Science Classroom Rules and Procedures

My name is Miss Klein.  I am originally from Loup City, Nebraska.  I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in May of 1996 with a major in biology and chemistry with and emphasis in molecular biology.  While I worked on my teaching certificate, I worked in the biology department at UNK as a lab assistant.  I received my teaching certificate in November of 1998.  I have been teaching here since March of 1999.  Curretnly I ma working on my masters in science teaching and hope to have that completed by Spring of 2009.

I am here to help you achieve your goal of graduating from high school.   Umoⁿhoⁿ Nation Public School requires you to pass physical science, biology, and one other science class (chemistry or block science.)

English                                 40 credits
PE                                         20 credits (PE I/PE II)
Social Studies                    30 credits (must include Am. History and Am. Gov't)
Art                                         10 credits
Math                                     30 credits
Vocational                           20 credits
Science                               30 credits (must include Physical Science and Biology)
Electives                     30 credits
Total                                    210 credits

Philosophy of Education

My philosophy of education is multifaceted.  I believe students learn best by regularly attending class.  I believe students learn best through hands on activities paired with reading and writing.  I believe no one can be forced to learn anything; learning takes desire and effort.  I believe that education is a journey and not a destination.  Everyone is a lifelong learner.

On more than one occasion, I have heard people accuse this school of not preparing its students (you) for the real world.  Therefore, many of my rules might not be rules you are used to, but they are rules students all over the country follow on a daily basis.  I believe you are as capable and intelligent as any student anywhere.  Unfortunately, many people have come to expect less from you for a multitude of reasons (maybe you expect less from yourself).  I believe that you get what you expect.  I expect you to be better than the average student in this country because of who you are and where you come from.

How To Be Successful in the Science Classroom
"No man is wise enough by himself."

• Arrive on time for class.  Attend class at least 80% of the time.
• Do your assignments.  Work ahead when possible.
• Study for tests.
• Treat the instructor, students, and classroom with respect.
• Efficiently complete all labs.
• Turn in all work promptly by the due date.

Your job in the science classroom is to pass science.  My job is to help you.  I can only help those who want help.  I expect you to treat me with respect, and I will treat you with the same respect you give me.  Many people struggle with the subject of science.  The basic knowledge and thought processes of science are used everyday.  Sometimes you might feel that you will never use this in your life after school.  You might be right, but you might be wrong, too.  Who knows where your life will take you?  Take advantage of the opportunities you have here at school, and you will be a success.

Appropriate Classroom Behavior
You are who you choose to be.

I have high expectations with regards to your behavior in class, the hallways, and on school property.  I expect you to act and behave like the fine, young ladies and gentlemen that you are.  My minimum standards of behavior are as follows:  

• There is no profanity or name calling in my classroom.
• When I am speaking, your mouth will be closed and your ears open.
•  Talking back and rude comments are unacceptable.
• Graffiti will not be tolerated.
• You will sit in your assigned seat.
•  You will bring your supplies (book, folder, notebook, etc.) to class.
•  You will not interfere with the learning of others.

Discipline
Politeness is a small price to pay for the good will and affection of others.

I promise to treat every student fairly.  Remember treating people fairly does not mean treating people the same.  If you are consistently choosing to behave in a manner that is not appropriate for a high school student, expect to be treated differently than that student who occasionally gets out of hand.  

Discipline will take many forms in my classroom:  Journaling, Parent Conference, Suspension from Class, Detention, Time After School, Writing, Office Visit, Cleaning, Etc.

No one can make you act appropriately in class but you.  You are responsible for your behavior.  You are certainly capable of doing whatever you want.  Remember, though, every action has a consequence.  I will single out students who choose to act inappropriately for discipline.  I am in charge of this classroom, and I responsible for promoting a positive learning environment.   If you choose to act irresponsibly do not expect to be in class for very long.

If you consistently choose to interfere with the learning of others, you will not be welcome in the science class.

Entering the Classroom
"Chance favors the prepared mind.

Quietly enter the classroom promptly with all your materials in your immediate possession.  Everyday bring your book, folder, a writing instrument, and notebook (only for biology).  If you don≠t have these things, don≠t come into my class and tell me you left them in your locker, in your car, at home, in your parent≠s car, you friend≠s car, your relative≠s car or house, in Sioux City, on the bus, in your friend's locker, etc.  You are high school students; you are old enough to be responsible for your own school supplies.  Coming to class unprepared will result in the loss of that day's attendance points.

