Frequently Asked Questions
Many questions can be answered by critically thinking through the problem, asking a peer, or checking your class syllabus. When all else fails, email or tweet me.
What do I do if I’m absent?
If you’re absent, please check this website for what you missed - go to the class calendar, and then look for homework files under whatever unit we're currently studying. You can also check the “What Did I Miss” area in the classroom, which lists what we do every day and contains any handouts you may need. If you will be gone for an extended period of time, please email me.
Can I borrow a pencil?
Bringing the necessary supplies with you to class every day is important. In order to be successful, we must be prepared! It’s okay if you forget a pencil once or twice - just ask one of your peers if you can borrow one.
What if I missed a lab, quiz, or test?
Please arrange for a makeup lab, quiz, or test as soon as possible. You can do this by letting me know before or after class that you’d like to schedule a makeup date. The scheduling and makeup work is your responsibility. All late/makeup work for each quarter is due no later than the last day of the quarter.
What are we doing in class today?
Check the class calendar! You will also find the day’s agenda on the board at the beginning of class.
Can I go to my locker? I forgot my science notebook/pencil/folder/book/assignment.
The short answer for this is no. In very rare circumstances will you be able to return to your locker for materials. It is essential that you come prepared for class every day. In the event that you do leave class to go to your locker, you will need to use one of your passes. Your science notebook must come to class with you every day. If you forgot a pencil, ask one of your peers if you can borrow one.
You counted me tardy, but I had one foot in the classroom when the bell rang! What gives?
Utilizing class time appropriately is very important to me. I want each of my students to have as much time as possible to learn science! Because of that, it is my policy that you should be in your assigned seat when the bell rings. If you come to class early, I ask that you sit quietly and begin preparing for the day by reading the board and answering the Science Starter in your science notebooks. If you sprint into class as the bell is ringing and disrupt the learning of others, I will probably mark you as tardy - especially if it is a regular occurrence. Please let me know if you have any special circumstances that may affect your ability to get to class on time.
When is this project due?
Due dates will be listed on the class calendar and on the board every day. They may also be listed on the assignment itself. If you’re still not sure, please ask. It may help you stay organized if you write each assignment’s due date on the top of the page and highlight it. Also, use your planner!
What happens if I turn an assignment in late?
You should always try to turn an assignment in on time, but if you can’t, turn it in as soon as possible. Deadlines are an important part of everyday life! However, if you need extra time on an assignment in order to understand the concept, let me know. Any assignments that are not finished in class will be considered homework. Some students think that because I don’t often assign homework, it means you NEVER have to do science work at home. This is not true! If you need to finish classwork, study for a quiz, or just practice some problems on your own, then you should be doing so. Our brains LEARN by the process of repetition! In the case of an absence or special circumstances, you will have extra time to complete assignments you missed. In order to be successful in this class, you should be studying your notes for at least 15 minutes every day. Please see your class syllabus for information on late work and absences.
What do I do if I’m absent?
If you’re absent, please check this website for what you missed - go to the class calendar, and then look for homework files under whatever unit we're currently studying. You can also check the “What Did I Miss” area in the classroom, which lists what we do every day and contains any handouts you may need. If you will be gone for an extended period of time, please email me.
Can I borrow a pencil?
Bringing the necessary supplies with you to class every day is important. In order to be successful, we must be prepared! It’s okay if you forget a pencil once or twice - just ask one of your peers if you can borrow one.
What if I missed a lab, quiz, or test?
Please arrange for a makeup lab, quiz, or test as soon as possible. You can do this by letting me know before or after class that you’d like to schedule a makeup date. The scheduling and makeup work is your responsibility. All late/makeup work for each quarter is due no later than the last day of the quarter.
What are we doing in class today?
Check the class calendar! You will also find the day’s agenda on the board at the beginning of class.
Can I go to my locker? I forgot my science notebook/pencil/folder/book/assignment.
The short answer for this is no. In very rare circumstances will you be able to return to your locker for materials. It is essential that you come prepared for class every day. In the event that you do leave class to go to your locker, you will need to use one of your passes. Your science notebook must come to class with you every day. If you forgot a pencil, ask one of your peers if you can borrow one.
You counted me tardy, but I had one foot in the classroom when the bell rang! What gives?
Utilizing class time appropriately is very important to me. I want each of my students to have as much time as possible to learn science! Because of that, it is my policy that you should be in your assigned seat when the bell rings. If you come to class early, I ask that you sit quietly and begin preparing for the day by reading the board and answering the Science Starter in your science notebooks. If you sprint into class as the bell is ringing and disrupt the learning of others, I will probably mark you as tardy - especially if it is a regular occurrence. Please let me know if you have any special circumstances that may affect your ability to get to class on time.
When is this project due?
Due dates will be listed on the class calendar and on the board every day. They may also be listed on the assignment itself. If you’re still not sure, please ask. It may help you stay organized if you write each assignment’s due date on the top of the page and highlight it. Also, use your planner!
What happens if I turn an assignment in late?
You should always try to turn an assignment in on time, but if you can’t, turn it in as soon as possible. Deadlines are an important part of everyday life! However, if you need extra time on an assignment in order to understand the concept, let me know. Any assignments that are not finished in class will be considered homework. Some students think that because I don’t often assign homework, it means you NEVER have to do science work at home. This is not true! If you need to finish classwork, study for a quiz, or just practice some problems on your own, then you should be doing so. Our brains LEARN by the process of repetition! In the case of an absence or special circumstances, you will have extra time to complete assignments you missed. In order to be successful in this class, you should be studying your notes for at least 15 minutes every day. Please see your class syllabus for information on late work and absences.