Living Environment Course Outline Clarkstown South High School
2005-2006 Academic Year Instructor: Ms. Taylor
131 Demarest Ave Phone: 845-624-3400X8877
West Nyack, NY 10994 email: staylor@ccsd.edu
Afterschool hours: Wed and Thurs (2:15-3:00) website: www.smtaylor.org
Instructional Philosophy:
As an educator, it's my personal and professional responsibility to set your child up for success. The presentation of understandable,
yet engaging content and the process of skills are critical components in helping your child achieve success in accordance with NYS
guidelines. I look forward to working closely with parents and students to make this year engaging and rewarding.
Necessary Course Materials
-**Access to the internet (if you don't have one at home, the school or public libraries have free service available to you)
-Notebooks
-Pencils
-Pens
-Ruler
-Textbook
-Lab Book
-Folders (**must have separate for official documentation of completing laboratory work in order to take the Regents. This
notebook will be kept in class at all times.
Textbook:
Major Themes and Topics Covered: (not necessarily in this order and as individual units)
1. Laboratory Skills and Design** 2. Maintenance of Dynamic Equilibrium
3. Energy, Matter and Organization 4. Reproduction and Development
5. Genetics and Molecular Biology 6 Interaction and Interdependence in the.
7. Evolution environment (Ecology)
**New York State mandates that a minimum of 30 periods of laboratory wok be completed in a year, as well several labs which are
tested on the Regents examination. As part of this requirement, FOUR required laboratory activities must be completed in order
to be allowed to participate in the REGENTS examination at the end of the course.
Evaluation Practices (Percentages below are the class averages at the close of the marking period)
1. Quizzes, Tests and Notebook checks (50%)
- your two lowest scores are dropped at the end of each marking period.
-There is a mandatory requirement of notebook checks- the purpose is to make sure that students are taking satisfactory notes
and maintaining an organized format. This will be weighted as one test grade and will be collected individually, randomly and multiple
times throughout the year.
2. Labs (20%)
-Laboratory information may also occasionally be evaluated in the homework or in tests/quizzes at the instructor's discretion
-s a mandatory requirement of notebook checks- the purpose is to make sure that students are taking satisfactory notes and
maintaining an organized format. This will be weighted as one test grade and will be collected individually, randomly and multiple
times throughout the year.
3. Homework, Do Nows and Classwork (15%)
-Homework will be evaluated a variety of ways (spot checks, collection, discussion without collection and unannounced quizzes based
on the homework and will always be reviewed on a certain day in the week for clarification and self-check.
4. Projects, Presentations and Reports (15%)
5. Participation, Conduct, and Academic responsibility (consistent timeliness with homework, readiness and attendance)-(Extra Credit
points)
**Students are given frequent assignment updates are given so that students and parents can monitor their progress. This updates
must be signed by a parent/guardian and handed back to me.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notebook format: 3 separate sections in this order AND a separate lab folder:
1st divider entitled "DO NOWS"
2nd divider entitled "NOTES" (for Lab and Lectures)
3rd divider entitled "HANDOUTS" (all handouts are 3 holed punched)
Lab Folder with your name and period on it for completed labs.
Student Expectations:
Conduct:
1. Adherence to all safety rules and class procedures. If a student has a question about these rules and procedure, he/she needs
to speak with me before or after class concerning this matter. (see consequences below).
2. Respect the instructor and fellow students. This includes no name calling, horseplay, violence, threats, or put downs for any
reason.
3. Attend class consistently and participate often. We have a certain amount of material to cover within a certain amount of time
as mandated by NY state. It is imperative you be there in body and mind.
4. LISTEN while the instructor or a fellow student is talking
5. RAISE your hand if you want to talk.
6. IF the Instructor RAISES her hand, she wants your attention and silence in the room.
7. If you are absent on the day of a test, quiz or lab, you have the amount of time equivalent to your absence to complete any
evaluation/lab. If you miss school on only the day a quiz or test is given 2 consecutive times, you will be expected to complete it on
the day of your return the second time from that point on. If you fail to do so, you grade drops 15 points on the next consecutive
day you take it. After that, your grade will become a zero for that evaluation. YOU MUST COMPLETE TESTS DURING YOUR
FREE TIME OR MY AFTER SCHOOL HOURS ( Wed and Thurs 2:15-3:30).
