Course Syllabus

Class Information and Assignments on Canvas

Welcome to Zoology!  This year you will embark on an EXCITING investigation into the Animal Kingdom.  I am confident that you will enjoy this experience!

 Course:  Zoology will introduce you to the amazing variety of animal life on our planet.  We will examine animal diversity, the organization of animals, and how they have adapted to inhabit a wide variety of ecological niches.  This provides an overview of the basic principles of zoology with a focus on EVOLUTIONARY and ECOLOGICAL principles.

 Teaching Methodology:  We have lots of material to cover- there are over 1 million species of animals!  Class time will consist of lecture, discussion, in-class activities, projects, labs and dissections.  You are required to participate in ALL dissections.  

 Daily Required Materials:

• 3-ring binder with notebook paper
• Composition notebook
• Pencil or Pen 

 Grading System:  Your grade will be calculated by a total points system. The Science department has 90% of your grade is assessments and 10% of your grade is daily work. Quizzes, informal assessments and projects are part of the 90%. 

 Late Work:  Classwork and homework is MANDATORY.  Late assignments will be graded with a 10% deduction for each class after the due date.  Work later than 2 weeks will not be accepted.

 Make-Up Work:  YOU are responsible for getting any work missed during your absence.  I highly recommend that you check the posted weekly schedule (in classroom and on Canvas) or ask me.  If makeup work is not completed in a timely fashion it will be considered late and graded accordingly.   

 Extra Credit:  You may earn extra credit.  You may outline each unit (PPTs on Canvas) covered and turn it in on the day of the unit test.  Outlines must be 2 pages in length to get credit.  Extra credit points will be added directly to the test.  

 Behavior Expectations:

• Be prepared.  Failure to do so is disruptive.

• Be in your assigned seat when the bell rings.  Tardiness will be handled according to CHS policy.  If you're tardy, you must present a tardy slip from the office.

• At proper times (especially when I am talking!) be quiet, be listening, and be working.  

• Use restroom and get a drink between classes.

• Phones in the assigned pockets upon entering class. No exceptions. If I extend a phone privilege, I will give boundaries according to the assignment. No phones during lectures/discussions.  If it is out at inappropriate times, I will take it!

• Have respect for fellow classmates, teacher, school property and animal specimen AT ALL TIMES.  Disrespect will not be tolerated. 

Consequences for Violations of Above Expectations:

• 1st Offense:  Verbal warning.

           2nd Offense:  Daily point deduction, written warning on record.

           3rd Offense: Office referral and phone call to guardian.