Parents/Guardians:

Please read this syllabus carefully. Afterwards, please e-mail me at dan.bregar@corvallis.k12.or.us and indicate that you have read and understand the requirements and policies for this course. If you do not have access to e-mail, or if you prefer an alternate method of contact, you may call me at 757-4541 or send a note to school with your student that indicates your understanding of the requirements and policies for this course.

Course Outline - Field Biology

Unit	Defining Questions	Major Assignments
Introduction	What is science? What is ecology? How do scientists do their work? How can we ask a good scientific question?	¨ Question Generating Project
Plant and Historical Ecology	What types of native and non-native plants are located on CV’s campus? What is the ecological and historical importance of native plants in our area? What are the common methods for assessing plant diversity and abundance?	¨ Plant data collection and analysis paper
Water Quality	What is water quality, and why is it important? How is water quality measured? How can we characterize the water quality of creeks, streams, and rivers here in the Willamette Valley?	¨ Water quality research paper ¨ SalmonWatch water quality activity
Soil Studies	Why is soil such a unique ecosystem? How does it contribute to biological diversity?	¨ Soil data collection methods paper
Invertebrate Ecology	What different types of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates are located on Crescent Valley’s campus? What is the ecological importance of these organisms? What are some standard methods for assessing invertebrate populations and diversity?	¨ Invertebrate data collection tables and graphs
Genetics	How do scientists use genetics and other scientific ideas to explain the diversity of life?	¨ Reflection paper

Course Syllabus - Field Biology

Teacher: Dan Bregar

Web Site: http://www.csd509j.net/cvhs/bregard

Course Description:

This class is a beginning course in field studies and will serve as a prerequisite for the advanced course. Topics covered include general ecology, elementary botany, entomology, and field methods. You will have the opportunity to design and carry out an independent project during this class.

Tests and Quizzes:

There will be quizzes throughout the semester on concepts and information presented in class.

Grading:

Progress reports will be sent home every 9 weeks. Grades will be given each semester. Grades will be calculated as a straight percentage of your work; letter grades are determined by a standard 90/80/70/60 scale. The option of taking Field Biology Pass/No Pass is available; however, this choice must be made with your instructor’s permission within the first three weeks of the quarter. Students will have the opportunity to meet CIM guidelines in scientific inquiry and to meet PASS guidelines for standard B. Students who submit completed papers on time will have two weeks after receiving their graded papers to rewrite them for full credit. Students who show up on time to class every day, are always prepared, complete all assignments, seek help outside of class, and contribute to a positive learning environment will be successful in Field Biology.

Attendance:

You will succeed in this class if you attend regularly. I expect you to be on time every day. Students who are chronically late or absent will be placed on an attendance contract that will be strictly enforced. Five or more unexcused absences in a quarter will result in credit denial (see Student Handbook).

Late Work:

If you miss class due to an excused absence, you have 24 hours to make up any assignments you have missed without losing points. After 24 hours but less than 48 hours after the absence, you can earn up to 70% of the total possible credit. Assignments missed due to an unexcused absence, or work submitted more than 48 hours after an excused absence will receive a zero. Any exceptions to this policy must take the form of a written agreement with your instructor.

Behavior:

I expect students in Field Biology to manage their behavior and conduct themselves as adults. Students who disrupt the learning environment will be placed on a behavior contract and/or removed from class. Students who do not act appropriately when conducting field studies will be placed on a behavior contract and given an alternate assignment.

Safety:

Students will be expected to read, understand, and sign the safety contract before participating in any lab or field activities. Appropriate permission forms, legal forms, safety forms, and behavior contracts must be signed before any on- or off-campus field studies. Please follow all guidelines on the class safety sheet, and teacher instructions. Cheating and plagiarism are prohibited and will result in parent notification and disciplinary action. Students are expected to stay in the classroom during the instructional period. Extended departures can affect your grade in the class. Extended leaves (beyond 10 minutes) will result in an unexcused absence for the block. Students are not allowed to eat or drink in the lab area of F-18 or anywhere near laptops or computers.

Plagiarism:

The science department has a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism. Plagiarized work will receive a zero, parents will be notified, and a note will be placed in the student’s file. Students who plagiarize more than once will receive an F for the quarter. Please note that the science department does not distinguish between plagiarism and cheating.

Other Policies:

All students should have a notebook, paper, writing utensil, and calculator with them each day. Students are also expected to know and adhere to school-wide policies regarding, student conduct, and attendance. Information on these policies is available in the Student Handbook.