DON'T
PANIC
2011-12 (AP Edition)
Let
me know if it is useful
Guideposts For Written Work to be Submitted
This "e-booklet" is basic class rules and policies. Most are generic. Once upon a time I set this up for my middle school classes. It has grown and evolved since then.
Specific details for AP Biology are also to be found on the class web pages.
Dr. Gottfried
You can call me Mr. Gottfried, or Dr. Gottfried. I am not a
medical doctor, so don't ask me what to do with a cut, a broken
bone or a sprain. I earned my Ph.D. in biological oceanography in
the department of Biology and Living Resources at the University
of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (a mouthful, but no one ever asked me; the name of
the
department has changed since then anyway.-but as a result of learning
to say its name I was prepared for "Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior
High Biscayne Bay Campus.")
I am a very verbal teacher. I will provide you with lots of
printed material. I will talk a lot (Don't
say it
is because I like to hear the sound of my own voice. While it may
be true telling me this is not a good way to impress me.)
You need to listen to all instructions and to read everything
carefully.
I will do my best to teach you. I work hard for you and I
expect you to work hard
for me. Learning can be fun, but it is
also hard work. Like any skill, thinking needs practice. In my
classes I hope you will get lots of practice!
From
a letter to AP Bio students from prior studetnts: "To
quote the brillant philosopher Douglas Adams, "For a moment, nothing
happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen."
This is what it is like if you try to study by diffusion. The fact of
the matter is, absorbing information taught in this class requires
active transport. Even then, the competitive inhibitors of
procrastination will likely prevent any absorbed facts from being
catalysed into long-term memory. Study early, study hard, and always do
the reading."
Bias
All ideas start from preexisting assumptions. In math these
assumptions are frequently called axioms, or ideas that don't
need proving. In history they are sometimes called maxims, things
so obvious they don't have to be proven.
In science we like to think that there are no assumptions.
HOWEVER, this is not true. There are a number of basic
assumptions, or biases, to science that are so basic that we forget
to think about them.
Science believes (and in this context that means that I
believe) that the universe is rational, logical, and can be
understood by rational and logical processes. Science believes
(...) that the universe can be explained in ways that make
sense
without resorting to the supernatural or paranormal.
There are other world views that societies can use as a focus
for their civilizations. The rationalist world view is mine, and
has produced the technology that gives us our standard of living. While
I am
happy to debate the existence of supernatural, paranormal or
pseudoscience I
don't want to do that on class time. If you want to have that
discussion, make
arrangements to meet with me during lunch or afterschool.
Return to Table of Contents
Error Detection
During this year I will be doing a great
deal
of talking (see link 2).
I will give lectures, answer questions, conduct
discussions, etc. Since I am an imperfect scholar and any evidence to
the contrary aside, a fallible human being, I will inevitably
make factual errors, draw some unjustified conclusions, and pass
along my opinions as facts. I will be very unhappy (not a good thing)
if you were
unaware of these mistakes. To minimize that possibility I assign
you all the following task. Make sure none of my mistakes goes
unnoticed. If you find an error (and there will surely be some)
tell me why it was an error, the source of your authority, and a
truer or less biased way of saying what I was trying to say. (If you do this properly-politely identify and
correct an
error-you will get extra credit.)
I may
from time to time include deliberate mistakes or outrageous
opinions to see if you are awake. There is no need for you to
"test" me alone. Feel free to collectively review the
things I've said. One of the strongest study techniques is
the study group. Try
and set up one.
CD Text Book and Extras
Textbook CDs- Each year these get scratched and we need to burn new
ones. Or
students forget them when they return their books, and we have to
figure out
what to charge for a lost CD.. Additionally, students sometimes ask if
they can
keep them.
Therefore the first week of school, you will provide me with a blank
CD, and
I will provide you with a copy of the Campbell CD which will be YOURS
to keep.
There is also a "CD" of FRQs, Lab information, web sites etc which I will provide you with when you give me a blank. The material is partly derived from other AP Bio teachers and is an excellent resource.
Student ID number
It is very important you learn, and
remember
your student ID number.
Course Requirements
Read the fine print.
I give complex instructions. Read them.
Follow directions.
