Rob Wells

Best method of contact: email.

M.Ed.—Converse, 2003

Bachelor of Science in Biology, USC 1995

Coach, Wrestling and Football

Course Description:

Applied Biology 1 is the first section of a 2 part course designed to connect the major concepts of biology to every-day life. In applied biology 1, students will study the scientific method, cells, genetics, and a basic classification. In applied biology 2, topics include the study of evolution, classification, and identification of plants and animals, interdependence of organisms, dynamics of ecosystems, and the behavior and regulation of organisms. Applied biology 2 is evaluated by two benchmark tests, one per nine weeks. Applied Biology 2 will also have a cumulative final.

Scope and Sequence:

The scope and sequence will follow the South Carolina State Biology standards, which is found in your lab books.

Materials:

· Students will have their textbooks, each and every day. The required text for this class is BIOLOGY: The Dynamics of Life. You will need paper, and pen or pencil every single day in this class.

· Students will have a 3 ring binder for a notebook, dedicated to this class only, and will be graded on it. It will have 4 sections: Journal Questions, Lecture Notes, Labs, and Returned Work. This notebook will be organized chronologically, and will have a grade sheet (I will provide) preceding all sections.

Grading:

Grades are determined on a total point system. Please refer to your grade sheet for an accurate average. Once my web site is up and running, you will be able to check them there. The formula for grades is total points earned divided by total points possible. Your final will be a cumulative assessment at the end, and each nine weeks benchmark test. One will cover evolution, the other will cover ecology. The grading scale employed by Richland 2 and Spring Valley High School will apply in this class. Please see your student handbook for letter grade benchmarks.

Making up work:

Making up assignments is the sole responsibility of the student—you will have to ask for any work missed. I will give make up work only if the student has a readmit slip, which verifies the student’s absence was excused. All work is due within 5 days of the excused absence. Some events, such as lab, cannot be made up for logistical reasons. If this is the case, you will receive an alternative assignment—such as the writing of a paper on the subject covered in lab that day. If you missed a quiz, or anything dealing with a secure nature, you will be given an article assignment. Just because you are absent the day before a test, does not necessarily excuse you from taking it when you return. If you knew about it before the absence, you can expect to take it when you return. If you are tardy the day of a test (to avoid the test) and are in E-2, you’re getting a zero.

Rules:

1. Bring your notebook, pen or pencil, and textbook to class every day.

2. Bring your calculator every day—you may not use it daily, but will need it often.

3. Be in the seat before the tardy bell rings, ready to go. If you are in your seat, ready to go when the bell rings, you are not tardy. Anything else is tardy.

4. Don’t bring food, gum, candy, or any drinks (this includes water) in this room.

5. Be respectful, for you will be treated respectfully.

6. All rules in the student handbook will be enforced in this classroom.

7. Follow all rules established for lab safety.

8. Be prepared, ready to go each day.

9. Be attentive, and actively involved in class. You will be warned about sleeping (assuming a position of sleep—head down, etc.) only once, then sent out.

Consequences for your actions:

1. You will receive a verbal warning. This may result in a conference with me after class.

2. Lunch detention, or writing assignment, with parental contact.

3. A parental conference, detailing your behavioral choices.

4. Referral to E2.

Late Work:

As a rule, I do not accept late work. Work is due only on the due date. Anything in contradiction to that results in a zero. I do, however, give amnesty grades on certain dates that allow the student to keep missing work and turn it in for half credit. In the past, this has helped several students to achieve passing grades.

When class begins:

There is always a Journal Question on the board, and you will be expected to copy it down and answer it to the best of your ability. These are kept in your science notebooks, and graded. Once the Journal question has been discussed, we move into homework grading and the daily objectives.

When class ends:

Please make sure you have the homework assignment written down and know the due date. The bell does not dismiss you, I do.

Classroom passes:

If you are tardy, go to E2—I do not make exceptions to the tardy bell. If you have a pass from another teacher, take it to E2 and get Mr. Wilson to write you a pass to class. If you arrive late on a bus, get a late bus pass from administration and be here within ten minutes of issue. I give one pass per 9 weeks for the restroom—so use it wisely as you never know when an emergency arises. Water, tissue, locker trips, should be taken between classes.

Getting your attention:

I will use a raised hand to get the class to come to attention.

Availability:

To the student: As your teacher, I want to know your concerns about class, school, or even your life. Above all things, I am here to teach you science—if you ever need help, ask. I am available before school, at lunch, and between classes—I have athletic responsibilities after school.

To the parent: Please never hesitate to contact me. I am at your service, and will try to communicate with you in a manner you find satisfactory. Please bear in mind that as a coach, I have added responsibilities—but it is my goal to return calls and emails efficiently.

Signatures Required:

For the student:

I have read and understand the classroom rules explained by Coach Wells. I have an understanding of the consequences, and realize I am responsible for my behavior. I have read the honor code found on page 16 of the student handbook—and will not cheat. I understand classroom rules apply in the lab, as well. I understand and agree to follow all classroom rules, as well as lab safety rules. I fully understand and agree to comply with the goals and expectations established for this course.

Student Signature: ____________________________________________Date:_________________

For the parent:

I have received a copy of the course syllabus, a copy of the state standards, and understand my child’s role in Coach Wells’ classroom. I understand rules of conduct will be enforced in class, and that my child has an obligation to behave in class. I understand that all rules in this syllabus and in the student handbook will be enforced in this class.

Parent Signature: _____________________________Date: __________________