All grades will be out of 100 points with the exception of lab reports, which will be out of 10 points.  The marking period grade will be a weighted average.

• Participation and attendance is an integral part of success for this course, and will be taken into consideration when calculating grades
• In order to pass the course, required labs must be passed with a grade of 65% or better.  
• All homework should be completed.  It will be collected and/or checked daily. 
• All homework should be done in ink and on loose-leaf, or word processed. 
• Lab reports are due the next lab period, unless otherwise directed.  If a lab is completed on a B day, students have till the next B lab period to turn it in.
• In case of absence, homework must be made up and handed in according to the policy outlined in the Student Handbook.
• Extra credit assignments are optional and will be assigned at several points during the marking period for students who are up to date on assignments.  If work is missing, it must be completed and turned in before extra credit points are awarded.

Extra Help

I will do my best to be available for extra help through out the school year.  I will be available during activity period, and most days after school.  If you cannot make extra help after school, please see me and we can try to work out a time before school or during the day.  Just double check to make sure I am around!  I strongly encourage all students to come to an extra help before an exam as a review or if you have missed a class to catch up.

Classroom Rules and Expectations

• The rules and regulations outlined in your Student Handbook are in effect at all times!

I.                 Respect: Your Teacher, Yourself, and Your Classmates

• Respect comes in many forms; listening when others are speaking, raising your hand, not getting up and walking around the room etc…
• Respect includes academic honesty; respect others hard work – plagiarism will be penalized and is unacceptable
• Students will stay on task without disturbing others
• Students will not insult others for their opinions or differences

II.             Entering/Leaving the Classroom

• Students must make me aware if they are leaving the class at any time in case of fire drill, or other emergency occurs while they are out
• To get the most out of class – you have to be there!  Please come on time.
• Students who are late must have a pass or they will be marked late
• Students who miss class unexcused will have a zero for the day and will be asked to attend an extra help section to make up missed time
• Please refer to your Student Handbook for school lateness and attendance policies

III.         Be Prepared

• When you enter class, all non science related things should be put away
• Have your homework out ready to be checked
• Always have a pen/pencil and your binder or notebook/folder with plenty of paper!
• Lab days require close toed shoes

IV.          Participate/Ask Questions

• Students should be active at all times; active listeners when others are speaking, active readers and writers, active thinkers always!
• When working in a group, everyone must contribute
• Ask QUESTIONS!  If you are unsure of something don’t be afraid to ask – chances are someone in class has the same question as you
• If you do not wish to ask a question in class, please see me after or write a note and leave it on my desk
• Ask for help or clarification if you are unsure of anything

V.              Electronics/Eating/Drinking

• Please turn off cell phones, iPods, etc… in class, as they are distracting to the learning process
• You may have something to drink in class kept at your desk – no drinks may be near a lab table at any time
• There is no food allowed in the classroom unless permission has been given – no food may be near a lab table at any time

VI.          Lab Safety

• All students will be reminded the rules of the lab and specific safety procedures before each lab – this is why it is necessary to be on time!
• Equipment and materials on your lab table are left undisturbed until procedures have been reviewed and you are given permission to begin
• Any damage or breakage of equipment is to be reported immediately
• All lab equipment must be cleaned and returned at the end of a lab
• Be prepared before beginning a lab.  Make sure you understand what you’re doing, how you’re supposed to do it, and why you are doing it!  If you are not sure – ASK!

VII.      Consequences

• Any behaviors in which the environment of the classroom becomes unsafe for students and teachers will result in immediate removal of student to the main office, and parents/guardians will be notified.

“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.”

 ~ Rachel Carson

I look forward to a great school year with you!