As AP students, there
are certain standards that must be met to ensure your success in the
course. These standards apply to both student and teacher. These
are outlined below.
|
Students
will:
|
I
will:
|
-Modified from Mrs. Ferguson (http://www.thebiologyspace.com)
|
The
successful AP Biology student:
|
-Modified from Mrs. Ferguson (http://www.thebiologyspace.com)
Time and interruptions
Don't waste time! Our class time is a limited resource. We
have many things to accomplish and a limited amount of time in
class. While each of you is an important individual, I must teach
you collectively and you must respect the rights of the other
students and my rights as a teacher.
Many minor crises can be more appropriately handled if you
submit your problem (with a grade, an assignment, a group) in writing
after
class or by email. I'll get back to you with an answer as quickly as
possible, and you won't disturb or interrupt the entire class. In
addition, I am more likely to consider your plea if it does not
interrupt me than I am if you are disrupting the class.
When it comes to whining importuning
requests
during class time the following witticism is informative: A
politician says "yes" if he means maybe,
"maybe" if he means no, and if he says "no"
he's not a politician. An editor says "no" if he means
maybe, "maybe" if he means yes, and if he says
"yes" he's not an editor. A teacher says "no"
when he means no, "no" if he means maybe, and
"no" if he means yes. Anything other than
"no" and he's not really a teacher.
It may be graded, collected, or simply reviewed.
Behavior/Discipline
I hold my students to a high standard of discipline and good
behavior.
I like to take my classes outside the building for some labs on the courtyard and PE field. I can not do this if my students can't control themselves.
I try and take field trips that include learning, which
requires paying attention. A couple of years ago we took a field trip
to Home
Depot. I love the zoo.
I expect you to be able to walk 100 meters without talking
to anyone else!
I expect you to respond to directions without argument or
debate.
I expect the sound level in the classroom to at all times be
less than that of a jet airplane on take-off.
You know when you are too loud without being yelled at by the
teacher. Keep yourselves under control, or I will be forced to
control you! The school has a discipline policy which will be
adhered to.
The Discipline Plan includes the following rules:
-Be prepared for class and on task at all times.
You need:
covered text (when I tell you to bring it-which honestly won't be often, and in AP Bio may be never.)
paper
Notebook with sections (see Notebook)
pencil/pen
additional class materials (as required by teacher which for a couple of labs/assignments may be calculators)
-Be on time and in your seat when the tardy bell rings.
-Be polite and respect others.
raise your hand and wait to be recognized
do not use profanity or obscene gestures
-Accept responsibility by following the rules the first time they are given.
do not disturb the class
do all class and homework assignments
no food in class (see safety issues)
do not wear hats or shorts unless told specifically it is ok
no radios, cameras, tape players or beepers
-Make a positive contribution to our school.
dress neatly and adhere to the school dress code
participate in all grade level, and school activities
take care of your school materials
take care of library books
do not vandalize or deface school property
Consequences range from verbal warning and parent contact to
referral to the administration.
Conduct Grades
You are responsible for your behavior. Every student starts
out each nine weeks with an "A" in conduct.
If you interrupt me, or other members of the class your
conduct grade will suffer. If you don't know how to behave in
class, your conduct grade will suffer.
You know what is appropriate behavior for a
classroom.
You must show respect for me and for every other person in the
classroom.
In the past few years the single biggest conduct problem was tardiness at the beginning of the school day. WAKE UP!
Cell Phones
While the school board ruling says you can have them in school it
specifically
says your can't have them on during class. If your phone rings, buzzes,
vibrates
etc during my class it (or the battery) will be taken away and you will
be asked to have a parent
come in to pick it up. Do not take them out to use as cameras without
permission
or, they (or the battery) will be confiscated and you will be asked to
have a parent come in to
pick it up. Do not ask to go to the bathroom so you can use your cell
phone
during class. If you get caught at it, it (or the battery) will be
confiscated and you will be
asked to have a parent come in to pick it up. You may end up
having to use
your cell phone as a calculator or stop watch. In either case, ask
first.
MP3 players & Ipods
See Cell Phones!
NEW RULE!!