Before sitting in your assigned seat, have in your immediate possession your book, the day≠s assignment, and a writing instrument (pencil, blue or black pen).  Once you sit down, prepare yourself to learn that day.  (Take a deep breath, think about what we did yesterday, open your book to the appropriate page, etc.)

If you should happen to arrive late to class, you will be expected to be especially quiet and do everything possible not to distract from the learning that is happening in the classroom.

Class usually starts when the tardy bell rings, or shortly after.  If you arrive five-ten-twenty minutes late, you will most likely miss some important information like notes, answers to study guide questions, answers to the reviews, papers being handed out, lab directions, etc.  You will not get to use the overheads if you have are tardy (excused or unexcused) or absence.  Class will not stop and wait for you to catch up.  You are responsible for finding out what is going on and "jumping right in" wherever the class is if at all possible.  If you can't figure it out by yourself, you need to ask your "study buddy" what is happening when the instructor is not talking,

Leaving the Classroom

The bell signals the end of class, but the instructor dismisses the class.  At the end of class, you will clean up your area.  You will push your chair in.  You may stand by your assigned chair until the bell rings.  Sixth period physical science is responsible for putting the outside chairs up, and chemistry is responsible for putting the inside chairs up.  We do not line up at the door.  If you choose to line up at the door or even near the door, the whole class will have to sit back down in their chairs and will assessed a 30 second penalty for each infraction of people lining up at the door.

Take all your materials with and return them to your locker for class the next day. If you do not put away your materials, do not necessarily expect your materials to be there tomorrow.  Any books left in the science room will be checked back in, and the student will no longer have a book checked out to them.  Any science books founding the hallway or turned in to the science teacher will also be checked back in. If a student wants his/her book back, they can spend a 20-minute detention before school.  Please notify the teacher if you plan to spend the detention time.

Any papers/folders/notebooks left in the science room will be thrown away.Rationale: Everyone has a locker to put his/her books and papers in.  If a student wanted to get his/her work, the science room might be locked.  Books and papers are not secure in the science room.  High school students are old enough to be responsible for their own materials.

Leaving the Classroom without Permission

Leaving the classroom without permission will not be tolerated.  In fact, no student should be within five feet of the door during class time without permission.  Leaving the classroom without permission sends two messages:  ≥I do not want to be here. I do not need to be here.

If you choose to leave the classroom without permission, you will be required to bring your parent/guardian in to explain to both your parent/guardian and me why you chose to leave the classroom without permission and what we are going to do to be sure this does not happen again.  In some rare cases, the principal will be substituted for parent/guardian.

Passes

If you finish your assignments and are passing all your science classes, you might be allowed to leave the classroom with a pre-signed pass.  If you are not finished with your assignments and/or not passing science class, you will not be allowed to leave the room.

No one will be allowed to go anywhere without me calling the destination and securing permission for you to go there.  Hanging out in the guidance counselor's office, principal's office, main office, coaches' office, etc. does not count as excused unless they call me or write a note. 

We have very nice bathrooms for students to use now.  There is no reason for anyone to have to use Mrs. Rogers' or the nurse's bathroom.  If you have some sort of medical problem that requires that you use a special bathroom, you need to have a note on file with the school nurse, and she will let the staff know about any special considerations we need to make for you.

The three minutes between class is ample time for you to drop off your books, and tell me you are going to use the restroom.  This way you are not counted tardy if you take a minute or two longer than expected.  

Allowing you to use the restroom during class time is no longer an option available to me.  Mr. Friedli has directed all staff via email on Jan. 21, 2004 that we are to no longer allow students to leave the room to use the restroom during class time. Specifically Mr. Friedli wrote, "Just say NO.  Too many students in the halls.  They need to go to the bathroom on THEIR time class change break."   If you are unhappy with this policy, please feel free to discuss it with Mr. Friedli on your time.

