Northeastern Clinton Central School
103 Route 276
Champlain, NY 12919
Tel: (518) 298-8242 Fax: (518) 298-4293

THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT

COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Description

The Living Environment is an introductory biology course that includes a 1200 minute laboratory component.  Curriculum follows New York State Living Environment Core Curriculum Standards: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/mst/pub/livingen.pdf

This course is specifically designed to prepare students for the Living Environment Regents Exam.  All students taking The Living Environment are required to take the Regents Exam in June.  In this course, students will learn scientific inquiry, cell structure/function, basic biochemistry, nutrition, photosynthesis, respiration, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, protein synthesis, evolution, classification, plants, animals, systems of the body, ecology, and human impacts on the environment.

Quarterly Grading

40%                Exams (Usually 3 per quarter) *Exams include questions from labs

20%                Homework and Classwork

20%                Laboratory

10%                Quizzes and Notebook Checks (Most quizzes are open notebook)

10%                TE (Teacher Evaluation) Participation and General Expectations

*Final Averages = Average of 4 quarters (80%), midterm (10%), and final exam (10%)

Laboratory Requirement

Critical to understanding science concepts is the use of scientific inquiry to develop explanations of natural phenomena.  Therefore, as a prerequisite for admission to the Regents examination in the Living Environment, students must have successfully completed 1200 minutes of laboratory experience with satisfactory written reports for each laboratory investigation.  To provide some leeway for this requirement, students will exceed the 1200 minutes of lab time to account for illnesses, extracurricular activities, or other legal absences.  Labs will be completed during regular class periods.  All tables, graphs, diagrams, and questions must be completed to receive credit.  If the lab is incomplete or fails to meet the standards, it will be returned to the student for correction.  Corrected labs must be turned in within 2 days from the original date.  Failure to do so will result in loss of credit.

Notebook and Homework

This course involves a great deal of information.  Proper note taking is crucial to learning and understanding the information covered in class.  All notes must be kept in your Living Environment notebook, which I will periodically check throughout the year.  This is usually an easy way for you to score points towards your average.  All homework should be handed in on the set due date.  Homework will be accepted one day late with a 25% deduction.  Homework will not be accepted after the second day past due.  If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to find out what notes and homework you missed.  Please notify me in advance if you plan on being absent, as I may be able to prepare an assignment for you.

General Expectations

1.  Show respect for yourself, your peers, and all faculty.

2.  Follow all safety precautions during lab.

3.  Be prepared for class (arrive on time with necessary materials).

4.  Maintain a positive attitude.

5.  Keep our room neat and clean.  Be responsible and organized.

6.  Pay attention in class.

7.  Participate in lecture discussions, class activities, and lab experiments.

8.  Ask questions when you do not understand.

9.  If you’re absent, it’s your responsibility to make up missed work.

10. Leave cell phones, MP3 players, etc. in your locker or at home.

Required Books and Supplies

-          Biology Text Book (Provided by NCCS, and must be returned in June)

-          A 1" 3-ring binder for your lab manual

-         Notebook

-       Pens and pencils

-       Regents review book

Contact Information

If for some reason, you are unsure about your academic standing, ask me.  I will answer all questions, to the best of my ability.  The year will go by quickly, so stay on top of your assignments.  I will strive to make our class as fun and interesting as possible by incorporating hands on activities and real world examples.  I am looking forward to another great year of teaching!

Teacher:                     Greg Oshier

School Phone:           (518) 298-8242

Email:                         goshier@nccscougar.org

Website:                    http://www.nccscougar.org/goshier/

Separate the signed consent portion on the dotted line, and return it to the instructor.

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I have read The Living Environment Syllabus and understand my basic responsibilities as a student in this course.

Student Name (PRINTED) - ____________________________________________

Student Signature - ________________________________      Date - ___________

I have read The Living Environment Syllabus and understand my child’s basic responsibilities in this course.

Parent/Guardian Signature - _________________________      Date - ___________

Preferred contact method:

£    Email - my email address is                                                                       

£    Telephone - my telephone number is                                                         

 Download The Living Environment Course Syllabus

Greg Oshier - Northeastern Clinton Central School District