There are media files for AP Biology review which are in mp4 (ipod) or flv (youtube) formats. If you are reviewing them, you can use your cell phone or media player. DO NOT Abuse of this privilege.
Attention
One important procedure involves my getting your attention
when you are too loud, doing a lab, working on your own etc. It
is possible I may need to get your attention quickly and
efficiently before you do something dangerous.
I have tried a variety of techniques ranging from ringing bells,
clapping,
flashing lights and just screaming. I don't know yet what we'll end up
using
this year. BUT, when I want your attention you need to:
(1) stop talking
(2) stop what you are doing
Substitute Policy
If you misbehave when a substitute is in the classroom, you
will earn a conduct grade no higher than a C for that marking
period. Your parents will be contacted. You will also be excluded
from special activities for a month.
Subsequent offenses will require a parent conference at which
additional sanctions will be discussed.
Return to Table of Contents
Tardy Policy
Class can't start until you get here. Excessive tardiness will
be dealt with as a serious conduct violation. Initially I'll
call home. After that it gets worse.
Groups/Seating
I may or may not assign seats in the classroom portion of the room. Don't complain. I'll move you around when I feel like it.
You will also be assigned to a lab and assignment groups on a needs
basis. For labs and group work you will be with the other people
in that group for the duration of that assignment.
Part of the process of group assignments is to get you to work
with a variety of different people. Do not tell me who you want
to be in a group with! You have to learn to work with people you
may not like as well as with your friends. Everyone has something
to contribute.
If behavior allows, I may allow you to pick your own seats and dispense
with assigned seats in the
classroom section of the room.
Supplies-
You will need a small 3 ring
binder, or sections in a larger 3 ring binder for lab reports,
homework, worksheets and other papers that can not be placed in a
bound notebook. It is subject to collect at any time. I suggest a
1" loose-leaf notebook, or a section of a larger one, with a
pocket for material that is (a) too big for the binder or, (b)
doesn't have holes punched in it.
You will need to bring a pen and pencil (#2) to class every
day.
You will need a basic calculator (addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division and square root) for some of our tests
and assignments. On days when we will need additional supplies
(rulers, calculators, colored pencils, glue, etc) you will be
notified in advance.
If you are completely disorganized see me, and I can offer
some suggestions.
Return to Table of Contents
Lab Safety
Safety in the classroom and when we do labs is the first
consideration. You will be required to read and sign a safety
contract. Failure to do so will result in your forfeiting the
right to participate in lab activities.
Violations of lab safety will be considered severe
violations of class, and school rules! (See link 3).
One of the safety rules is that no food is to be eaten on the
lab side of room 336. This is a science laboratory and many
unpleasant chemicals have been used and are stored here. Please
do not violate this rule. Some of the chemicals can cause cancer.
It would be real pity if 20 years from now you got cancer because
you put your muffin down on the table in the science lab.
If you are lucky, violation of lab safety rules will result in
severe disciplinary action. If you are unlucky you or a friend
might loose a limb, an eye, or a life. (Or worse, I might loose a limb,
an eye,
or my life!)
Below is a reference copy of a safety contract.
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STUDENT SAFETY CONTRACT and CONDUCT AGREEMENT-
SCIENCE CLASS LABORATORY
This is to certify that I, _________________________________ have been instructed in the following safety components of this science class:
1) ______Safety Rules
2) Location and proper use of the following safety equipment:
________ a. Fire extinguisher
________ b. Fire blanket
________ c. Eye protection devices
________ d. Eyewash
________ e. Chemical containers
________ f. Master shutoff for gas and water
________ g. Bunsen burners
________ h. Electrical equipment
________ i. Intercom location & Phone
________ j. aprons
3) Safety procedures for the following situations:
________ a. Fire
________ b. Chemical splash to the body
________ c. Eye emergency
________ d. Chemical spill
I am aware that in the laboratory every student's actions can
affect the safety of others more so than in any other classroom
environment.
Every experiment can be performed safely by each laboratory
student following recommended safety procedures.
To do my part to provide a safe environment in the laboratory,
I agree to:
1) Follow instructions EXACTLY.
2) Perform only authorized experiments.
3) Protect eyes, face, hands, and body utilizing proper safety equipment and procedures.
