishonesty will result in a loss of points and/or action from the disciplinary committee.
Cell phones
Use of cell phones is not permitted in the classroom at any time. Cell phones should be off and stored in your backpack. Detention will be assigned to any student using a cell phone in the class room.
Food and drink
Food and drink including water is not allowed in the classroom. With permission, students may leave the class room to get a drink of water.
Laboratory safety
Students must follow laboratory rules at all times during lab periods.
Equipment should only be used for its intended purpose.
If safety goggles are required, they must be on at all times during a lab.
Shoes must be worn at all times in class
All chemical spills and broken glass must be reported to the teacher when they occur. The teacher will provide appropriate instructions for the clean up of spilled chemicals and broken glass.
Horseplay, teasing, pushing and running are all prohibited in the lab.
Failure to follow the laboratory safety rules will result in a loss of points and/or detention.