1. Honors Biology
FALL Semester 2010
Mr. Wellmaker - Room 142
E-mail: wellmaker@fultonschools.org
Website: cwellmaker.webs.com
Course Description
The Biology curriculum continues students’ investigations of the life sciences that began in Grades K-8
(see Fulton County Systemwide Science Vertical Instructional Framework). The course is designed to
provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become literate, knowledgeable, and
proficient in biology. Biology extends the life sciences to more abstract concepts including, inter-
dependence of organisms, the relationship between matter, energy, and organisms, the behavior or
organisms, and evolution. These concepts are investigated through laboratory experiences and fieldwork
designed for students to develop appropriate knowledge and skills in science as inquiry. The course will
also include a cumulative semester exam first semester and an End of Course Test (EOCT) that counts
15% of the 2nd semester grade. The EOCT is a cumulative exam that covers the entire Biology
curriculum and is administered during the week of April 25th, 2011 as required by the State Board of
Education.
Outcome Expectations
At the end of this course students should be able to:
1. Use appropriate scientific tools to observe, record, organize, analyze, interpret, write, and present the
results of scientific investigations clearly and accurately.
2. Relate the importance of the chemistry life to cellular structures and functions in both prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells.
3. Describe and explain the role of DNA and RNA in transfer of traits to successive generations under
both asexual and sexual situations.
4. Explain the evolutionary basis of modern classification.
5. Trace the history of the theory of evolution and evaluate the role of natural selection in the
development of the theory.
6. Relate the complexity of organisms to how they obtain, transform, transport, release, and eliminate
matter and energy.
7. Investigate and assess the interdependence between organisms and on the flow of matter within their
ecosystems.
Class Materials
 3-ring binder (1” or more) with dividers and notebook paper
 One Standard size (9 3/4" x 7 1/2") quadrille graph paper composition book
 Textbook
 Pens (blue or black only), pencils, Highlighters and a cm ruler.
Textbook: Nowicki, S. Biology. McDougal Littell, 2008. ($76.96)
Textbooks become the responsibility of the student to whom they were issued from the time they are
distributed until they are returned to the textbook coordinator. Damage to an issued book, teampering
with the barcode or loss of a students’s textbook will result in an assessme3nt for the value of a
replacement book. If a damaged book is issued to a student then the student has two weeks to report it
in the media center so the damage can be recorded or a replacement book can be issued. Damaged
books are considered to be books with broken bindings, torn pages or missing pages, written on pages,
detached cover, missing or unreadable barcode.
Course Outline
The course outline on the next page is divided into units consisting of multiple chapters and are listed in
the order that they are taught. Each unit addresses the Georgia Performance Standards listed. Please
keep in mind that the duration of each unit is subject to change at the discrection of the teacher in order
to best address the needs of students.
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2. Page 2 of 6

3. Unit Chapters Duration GPS Objectives
(weeks)
SCSh 1: Students will evaluate the importance of curiosity, honesty,
openness, and skepticism in science.
SCSh 2: Students will use standard safety practices for all classroom
laboratory and field investigations.
SCSh 3: Students will indentify and investigate problems
scientifically.
Scientific thinking/ SCSh 4: Students will use tools and instruments for observing,
methodology, measuring and manipulating in scientific equipment and materials.
SCSh 5: Students will demonstrate the computation and estimation
Laboratory
1 1 ~2 skills necessary for analyzing data and developing reasonable
processes and explanations
Introduction to SCSh 6: Students will communicate scientific investigations and
Biology information clearly.
SCSh 7: Students will analyze how scientific knowledge is developed.
SCSh 8: Students will understand important features of the process
of scientific inquiry
SCSh 9: Students will enhance reading in all curriculum areas.
*These standards will be underlying themes used throughout the
entire year*
SB4. Students will assess the dependence of all organisms on one
another and the flow of energy and matter within their ecosystems.
a. Investigate the relationships among organisms, populations,
communities, ecosystems, and biomes.
b. Explain the flow of matter and energy through ecosystems by:
• Arranging components of a food chain according to energy flow
• Comparing the quantity of energy in the steps of an energy pyramid.
2 Ecology 13-16 ~3
• Explaining the need for cycling of major nutrients (C, O, H, N, P).
c. Relate environmental conditions to successional changes in
ecosystems.
d. Assess and explain human activities that influence and modify the
environment such as global warming, population growth, pesticide use,
and water and power consumption.
e. Relate plant adaptations, including tropisms, to the ability to survive
stressful environmental conditions.
f. Relate animal adaptations, including behaviors, to the ability to survive
stressful environmental conditions.