4) Keep my work area tidy and clean up after each experiment.
5) Know where to get help fast.
6) Know where safety equipment is and how to use it.
7) Report at once all accidents, even minor ones, and any unusual occurrence.
8) Never bring food or drink into the laboratory.
9) Never "play around" - unusual motions are distracting and dangerous.
10) Ask questions if I do not understand what to do.
I am aware that I can look up chemicals I am to use and their
safety in the Material Safety Data Sheets that are posted or are
available.
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Donations
Often there are "kitchen" chemistry
labs that we can do if YOU bring in the supplies. You do not get
extra credit for this (you can't buy a grade!), but you do get my
gratitude and to do some fairly interesting labs.
Dreams
(Once
upon a time I made up an acronym for my 7th graders about what it took
to succeed in school & life. I made them chant it! I no longer
teach middle school and so no longer have my students "chant," which
doesn't make the acronym less true.)
I assume you have them. Aspirations, hopes, and
dreams of what you can and will do with your life. I have an
acronym for what you need to master to reach your dreams.
D-discipline
R-responsibility
E-effort
A-ability
M-motivation
S-skills
Discipline-not external
discipline, but
internal discipline, self discipline to do what has to be done
and not to do what shouldn't be done. In school we can force some
discipline onto you, BUT to succeed you need to
have
self-discipline.
Responsibility-doing
what is required of you,
without excuses or delays. We all want other people to trust us
and rely on us. They only do when we are responsible.
Effort-to succeed you
need to put in the time
and work. No enterprise succeeds without effort, and that
includes your education. I put in effort to do the best job I can
for you. I expect you to do the same for me, and for your own
futures. No one becomes a great basketball player, architect,
designer, doctor or chef without practice and effort.
Ability-there is no
doubt in my mind that in
addition to effort, natural ability plays a role in success. A
very short Magic Johnson would not have made a great basketball
player.
Motivation-without
internal motivation you can
not learn, and grow into a thinking person. You may succeed in
school temporarily, but without some drive or motivation you will
not become all that you can be.
Skills-reading,
writing, math, science, art,
music, car mechanics, drafting, typing (now called keyboarding),
cooking and sewing are all skills. To convert your dreams into
reality you need to work on your skills.
I believe that scientific thinking is a skill
that can help anyone (with the exception of a psychic) in any
walk of life. Science is a process that interprets the world.
That is a skill we all need.
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Vocabulary Cards
For 2011-12 I am
trying something different, so just keep this in mind.
I find that students lose the use of their
scientific vocabulary the day after a test, and even during a
test confuse words and meanings.
While you will not be required to create a set of
vocabulary flash cards it is HIGLY suggested and may be worth
extra credit on exams.
On one side you will have a word,
concept, or formula, and on the other a brief explanation. I will
assign some
words, but you can add others. There is a posted master list and the
cards should
be organized by topic. The words are based on the
Barrons
vocabulary cards. I know you could just buy the cards, but, that
doesn't make you learn the words.
Biology is to a large extent
vocabulary! I have posted a list
of prefixes,
roots and suffixes which may help you. If you don't like "cards" you
can create an Excel spreadsheet with definitions etc.
(It is
harder to add drawings, but not impossible).
Notes
I expect each student to be ready to work when
the bell rings. In my mind that means that you will be:
1) in your seat
2) be quiet
3) have your notebook out to take notes
4) have any work to be handed in
out and ready
Note taking is a vital skill. It is very
important to be able to write down what you are learning as you
learn it. To copy from the board, TV, or overhead is not enough.
You need to take an active part in the process,
interpreting what is said, and taking notes based on what is
said, not just what is written on the board.
(It is my general observation that
those students who take notes in class do better on tests and
quizzes than those that don't.)
I am trying something completely different for 2011-12, which wil, I hope, limit my lecturing. BUT you will still need to take notes.
I have established a wikispace at http://drgbiologywiki.wikispaces.com
Access is by invitation only (you will all be invited). I encourage you (via extra credit) to improve the wikispace by entering links, advice etc. -In 07-08 no one used this. Unless you can think of a good way to use it, we will let it die.... (2009 update-it died) (2010 update- RIP) (2011 update I don't even remember the access password).
