Welcome to the web page for Honors Biology class for the 2012—2013 Academic Year.

This page will provide you with the topics of class lectures, in class projects, laboratory sessions, homework assignments, Chapter Testing dates, and many web links to use in class, and for research resources.

Class and Student Expectations:

   1. Please treat your teacher, your classmates, the classroom, and yourself with respect. Please raise your hand if you have a question or comment. Please listen attentively when someone else is speaking.

   2. For every class meeting, you must bring your textbook, a notebook or a three ring binder, a folder for handouts, a calculator and a pen or pencil. Once class begins the student is expected to pay attention, take notes and participate in classroom activities.

   3. Homework will be assigned daily and is due at the beginning of class the next day. Please write legibly and neatly, or type your work. Homework is very important and will be calculated into your grade. Any late, missing, or incomplete homework assignments will be recorded as a zero.

   4. In the case of absence, the student is responsible of all missed assignments.  If you are  absent for an extended period, the student should contact the Dean of Students Office for assignment updates, and contact me at the school by email.

   5.  Tests will be given after each chapter, and will be announced several days prior to the proposed date.  Quizzes will be announced one or two days prior to the proposed date.  Quizzes will assess the previous day’s class notes or homework assignment.

   6. This course contains a Laboratory Component.  It is imperative that students follow all safety rules and instructions given by the teacher, in order to maintain a safe environment.  Laboratory instructions will be reviewed the day before the Laboratory is performed. Laboratory Reports will be required for each experiment. 

  7.  Projects and Research Paper:  Each student will be required to complete research papers or projects.  Details about the research papers and projects can be found on the Assignment section of this WebPage.

  8. A graphing calculator (TI-83plus) will be needed for laboratory experiments.  

Homework Help/ Study Assistance

I am available before and after school most days for tutoring or extra help.  The student is responsible for arranging to meet with me. Please feel free to see me at any time.

DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THERE IS A QUIZ/TEST TO ASK FOR HELP!

 
Grading Policy— A total point system will be used to determine your grade.

Homework— worth 10 points
Laboratory Report– worth 50 to 100 points
Quiz— worth  50 points
Test— worth 100 points
Project/Papers— worth 50 to 100 points

HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL STUDENT:

A student’s success in school is measured by the assignments completed and assessments that he takes.  Students who achieve the best grades are those who make a conscious effort to pay attention during class, complete homework assignments, and take notes.

 The following are some keys to taking notes during class:

  •  Notes should be dated and numbered.
  •  Take brief notes in your notebook.  At night reread your notes, and fill in the blanks when you review material for the next class, or assessment.
  •  When jotting down notes, if something seems unclear, ask for clarification. 
  •  Notes do not have to be in full sentences, use a phrase, graphic organizer, map or outline.
  •  If the teacher writes something on the board, or repeats something, it should definitely be written down.
  • Rewriting or typing notes will help you to organize, learn, and remember information that was covered in class.

 

Contact information for Mrs. Depasse:
Phone: 508-842-8934 x 232
Fax: 508-842-3670

Email: jdepasse@stjohnshigh.org