2. Welcome to J 205 Biological Sciences Classroom / Laboratory College Preparatory Biology Instructor: Ms. Lonergan Location: Rm. J205 Alhambra High School *Email: clonergan@martinez.k12.ca.us *EMAIL is my preferred communication venue Class room phone: 925.313.0440 ext. 2096

3. What Will Biology ‘P’ Students Learn? *Please Refer to Course Synopsis hand-out Introduction to cellular biology Basic organic chemistry Genetics Phylogeny/Taxonomy Classification Life progression through time Mankind & Nature “interdependence”

4. What is the Big picture for Biology Students ? Students learn anatomical changes over time in plant and animal phyla Note how simple life forms give rise to increasingly complex life forms All of life is interconnected (like puzzle pieces) Maintaining Biostatic/Homeostasis in living systems/organisms

5. Typical Week: (Refer to Course Synopsis for Sequence of Chapters)  Monday: Introduction to chapter - Lecture. *Vocabulary Due / Wkbk pgs Section one of new chapter  Tuesday: Continue Lecture on current chapter  Block Day: Reinforce concepts with laboratory activity & review chapter concepts  Friday: Exam on current chapter 35-40 pts  HW is assigned = Vocabulary for next chapter always due Monday

6. GRADES ARE AFFECTED BY UNEXCUSED ABSENCES  Students enrolled in college preparatory course work are expected to master concepts introduced and taught in class or lab by reading 5 nights per week for a minimum of 15- 20 minutes. Students who read below textbook grade level will need to read more often and review more often.  ….READ TO SUCCEED, and often RE- READ if necessary TO SUCCEED

7. Laboratories: Block days are worth triple academic points; laboratory work is most always on block days Students should not be absent on a block day unless it is absolutely necessary; LABORATORY WORK MAY BE DIFFICULT TO MAKE-UP, DUE TO lack of materials or degradation of live specimens or materials All lab work due @ end of period and lab station clean and tidy (points deducted if not) Pre-view/Pre-read all lab assignments BEFORE lab day Students who miss laboratory block days will lose significant lab participation points for assigned activity/lab and be given an alternative assignment for written points

8. Homework Expectations…… Pay attention in class to announced, written due dates; all information is listed on “white board”, chalk board, document camera Late work accepted for significant loss of points Preview or read chapters of study / labs before lecture/activity Read / Review each evening the material covered in class. Some students may need to re-review, re-read more often dependent upon their reading levels. Stay current in all work – excused absence? Meet with teacher immediately after class or school upon returning to school from an excused absence

9. Grading Policy GRADES ARE ONLINE AT THE AHS WEBSITE 100 – 85 % ‘A’ Range 84.9 – 75 % ‘B’ Range 74.9 – 65 % ‘C’ Range 64.9 – 55 % ‘D’ Range < 55 % = Failing Class *Semester Grade = The average of Terms 1, 2, 3 = Sem. 1 or 4, 5, 6 = Sem. 2

10. Concerns…Confused…Help? Schedule an appointment after class/school. Drop – In - available most days, long passing, lunch or after school drop-in’s welcome, but not guaranteed. Students who are disciplined in their studies can get extra help when needed if they speak with the teacher first Email address: clonergan@martinez..k12.ca.us. *As a student of college preparatory laboratory science classes plan ~20 minutes per evening of study time to review, read, study, etc. 5 days per week. E.g. Sunday – Thursday *ARE STUDENTS DOING THEIR PART?

11. o Equation for success: Student + Teacher + Parent = Success o Please let your child know they are the most important variable in this equation for success *Thank you for your support this evening and throughout the academic year.