I have set up a separate page at the wiki for ESOL students to post links that might be in Spanish, and I strongly encourage students whose first language is Spanish to use this wikispace to actively collaborate (2009-this died too) (2010 update RIP too) (2011 - update if you have language problems see me, the web page didn't prove useful, but I have suggestions.)
Guideposts For
Written Work to be
Submitted
Write neatly and legibly. Type if possible. You can submit by email as text files, MSWord files, or WordPerfect files. (I may be able to "translate" other formats, but it is a pain. In particular, I have problems with MAC files, so if you use a MAC, use the "SAVE AS" function, and save it as something I can easily read.)
Use blue or black ink on standard white notebook paper unless otherwise instructed. Do not use paper torn from a spiral notebook. Do not write in red, pink, or purple inks.
Do not use the plastic report covers with sliding plastic binders. (This is not a school rule or policy but one of my own. I HATE those binders!)
Write the correct heading in the
upper
right-hand corner of the paper. There is a correct heading for
individual and for group work.
Individual Heading-In the upper right hand
corner.
Last name, first name
Science-period number
Dr. Gottfried
Full Date Due
Group Heading-Again in the upper right hand
corner, and including all the names in the group.
Last name, first name
Last name, first name
Last name, first name
Last name, first name
Science-period number
Dr. Gottfried
Work In/Out
Papers for me to see will be collected at the
beginning of class. I usually have a blue bin on a
stool by the main desk. Your work goes there.
Work that I have graded will be
passed back and filed as time permits.
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Academic
Grades
The school
board adopted computer
grade
program only allows me to grade on a 0-100 point scale. Thus, an
assignment not done (0) is MUCH worse than one done very
poorly
(55). The system allows
you or your parent/guardian to log into the school's grade system and
look up
your grades.
Check the grades page for information on using the "look up" feature and interpreting the reports
Since computers
prefer to think in numbers
(rather than letters), I use a numerical version of the A-F grading
scale, using
the new scale.
Grades-
Grades will no longer be posted. See above for information on grade calculations.
F=0 D=1 C=2 B=3 A=4
In general, you will get the points you earn. For assignments that would normally be graded simply, A, B, C, D, F or Z, the following system will be utilized.
A perfect A=100, otherwise A=95; B=85; C=75, D=65; F=0, 25,
45, 55 depending on the
degree of "F", Z=0
Year Grades
Your year grade is calculated as 20% each marking period grade (total 80%) and 10% each the midterm and final. Thus it is possible, if you have straight A’s to already have an A for the year, even if you get an F on the final. Similarly, it is possible if you have exceptionally low grades for nothing you do to make a difference at the end of the year. For more details you should discuss your grades with your counselor or arrange to see me after school.
Assignment Values
In general, most assignments, homework, classwork, lab reports and quizzes count more than some minor assignments. Weights may be assigned a value of 1-10 or even 0. That is, I know whether you did it or not, but it doesn't count in your average.
I am going to try for 2011-12 to
also utilize the Prentice Hall web
page and its associated reading assignments.
If you pass the AP exam but didn't do as well in my class I will override your grade (subject to my discretion).
If you earn a 3 on the AP exam I will consider overriding an F->D; D->C; C->B
If you earn a 4 on the AP exam I will consider overriding an F->C; D->B; C->B; B-> A
If you earn a 5 on the AP exam I will consider overriding an F->C; D->B; C->A; B->A
Tests/Quizzes
Tests will always be announced at least 2 days in advance, usually a week in advance (see link 15).
There may be pop quizzes (see link
3).
Cheating
A first cheating offense will result in an F,
or 0, on the exam, or assignment, a conduct grade cut and may
require a parent conference. Subsequent offenses, will require a
parent conference which will discuss additional sanctions.
What counts as cheating? Using someone else's work. Handing in two identical papers, with different names. Copying from someone during a test or quiz. Bringing answers (crib sheets) into a testing situation. Copying word for word from someone or something (encyclopedia) else without attribution. This is especially easy on the Internet. That doesn't make it right.
You know what cheating is. If in doubt, don't do it.
