Keys to Success:

1. Bring your required materials everyday.
2. Pay attention in class and take notes. Hold on to your papers.
3. Ask questions if you do not understand something.
4. Do your homework!
5. STUDY!! Look over your notes every night. Five minutes is all you need.

1. Respect others.
2. Be prepared for class.
3. Be ready when the bell rings.
4. Follow directions the first time.
5. Raise your hand.
6. NO GUM CHEWING!!!

        If you choose to break a rule:

• 1st Time: Verbal Warning
• 2nd Time: Teacher Detention
• 3rd Time: Teacher Detention and Call Home
• 4th Time: Sent to Office & referral written

Required Materials:

• A three-ring binder with loose leaf paper for notes
• A folder with pockets for hand outs
• A composition notebook for laboratory write-ups 
• Writing utensils: pens and pencils
• Ruler
• Optional: calculator, colored pencils, markers, and a highlighter

     Students who are absent from class are responsible for making up the material (notes, homework, tests and labs) they missed. Students may get notes from another student, the internet or me. Missed labs and tests or quizzes must be made up within one week of the absence. A band lesson does not excuse a student from class work or homework. They must get the missed assignments and/or notes and hand in that days assignment the day it is due.

Grading Policy:

               Grades will be based on:

• Homework assignments (10 points each)
• Lab reports and projects (50-100 points each) (May count for more than one grade)
• Quizzes (25 points) and Unit Tests (100 points) (Tests count twice.)
• Class participation and preparation (100 points a quarter)
• Portfolio notebook check (100 points per Unit)

   Homework is generally given 3-4 nights a week. Students should be studying their notes every night even if there is no assigned homework.

   The number of lab reports and projects vary each quarter. Students will be given guidelines and a due date at the beginning of each project. Depending on the length of time the project takes, it may count for more than one grade. Students will be told at the beginning of the project exactly how many grades it is worth. Projects that are not handed in on time lose 10 points for every day that they are late. Class presentations alone or in groups will also be required.

     Quizzes will be given throughout each Unit. Students will be notified at least 2 days in advance of a quiz. Pop quizzes will only be given during the Genetics Unit due to the importance of learning the vocabulary. Unit tests will be given at the completion of each Unit. Students will be given at least a one-week notice of a Unit test and they will count as two grades.

     Students will earn one point a day for bringing their required materials to class and one point for participating in classroom activities (ex. taking notes, completing labs) every day. This is an easy way to earn points and help your grade; especially if you have a bad day and forgot to study for a quiz.

     The portfolio notebook check is another way to earn easy points. At the end of each Unit, after the Unit test, students will remove important papers from their Science folders, organize them, and then place them in a folder I will provide in the classroom for safe keeping until the midterm and final. Students will receive a 100 if all of the required papers are present in the portfolio. This keeps students organized and responsible for keeping their papers for shorter amounts of time.