elcome to a new year full of fun and potential! I look forward to getting to know each you this year as we embark upon the journey of “the study of life,” Biology.

First of all, I will introduce myself. My name is Matthew A. Hilbert, a recent college graduate with a deep commitment to education. I realized that teaching was my true calling while taking my first life science class in the seventh grade. Ever since, I have strived to succeed and practice my teaching and content skills through instructional assistant programs and volunteer work. I am incredibly excited to be able to share with you, my passion and interest in science in hopes that you too, will become fascinated with the wonders of science.

Below, I have included a brief overview of the topics we will be covering this year, as well as some other useful and important information that you will need to be aware of before classes begin. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me by e-mail, xxx@xxxxx.com, or by telephone, (303) 907-2651. Once again, I look forward to meeting and working with each of you this year!

Matthew A. Hilbert

Fall 2006 Plan of Action:

!    Biology Introduction, (vocabulary, lab introduction, basic knowledge)….Aug. 18 – Aug. 25

!    Science Skills (scientific method, experimentation, & data analysis)…….Aug. 26 – Aug. 28

!    Cells (organelles, cell types, structure & function)……………………….Aug. 29 – Sept. 13

!    Botany (plant structures and related topics)………………………………Sept. 14 – Sept. 25

!    Genetics (history, heredity/probability, organizing, & genetic diseases)…Sept. 26 – Oct. 5

!    Taxonomy (species classification systems & naming systems)…………..Oct. 6 – Oct. 20

!    Nutrition (biochemistry basics, plant/animal energy systems)……………Oct. 20 – Nov. 12

!    Anatomy/Physiology Part I (animal structures/ prep for dissection)……...Nov. 13 – Dec. 19

What you need to succeed...

Item:	Description/Application:
	Every class period, you will need at least two writing utensils. I recommend standard ink pens when taking lecture notes and filling in final data analysis sheets. For rough drafts and quick assignments, pencils are acceptable.
	You will need a standard (college-ruled) notebook for each class period. This will be used for taking lecture notes and jotting down observations when lab sheets are not provided.
	You will also need a pad of graph paper for plotting data and creating data tables.
	Colored pencils, markers, or crayons are a must in this class! We will use them frequently when diagramming and labeling exercises. For most of the exercises, I recommend colored pencils!
	A basic calculator is recommended but not required. The math we do in this class is straightforward and can be done “the old-fashioned way,” with paper and pencil!
	A ruler is also a very helpful tool to have for this class. We will be taking measurements, not to mention creating straight lines. I recommend a standard 12 in./39.5 cm. ruler.
	Most importantly, please bring with you everyday, your willingness to explore and learn biology. Dedication and determination have high value in this class—don’t be afraid to show it!

Grade Breakdown:

Homework………………………………………………….10%

Assessments (quizzes & exams)……………………………20%

Labs…………………………………………………………35%

Class projects/presentations………………………………...20%

Attendance/participation/effort……………………………..15%

Other useful resources...

! Please visit our school website, http://wwwbhs.bham.wednet.edu/ for a wealth of information. I highly recommend clicking the library link (circled in red on the screenshot below), which includes some very helpful resources (including incredible science resources).

! Other Great Science Websites to visit at your leisure or for research:

http://www.thomson.com/wadsworth.html

http://www.brookscole.com/geo

http://www.physicsclassroom.com

http://www.google.com (great search engine)

Biology 101