Gilman School District - Mrs. Steinbach

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2022-2023 Biomedical Science Syllabus


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


WHAT WILL I LEARN IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE?

Biomedical Science is a rigorous course designed to cover the introductory science concepts and practices utilized by biomedical professionals.  This will be accomplished using a active, guided inquiry, as well as project-based approach.

Introductory principles covered in this course may include may include basic biology and biochemistry, human physiology, genetics, nutrition, microbiology, and medicine.

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WHAT DO I NEED FOR CLASS?

To be successful in this class you will need to have the following four items with you daily.

  1. Your school issued iPad.
  2. A composition-type notebook.  This notebook will serve as your scientific log.  It is a place to record all of your studies, meaning laboratory results and analyses, informational notes, reflections, etc.
  3. A number 2 pencil with an eraser.
  4. A scientific calculator  (e.g., TI-30Xa) that has capabilities for square root, logarithm, and exponential notation operations is recommended, but optional. NOTE: A partial classroom set will be available for use.
  5. A set of markers and/or colored pencils, that includes a minimum of the 10 classic colors is recommended, but optional. NOTE: A classroom set will be available for use.
  6. A scissors is recommended, but optional. NOTE: A classroom set will be available for use.
  7. Elmer's glue, a glue stick, tape, or double-sided tape for interactive scientific notebooking is recommended, but optional. NOTE: A classroom set of glue will be available for use.
  8. Highlighters are recommended, but optional. NOTE: Students who do not have highlighters may use the classroom marker set.

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WHAT WILL THIS COURSE BE LIKE?

In educational terms, our biomedical science studies will be conducted in with a student-centered approach.  This approach naturally infuses learning strategies for scientific thinking and the understanding and abilities of inquiry with real-life, meaningful studies that will allow you to demonstrate mastery of advanced biology concepts and practices.

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WHERE DO I PREPARE AND KEEP MY COURSEWORK?

Do your very best to complete all your studies in your science notebook, preferably in pencil when problem-solving, unless otherwise instructed. Then, you will be asked to (1) turn in, (2) report, and/or (3) reflect upon your studies recorded in your science notebook.

WHAT IF I AM LATE HANDING IT IN?  Coursework must be turned in when requested.  Doing otherwise is detrimental to your academic progress. To help, in most cases, you will be provided with a floating deadline. For example, your lab scientific explanation will be due on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday of next week. An extension may be given for an emergency/special situation.  Our late work policy is as follows:

  • Work submitted late will be allowed a maximum score of 70%.
  • Unit work will not be accepted after the completion of that unit with the exceptions of tests and projects.

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WHAT IS SO GREAT ABOUT THE WAY WE TAKE NOTES?

We will blend Interactive Notebooking and the Cornell Note-taking System in order to maximize our learning efforts.  Your notebook will therefore not only serve as a log of your scientific studies, but also as an awesome study tool come test time.  The research on the effectiveness of these two techniques is plentiful and solid.

WHAT DO CORNELL NOTES LOOK LIKE?  Below is a quick overview of the system.

Cornell-style Notes

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WHAT IF I GET STUCK WHEN I AM TRYING TO LEARN?

If you should have moments of struggle in this course,

  1. start by being resourceful and try to leap over your own hurdle.  If you can overcome your challenge on your own, research shows that you are more likely to retain your newfound knowledge.  Great resources to utilize include talking with a classmate, reviewing your notebook, completing an Internet search, etc.
  2. However, don’t spend too much time struggling.  Please take some time to visit with me or email me at tsteinbach@gilman.k12.wi.us.  I will be happy to help you to get to the root of your concerns and establish a plan of action that provides additional scaffolding (e.g., individualized instruction, graphic organizers, targeted problem-solving opportunities, etc.).

WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION OUTSIDE OF OUR SCHEDULED CLASS PERIOD?

To follow are a few options for you.

  • Schedule a meeting before school hours, during an academic period, or after school hours.
  • Send an email to me at tsteinbach@gilman.k12.wi.us.