Grading

Your grade will be broken down into four parts.  You must pass with a 70% to receive credit.
                       25% Attendance                                           100% to 94% is an A
                       25% Daily Work                                              93% to 86% is a B                             
                       25% Labs and Quizzes                                 85% to 77% is a C                                 
                       25% Tests                                                       76% to 70% is a D                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              69% to 0% is an F

Daily Assignments and Labs

How can I find out what we are doing today?  Where are the papers I need?≈ New photocopies can usually be found on the table at the front of the room with the telephone on it. You can find the older photocopies that you need on the table to on the east wall.  Each subject will have its own box.  If you need lined paper, graph paper, or blank paper, which is located next to the computer.  Tissue paper and construction paper will be kept in a locked closet, so you will need to ask the instructor for them.

I strongly suggest you enlist the help of one of your fellow classmates as a "study buddy".  This person can then pick up papers and assignments for you when you are absent.

Extra copies of each assignment are made and put in the box.  If you should lose your copy or need an additional copy, you need to look in the box.  I will not be making any additional copies.

Use of Class Time

In general, at the end of every class, you will have time to finish up today≠s assignment and work on tomorrow≠s assignment.  If you choose to use class time for socialization, sleeping, or other non-science related options; I will assume that I am not challenging you and your class enough so more assignments will follow.

Putting your head down on the desk/table is unacceptable.  If you are so sick that you cannot hold your head up, you need to go to the office to get a ride home.  We do not want to put others' health in jeopardy.If you are not working because you do not want to be in my classroom, please let me know this as soon as possible.  I will be more than happy to work with you, your parents. Miss Atherton, and Mr. Friedli to get you into a setting where you can be successful because quite simply, I will not tolerate apathy in my classroom.

Asking Questions (i.e. getting help)

At different times during class, you might have questions about the material we are covering or difficulty understanding it.  Please feel free to ask well, articulated questions.  Statements such as "this is boring" or "I don't understand this stuff" do not help me help you.  Asking me for help and then handing me a blank worksheet to fill out for you is not helping you either.   Help is defined as:  To give assistance to; aid.  I need more information.  I need to know you are trying.  A good example would be,  "I found the page that talks about this question right here.  But I can't find where exactly the question is answered. Can you help me, please?"  OR if you get stuck on a question skip over it, and come back to it later.  

I will not ask you to learn science by handing you a book without any other information; if you are struggling with a topic, you will need to articulate your problem.

Bonus Points

You can earn bonus points every week.  To earn these points your parent/guardian needs to make contact with me, and ask me how you are doing in class.  You will earn 20 points every week they contact me in person (at school, games, or community events), and 100 points if they contact me in person the final week of the quarter.  If they contact me via telephone, the points will be cut in half. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas the Thurston County Food Pantry conducts its annual food drive, students can receive additional 10 bonus points by bringing in non-perishable food for each 

Sitting in Your Chair

When you are the science classroom you will sit on chairs and stools the way they were designed to be used with all four legs of the chair/stool on the floor at all times.  Rocking/tipping in chairs creates a safety issue in the classroom.  If a student were to slip or be knocked over while tipping on his/her chair, he/she could do serious injury to him/herself. 

The consequence for rocking/tipping is that you will get to use the chair without a back for the rest of the period.  If rocking/tipping continues to be a problem, the consequence will be standing by you chair for five minutes.

Tardiness and Absences
I recommend you take care of the minutes, for the hours will take care of themselves.

Your instructor believes that the most effective learning happens when you attend class on a regular basis.  Therefore, one-fourth of your grade is your attendance in class.  If you are tardy (up to 10 minutes late) for class, you will lose 50% of your attendance points.  If you are absent from class, you will lose all your attendance points.   If you accumulate 20 or more absences in one quarter, you will forfeit all credit earned that quarter in science class.  You are still in science class and are expected to attend science class when you are in school.  This would be an excellent opportunity to get caught up and ready for the next quarter.

If you are tardy or absent for a legitimate reason, it is your responsibility to get me that excuse preferably by a note put in my hand, but I will also take emails and phone calls.

Excused Tardies

If a student is tardy for a legitimate reason, it is the responsibility of the student to get that reason to the teacher either via note, phone call, or email.  It is not the teacher's job to hunt down the excuse.  A student will not be excused until I receive confirmation of the excuse from an adult.  

Chronic and/or extended excused tardiness has a negative effect on your grade. Chronic excused tardiness is defined as being tardy more than once every three week.    Extended excused tardiness is defined as being more than 10 minutes tardy. It is important that students regularly attend class on time to receive the full benefit of his/her science educational experience.

