teaching philosophy
School should be full of challenge and opportunities to nurture and investigate our curiosity in the world. I hope that students leave my classroom more confident of their scientific abilities. I give my classes as much freedom and choices in their learning as I can in the hopes that students will take ownership of their learning and make their own unique connections to our curriculum.
Course goals
1. To prepare students for further studies in science.
2. To develop life and study skills including working in groups, pacing of work, introspection and reflection, and self-advocacy.
3. To foster a sense of community and challenge.
4. To help each student spark their own curiosity in the natural world and legitimize the everyday experiments and questions we all have as important science.
2. To develop life and study skills including working in groups, pacing of work, introspection and reflection, and self-advocacy.
3. To foster a sense of community and challenge.
4. To help each student spark their own curiosity in the natural world and legitimize the everyday experiments and questions we all have as important science.
Homework
Unfinished classwork and projects become homework. Many students have very little homework. Some students have as much as an hour spread over the course of the week. It is my goal to assign between 15 minutes and 1 hour over the course of an average week. If your student is spending more time than this on science homework, please reach out. My contact information can be found on the "contact" tab, above.
Late work policy
Work from the current unit will be accepted with a late slip for full credit. A late slip is a half sheet of paper which includes an explanation as to why the work is late and a parent signature. I do not put a formal limit on late slips, but students who consistently turn in late work tend to under-perform on their assessments. Work submitted without a late slip is charged a 20% penalty.
Once the class has started a new unit, I only accept reading assignments for late work. To make up a weekly assignment from a previous unit, the student should complete the entire reading assignment (all questions throughout the reading in their write-in textbook). The maximum grade a student may earn on work from a previous unit is a C.
I accept work from previous quarters with extenuating circumstances only.
Once the class has started a new unit, I only accept reading assignments for late work. To make up a weekly assignment from a previous unit, the student should complete the entire reading assignment (all questions throughout the reading in their write-in textbook). The maximum grade a student may earn on work from a previous unit is a C.
I accept work from previous quarters with extenuating circumstances only.
Class expectations
Students will treat their peers, the faculty and staff, and the classroom equipment with respect, and can expect it in return.
No electronic use unless notified.
Come to class on time and prepared in two ways:
1. With all your materials. Trips to your locker will not be granted on a daily basis.
2. Focused and ready to learn: ask questions, keep an organized notebook, try your best.
No electronic use unless notified.
Come to class on time and prepared in two ways:
1. With all your materials. Trips to your locker will not be granted on a daily basis.
2. Focused and ready to learn: ask questions, keep an organized notebook, try your best.