8th Grade Biology Syllabi (08-09)
Name: ______________________
8th Grade Biology 2008-2009
The New School of Northern Virginia
Tanja Gaal, Instructor
Tanja@newschoolva.com
http://www.schoolrack.com/tanjaquinn/
Focus Skills:
1. Thinking and acting ethically
2. Serving and acting for the benefit of the community.
Essential Question: How do invasive species disrupt the natural balance of the Chesapeake Bay’s wetland biome’s natural balance?
Course Description:
Welcome to Middle School Biology! This quarter we will be examining the differences and similarities between plants and animals. We will be looking at their individual biology as well as their role in the ecosystem. Through learning about food webs and ecosystems students will be answering the essential question.
Course Schedule:
Week 1 - What is a Wetland?
Week 2 - Plant and Animal cells (microscope lab and cell lab)
Week 3 - Ecosystems and Niches (Wetland Wheel)
- What are the 6 Kingdoms
- (Classification Lab)
- Begin research for project number 1 (assigned on Monday). Pick one wetland animal or plant from the Chesapeake Bay region, research that organism, and write a one and a half page report and tell the class about your organism.
- Wetland Plants
Week 4 - Finish wetland plants- begin kingdom Animalia / Invasive Species
- Mammals
- Ethics and zebra muscles and Canada geese (write a reflection good Portfolio Item)
- Research project 1 due on Friday
Week 6 - Kingdom Animalia
- Amphibians and Reptiles
- Prep for Crayfish Lab
- Crayfish Dissection Lab
Week 7 -Relationships within an ecosystem
- Evolution
- Prep for Frog Lab
- Frog Dissection Lab
Week 8 - Relationships within an ecosystem
- Food Webs
- Presentation on Organism that is part of the Chesapeake Bay wetland ecosystem. Discussing what is endangering that organism and what legislation is protecting that organism. What can you do to help protect the organism you researched. (Portfolio Item)
Grading Rubric:
Participation: 40%
Participation grades will include: coming to class prepared, completing assignments correctly and on time (i.e. Lab grades and Homework grades), being focused on your work, participating fully, and upholding the spirit of the classroom.
Quizzes: 20%
Quizzes will be given periodically both with and without notice. These will cover vocabulary, and other key facts.
Reports/Assignments: 40%
Reports and assignments are outlined in the weekly descriptions. Examples include, portfolio items, any labs with a lab write up, and other long term assignments.
I have read this syllabus at home with my parent or guardian and agree to uphold the Spirit of the Classroom. I will cooperate and collaborate with my classmates and teacher, and I will work hard and do my best work!
____________________ _________________________________
Student Signature Parent or Guardian’s Signature
