Applied Biology

Kory Knaster
Email: kknaster@ccs.us
Phone: (610) 903-1300
Website: http://www.knasterscience.weebly.com/
Remind 101: text @knasbio to the number 81010

Applied Biology
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course it focused on the fundamental principles of biology with emphasis on the cellular
basis of life, the molecular basis of heredity, and biological evolution. Topics include cell
structure, function, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, natural selection, and ecology. The nature of the
material will be new and challenging and will require an intentional approach from students in
terms of reading skills, independence and maturity. Students will frequently work cooperatively
to perform hands-on experiments and activities.
CONTENT OUTLINE:
Unit
1. Introduction to Biology and the
chemical basis for life

2. Cellular Biology and Bioenergetics

3. Cell Growth, Reproduction, and

Genetics

Topics
Scientific method
Characteristics of living
things
Atoms, elements, and
compounds
Organic macromolecules
Properties of water
Cell structure and
function
Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic
cells
Plant vs. Animal cells
Cellular transport
Photosynthesis
Cellular respiration
Fermentation
Cell growth and division
Mitosis
Meiosis
Controls on the cell cycle
Genetics
The central dogma
Engineering

Timeline
August October
(9 weeks)

NovemberJanuary
(9 weeks)

February- April
(9 weeks)

4. The Theory of Evolution

Biology Keystone
Selected topics in Biology

History of life
Evolution
All curriculum content
TBD

April- May
(4 weeks)
3rd week in May
May-June

MATERIALS NEEDED:
Spiral bound notebook
Folder
School glue
Pencils
Highlighter/Colored Pencils
TEXT: Glencoe Science Biology
A class set of textbooks will be provided. If you would like a physical copy please see me
individually.
GRADING:
Foundational Knowledge
CIA Essays
Teacher Imbedded Assessments (TIAs)
Mid-term and Final Exam

45%
15%
20%
20% (10% each)

LATE POLICY:
1. Late assignments, projects, lab reports, papers, etc. (NOT CCAs) will lose 10% per day
for 5 the first 5 days.
2. Beyond these 5 days, assignments may be turned in with a grade deduction of 50%.
3. Late assignments will be accepted until the lockout dates for each quarter. Late
assignments will not be accepted after these dates.
4. If a student misses class for any reason it is their responsibility to make up the work. If
notes or homework were given, the student should contact a friend in class for notes or
assignments.
5. If a student misses a lab, the lab must be completed during or after the school day when
the equipment and science room are available. Labs must be made up promptly within 2
days.
6. All assignments are due on their due date. If you are absent from school due to illness
you must turn in your assignment the day you return to school.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
Be Ready
Be in Class on Time
Be Prepared for class with your science notebook and a writing utensil

Be Responsible
Complete assignments on time
Follow classroom procedures
Keep an organized notebook
Be Respectful
Keep your cell phone away during class time
Remain in your seat unless told otherwise
Do not talk while others are talking
Remember a classroom is for all of US not just U
Classroom Procedures
Entering the classroom
1. Go to your assigned seat.
2. Sharpen your pencil or get makeup work if necessary.
3. Place any new papers into your
notebook
4. Complete the Do Now.

When you are late to class

1. Knock once and wait for me to
answer it.
2. Enter the class quietly.
3. Take your seat and begin class.
4. Each late will be a minor
offense
When you are not prepared for class
1. Get a pencil or pen from a friend
before starting your warm-up.
2. If you need a pencil from me, ask
and I will provide you with one.

Leaving the Classroom

1. To request permission to go to
the bathroom, raise your
bathroom pass in the air and wait
for me to respond. Do not call
out.

Getting Your attention

1. If you hear me say May I have
your attention please you need to
do that following things.
Sit up
Listen
Ask and answer questions
Nod your head
Track the speaker
Getting out of your Seat
1. Students are expected to remain
in their seats during instructional
time (when I am speaking)
2. If you must get up, raise your
hand and ask permission.
Sharpening pencils
1. Sharpen your pencil before class
starts.
2. During class, please hold up your
pencil quietly as a signal for
permission. When I shake my
head yes, you may go sharpen your
pencil.
Heading and Passing in Papers
1. Always include on your papers the
following information:
First and last name
Period #
2. When collecting papers, all papers

2. If you must leave for any other

situation, raise your hand and ask
and I will give you the appropriate
pass.
3. Only 1 student at a time leaves to
go to the bathroom.
When you are absent
1. Ask me in the beginning of the
period for the work you missed.
2. If there are any handouts from
the day you were absent, they will
be in the make-up work bin.
3. You may turn in make-up work
at any time. Place make-up
work in the appropriate bin.
4. If you need help with handouts or
notes from the day you were
absent, ask a neighbor before
asking me.
5. Missed labs may be made up by
doing the makeup assignment.
Cell Phone
1. Cell phones are monitored using a
red zone/green zone sign.
2. A red zone means that cell phones
are not being used in school, so
they should be out of site.
3. A green zone means you are
allowed to use your cell phone for
school appropriate uses.

can be passed on the side of the

table.
3. Papers may be turned into the
appropriate to be graded bin.
4. NO NAME, NO GRADE

1.
2.

3.

4.
5.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Working in a group
Each member of your group will
have a different job to do.
If you have a question, please try
to ask your group before me. If
you still have a question, only one
person has to raise their hand.
Use inside voices at all times. No
yelling or screaming. No taking
to students outside your group!
Be respectful of others.
When your group is finished, the
Material Manager must clean up
and return all materials.
End of the Period
Do not pack up until I tell you to.
Remain in your seat until I dismiss
you.
All materials and folders must be
put away to be dismissed
When I dismiss, push your chair
in.
Calmly exit the room.
If you need to speak to me for
any reason, please see me at this
time.

CHEATING
Cheating will not be tolerated. If a student is suspected of cheating, the assignment will result
in a zero and disciplinary action will result. This applies to copying another students work or
plagiarism.
ADDITIONAL HELP

Additional help will be provided to all students who need it. Any student needing extra help can
contact me to figure out a time we can meet. I am available before school, after school, during
lunch or during planning periods. Please do not hesitate to ask for help.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me.
I HOPE TO HAVE A GREAT YEAR