Excused Absences (i.e. classroom fieldtrips, All-Indian Tournament, etc.)

Everyday we do something in class.  It is on a few rare occasions, that you as a science student will have a "free" or makeup day.  In the past, I have found that students, who attend numerous fieldwork activities that often carry over into their science time, fall behind in science class and struggle to keep up.  When you go on a trip without checking with me first to see what is happening in science that day, you are putting your science grade in peril. 

If you are gone or plan to be gone for a legitimate reason, it is your responsibility to get any work you miss.  Labs cannot be made up.  You will have one additional day for every day you are gone to finish your assignment.  Please work with your "study buddy" to get your missed assignments.

Unexcused Absences, Extended Unexcused Tardies, and Skipping Class

Unexcused absences, extended unexcused tardies, and skipping class are unacceptable.  You will not be allowed to make up any work (including tests and labs) you miss because of an unexcused absence.  If you are caught skipping class, you will lose 10% of your total attendance point for the quarter.  I am not responsible for finding out why you were gone.  You are responsible for getting me the appropriate documentation to show that you had a legitimate reason for your absences.  Until that time, you will have an unexcused absence.

Late Work

Late work will be taken until the assignment is checked and returned to the class for portfolio folders.  You may lose up to 10% a day for late work.  Exception will be made when students make prior arrangements with the instructor.

Seating Chart

You will have a seating chart.  Sometimes all of the class will have assigned seats; other times only some people will have assigned seats.  Generally, the seating chart is determined by your interaction with other individuals and how that affects the classroom environment.  You might have several different assigned seats before the right seat for you is found.

Independent Studies

Independent studies are strongly discouraged by the instructor.  All independent studies need to be set up by August 31.  All independent studies need to be finished by the end of second quarter.  No exceptions!

The instructor reserves the right to refuse to do independent studies.

Classroom Materials and Textbooks

You will have a textbook checked out to you.  You are financially responsible for the textbook.  (This is in accordance with board policy) You will be expected to have a cover made out of thick paper on your book.  If you do not keep a cover on your book, your book will be taken from you. 

If you damage your book or any other classroom supply, you will be assessed a fine.  You will be responsible for paying that fine, or your science grade will not be posted.  If you lose your science book, you will be responsible for paying to replace that book ($50-$60).

I  will provide you with a folder to put your papers in.  Please use this folder for only science papers.  Do not put work from other classes in this folder.  Biology students will receive a notebook.  Use this notebook only for biology notes.  Write on both sides of the paper.  Do not tear paper out for other classes. 

I will have other materials for you to purchases at a minimal cost such as tablets, pencils, pens, erasers, etc. if you do not have your own.  I will not provide these materials for you.  The administration allots teachers very little money for classroom supplies, and science is a very expensive subject.  I will have rulers, scissors, glue, and tape available for you to use as needed.

Misuse, abuse, and destruction of any classroom and/or science supply will result in a fine equal to the replacement cost of the damaged/used item.  If the fine is not paid, then your grade will not be posted.

Identifying Papers

To help me identify all papers that are turned in, students should clearly write or print both their first and last name on the top of the paper and put the date under their name.  If the paper is typed, student will use Times New Roman and number 12 fonts with 1-inch margins.  Student will type their name, the name of their class, the instructor≠s name, and then the date.  This will be single-spaced and left aligned.  Then the student will double space and center the title of the paper.  Then double-space again, and the body of the paper will be single-spaced and justified.

If student do not identify their papers correctly or identify them illegibly, they will be put in the "Checked Work to be Filed" box until the end of the semester, and then they will be disposed of.  It is a student's job to be sure they have received credit for all the work they have turned in.

Food and Pop in the Classroom

You may have bottled soft drinks in the classroom.  You may also have vending machine food, cafeteria food, fruits, and vegetables.  Absolutely no sunflower seeds, gum, fountain pop, and unapproved outside food (example C-Store food).  Also no Starbursts or any other candy wrapped in small pieces of paper.

If you are caught chewing gum or eating sunflower seeds, it will cost you half of your daily attendance points.  This rule applies to the hallway as well.

