Grand Meadow Public Schools
2024-2025 School Year
Biology
Instructor: Mike Keefe

Course Description

Biology is a course that studies living systems. It is similar to Life Science, but covers topics in more depth. We will be exploring ecology, cell biology, diversity and evolution, genetics, diversity of life and if time anatomy.  

Course Outline (subject to change)
1st Semester
Unit 1 Ecology
Modules 1-5
Unit 2 the Cell
Modules 6-9
Unit 3 History of Diversity
Module 13-14


2nd Semester
Unit 3 Genetics
Module 10-12
Unit 5 Diversity of Life
Module 17-21
If time-Unit 6 Human body


Grading: Quarter grades will be based on total points using the following scale:
A 100-94% B+ 89-87% C+ 79-77% D+ 69-67%
A- 93-90% B 86-84% C 76-74% D 66-64%
Below 60% F B- 83-80% C- 73-70% D- 63-60%
It is important to remember that a student will not be given a grade by the teacher; rather you the student earns the grade.


Weighting of Grades

70% Tests/Quizzes
Tests will be given after completion of one or more chapters. Quizzes are worth fewer points and are given more frequently. If you miss either-you are required to make it up within two days of being back or it is a 0 in the gradebook.

30% Coursework
Work where students are required to complete and activity alone will be counted here. Late work will be accepted for up to one week for half credit. After one week-it will be a zero in the grade book.
Completion of daily bell work 

Class Rules-
1. Be ready when the bell rings. Bell work will be on the board-make sure you are in your seat working on it when the bell rings.

2. Be respectful. This covers not only to your classmates, but to staff and the building/classroom.

3. Be responsible. You are a high school student and you are required to act like it.

Food/Drink----Water bottles are allowed at the desk, but not in the lab. No food is allowed.

Hall Passes----You have enough time between classes to use the bathroom, get a drink, and gather all your materials you will need for class. You will not be allowed to leave for any of these reasons once the bell rings.

I expect that each and every one of you have the ability to do great in this class. It is up to you to fulfill that expectation. This class will require hard work both in class and out of class. You will be challenged and I expect you will meet those challenges. The best way to have success is to stay on top of assignments. This class will be as fun as you let it be. Get ready for a great upcoming year in Biology.

Mr. Keefe