College Prep Biology
Information Sheet
Goals | Contact Information | Grading | Rules | Parent Hints | Student Hints | How to read the textbook | Supplies | General Notes
Course Goals:
- Introduce concepts in science and the study of life
- Enable students to develop an appreciation of the natural world and for the science discipline
- Prepare students for further science study
- Provide students an opportunity to practice science and life skills
- Prepare students for the end of course exam
Instructor: Candy Strobel, B.A. Furman University, M.A. East Carolina University, M.A. + 30 certification, The Citadel, 21 years teaching experience at James Island High School
Contact: School: 762-2754 extension 8489
email: biology306@comcast.net or candy_strobel@charleston.k12.sc.us
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Grading:
- Grades are weighted in the following matter:
Tests/projects 50%
Quizzes/labs 30%
Daily work 20%
A midterm exam will be given at the end of the first term and will count 20% of the student’s first term grade (pending board approval).
- An end of course exam will be given at the end of the second term and will count 20% of the entire course grade. The end of course exam is a state standardized exam and is required by state law.
- No late homework is accepted.
- Students will be given an opportunity to make up work missed due to absence. Work that is not made up will be given a grade of zero.
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Class Climate:
- All CCSD and JICHS policies will be followed regarding rules, behavior, dress code, and attendance.
- Classroom rules specific to my class:
- Show respect for yourself, others, personal and school property
- Actively participate in an appropriate manner
- No food/drinks
- Clean up after yourself
- FOLLOW DIRECTIONS
- Consequences:
- Verbal warning
- Detention
- Phone home
- Office referral
- Students are expected to actively participate in all class activities, ask questions, contribute to class discussions, and complete all assignments to the best of their ability.
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What can a parent do?
- Ask your teen about school.
- Keep up with his/her grades
- Help him/her develop a regular time to study without interruption
- Help him/her get appropriate rest and eat nutritionally.
- Attend open house
- Call me or email with any questions/concerns
What can a student do?
- Listen, reflect, and take notes in class.
- Review material that was covered in class on a daily basis.
- Read the textbook corresponding to the material in class.
- Complete all assignments on time.
- Ask questions/get help.
- Contribute to the lab group.
- Keep all materials organized in a notebook.
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How to read a textbook:
- Thumb through the pages to get a general impression of the assignment.
- Read the titles of sections and anticipate what the text will present.
- Read the first sentence of each paragraph and reflect on it as you read the rest of the paragraph.
- Relate the material you read to the topic sentences and chapter headings.
- Relate the material to your own experience or some example that is not given in the text.
- Make note of any questions you may have or sections that you do not understand.
- Close the book and restate what the text said in your own words. No peeking. If you have to peek, go back and read the section again.
- Remember: The big picture is supported by details and the details relate back to the big picture.
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Suggested supplies:
- 3 ring binder (1 ½ inches or more)
- Loose leaf paper
- Spiral notebook for notes (if you prefer)
- Pen/pencil
- 1 pack of graph paper
- Colored pencils
Please note: Assignments turned in MUST be on 8 ½ X 11 inch paper. Students may write in pen or pencil and use any color that is legible (yellow is NOT legible). Graphs MUST be done in pencil and MUST be drawn on graph paper. Any standard graph paper is fine (NOT logarithmic). Yes, we color in Biology class! Colored pencils are used for lab drawings and for color-coding diagrams that are study aids. Markers tend to bleed through the page and the directions are frequently printed on the back.
CP Biology is a rigorous course that will prepare the student for further study in science and provide the background needed for the exit and end of course exams. It is open to any student who has passed Physical Science. Students are expected to be self-motivated, energetic, and mature. Biology is a fun but challenging course that encompasses a study of life ranging from global ecology to molecular science.
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Thank you for sharing your teen with me. I am looking forward to a super year.