�Honors Biology
Morton High School� �2025– 2026 School Year
Mrs. Mary Holmgren, Biology Teacher
Science Department Chairperson
�Email: mary.holmgren@mcusd709.org �Phone: (309) 266-7162 EXT. 6044�Rm: 44, science office��
Welcome to Biology!
Honors biology is a comprehensive study of the living world, this course is designed for science-oriented students. Embedded within the course work is an emphasis on the processes of science including; making observations, proposing hypotheses, problem-solving, experimental design, and data analysis. A unit on laboratory investigations, experiments, microscope work, and the dissection of a fetal pig are course requirements. It is hoped that this course will be a stepping stone toward other science courses offered at Morton High School.
Units Covered:
Our curriculum is aligned with the NGSS standards. These standards are used in junior high and elementary schools.
https://www.nextgenscience.org/
Textbook:
Biology Now! W.W. Norton, 4th edition, 2024
Homework: Assignments will be posted in Schoology and on the board in the room. There will be times where we submit on Schoology and turn in by hand in class. Pay attention to directions.
Classroom Expectations:
*All school rules and policies as noted in the Student Handbook apply in this classroom.
Grading Procedures:
A total points system is used to calculate grades. Grades are determined by dividing an individual student’s accumulated point total by the total number of points possible.
�Tests: …………………………..…………..…100pts Max
Quizzes ………………………………………50pts Max
Labs …………………………………….……50pts (can vary)
Homework ……………………………………Pts Vary
Projects ……………………………………….Pts Vary
Extra Credit is available once a quarter in various forms.
A 90-100 C 79-70
B 89-80 D 69-60
F Below 59�
HELPFUL WEBSITES
PowerSchool is an excellent way to stay on top of your grades, tardies, and absences:�https://ps1.morton709.org/public/home.html
Schoology is where students AND parents access content, assignments, announcements and resources: http://mcusd709.schoology.com
Our online textbook - Biology Now, W.W. Norton https://digital.wwnorton.com/bionow4
Bozeman Science YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/bozemanscience
Supplies Needed:
Other Recommended Supplies:
See the student handbook for the policy on academic dishonesty concerning plagiarism and the use of AI.
Academic Assistance
�M-Th: 3:00pm – 3:40pm
During homeroom
Prep Periods: 3rd & 4th
By appointment only. Students must sign up for assistance via email or during class. I am always happy to work with students when they need assistance, but students need to be proactive so that they can get help when they need it.
Make – up Work/late work:
You have full access to presentations, notes, handouts, and assignments through Schoology. Please check Schoology to see what you missed when absent. Paper copies available when in class when you return.
All tests and quizzes must be made-up according the handbook policy.
LATE WORK: 50% deduction on assignment after class. Late work will not be accepted the following day. Exceptions will be made in extreme circumstances. You need to discuss this with me.
�
CLASSROOM NORMS FOR TECHNOLOGY
Students will listen for teacher’s cue to open or close iPad when whole-group work or attention is needed. Students will save/turn in work as needed and completely put away iPads when directed to do so. Students will visit only the websites listed in the activity, Schoology, or stated by the teacher.
Students will use iPads with caution in the lab.
PHONES WILL BE SILENT AND PUT AWAY.
Expectations: Students enrolled in honors biology are expected to be prepared for class with their iPad, writing utensil, and paper. They should take notes and complete homework in a timely manner. I also expect students to ask questions and seek help when appropriate. In addition, students are expected to attain passing test scores.
Since honors biology and standard biology are both introductory survey
courses, they both cover essentially the same material. However, honors biology requires more higher-level thinking and more advanced laboratory skills. For example, during microscope work, the students are taught how to measure specimens with the microscope and are then expected to use this skill throughout the course. Students are also taught how to design and conduct experiments. Throughout the year students will be required to demonstrate an ability to design and conduct their own experiments. In addition, students are asked to apply their knowledge to more advanced problems on quizzes and tests.
Format: Material will be presented for study in a variety of ways. Laboratory investigations and group work will be the standard method of learning in the classroom. In addition, there will be homework to reinforce key concepts and introduce some objectives. Lecture time is held to a minimum to allow students to experience science as a process. Generally, lecture-discussion sessions are held at the beginning of each unit in order to introduce the topic and give direction, and again at the end of the unit to emphasize the important ideas and skills learned in the lesson.
Students can expect a test at the end of each unit. First-quarter students will start to grow plants in the greenhouse as a part of an ongoing student-designed project. In November (second quarter), students will wrap up this project and display their research in a type of “science fair” format. In the third quarter, students will continue with scientific experiments of their design. You can expect to see some alternative assessments. Finally, in the fourth quarter, students dissect the fetal pig in the last month of school.
Course Values:
“It is important that you submit your own work so I can provide meaningful feedback to you to inform your next efforts to learn. If I don’t know what you do or don’t know, I can’t adjust my instruction to better support your learning. It’s okay not to know. It’s okay to ask questions. If you knew all of this already, there’d be no need for you to take this class.
Academic integrity means you own what you know, acknowledge what you don’t know, and are transparent about the ideas or words you use that were drawn from others’ work or through the use of AI tools. Sometimes, I’ll ask you to retrace your steps so I can affirm – or assist with – the process you’ve used to complete a task. I’ll always ask you to cite your sources. I’ll always expect you to give credit to others or to a technology tool when credit is due.
Academic dishonesty involves any attempt to take credit for knowledge or skills that you don’t actually possess as your own. If you cannot explain your work after it has been completed, it may or may not be evidence of academic dishonesty. However, it is evidence that you haven’t internalized that knowledge or those skills yet. If that is the case, I need to know so I can help you take the next steps necessary to learn.”
Please sign to acknowledge that you have read and understand the Biology 25-26 Syllabus.
Student Name (Please Print): ________________________________________________________
Student Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _____________
Parent/Guardian Name (Please Print): _______________________________________________
��Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________________ Date: _____________
If you have any questions, comments or things I should know please reach out!
Please sign to acknowledge that you have read and understand the Biology 25-26 Syllabus.
Student Name (Please Print): ________________________________________________________
Student Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _____________
Parent/Guardian Name (Please Print): _______________________________________________
��Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________________ Date: _____________
If you have any questions, comments or things I should know please reach out!