Late Work
In theory, late work is better
than no work. In
practice handing in work late is a sign of poor planning,
pathetic study habits, and lack of responsibility (See link 8).
Not only I am I supposed to
teach you science,
but responsibility.
Nothing at all is accepted late without a
really, really good excuse. And then I take off tons of points.
I mean this.
That said, since not handing in something is a 0 (zero),
handing in late work frequently makes the difference between
passing and failing for procrastinators. An F (55) is better
than
an F (0). "A" level work turned in very late will generally
earn
a
"D:
I reserve the right to make exceptions for
specific cases.
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Missed Tests/Quizzes
It is
your
responsibility to
schedule
make-up tests and quizzes. In general, I administer make-up
examinations, by arrangement, after school from 2:30-3:30. It may
be possible, under special circumstances, to arrange to make up a
test during lunch. I do not in general offer make-up tests during
class time. You would then have to make-up what you missed in
class!
I do not offer a lot of
extra credit. In the past for
many people extra credit was the difference between a C and an A,
or, a D and a B. I don't think that is fair to those who do what they
are
supposed to do on a regular basis.
You can get credit for helping me around the
classroom before or after school (when I ask for the help).
Cleaning up after labs is a common chore. There are also frequent
additional assignments that get counted as extra credit. For
example, you can write a lab or activity report on a lab,
demonstration or activity when I have said that no report is
required.
There is a standing extra credit assignment which I will not refer to in class at all. Your only information on this assignment is right here. (Aren't you glad you're reading this.) You can do this once each nine weeks. The total amount of credit depends on the depth of your analysis and how related the error you discuss is to the work we are doing that nine weeks (Don't go off on tangents-you can discuss your idea with me before you research it.)
Describe one of the most
significant errors
(see link 2) scholars and scientists have made related to this
years' course work. Indicate why it is an error, who made the
error, and what persons are mainly responsible for correcting the
error. You get even more credit if you can identify errors made
by the error-corrector and even more if you can suggest an error
in current thinking about the subject. Lastly you can get even
more credit for indicating a possible error in some strongly held
belief that resides in your mind.
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Lab and Activity Reports
A significant part of your grade will be based on how well you can write your lab and activity reports. Each report is MORE than a homework assignment. Each lab report is graded and its grade value depends on the amount of work I expect.
It is a combination of what was
done in class
with a conclusion you develop based on what was observed. Lab
reports are the essence of science and they allow me to
"see" how you think.
Labs generally involve a problem,
in response
to which you develop a hypothesis, design an experiment, carry
out the experiment, report your results and present a conclusion.
Activities have problems, but no
hypothesis.
They have purposes (usually
mine). They are sometimes
called (by me)
"lablets". Activity reports sometimes consist of only
observations and a conclusion.
Your lab reports must have a proper school
heading.
The full scale lab report has several important
parts.
Title
You can be creative or simple
here. Your grade
will not depend on your title, (unless
it
is too stupid for words).
Problem
In the form of a question.
Hypothesis or Purpose
This is important in my evaluation
of how you
think. A hypothesis is a statement (not a question) which your
experiment or observations will attempt to evaluate. Some
experiments we do will not have a hypothesis, but a purpose.
Materials & Procedures
To save space and time I encourage my students to abbreviate this part of the standard lab report format. I allow the following statement to replace this section in most cases:
As given in _______. Where the source of the procedure is noted as class, text link, handout etc.
If you do anything that deviates from the instructions you must include that in a "but.." statement after the
"As given in class."
For example you might say: "As given on page 264, but Sarah added 4 drops of dye instead of 2."
This may become important as I evaluate your data and conclusions.
Data or observations
This is what you see, what you
measure, what
you record. It can and should include data tables, graphs and
figures when appropriate. It does not include interpretation of
what you saw. For example "The flame was orange" is an
observation. "The flame was orange because of sodium"
is not an observation. You do not observe the sodium.
Conclusions
THIS IS THE ESSENCE OF THE LAB REPORT. Here you tell me whether the hypothesis was correct or not. Then you go on to elaborate on why, how and what it all means. I look in conclusion sections for evidence that you are thinking. That you are drawing conclusions based on the data and based on outside reading, other classwork, common sense, etc. Lab reports in honors biology are frequently more than one page (3-4 pages is not unusual.)
IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO SAY, "THE
HYPOTHESIS
WAS CORRECT."
There are numerous web sites with guidance on writing lab reports.
Effort Grades
I believe that effort is essential to success
in life. Whether you have mastered the material or not, you must
do ALL the assigned work to get a good effort grade. It is
possible, though difficult, to get an A for an academic grade in
my class along with a 3 in effort.
In any given 9 weeks there are
generally from
20-30 assignments. I generally give effort grades according to
the following system:
0-1 missed assignments effort = 1
2-3 missed assignments effort = 2
4+ missed assignments effort = 3
There are exceptions to this rule. Those in
your favor may involve hospitalization (yours, not mine). If you
make up work late, and end the marking period with
"zero-zeros" don't expect to get the same effort grade
(1) as someone who did all their work on time. Occasionally I
will consider the quality of your effort in assigning effort
grades. Someone who does a poor job on all their work does not
deserve the same effort grade as someone who tries their best and
does a fine job on all their work.
Occasionally (very rarely-maybe
once every other year) I
will reward excellent effort (0 missed assignments) by dropping
the lowest grade in a marking period. But don't count on it!
Return to Table of Contents
Posted Signs
Read all the signs. Especially
those at the
front of the room. Most of the material is also on the web page.
Agenda
I post the general plan for the
week including agenda and homework on the Internet at my web page (http://www.mdgottfried.net).
I generally go over the agenda for the week on the first day of the
week.
Homework
I post the homework for the week on the Internet at my web page (http://www.mdgottfried.net).
I review the week's homework on
the first day
of the week (usually Monday).
Written homework is usually due either on
Friday or Monday.
Tests and quizzes (except
pop-quizzes) are announced on the agenda/homework web page.
Return to Table of Contents
Electronic
Access
I can be reached via www with the following
caveat:
I do not necessarily sign on every
day or at least I don't guarantee it.
I can be reached at Internet mgottfried@dadeschools.net
or markgottfried@usa.net
(If this is a foreign
language to you, you probably don't know enough to use this
method of reaching me). Either address works. (Actually I have a bunch
of other addresses but this is enough--they all get to me.)
Use this address in the TO: field from AOL, Earthlink,
NetZero, Juno etc.
I have an occasionally updated home page, but you know that, since that is probably how you got here.
IF you have parental control, or a SPAM filter, on your email it will be important that you set my addresses as "ok" since otherwise you can't get mail from me.
You must be kidding. I'm not giving you my phone number. In an emergency you can leave a message or text to 305-349-3740. No one answers this phone number, but it does accept SMS text messages or voice mail (up to 3 minutes), and I do check it at least daily.
The Internet-At home
If you have a computer, and modem, you should
get yourself an account that lets you do research and gather
information on the Internet (the information superhighway as it
is referred to in the media).
You can even get an account without having a
computer or modem. The local public libraries (NMB, Aventura and NW
Dade) are hooked up with terminals that the public can
use.
You can also get a free web based e-mail
account without having your own computer from hotmail, gmail, yahoo
etc.
I would hope that all my students become
familiar with the Internet and e-mail.
Due to viruses school computers
only offer limited web-mail access. As of summer 2011 you can access
many of the most common at school.
Submission of Homework Done on a computer
Homework should be emailed to DrGHomework@gmail.com
E-mail can be used to submit homework. However,
it is important that you do not send me files I can not read. Any
plain text e-mail message is readable. Files that are attached to
a message may or may not be readable. Your best bet is to convert
everything to ASCII (plain text) and send it that way. You may
want to experiment with test files before you use this for your
homework. In general I can open Word (up to Office 2007) or WordPerfect
(up to
version 13) documents.
There are converter programs on the Internet that can convert
virtually any format into something standard. If you use something like
OPEN OFFICE and I have to convert it you will lose points. I do not
have a MacIntosh and many Mac specific formats do not convert. All the
Mac programs have a "Save As" function. If you use a Mac, save your
file as something I can read.
I no
longer accept floppy disks. Under limited conditions I do
accept work on USB pen drives. The limit is that we
usually don't have time for me to copy homework off 20 pen
drives...
