High Expectations for My Scientists and Their Families
As we get older, our responsibilities expand and many more people depend on us to get the job done. This goes for me, as a teacher and adult, but also for you as students. If you notice on my syllabus for each of my classes, responsibility grows as you get to become upperclassmen.
Responsibilities of our science team:
Responsibilities of our science team:
- I expect communication to be made as our number one priority! If we can't communicate with each other, we cannot work as a team. This includes my frequent reminders and updates of the website as well as your communication with me with any needs you may have, concerns and general updates you need to tell me. This includes if you have something going on at home or at school that is bogging you down emotionally or academically. You will get more support from me if you tell me about these things right away.
- Accountability for mistakes or wrong-doings. I am not perfect; no one is. However, it is my responsibility to admit when I make mistakes and try to fix them. I expect the same from you! If you have a project that is late, don't tell me your computer crashed or printer didn't work if it really didn't (See number 1 if concerned, just have your parents give me a note saying it did actually happen). If you make a behavior boo-boo in class, please own up to it and we can start fresh. Hopefully we won't have that happen! :-)
- Asking for help. If you are stuck on a concept or how to do an assignment, you need to ask help from me. If there's another classmate who really understands it, by all means, as him or her, but always know I will help you! If you don't ask for help, how will I know you need it? Just like in class, if you don't raise your hand to ask for help, how will I know you do or don't understand something? I'm not telepathic :-)
- Time management and juggling. As you grow up, especially entering the workforce or college, you will notice that you have a lot on your plate. The best way to master all of your tasks is to manage your time and prioritize. I know I can't do 10 things at once so I have to go through each item, allot time for each task and tackle my tasks by importance. This importance could be whatever is "due" first, or it could be whatever will take me the longest to do (I like to NOT spend 10 hours the night before it is due, doing a major project, otherwise I go bananas). If you are on a sports team,in a club, or have a job, you have it more difficult; however, all of it STILL NEEDS TO GET DONE. Welcome to growing up :-) I don't want to hear about how you didn't do your homework because the homework from another class you had was due two days ago and you needed to complete it to get credit. Do all your homework and projects on time for each class!
- STUDY, STUDY, STUDY! If you read my policies (and the whole science departments'), you will understand you NEED to study for quizzes and tests. We will go over proper studying skills, but find what best suits you! That strategy could be drawing diagrams, writing your notes over again, flashcards, studying with a friend, seeing me during WIT, start studying once you get the study guide a little each night, make your own study guide...the list could go on. You need to figure out what allows you to soak up all that information. My suggestion...look at your notes each day to review. That way, once the quiz/test comes along, you've stored it in your LONG TERM MEMORY. If you never study, even for a minute, it will always be in your short term memory.
- Support each teammate. We may not always get along with our colleagues (cough, cough, Mr. Parkinson...haha I tease), but we need to work with them, nonetheless. Even if you don't always agree, try to work to complete a common goal, whether that be completing an experiment, delegating what person does what in a group project, or just simply helping others understand the material. If we provide our best effort and also help others to be their best, we can learn way more and make it way more fun!