FYI, please know that I will be monitoring your growth through formative assessment opportunities and will initiate a meeting and/or plan of action if necessary.  Your academic success is very important to me.

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WHAT IS THE GRADING SCALE FOR THIS COURSE?

100-93.... A   
  92-90.... A- 
89-87..... B+
86-83..... B   
82-80..... B- 
79-77..... C+
76-73..... C   
72-70..... C- 
69-67..... D+
66-63..... D   
62-60..... D- 
  59-0..... F   

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HOW WILL I BE GRADED?

WHAT ASSESSMENTS WILL YOU ENCOUNTER? Your grade will be determined by making a number of checks for scientific understanding and practices. Through these assessments, your mastery or proficiency level will be determined. Your proficiency level will then be converted to a percentage equivalent/point value for Infinite Campus calculation purposes.

  • MID-CHECK for Understanding/Practices = FORMATIVE
    Mid or formative assessments are assessments that occur while you are still learning. An analogy would be when the cook tastes the soup he/she is making in the kitchen before serving it.

    Because these checks will be taking place during the unit learning process, they will weighted less and you may choose to resubmit them to show additional understandings. Examples of these types of assessments include:
    • Investigate Data and Analysis Logs 
    • Quizzes
    • Project Checkpoints
    • Scientific Practices

  • END-CHECK for Understanding/Practices = SUMMATIVE
    End or summative assessments are those that occur at the end of the learning period. An analogy would be when the customer tastes the soup made by the cook.

    Because these checks will be taking place at the close of the unit learning process, they will weighted more and you may not choose to resubmit them. Examples of these types of assessments include:
    • Scientific Explanations (i.e., Claim-Evidence-Reasoning Statements)
    • Tests
    • Projects

  • Comprehensive Semester END-CHECK = SUMMATIVE
    At the end of each semester, you will take a comprehensive final. You will be allowed to use your scientific notebook during this assessment.

HOW WILL MY QUARTER AND SEMESTER GRADE BE CALCULATED? Now that you understand the types of assessments you will encounter, let's look at how your grade will be calculated.

Your quarter grade will be determined through a weighted system.

  • 35% MID-CHECK Assessments
  • 65% END-CHECK Assessments

Your semester grade will be determined through a weighted system.

  • 45% Quarter A
  • 45% Quarter B
  • 10% Comprehensive Semester END-CHECK Assessment, a.k.a., Comprehensive Semester Final

Infinite Campus Gradebook Note: Coursework that has NOT been handed in (i.e., it is late or you were absent) will be marked as missing. Marking an assessment as missing scores that assessment with zero value and will lower your overall grade.

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CAN I RESUBMIT COURSEWORK?  

You will be allowed to reflect upon and resubmit a Mid-Check for Understanding/Practices (e.g., investigate data and analysis logs, quizzes, scientific practices via ACT preparations). You will not be allowed to redo/retake an End-Check for Understanding/Practices. These include scientific explanations (i.e., CERs), tests, and final project submissions.

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WHAT EXPECTATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR ME?

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LEARNING…  Have pride in yourself and your science studies.  Be curious and ask questions.  Dig in, stay focused, and contribute your thoughts and skills.  Hard work today will help you to have the future life you are dreaming of.

(Yep, you're right. Actually, that's a steer.)

CONDUCT YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY WITH KINDNESS AND INTEGRITY… Because learning is currently our number one occupation, professional appearance and conduct matters. Be a team player. Share your ideas and talents with your classmates, but do so with kindness and integrity.  Academic dishonesty (e.g., cheating and plagiarism) in any portion of your academic work is a serious offense. More importantly, academic dishonesty will hurt you in your attempt at future coursework that relies on the learning.

Academic Integrity Video from Michigan Tech

BE PRESENT AND PREPARED…  Don’t miss a day to learn something new and become a better person.  Be present for scheduled class periods and participate fully from start to finish. Be prepared by doing the work necessary to achieve the learning (e.g., take notes, complete practice problems, etc.). Don't let your personal device(s), etc. distract you. Presence and preparedness are essential to maximize your learning experience.