The Internet-At
School
As of 7/2008 many (most) sites on the Internet have been blocked and computers at school are much less useful than in the past. We shall see how this develops.
We will be using computers with
Internet
connections a great deal in class. We will be running simulations
as well as doing research. Developing these skills is critical to
success in the modern world.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools has an
acceptable use policy for students and faculty.
This policy basically says, don't
do anything
that you wouldn't want to get caught doing!
The complete text can be found at
http://www.dadeschools.net/aup.htm
Pictures
In the course of the year I/we will probably
take a great number of digital pictures, both still and video.
You and your parents need to be aware that these pictures may be
posted on the Internet and/or used in press releases etc. for
the Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High Biscayne Bay
Campus. Student names will not be used in these cases without
specific permission.
Start preparing yourself early.
Take every test that is offered. Take the PSAT in 9th, 10th and 11th grades.
Take the ACT (for reasons that escape me, some students do substantially better on the ACT than on the SAT).
Check out the NYTIMES - Stanley Kaplan question of the day, daily. Make it a routine. It is free help. If you started in 9th grade you can go over 1000 questions by the time the SAT counts for you!
Since vocabulary is key...spend time on http://www.freerice.com
Jokes
You are not required to laugh at my jokes.
But it helps keep me in a good
mood!
Errors
In any document this size there will certainly be errors.
Please point them out to me politely.
Alonzo & Tracy Mourning Senior High Biscayne Bay Campus
For the 2009-2010 year we were lichens (if you were at ATM). For 2010-2011 we were mosses. This year, 2011-2012, we are shrubs (maybe ferns.) In writing explain that to me by 8/29/2011 for a small reward. Do not ask or discuss this with anyone. It is our little secret.
As a hint...it is related to the 2010 AP Bio FRQ-#4
Thoughts to ponder
Mostly harmless
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is
indistinguishable from magic." -Arthur C. Clarke
"Studies serve for delight, for ornament,
and for ability."
"Knowledge itself is power."
"They are ill discoverers that think there is no land, when they can see nothing but sea."
"Books must follow sciences, not sciences books."
"I have taken all knowledge to be my province."
Francis Bacon
"I do not know what I may appear to the
world, but to myself I seem to have been only a boy playing on the
sea-shore and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother
pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean
of truth lay all undiscovered before me."
"If I have seen farther, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."
Isaac Newton
"Genius is one percent inspiration and
ninety nine percent perspiration."
Thomas Alva Edison
"The time has come', the walrus said, `to
talk of many things:
Of shoes- and ships- and sealing wax- Of cabbages- and kings-
And why the sea is boiling hot- And whether pigs have wings."
Lewis Carroll
"It is a capitol mistake to theorize
before one has data."
"..when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."
Arthur Conan Doyle
"A likely impossibility is always
preferable to an unconvincing impossibility."
Aristotle
"Give me but one firm spot on which to
stand, and I will move the earth"
Archimedes
"Problems worth
of attack-
prove their worth
by hitting back."
"The road to wisdom-
Well is plain and simple
to express:
Err
and err
and err again
but less
and less
and less."
both by Piet Hien
"Sir, you have tasted two whole worms; you have hissed all my mystery lectures and been caught fighting a liar in the quad; you will leave by the next town drain."
William Archibald Spooner
"The terms and circumstances of human
existence can be expected to change radically during the next
human lifespan. Science, mathematics, and technology will be at
the center of that change-causing it, shaping it, responding to
it. Therefore, they will be essential to the education of today's
children for tomorrow's world.
-All children need and deserve a basic education in science, mathematics, and technology that prepares them to live interesting and productive lives.
-Scientific habits of mind can help people in every walk of life to deal sensibly with problems that often involve evidence, quantitative considerations, logical arguments, and uncertainty; without the ability to think critically and independently, citizens are easy prey to dogmatists, flimflam artists, and purveyors of simple solutions to complex problems."
AAAS-Science for All
Americans
© M. Gottfried, Ph.D. 2011
Any resemblance to the title and format of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams is purely complimentary, and it is with great sadness I must report that Douglas Adams passed away May 11, 2001