Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year.

This is a REQUIRED two-credit laboratory course designed to meet the high school standards established by the state of Minnesota, and to prepare students to take the required spring MCA-II Science exam. All Agape students will take the state MCA-II Science exam on May 11, 2010.

The major concepts covered in this class include the history and nature of science, engineering design, cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, flow of energy, and organ systems. We’ll investigate various problems and study current issues through laboratory activities, scientific inquiry, projects and independent work. You are expected to prepare lab reports, study basic biological terms, and complete assignments on a regular basis.

Your attendance is essential to learning! You are part of the classroom, and your presence is expected every school day. It is impossible to pass this class if you are frequently absent. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT SCHEDULE APPOINMENTS DURING THIS CLASS TIME. Missed work must be made up ASAP. If you are absent for medical leave make sure you work with your homebound teacher. STAY CURRENT WITH YOUR WORK!! DON’T FALL BEHIND; it takes the fun out of this classL.

Science Note Books:

The science notebook is the MOST essential tool you have in this class. This course is like the foundation of a house. It is filled will hundreds of vocabulary words, and concepts. The notebook is a record of your work that you may need to reference later in the course.  So keep in mind, a weak foundation on a house will NOT support the house for very long.  Students taking Biology in the first semester will need this information later in the year to study for the MCA-II exam.

Laboratory:

The lab is another important part of this class. The experiments promote a deeper understanding of science through the collection and analysis of information. You are expected to follow laboratory safety rules. Labs are not graded by “getting the right answer”, but to format the report in a scientific way and to give a logical conclusion based on the information you collect. I expect you to do your best! J

How to check for Missing Assignments or verify assignment has been turned in using a computer:

·                     To check current grades or missing assignment www.spps.org

·                     Click on the word “student” found in the left-hand corner of the screen.

·                     Click on “student portal” found on right-hand side of the screen.

·                     Use your username and password for your six-year plan.

Guardians:

·                     To check current grades or missing assignment www.spps.org

·                     Click on the word “parent” found in the left-hand corner of the screen.

·                     Click on “parent portal” found on right-hand side of the screen.

Grading: YOU HAVE AN “A” today! It is your choice to keep it or not J my grading scale is: 100- 90% = A; 89-80% B; 79-70% C; 69 – 60% D; below 60 is not passing.

Let’s have a great year! I am very excited and enthusiastic to start this school year, and I look forward to working with you and your guardians.