Honors Zoology
Wasson High School
2008-2009
Instructor Information
Allison Buckley
Room 41
328-2102
Course Description:
This course will help students identify and understand the diversity and evolutionary relationships of vertebrate groups. This will be an introduction to the natural history, evolution, physiology and behavior of vertebrates with an emphasis on those found in Colorado. The vertebrate groups covered in this class include fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Students should gain knowledge of how to identify these organisms both in the field and from preserved specimens in the laboratory. The issues of conservation and extinction will also be addressed.
Course Outline:
Topic(s) Chapters in Book
Evolution Chapter 6
Classification Chapter 10
Body Plan Vocabulary Chapter 9
Origin of Vertebrates Chapter 23
Fishes Chapter 24
Amphibians Chapter 25
Reptiles Chapter 26
Birds Chapter 27
Mammals Chapter 28
Required Materials:
Notebook or binder for lecture notes
Single subject notebook for labs
Colored pencils
Expectations and Procedures:
Come to class and be on time: Any tardy longer than 15 minutes will be counted as an absence
Be prepared: You must bring your materials everyday. When you come into class, find your seat and get ready to work. Don’t use the first few minutes for socializing – get down to business. I expect all pencil/paper borrowing, pencil sharpening, etc. to be completed BEFORE we start class. I also expect you will be mentally prepared and ready to positively participate in class.
Assignments: Complete homework and other assignments on time If you were absent, it is YOUR responsibility to check with me about missed assignments as soon as you return. Please see me before or after class – do not interrupt a lesson to ask about missed assignments. Make up tests may differ from regular tests.
Research Paper: You will be required to complete a 5 page research paper in APA format. You will choose a vertebrate topic and have it approved by your instructor. There will be some time for working on this in class, but a substantial amount will be done on your own.
Laboratory Fee: There is a $5.00 lab fee to cover disposable items such as gloves. You must pay this to the business office and show the receipt to me.
Laboratory Behavior: Dissection is a large part of this course. If you are unable to participate, I would suggest you find a different elective to take. Absolutely no horseplay will be tolerated during labs. If I find that your behavior is unacceptable, I will send you out of the lab area and you will receive no credit for that assignment.
Extra Credit: Extra credit is just that – extra. You will not be allowed any extra credit opportunities if you are missing more than 1 assignment.
Grading Categories:
Each category represents a percentage of your grade. For this class the categories and percentages are:
Lecture tests/quizzes 25%
Practicals 25%
Daily work 20%
Lab work 20%
Midterm/Final Exam 10%
Total 100%
Grading Scale:
A= 90 – 100%
B= 80 – 89%
C= 70 – 79%
D= 60 – 69%
F= below 59.9%
I post updated grades every week. Your grades are available to you and your parents on the Internet. D and F notices are called home every week by the school system.
You are responsible for your education – I am available for extra help during lunch and before and after school. Make plans with me ahead of time to make sure I do not have meetings already scheduled. You will have to get a special pass from me for any lunch appointments. I am here to offer you any support you may need, but it is up to you whether or not you pass this class. Above all else, if you do not understand something ASK FOR HELP. Grades are regularly posted and I expect you to monitor your own progress. Don’t expect to be able to slack off the entire semester and then salvage a failing grade in the last week. Come to class prepared and ready to work and you will do fine. I look forward to great year together.