Welcome to Biology!

Who is Mr. Kass???Education: B.P.H.E. and B. Ed. (University of Toronto)* Took courses in human anatomy,

physiology, biology, zoology, and biological anthropology

Subjects: Biology & Physical Education

Hobbies: Sports, training for triathlons, documentaries, movies, travelling, family

Favourite Quote: “Character is higher than intellect.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

My son, Broden. 7 months old!

What do you need for Bio Class?

• 3-ring binder & lined paper

• Pens, pencils, erasers

• Coloured pencils or pens (very helpful for colour coding)

• Computer, internet, printer

What can you expect from Mr. Kass?

• Variety of teaching strategies (lessons, group activities, labs, case studies, tons of visuals, and more!)

• Clarity (in expectations, lessons, etc.)

• Availability for extra help (just make an appointment!)

• Fairness and consistency

• A safe learning environment

What are my expectations of you?Behaviour – Treat others as you wish to be treated. Respect is the center of our little universe!

Attendance – If you want to succeed, you need to learn and in order to learn, you have to be there!

Late assignments – It’s easier just to hand things in on time, but I understand this isn’t always possible. Talk to me before the due date so we can arrange something. Do not wait until after it’s due.

Food & Drink – Not allowed because it’s a health and safety issue.

Missed tests – Let me know before if possible. There must be a valid excuse. A make-up will be scheduled if necessary.

Electronics – Not permitted. Will be confiscated if necessary.

Hats – Okay, but cannot be worn during tests or labs.

Work ethic – This matters more to me than anything else. You will be shocked at what you can do if you actually try hard in this course.

Thomas Edison (1847-1931)Thomas Edison was possibly the greatest inventor who ever lived. He received more than 1000 patents in his lifetime, many for items we take for granted today: the alkaline battery, the motion picture camera, the phonograph, and, of course, the light bulb. There’s a story that it took Edison more than 2000 experiments before he got his light bulb to work. When a reporter asked him how it felt to fail so many times, Edison said, “I never failed once. I invented the light bulb. It just happened to be a 2000 step process.”

Edison also said, “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.”

What’s Mr. Kass trying to tell us?- Mistakes are a crucial part of the learning process. Think of them as “steps” not failures.- Effort does not just mean attending every class

and doing your homework.- Make the most of our time this semester. Don’t

be afraid to ask questions (in class or on the wiki).

- Refer to the wiki (intro & bio skills unit) for more information on how to succeed in biology).

Unit 1 – Review & Biology Skills

Unit 2 – Genetic Processes

Unit 3 – Diversity of Life (1st half)

Unit 4 - Evolution

Unit 5 – Structure & Function

Unit 6 – Diversity of Life (1st half)

OR

How am I being marked?Term Work:Knowledge & Understanding = 30% (quizzes, tests, some assignments)

Thinking & Inquiry = 30% (labs, problem solving, researching, analyzing data, etc.)

Application = 20% (research projects, debates, extending science beyond the classroom)

Communication = 20% (lab reports, research reports, following conventions, calculations, presentations)

Summative Activities: E-Portfolio = 12% Written Exam = 18%

OVERALL MARK = TERM WORK (70%) + SUMMATIVES (30%)

Unit Assessments

- 1 to 3 quizzes

- 1-2 mini-assignments

- 1 dry lab

- 0-1 formal lab reports (2 total)

- Unit summative (test or project)

Learning Skills Works Independently

Teamwork (contribution to a team, ability to cooperate with classmates)

Organization (notebook, respecting due dates, comes to class prepared)

Initiative (effort in class, tries to get caught up when away, comes for extra help when needed, participates in class)

Work Habits (homework completion, in-class focus, able to stay on task)

Our Wikispace – for learning and communicating outside the classroom

http://11biology-kass.wikispaces.com