Welcome to Biology!

1. Welcome to Biology!

2. 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

3. My son, Broden. 7 months old!

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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. Missed tests – Let me know before if possible. There must be a valid excuse. A make-up will be scheduled if necessary. Food & Drink – Not allowed because it’s a health and safety issue. 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.

7. 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).

9. Unit 1 – Review & Biology Skills

10. Unit 2 – Genetic Processes

11. Unit 3 – Diversity of Life (1st half)

12. Unit 4 - Evolution

13. Unit 5 – Structure & Function

14. Unit 6 – Diversity of Life (1st half) OR

15. 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%)

16. 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)

17. 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)

18. Our Wikispace– for learning and communicating outside the classroom http://11biology-kass.wikispaces.com