Living Environment Syllabus

  • THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT COURSE SYLLABUS

    Course Description

    The Living Environment is an introductory biology course that includes a 1200 minute laboratory component. Curriculum follows New York State Living Environment Core Curriculum Standards: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciaismst/pub/livingen.pdf

    This course is specifically designed to prepare students for the Living Environment Regents Exam. All students taking The Living Environment are required to take the Regents Exam in June. In this course, students will learn scientific inquiry, cell structure/function, basic biochemistry, nutrition, photosynthesis, respiration, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, protein synthesis, evolution, classification, plants, animals, systems of the body, ecology, and human impacts on the environment.

     

    Quarterly Grading

    40% Exams

    20% Quizzes and Homework

    20% Labs

    20% Classwork/Participation

    Final Average = 4 Quarters (88%) and Final Exam (12%) *Regents = Final

     

    Laboratory Requirement

    Critical to understanding science concepts is the use of scientific inquiry to develop explanations of natural phenomena. Therefore, as a prerequisite for admission to the Regents examination in the Living Environment, students must have successfully completed 1200 minutes of laboratory experience with satisfactory written reports for each laboratory investigation. To provide some leeway for this requirement, students will exceed the 1200 minutes of lab time to account for illnesses, extracurricular activities, or other legal absences. Labs will be completed during regular class periods. All tables, graphs, diagrams, and questions must be completed to receive credit. If the lab is incomplete or fails to meet the standards, it will be returned to the student for correction. Failure to do so will result in loss of credit.

     

    Notebook and Homework

    This course involves a great deal of information. Proper note taking is crucial to learning and understanding the information covered in class. All notes must be kept in your Living Environment notebook, which I will periodically check throughout the year. This is usually an easy way for you to score points towards your average. All homework should be handed in on the set due date. Late homework will be subject to point deductions but can always be turned to receive partial credit. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to find out what notes and homework you missed. Please notify me in advance if you plan on being absent, as may be able to prepare an assignment for you.

     

    General Expectations

    Show respect for yourself, your peers, and all faculty.

    Follow all safety precautions during lab.

    Be prepared for class (arrive on time with necessary materials).

    Maintain a positive attitude.

    Keep our room neat and clean.

    Be responsible and organized.

    Pay attention in class.

    Participate in lecture discussions, class activities, and lab experiments.

    Ask questions when you do not understand.

    If you're absent, it's your responsibility to make up missed Work.

    Leave cellphones, MP3 players, etc. in your locker or at home.

     

    Required Books and Supplies

    - Biology Text Book (Provided by NCCS)

    - Regents review book (Provided by NCCS)

    - A 1" 3-ring binder for your lab manual

    - Notebook or Binder (for notes and handouts)

    - Pens and pencils

     

    Contact information

    lf for some reason, you are unsure about your academic standing, ask me. I will answer all questions, to the best of my ability. The year will go by quickly, so stay on top of your assignments. I will strive to make our class as fun and interesting as possible by incorporating hands on activities and real World examples. I am looking forward to a great year of teaching

    Teacher: Jeff Blackburn

    School Phone: (518) 298-8242 ext 2226

    Email: jblackburn@nccscougar.org