The Newman School
Biology Ninth Grade Syllabus
Instructor: Ms. Mary Capozzi
Email: mcapozzi@newmanboston.org
Course Description:
Biology is the study of life, from the molecular level to entire ecosystems. In this course, we emphasize the unifying themes of evolution and the interconnectedness of life. Concepts are presented through labs, simulations, and discussion. They are reinforced with questions, examples, analogies and applications. The scientific method is emphasized throughout the year. Our class will have multiple lab activities and explorations. Labs encourage a sense of inquiry, organization and interpretation.
Learning Outcomes and Goals for Ninth Grade Biology:
Upon completion of study in Biology, students will demonstrate an understanding of the following conceptual strands in Biology:
• Matter and energy in organisms
• Structure-function relationships in cells and organisms
• Transmission of genetic information in organisms and populations
• Evolution and the origin of organismal diversity
• Structure and function of ecosystems
• Nature and history of scientific thought
Topics:
• The Scientific Method of Inquiry
• Ecology
Biogeochemical Cycles
H2O, C, N, and P
Energy Pyramids & Trophic Levels
Species Interactions
Population Ecology
Human Impact on Environment
• Cell Biology – organelles & osmosis
• Genetics
Patterns of Inheritance
DNA/RNA/Proteins
Genetic analysis, Electrophoresis & PCR
• Reproduction & Fetal Development
• Plant Reproduction & Animal Reproduction
• Human Reproduction & Fetal Development
Course Requirements and Required Materials:
Text: Complete Biology for IGCSE Pickering, Ron
0-19-915136-9
978-0-19-915136-3 2010 Oxford University Press 32.50
Supplies:
• 3 ring binder with Dividers labeled Lecture notes, Handouts, Lab and Other
• 2 Highlighters
• Index cards with hole punched in corner and a ring to hold them
• One college ruled notebook with inside folders
• Assignment notebook with small calendar to mark important dates
• 2 strong folders
• College ruled paper
• Plastic sheet protectors
• One Binder for Homework Only (Homework Binder will be passed in once a week and graded)
• Pens, Scientific Calculator
Class Expectations:
• Be on time to class.
• Bring to class your textbook, Biology binder or folder, papers, lab handouts and reports, and one or more non-erasable, water-insoluble pens.
• Be polite, honest, compassionate, and cooperative with your classmates, table group, and teacher.
• Raise your hand to make constructive comments and to ask or answer relevant questions.
• Listen attentively in class. No side-conversations, no non-science conversations or misbehaving during class discussion, problem solving, group work, demos, and/or experiments. If you must go to the restroom, quietly leave the classroom and return immediately. You are not permitted to use cell phone, and other non-biology electronic devices during class time, even if you were out in the hallways, to restroom or get water.
• On the day before lab day and on lab day, bring your lab handout and prelab assignment.
• Eating, drinking, misbehaving in lab, or disobeying lab safety rules will lower your lab grade. Lab Reports are to be typed only.
• Take notes on loose-leaf papers during class. Without warning, your teacher may collect and grade your class notes. Please organize notes, homework, and lab reports well in your Biology binder/folder.
• Do all homework assignments on loose-leaf papers, to be put chronologically in your Biology binder/folder. Without warning, your teacher may check and collect homework assignments.
• Every rotation, attend help-sessions and see your teacher by appointment. If you need help, stop by your teacher’s office anytime. If the teacher is not available, please leave a note or e-mail to say that you were by and, if possible, explain briefly in your note on what you would like help.
• After an absence from class, immediately check in with your teacher and classmates via e-mail and in person to catch up with missing class material.
Calculation of Grades:
Tests/Quizzes: 60%
Labs/ 25%
Homework/Participation: 15%
• Exams are usually given once a week, depending on the material being studied.
• Pop quizzes will occur and are based on lecture, book and homework material.
• Projects are usually announced 1-2 weeks in advance, depending on the magnitude of the project.