Ms. Nolan's Web Page

 

Biology: (prep)
This course covers the nature of living things, their structure, function, classification, habitats, heredity, and interrelationships. Topics covered include: cells and cell processes, genetics, evolution, reproduction, and human biology. There will be an emphasis on lab work. Students are expected to apply learned material to new problems.
Prerequisite: None required
 
Physical Science: (prep)
The fundamental approach in this course is one of discovery through experimentation, observation, and interpretation. Topics covered will include: volume and mass, electricity, compounds and elements, force and motion, work and heat, light and sound. Students will be required to keep notebooks and write detailed lab reports.
Prerequisite: None
 
Physical Science : (advanced)
The fundamental approach in this course is one of discovery through interpretation, observation, and interpretation of results. Topics covered will include: volume and mass, properties of matter, physical and chemical change, solubility, compounds and elements, force and motion, and electricity. Students will be required to keep notebooks and write detailed lab reports. Special research labs will be required at the end of each major unit of study. Additional research topics, which will require library work outside of class time, must be completed during the year.
Prerequisite: "B" or better in 8th grade science, and teacher recommendation.

 

Biology & Physical Science Syllabus

Nightly Homework You are responsible for homework even if you are absent from school. The due date for absent work is one day following your return to school. If your homework is not done, or not done adequately, you must stay after school to finish it.
Be Prepared You are expected to come to class with a covered textbook, notebook, and a pencil/pen. You must take notes in class. These notes will be invaluable when studying for the quizzes/tests and checked periodically for bonus points!!
Labs Lab write ups are due two days after the experiment is completed. How to write a lab report will be covered later in class. You will be working with a lab partner when doing experiments, however, you are responsible for writing your own lab report.
Friday Readings Friday readings are due every other Friday and forms are always available in the class supply cabinet.
Take tests/quizzes/word parts Quizzes are given every Friday on the topics covered in class during the week, including 5 new word parts and a brief review of the graded quizzes will follow on Monday. This is a great opportunity for you to find out if you really understand the material and review time for your weak areas. Make sure you save these quizzes, they make great study guides for tests! Tests are usually given every two weeks depending on the topic being covered.
Research Projects You are required to complete one research project per quarter. These projects involve independent research. Some class time will be devoted to working on these projects, but in addition you are responsible for working on your project outside of class.
Make-up Policy You have upon your return form school 3 days to make up a quiz and 5 days to make up a test, and labs must be done within 2 days. After that time, your grade will be recorded as a zero. Always come and see me upon your return to school to obtain a list of missing work!