Student Business

While you are in my class, anything that you bring into the classroom with you is my business.  If you don≠t want me in your business, don≠t bring it into the classroom.  There will be times when I will discuss your education with other teachers.  This is part of my job as a professional.  As much as I care for my students, I do have a life outside of school.  Rarely, do I discuss you outside of the professional environment.

We face struggles and obstacles in our life.  No one has the same problems or life experiences.  I understand that there are many things in a person≠s life that can distract him/her from achieving his/her goal.  It is up to you to put your problems aside during class time.  A high school education is the first step for you to take in becoming a productive member of society.  If you let your problems stand in the way of your education, you are choosing a very difficult path.  On the journey of life, successful people find ways around obstacles.

If you have some sort of psychological or physiological problem or disorder that requires you be treated differently than the rest of the students, you must have a note on file with the principal, guidance counselor, special education director, and/or nurse.  Then they are responsible for informing me as to how you are to be treated differently.  If no one inform me of your problem and tells me how you need to be treated differently then you will be treated like everyone else.  It is you and your parents/guadians≠ responsibility to inform the school of any special needs you have.

Students' Personal Possessions

Do not bring the following items into the science classroom:  photographs, make up, fingernail polish, combs, brushes, basketballs, footballs, golf balls, other athletic equipment, personal stereo equipment, CD's, magazines, and any other items that might interfere with the learning environment.  If you bring these items into the classroom, they will be removed from your person and given to the principal.  The only exception to this rule would be if these items were kept out of sight (in your purse or book bag) and not used at all during class.

Behavior in the Hallway

It is beneficial to you to spend as much time as possible in the classroom.  Remember, your goal of attending school is to graduate.  You will not be able to graduate if you do not attend class.  More often than not, the hallway is where students choose to engage in immature and inappropriate activities by starting fights, calling each other names, skipping school, etc.  The less time you spend in the hallway, the less time you will be influenced by these negative peer pressures.  Peer pressure is a great and powerful thing, and many of us are not strong enough to say "no" and do the right thing all the time.

I am often in the hallway.  My job is to be sure you get to class, as you cannot learn if you are not in class.  You are a student in this school, and I am employed as a teacher in this school.  It is my business if you are not in class.  If you choose to not attend class, there will be a consequence.  If you make comments like "Why don't you go to class?" or   "You aren't my teacher." there will be a consequence.  If you choose to engage in other negative behavior while in the hallway, there will be a consequence.  The consequence will be the forfeiture of one week's attendance's points as well as a recommendation to the administration for further disciplinary action.

If you do not want me telling you to go to class, do not hang around my door.  If you do not want to go to class, I suggest that you visit with a member of the administration to remedy your situation.

Profanity, Name Calling, and Appropriate Topics for the Classroom
The first step in education is to call things by the correct name.

Everything has a time and a place where it is appropriate.  It is not appropriate to use profanity in the school environment.  This includes as-, bit--, fu--, d--n, sh--, ch--, ni---r, ni--a, or any derivation of those words.  It is also wrong to make profane or lewd gestures.  Generally, people use profanity because they are too upset to think of something more appropriate to say.  The consequence for using profanity in my classroom will be ten push-ups, ten inch worms, or ten points off your next test grade.  This applies profanity said to anywhere on school property.

Every student should feel safe and comfortable in the classroom.  It is completely and totally inappropriate to call others derogatory names.  This type of behavior is immature and is not acceptable for a high school student.  It is also inappropriate for you to put derogatory terms or references to illegal substances on your book cover or other class materials.  Because of the nature of science class, we will occasionally discuss topics some of you might find embarrassing.  At these times, it is important for you to act maturely.

It is not appropriate to discuss lewd topics, partying, drinking, or drug use.  It is equally wrong to discuss how lab equipment could be used for drug paraphernalia.  Doing so will result in the loss of 10% of your attendance points for the quarter.

Consequences for these inappropriate behaviors could be anything from a verbal reprimand, points lost, writing sentences, journaling, time after school, office visit, suspension from science class, parent conference, etc. 

Vandalism, Destruction of Property and Theft

Vandalism of school property will not be tolerated.  I will not tolerate scribbling, drawing, and writing on table tops, in books, on walls, on posters, etc.  If it is not yours, do not write on it.  It is also not appropriate to vandalize the school outside of the classroom in any way.<o:p></o:p>If you destroy or misuse school property in anyway, you will pay financial restitution.