SB1: Analyze the nature of the relationship between structures and
functions in living cells.
b. Explain how enzymes function as catalysts. (Explain how enzymes
Biochemistry 2 ~2 relate to protein structure)
c. Identify the function of the four major macromolecules
(carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids)
SB1: Analyze the nature of the relationship between structures and
functions in living cells
a. Explain the role of cell organelles for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic
cells, including the cell membrane, in maintaining homeostasis and cell
reproduction.
Cellular Structure, 3, b. Explain how enzymes function as catalysts.
Cellular Energy 4 ~4 d. Explain the impact of water on life processes (i.e. osmosis, diffusion)
SB3: Students will derive the relationship between single-celled and
multi-celled organisms and the increasing complexity of systems.
(The majority of this standard is covered 2nd semester)
a. Explain the cycling of energy through the processes of photosynthesis
3 and respiration.
SB2: Students will analyze how biological traits are passed on to
successive generations.
Genetics I: a. Distinguish between DNA and RNA.
b. Explain the role of DNA in storing and transmitting cellular information
c. Using Mendel’s laws, explain the role of meiosis in reproductive
Molecular Genetics 8
variability
d. Describe the relationships between changes in DNA and potential
Cellular 5 – 6.2 appearance of new traits including:
Reproduction ~6 • Alterations during replication.
• Insertions
6.3 – 6.6 • Deletions
Mendelian
• Substitutions
Genetics • Mutagenic factors that can alter DNA.
(Basic Inheritance) • High energy radiation (x-rays and ultraviolet)
• Chemical
e. Compare the advantages of sexual reproduction and asexual
reproduction in different situations.
Grading Policy Grade Scale
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4. Tests 40 %
Laboratory Work 20 %
Quizzes, Homework and Classwork 20 %
Research Proposal 5%
Cumulative Final Exam 15 % A 100 - 90
B 89 - 80
C 79 - 70
F Below 70
Tests
Tests will be given at the end of each chapter or unit, sometimes covering material from multiple
chapters. Test material will include information from class notes, handouts, textbook, class work and
homework.
Laboratory Work
ALL labs, except those indicated by the teacher, should have a laboratory report completed in a quadrille
composition book. Students will be provided with lab notebook guidelines and the proper format for
completing laboratory reports. Some laboratory work will be assessed using lab quizzes and details about
each lab quiz will be provided when appropriate.
Laboratory Make-up
All students are expected to participate in Lab and make-up missed labs. Students who miss a lab
should consult their teacher for a make-up time. It is the student's responsibility to initiate lab
make up and attend a make up session. Failure to make-up a lab in a timely manner will result in
zero credit for the lab.
LATE Laboratory Notebooks/Reports
A 10% penalty will be applied for each day that a laboratory notebook is turned in late. Lab
notebooks are considered late if not turned in at the beginning of class on the due date. In
addition, to receive late credit, the lab notebook must be turned in before school or before class
begins. Failure to turn in notebooks at the beginning of school or class will result in an additional
late penalty.
Quizzes, Homework and Classwork
Quizzes
Quizzes will be given regularly. In addition, quizzes will cover information from homework
assignments, reading assignments, class notes, handouts, and lecture.
Homework (cwellmaker.webs.com)
Daily homework will be composed of a variety of work such as reading assignments, questions,
problems, and web based activities. Homework will be graded regularly, without warning; therefore,
students are expected to complete assignments and always come prepared to class. Being prepared
for class, means having work done, ready to be discussed and/or turned in. All homework is due at
the beginning of class; any work not turned in at the beginning of class will be considered late (see
late policy below).
Homework is not busy work; it is an integral part of learning biology! However, I do understand that
various issues may sometimes prevent you from turning in written assignments on time. Therefore,
you should be aware of the late written homework policy, it is as follows:
LATE Homework Policy: You are allowed to turn in written homework (not labs or projects) up
to 24 hours late with a 50% penalty, after that, late work will NOT be accepted. To receive late
credit, written homework assignments must be turned in before school or before class begins
within 24 hours (1 day) of the original assignment due date. I will not ask you for your late work
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5. and I will administer this policy strictly; therefore, no exceptions will be made other than those
situations where attendance is a factor.
Class work and Participation
Students are required to complete assigned classwork and participate in class discussions voluntarily
or, at least, when called upon by the teacher.