(Go Pack Go!)

BE SAFE IN THE LAB…  Your safety and the safety of your classmates and I is important.  You will be required to sign and abide by a student safety contract, as well as always follow class lab/activity directions in order to participate fully.  If you fail to do so, you will not be allowed to participate in laboratory activities and you will not have opportunity for make-up.

TAKE CARE OF OUR CLASSROOMS…  Help me to keep our resources, supplies, and lab materials in great condition.  I love our classrooms and I hope you do too.  Keep your desks and lab stations clean and free of doodles.  (If you can’t resist the urge, doodle in your notebook.)  If something is broken, report it to me right away.  If the lighting or room temperature is not quite right, let me know and I will do my best to get it fixed.  We will work best in a nice, neat, and clean classroom.

WHAT ARE MY SCHOOL-WIDE EXPECTATIONS? These expectations, both rights and responsibilities, can be found in your Student/Parent Handbook. Our classroom expectations compliment and abide by these expectations. To read this handbook, visit the Handbooks and Documents page and then click on "Student/Parent Handbook."

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IF I MAKE THE POOR CHOICE OF BEING DISRESPECTFUL, WHAT ARE MY CONSEQUENCES?

It is my belief that every student has the right to be educated in a welcoming, respectful, and safe learning environment. Thus, misconduct will be dealt with accordingly.

Response Level Behavior Possible Consequence(s)

1

First time violation of behavioral expectations, summarized below:

  • Engage in and support our learning environment
  • Show professionalism, kindness, and integrity
  • Be present and prepared
  • Be safe
  • Respect property
  • Verbal or written warning from teacher
  • Given opportunity to self-correct and make amends

2

Repeated and/or serious misconduct, summarized below:

  • Repeated misbehavior that disrupts the classroom (e.g., talking out of turn, horseplay)
  • A dress code violation
  • Serious misbehavior that includes defiance, abuse of property, and use of profanity
  • Misbehavior that threatens the safety of others
  • Removal from the classroom
  • Review of behavior expectations with teacher, dean, and/or superintendent
  • Dean, superintendent, and/or parent(s)/guardian(s) will be informed
  • Disciplinary action per school policy/student handbook disciplinary guidelines

Other Specific Misconduct Consequences

  • Misuse of a personal device (e.g., cell phone, ear buds)
    • Device(s) will be taken by the teacher
    • Dean and/or parent(s)/guardian(s) will be informed
    • Disciplinary action per school policy/student handbook disciplinary guidelines
  • Backpacks in the classroom
    • Return it to your locker
    • Consultation with teacher and/or dean if violation continues
    • Disciplinary action per school policy/student handbook disciplinary guidelines
  • Academic dishonesty (e.g., cheating, plagiarism)
    • Consultation with teacher and/or dean
    • Redo the assessment, an alternative assessment may be provided
    • Disciplinary action per school policy/student handbook disciplinary guidelines

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WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM YOU, MRS. STEINBACH?

COMPLETE DEDICATON TO YOUR ACADEMIC GROWTH…

I will be your biggest academic backer and constantly encourage you to do your best work.

I will challenge you.

I will ensure that other students do not disrupt your learning.

I will do my very best to provide you with a variety of meaningful and fun learning opportunities that will help you to grow intellectually.

I will foster your creativity, critical thinking practice, and problem-solving ability.

I will help you to boost your understanding and confidence when you feel overwhelmed.

I will treat you fairly with the respect and dignity that you deserve.

I will do all of these things because I believe in you and your abilities.

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BIOMEDICAL
SCIENCE

COURSE
OVERVIEW
course
description &
supply list

ASSIGNMENT
BOARD

our learning
calendar

LEARNING
RESOURCES

syllabus, course
competencies, &
LMS access to
lesson details/
components
(e.g., lab reports,
literature,
media, notes,
practice keys,
etc.)


Pirate

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Questions?
Contact Mrs. Steinbach via Thrillshare