8. You are responsible for getting the notes and relevant handouts for anytime you miss due to absences. The notes are available
on the internet web pages, another student, or the class binder. In addition, any internet activities assigned are expected to be
done, regardless of whether you have a computer at home (the school and public libraries can give you access).
9. YOU ARE TO TREAT YOUR LAB FOLDER LIKE A LEGAL DOCUMENT. This means that you are to handle it with care.
Corrected reports are NOT to be taken from the class WITHOUT permission from the instructor.
10. All needed texts and materials should be present in any class or lab.
Extra Credit Activities
-Extra credit is offered throughout the year to all students at various times so that there is equity in who receives EC. Any other
EC activity (that the student initiates) must be specifically negotiated with Ms. Taylor during non-class time (before or after
class/school or at a mutually agreed upon time). No extra credit activities will be granted to a student having incomplete or undone
homework.
Makeup of Tests/ Quizzes:
-Anyone can have a bad day, even teachers! You are allowed 1 Test makeup and 2 quiz makeups per marking period. I will allow
makeup tests/quizzes within these guidelines:
1. Requests for this are submitted in writing and signed and dated by the student
2. The retest/requiz grades will be averaged together in equal amount with the original test/quiz grade.
3. Students will have 5 class days from the day of the original test/quiz to do makeups.
Homework policy:
1. Assignments will be given in class by posting in the room, on the board and on the website.
2. Makeup of some (at teacher's discretion) undone and/or incomplete HW will not be allowed except for extenuating circumstances
3. Homework is expected to be completed by due dates. If HW is late or incomplete, a lower grade will be assigned.
4. **1 month of consecutive HW assignments done on time and complete results in 1 HW pass that can be used during the next
month on 1 assignment.
Consequences of Rule Violation:
1. 2 Verbal Warnings given to student
2. Conference with student after class and given a written warning that student signs
3. Detention- afterschool
4. Parent Conference
5. Administrative involvement
A copy of this course outline will be handed to all students and expected to be in their notebook throughout the year.
Please read and understand in class procedures. Please sign and date the bottom as instructed
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
I,____________________________(student) and______________________(parent/guardian) am aware of and have read and
understand the entire course description and procedures for Ms. Taylor's Living Environment class for the year 2005-2006.
Signature(student)_________________________________Date___________
Signature(parent)__________________________________Date__________
2005-2006 Academic Year Instructor: Ms. Taylor
131 Demarest Ave Phone: 845-624-3400X8877
West Nyack, NY 10994 email: staylor@ccsd.edu
Afterschool hours: Wed and Thurs (2:15-3:00) website: www.smtaylor.org
Instructional Philosophy:
As an educator, it's my personal and professional responsibility to set your child up for success. The presentation of understandable,
yet engaging content and the process of skills are critical components in helping your child achieve success in accordance with NYS
guidelines. I look forward to working closely with parents and students to make this year engaging and rewarding.
Necessary Course Materials
-**Access to the internet (if you don't have one at home, the school or public libraries have free service available to you)
-Notebooks
-Pencils
-Pens
-Ruler
-Textbook
-Lab Book
-Folders (**must have separate for official documentation of completing laboratory work in order to take the Regents. This
notebook will be kept in class at all times.
Textbook:
Major Themes and Topics Covered: (not necessarily in this order and as individual units)
1. Laboratory Skills and Design** 2. Maintenance of Dynamic Equilibrium
3. Energy, Matter and Organization 4. Reproduction and Development
5. Genetics and Molecular Biology 6 Interaction and Interdependence in the.
7. Evolution environment (Ecology)
**New York State mandates that a minimum of 30 periods of laboratory wok be completed in a year, as well several labs which are
tested on the Regents examination. As part of this requirement, FOUR required laboratory activities must be completed in order
to be allowed to participate in the REGENTS examination at the end of the course.
Evaluation Practices (Percentages below are the class averages at the close of the marking period)
1. Quizzes, Tests and Notebook checks (50%)
- your two lowest scores are dropped at the end of each marking period.
-There is a mandatory requirement of notebook checks- the purpose is to make sure that students are taking satisfactory notes
and maintaining an organized format. This will be weighted as one test grade and will be collected individually, randomly and multiple
times throughout the year.
2. Labs (20%)
-Laboratory information may also occasionally be evaluated in the homework or in tests/quizzes at the instructor's discretion
-s a mandatory requirement of notebook checks- the purpose is to make sure that students are taking satisfactory notes and
maintaining an organized format. This will be weighted as one test grade and will be collected individually, randomly and multiple
times throughout the year.