Research Proposal
All honors science students are required to complete a scientific research proposal (SRP). The SRP
requires students to investigate a scientific topic and propose experimentation related to it. Details
regarding the research proposal will be provided within the first two weeks of school.
Cumulative Final Exam
The 1st semester exam will be composed of material from chapters 1-8 and 13-16. The 2nd semester final
exam will be the End of Course Test which covers the entire year’s curriculum.
Class and School Policies
Class/Lab Rules
• Be respectful at all times and obey ALL school rules according to the student handbook.
• Be on time to class; the school’s tardy policy will be enforced.
• Use the restroom before class; I do not give passes to the restroom during class.
• Bring all required materials to class and place bookbags and purses underneath your chair/desk
during class, not in your lap!
• Do NOT get out of your seat without permission; it is a distracting to me and your classmates.
• Do NOT use cell phones or audio devices such as ipods & cd players in class at anytime – no
exceptions! These items should be turned off and be out of sight at all times.
• BE SAFE! Follow all laboratory safety rules as outlined in the Safety Contract.
• Do NOT eat or drink anything except pure bottled water at your desk only, not in the lab area.
• Clean up your lab station before leaving lab. This includes returning lab materials to the proper
place. Failure to clean up will result in loss of points on the lab.
• Failure to follow any of these class rules will result in contact with parent(s) and/or one or more of
the following: 1) warning 2) private detention 3) formal disciplinary action with your administrator.
Make-up Policy
Students are expected to take scheduled quizzes & tests even if they are absent the day before and
students who are absent the day of a quiz or test are expected to take a make up quiz/test upon return
to school. Make up tests are completion, short answer and/or essay. Assignments made prior to a full
day absence and due on the day the absence occurs will be due upon the student's return to school.
Tutorial (help)
There is no extra credit to improve your grade in this course; however, I am available to help you
succeed! If you need help, you should attend scheduled help sessions that I offer and speak to me
about scheduling one on one help when necessary. Don’t wait; talk to me ASAP!
Honor Code Against Academic Dishonesty
Remember our JCHS Core Value: INTEGRITY FIRST. Student assignments turned in for grading should
be the sole work of that individual student. To prevent plagiarism, students may not collaborate or
work with other students or adults on their assignments unless the teacher has given specific
instructions to do so. This includes the sharing of information via personal electronic devices, in person,
or by any other method. In an effort to encourage good study habits, fair competition, and positive
development in the area of academics, the Johns Creek faculty supports a strong policy against
cheating.
Students found guilty of cheating will receive a grade of "0" on the assignment or test and will not be
eligible to recover the grade. The assignment may not be made up (students having zero’s are not
eligible for recovery in that course). Any cheating incident may result in an honor code violation being
recorded in the student’s discipline record. Membership in honor clubs could be jeopardized. Students
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6. receiving an honor code violation on a major assessment or project will be assigned two days
of Saturday School as a minimum.
TurnItIn.com
Students will be asked to submit certain assignments through an internet program called
TurnItIn.com, an online plagiarism detector.
Plagiarism and Cheating
Plagiarism is defined as “using the work (words or ideas) of another as your own”; this includes copying
another student's homework, laboratory work, composition, or project, using excessive editing
suggestions of another student, parent, teacher, or paid editor and/or using words or ideas from a
published source without proper documentation. Cheating is defined as “glancing at or viewing another
students test or quiz paper and copying (see plagiarism) another student's work.”
Provision for Improving Grades (recovery)
Course grade recovery opportunities may be allowed when a student’s cumulative course average is 74
or below after the 6-week progress report is issued in any given semester. Students are responsible for
contacting the teacher and initiating the request for recovery opportunities at that time. Teachers will
establish a reasonable time for recovery work to be completed. All recovery work must be completed
ten school days prior to the end of the semester.
1. Recovery is not for the student who has been failing for many weeks, then wishes to recover
during the final days of a course.
2. Students must complete all assignments required to date in that course before recovery may be
initiated.
3. The student must demonstrate a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including
attendance.
4. The school may set maximum grades for recovery, may average recovery grades with original
assignment grades, or may change the original grade to passing upon successful completion of the
recovery assignment.
Technology Code of Ethics
According to the Fulton County Schools policy "students shall not alter or attempt to alter school or
private property including technology hardware and software." This includes: a) changing desktop
settings or control panels b) removing or damaging mouse tracking balls, keys, cables, connectors,
network jacks, or any other hardware c) modifying computer software d) damaging computer disks,
CD-ROMS, or other media.
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