If you find something in my classroom, it is mine.  I have lots of stuff.  Sometimes it does not get put away.  It is still mine.  Don't think it is yours for the taking because it is not put away.  If you choose to steal from my classroom, do not expect to be welcome in my classroom.  You will be expected to return the item or make financial restitution.

I have a lot of cool science toys and stuff.  The better behaved your class is, the more toys and stuff you will be able to experiment with.  If I find that things tend to disappear after your class has been in the room, don't expect to get to see these things.  This kind of behavior will also limit the number of labs your class has as well.  I do not expect you to control your classmates' behavior, but I do expect you to encourage your classmates to behave in an appropriate manner.

Academic Dishonesty
It does not require many words to speak the truth.

Cheating will not be tolerated.  If you choose to cheat, you will be given a zero on the assignment.

During testing, I demand silence.  If you choose to visit during testing, I assume you are cheating and you will receive a zero on the test. I do not give make up exams or retests. 

Intercom and Phone Calls

At different times during the day, the intercom is used and phone calls come in.  Sometimes I will not hear exactly what is said, and I will inquire of you as to what was said.  If you don't know, say, "I don't know."  Do not make up stories.  Please be quiet when announcements are made as well.  If you are asked to answer the phone, you will say, "Science Room, this is (your name) speaking.

Responding for My Request for Attention
Silence is the cornerstone of character.

There will be times when I will lead the class in activity or I might need to share information with the entire class.  At these times, I will call your attention to me.  When you see I need your attention, you need to quiet yourself and encourage your neighbor to be quiet as well.

Fire/Tornado Drills, Power Failure

When you hear the fire alarm, stop what you are doing.  Stand up and push your chair in.  Quickly and quietly leave the room proceeding out the north door and move at least 100 feet away from the building by moving further north.  This would be past the light pole in the future parking lot. Do not try to re-enter the school until an administrator gives the "all clear".

When you hear the tornado alarm, stop what you are doing.  Stand up and push in your chair.  Quickly and quietly leave the room proceeding to the short hallway by the faux earth lodge where there is no windows.  Sit down and wait until an administrator gives the "all clear".

When the power fails, quietly remain seated.  Generally, the power will come back on in just a few minutes.  Since we have plenty of light with all the big windows class will continue as normally as possible until we find out differently.

In the case of any emergency situation, it is important to remain calm and quiet.

Instructor's Desk and Computer
It is easier to stay out then to get out.

Absolutely no students will be allowed to use my computer.  The network administrator has said that if we allow students to use our computer that when our computers break down we will be the last person to have our computer fixed.  Students should not ask any teacher to use his/her computer.

Absolutely no students are to be behind my desk or sitting in my chair.  If you choose to go through my desk or hang out behind my desk without my permission, expect to be disciplined and sent to the office.  Do not sit in my chair.  We have plenty of chairs for everyone.

Chemical Room

Absolutely no students are allowed in the chemical room.  This is for your own safety. 

Science Lab

No students are allowed into the lab part of the classroom unless we are having lab or some other activity.  The south door of science room will only be used in case of emergency to facilitate this.

Emergency Shower and Eye Wash

There is an emergency shower and eyewash at the front of the classroom in case a student splashes chemicals into his/her eyes or spills a large amount of chemicals on him/herself. 

I have well over 2000 hours of lab experience, and I have never seen anyone use either apparatus.  If you decide to test out either piece of emergency equipment in a situation that is not an emergency where such equipment would be used, you will be sent immediately to the office with the recommendation for a five-day suspension.  You will also make financial retribution for any property that is damaged during your test before you return to the science classroom.

Appropriate Dress

It is not appropriate to wear clothing in school that promotes drug use/abuse, alcohol use/abuse, smoking, gangs, etc. or clothing with lewd or suggestive sayings.  If you choose to wear questionable clothing, do not expect to remain in science class very long.

If you cannot remember to keep your hood down in class and in the hallways, you will not be allowed to where hooded clothing in my class.  Baseball hates, visors, bandannas, and headbands are also not allowed in my classroom.  Do not bring them into my classroom.  They should be left in your locker.

Please refer to the student/parent handbook for further restrictions on clothing.

A reminder to all students:  What is cute, hip, and highly fashionable out in the general public is not necessarily appropriate for the public school classroom setting.