3. Homework, Do Nows and Classwork (15%)
-Homework will be evaluated a variety of ways (spot checks, collection, discussion without collection and unannounced quizzes based
on the homework and will always be reviewed on a certain day in the week for clarification and self-check.
4. Projects, Presentations and Reports (15%)
5. Participation, Conduct, and Academic responsibility (consistent timeliness with homework, readiness and attendance)-(Extra Credit
points)
**Students are given frequent assignment updates are given so that students and parents can monitor their progress. This updates
must be signed by a parent/guardian and handed back to me.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notebook format: 3 separate sections in this order AND a separate lab folder:
1st divider entitled "DO NOWS"
2nd divider entitled "NOTES" (for Lab and Lectures)
3rd divider entitled "HANDOUTS" (all handouts are 3 holed punched)
Lab Folder with your name and period on it for completed labs.
Student Expectations:
Conduct:
1. Adherence to all safety rules and class procedures. If a student has a question about these rules and procedure, he/she needs
to speak with me before or after class concerning this matter. (see consequences below).
2. Respect the instructor and fellow students. This includes no name calling, horseplay, violence, threats, or put downs for any
reason.
3. Attend class consistently and participate often. We have a certain amount of material to cover within a certain amount of time
as mandated by NY state. It is imperative you be there in body and mind.
4. LISTEN while the instructor or a fellow student is talking
5. RAISE your hand if you want to talk.
6. IF the Instructor RAISES her hand, she wants your attention and silence in the room.
7. If you are absent on the day of a test, quiz or lab, you have the amount of time equivalent to your absence to complete any
evaluation/lab. If you miss school on only the day a quiz or test is given 2 consecutive times, you will be expected to complete it on
the day of your return the second time from that point on. If you fail to do so, you grade drops 15 points on the next consecutive
day you take it. After that, your grade will become a zero for that evaluation. YOU MUST COMPLETE TESTS DURING YOUR
FREE TIME OR MY AFTER SCHOOL HOURS ( Wed and Thurs 2:15-3:30).
8. You are responsible for getting the notes and relevant handouts for anytime you miss due to absences. The notes are available
on the internet web pages, another student, or the class binder. In addition, any internet activities assigned are expected to be
done, regardless of whether you have a computer at home (the school and public libraries can give you access).
9. YOU ARE TO TREAT YOUR LAB FOLDER LIKE A LEGAL DOCUMENT. This means that you are to handle it with care.
Corrected reports are NOT to be taken from the class WITHOUT permission from the instructor.
10. All needed texts and materials should be present in any class or lab.
Extra Credit Activities
-Extra credit is offered throughout the year to all students at various times so that there is equity in who receives EC. Any other
EC activity (that the student initiates) must be specifically negotiated with Ms. Taylor during non-class time (before or after
class/school or at a mutually agreed upon time). No extra credit activities will be granted to a student having incomplete or undone
homework.
Makeup of Tests/ Quizzes:
-Anyone can have a bad day, even teachers! You are allowed 1 Test makeup and 2 quiz makeups per marking period. I will allow
makeup tests/quizzes within these guidelines:
1. Requests for this are submitted in writing and signed and dated by the student
2. The retest/requiz grades will be averaged together in equal amount with the original test/quiz grade.
3. Students will have 5 class days from the day of the original test/quiz to do makeups.
Homework policy:
1. Assignments will be given in class by posting in the room, on the board and on the website.
2. Makeup of some (at teacher's discretion) undone and/or incomplete HW will not be allowed except for extenuating circumstances
3. Homework is expected to be completed by due dates. If HW is late or incomplete, a lower grade will be assigned.
4. **1 month of consecutive HW assignments done on time and complete results in 1 HW pass that can be used during the next
month on 1 assignment.
Consequences of Rule Violation:
1. 2 Verbal Warnings given to student
2. Conference with student after class and given a written warning that student signs
3. Detention- afterschool
4. Parent Conference
5. Administrative involvement
A copy of this course outline will be handed to all students and expected to be in their notebook throughout the year.
Please read and understand in class procedures. Please sign and date the bottom as instructed
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
I,____________________________(student) and______________________(parent/guardian) am aware of and have read and
understand the entire course description and procedures for Ms. Taylor's Living Environment class for the year 2005-2006.
Signature(student)_________________________________Date___________
Signature(parent)__________________________________Date__________
| COURSE OUTLINE |
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