Course Syllabus

WHS Biology - ACP


Mr. Giancioppo
giancioppop@wellesleyps.org (best way for parents/home to contact me initially)
Standard Office Hours: Tuesdays, 2:30-3:00 (any changes will be shared at the beginning of the week)

Please click here to view my "Back to School" Video

 

Course Summary & Expectations

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to ACP Biology! In this course, we will explore the major concepts in biology, emphasizing problem solving, laboratory exercises, data analysis, and application of biology to everyday life.

The course will require students to work both independently and in groups as we spiral through many aspects of biology. Topics covered in this course will include (not necessarily in this order):

  • The scientific method 
  • Ecology
  • Plant development and structure
  • Biomolecules
  • Biodiversity 
  • Animal development and structure
  • Cell biology
  • Evolution
  • Human biology
  • Cell reproduction
  • Genetics
  • Biotechnology

We will be utilizing a storylining method for covering the content in this course. This style of learning is designed to be phenomenon-based, immersive and student-driven. In order for a student to find success in this course, students must take responsibility for their own learning and actions as well as develop a sense of agency. It will be important that you ask questions about any material that you don’t understand. In other words, self advocacy and communication are critical to success. It’s particularly important to do this at the time that the material is being discussed and well before an assessment (test, quiz, etc). When something is unclear or if something happens that impedes your ability to meet a deadline, please let me know! Letting me know as soon as possible makes it more likely that I will be to help you prior to a deadline. Email is the best way to connect (giancioppop@wellesleyps.org).

Parents/guardians and students: please review the class policies, procedures, and expectations below. Understanding and following these expectations will serve as a solid foundation for your success in ACP Biology.

Policies and Procedures:
(Note: the policies and expectations noted in the WHS Student Handbook apply at all times.)

I. General Classroom Culture

The core values of Wellesley High School (Academic Excellence, Respect for Human Differences, Cooperative and Caring Relationships, and Commitment to Community) are core values of my classroom.  A culture of care, kindness and respect for community members is at the core of my daily practice and I expect the same from my students.  This includes daily preparation and participation, and active inclusion and compassion for all people, and adherence to academic integrity.

 

II. Recommended materials you should have for each class:

    1. Your computer - with your own charger (and headphones if possible)!
    2. Three Ring Binder & folder (there will be many paper handouts)
    3. Pens/Pencils (more than one color is useful)
      Text: Concepts of Biology - Open Stacks. This is an optional, free online resource. Students can find this URL or a PDF version of the textbook, available on Canvas.

 

III. Grading: Term Weights and Category Weighting, etc.
At the end of the first semester and at the end of the academic year, a midyear and final exam may be administered.  Additionally, there will be a long term research project on plants that will occur in the spring. The combined midyear, final exam and portions of the research project will count for 12% of the final grade. Each quarter counts for 22% of your final grade in the course. The categories within the four terms are:

  • Assessments (quizzes & tests): 50% 
  • Labs/Activities/Projects: 50%.
    • There will not be much homework other than finishing activities that were not completed before the end of class. When homework is assigned, it will be provided with a due date, checked for completion, and reviewed. Though some homework assignments may not be associated with a grade, completing the homework in a timely manner is essential for success on the assessments and this course.

*All grading policies are subject to change. Any changes will be announced and communicated to students & parents/guardians prior to the change taking effect. 

Assessments:  Major assessments will be announced in advance.  You can expect at least two assessments per term.  If you have accommodations, make sure to discuss them with me before the date of the assessment. You are expected to take the test on the day that it is meant to take place.

Pop Quizzes: Occasional small, unannounced pop quizzes may be provided and counted for a grade. Making sure you are up to date on your work is the best way to be successful for these.

Late assignment penalty: For graded assignments, a 20% penalty will be applied to any assignment that is not submitted at the beginning of class of the due date. Late assignments must be submitted prior to the assessment they are associated with. They will not be accepted after taking the quiz/test and will remain a zero if submitted afterward.

 

IV. Tardiness & Absences
Please make every effort to be on time to class. This class has a morning double block once per cycle and students are expected to be in the classroom by 7:30am on those days so that the class can start on time. You will be marked tardy if you arrive after the 2nd bell. If you know you will be absent or tardy from class, please:

  1. Inform your house office. 
  2. Check the Daily Agenda on Canvas to see what you missed
  3. Contact me about questions relating to missed work ASAP so that you don't fall behind.

If I (the teacher) need to be absent, students should check their email, Canvas, and the Daily Agenda for instructions, as assignments may still be assigned.

Missed Work:

If a student has an excused absence, it is their responsibility to make up all work as promptly as possible. The student is responsible for establishing a make up plan with me within one day of their return to school. If we do not have class on the day you return, please email/seek me out to schedule a time for make up work. This includes regular classwork AND laboratory assignments. For a planned absence, the student should advise me in advance so that we can make a plan.

Missed Assessments (tests/quizzes):

If the student is absent the day before an assessment (quiz/test) and returns to school on the day of the assessment, they are expected to take the assessment as scheduled with the class.

If the student is absent on the day of the assessment, they are expected to take the assessment on the day they return to school.  There will be no make-up opportunity for those students who cut an assessment.

 

V. Academic Honesty & Integrity
Please be clear that cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty as noted in the student handbook will not be tolerated. This includes the sharing of homework, classwork, and communicating assessment information to other students. Assume everything is to be completed individually unless you are instructed otherwise by me; I will indicate when assignments are to be done in groups. If you are unsure, please ask! If any violations should occur, handbook protocols for handling the incident will be followed, which may include a failing grade for that particular activity for any individuals involved. The appropriate assistant principal will be contacted as well as parents/guardians.

Note on the use of AI (artificial intelligence):  As noted in the student handbook, "students may not use an artificial intelligence program to aid their work on an assignment unless explicitly directed to do so by their instructor." If you wish to use AI to enhance your learning, please ask me for advice on how to do so. 

 

VI. Canvas & Email Updates
We will be utilizing Canvas as much as possible when completing online work. Units will be outlined in module format and links to any online documents, assignments, presentations, labs, etc. will be found in these modules. The Daily Agenda for each class day will be posted within Canvas. Some updates will be communicated via email. It will be expected that you will check both the agenda and your email regularly for updates, especially when absent or tardy.

 

Thank you for your careful attention to these classroom expectations. Please know that I am here to help you learn and succeed in biology and am truly looking forward to working with you all this year. I hope this will be a rewarding year for all of us!

Parents/Guardians: Email is the quickest way to get in touch with me, so please feel free to contact me at giancioppop@wellesleyps.org. A follow up phone call can certainly be scheduled if desired as well.

Sincerely,

Mr. Paul Giancioppo