Appropriate Dress during Lab

When students participate in science lab, they must wear goggles to protect their eyes.  If students refuse to wear goggles or refuse to keep the goggles over their eyes they will be sent to the office for the remainder of the class period.  They will receive on zero for that lab.

Students are also not allowed to wear bulky/baggy clothes during lab such as jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, etc.  They are also encouraged to wear jeans and closed toe shoes to prevent injury to themselves.

Students know that it is possible for their clothes to be damaged during lab.  They are encouraged to dress in "older" clothes on lab days.

Lockers

Each student will have a locker checked out o him/her to store relevant school related material as well as athletic equipment, coats, sweaters, etc.  I do not believe that if would possible to go to your locker between every period.  If I were a student here, I would go to my locker before 1^st period, 3^rd period, and 5^th period.  This would give me plenty of time to get into my locker, and I wouldn't have to carry too many books at one time.

Do not allow other students to store their possessions in your locker, and do not put your possessions in someone else's locker.  This is a violation of school policy. Furthermore, you never know when that student might not come back to school for the day, week, month, or year. 

Student Use Computers

There is exactly one reason why there are so many computers in the science classroom.  That is because science students have done a good job of taking care of the computers available to them.  The better we treat the computers the more computers we get.  Remember the classroom started with just one extra computer in 1999 and now has eight computers for you to use when appropriate.

• On science classroom computers...
• No one uses them without permission from a teacher.
• No playing games.
• No random web surfing.
• No downloading of any kind.
• Complete your computer related task in an efficient manner.
• No turning the screen from its original position.
• Save all documents to a 3.5-inch floppy disk.  I periodically delete all files from student computers.
• Shut off and cover up all computers when finished.

If you are caught breaking one of these rules, you won≠t be allowed to use the computer in the science classroom.  They are too important to the work that happens in this classroom to allow students to abuse them.

Saved Student Work

You will not take home any of your work in science class.  All student work will be sorted and filed for your senior portfolio.  You are expected to sort out your checked work and put it in your file.  You will not dig around in other people≠s files to observe their work.  If you are caught in other people≠s saved student work you will lose 10% of your attendance points for the quarter.

Dissecting Animals

In biology class, we will dissect things.  If you are morally, culturally, intellectually, etc. opposed to dissection, do NOT participate in the dissection.  Do not let me try to talk you into the dissection.

Why would I try to talk you into dissecting something?  Generally, students are leery of dissection because it is something new, and is a little intimidating.  In the end, though, it is one of the most memorable parts of biology for many students.

Preferably sometime before the day of the dissection, come in and talk to me after school, before school, at sometime other than class time about your quandary with dissection.  I will also need a written statement from both you and your parent/guardian stating why you cannot participate in the dissection to put in my files. An appropriate alternative to dissection project will be a two page typed single space report with at least three sources quoted on a topic chosen by your teacher.

Science Fair

Science fair projects are student-generated projects that help students to better understand the scientific process and how to research a problem.  In the true spirit of the science fair, students are responsible for research and development of their science fair projects.   While Miss Klein will help with safety concerns and some troubleshooting, the student is responsible for choosing, designing, and carrying out the project. 

All students in chemistry and block science will be required to complete a science fair project during the second semester.  It will be impossible for a student to pass second semester in either of these classes if he/she does not complete a science project successfully.  Successful completion of a science fair project is defined as picking out an appropriate topic, designing and carrying out an experiment to test his/her hypothesis, drawing a conclusion from the results, creating a display about the project to share with others, and competing in the Nebraska Native Nations Science Fair.

Before students can go to the Nebraska Native Nations Science Fair, they must have at least one practice run with Miss Klein.  They must dress nicely (khakis, slacks, skirts, sweaters, button up shirts).  No t-shirts, sweatshirts, or jackets.

Do I have to do this?

A question I hear over and over is, "Do I have to do this?"  While at some point in my life I have often thought there are many things that I have to do, but after working here for a few years the students have taught me that quite honestly there is nothing I have to do but die some day because all living things eventually die.  Everything else is completely optional.  So do you have to do this,the answer is no, there is nothing you have to do but die some day because all things eventually die.  Will there be a consequence for not doing it,the answer is yes.  Might that consequence be negative,the answer is yes.  But it is your choice as to whether you do this or not.