This document outlines the course syllabus for 8th grade general biology taught by Miss Coder. The course will use the Holt Biology textbook and incorporate hands-on labs, experiments, and study of current science topics. The goals are for students to learn scientific methods and strengthen their comprehension and writing skills. Topics covered include lab skills, genetics, form and function of organisms, and interactions of life. The syllabus also details classroom policies, grading procedures, absenteeism policies, and requires students and parents to sign agreeing they have read and understand the guidelines.

1. 8th
Grade General Biology
2012-2013 Course Syllabus
Miss Coder
Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life. The following information is a general
description of the course and common class conduct. Please read it over carefully and
also have a parent or guardian read the provided information. Your first assignment is to
bring back the attachment properly filled out and signed. Thank you for your time and
cooperation.
West Liberty-Salem Science Department has adopted the Holt Biology by Johnson and
Raven for all offered Biology courses. This resource will be used along with other
materials to help provide science information according to WLS curriculum and Ohio
Education Standards. Students will participate in hands-on experiments, OAA practice,
and study of current information pertinent to today’s society.
The goals set for this year are to: utilize the basic scientific method, research, investigate
and draw inferences through science labs, and strengthen comprehension and writing
skills. One third of this course will be hands-on in a cooperative working/learning
environment. This course will also serve as prep for higher-level science classes and
skills needed for the 8th
grade OAA and the high school OGT.
BASIC TOPICS TO BE EXPLORED
Lab Skills – microscope, dissection, virtual labs, organisms ID and classification
Change in Gene Frequency – heredity, genetic structures and functions, mutation,
adaption, extinction
Form and Function – animal, plant, singles/simple celled organisms and viruses
Interactions of Life – symbiosis, biomes, environmental issues and health

2. CLASSROOM POLICY
1. Respect each other, yourself, school property, and authority.
2. Everyday be prepared with book, paper, writing utensil, journal
and any other needed materials.
3. No Eating and drinking will be permitted.
4. Immature and foul language or writing will not be tolerated.
5. Refrain from grooming products and makeup usage in class.
6. Horseplay and rowdiness is unacceptable.
7. Cheating or suspicion of cheating will result in a ZERO.
8. All grades and course outcomes are a result of YOUR personal
choices.
DISCIPLINE PRECEDURES
1. verbal warning
2. after school detention
3. removal from class
4. parental notification
5. referral to the Dean of Students
* Please note that any of these procedures can be use at any time.*

3. GRADING POLICY
Grades will be based upon a total point system of scored work over a nine weeks grading
period. Students and guardians can keep easy track of current grade by calculated points
earned by total available. Assignments will be updated on the WLS website once per
week. Late work will not be accepted. All assignments are late if not handed in during
class on the date due at the time of collection. Each student will be given a homework
pass at the beginning of each 9-week grading period to account for the fact that papers do
get lost, printers run out of ink, and life gets busy! A homework pass does not replace an
assignment but will allow students an extra day on an assignment (Note: can not be used
on Tests or Projects). Students will fill out and staple the homework pass to their
assignment and turn it in the following day the assignment is due for the opportunity of
receiving full credit. Extra credit assignments will NOT be given at the end of a grading
period, so please do not ask. Students have a full nine weeks to make good study
choices. The only extra credit offered will be for assignments that are offered to all
students throughout the quarter and for unused Homework Passes. Questions concerning
assignment or grades are welcomed. Email me at rcoder@wlstigers.org. All grades will
be posted within a week of a due date. Parents should make all assignment and or grade
clarification first with their student before emailing concerns. Confusion results when
assignment due dates are extended, students failed a test/quiz due to poor study choices
or students did not turn in an assignment. Please clarify all concerns first between
student and parents/guardians before voicing concerns.
WLS GRADING SYSTEM WILL BE USED
A 96-100 C 77-79
A- 92-95 C-74-76
B+89-91 D+71-73
B 86-88 D 68-70
B-83-85 D-65-67
C+80-82 F 64 and below

4. ABSENTEEISM
Absenteeism only puts students at a disadvantage for all of their classes. In the case of a
valid excuse from school, students are personally responsible for all notes, lecture, and
make-up work. Labs are very difficult to make up. Same labs may not be made up and
some may be made up through an alternative assignment available. Students will be
permitted days absent plus one to turn in all work. The student and teacher will
individually discuss test and quiz make-ups. Be aware that tests and quizzes are
announced two class days ahead of time (except in the case of a pop quiz) so if a student
misses the day before or the day of a test or quiz they will be expected to take it on the
day of return. With all the after school activities, students can access their lockers during
after school hours and or parents/ guardians can request all book/assignments sent home.
In the case of extended leave or extreme circumstances, special considerations will be
made.
BEINING AN ADULT
The best way to survive this class is to be an adult and communicate any problems or
concerns you may have before they affect your grade. Teachers are only human therefore
they cannot read minds. Be upfront and communicate any questions or concerns. Utilize
before school, study halls, gym class, lunch, after school, and email to ask questions, get
tutoring, or to gain access to class lab materials or computers. For desperate situations,
even a phone call in the late evening is acceptable. Good communication is key to all
classes, college, job training, jobs, marriage, and overall success in life.

5. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE FOLLOWING
GUIDELINES FOR 8TH
GRADE BIOLOGY.
PRINT STUDENT NAME________________________________________________________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE_________________________________________________________________
PARENT/GURADIAN SIGNATURE_______________________________________________________
DATE______________________________________________________
CIRCLE THE BEST TIME TO CALL
MORNING AFTERNOON EVENING
Home
Phone____________________________(alternate)______________________________
Work Phone_____________________________________________________________
Cell Phone_______________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Email_____________________________________________________
Student Email____________________________________________________________

6. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE FOLLOWING
GUIDELINES FOR 8TH
GRADE BIOLOGY.
PRINT STUDENT NAME________________________________________________________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE_________________________________________________________________
PARENT/GURADIAN SIGNATURE_______________________________________________________
DATE______________________________________________________
CIRCLE THE BEST TIME TO CALL
MORNING AFTERNOON EVENING
Home
Phone____________________________(alternate)______________________________
Work Phone_____________________________________________________________
Cell Phone_______________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Email_____________________________________________________
Student Email____________________________________________________________