Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of
students and parents.

1. What is the best way to communicate with Mr. Fernandez?
2. What will students' grades be based on?
3. Should students have composition books for their journals?
4. Will students be handling live animals, such as snakes?
5. Will there be a TCMS field Trip to Marine Lab?
6. Will their be any dissections?
7. What percentage of my nine week grade is based on my quarter exam?
8. Is participation an important part of this class?
9. Should students have usb drives?
10. Are watches and calculators necessary?

What is the best way to communicate with Mr. Fernandez?

The best way to communicate with me is via e-mail.
My e-mail address is eric.fernandez@tcmstornadoes.com.

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What will students' grades be based on?

The standard grade scale is used:
A= 90%-100%
B= 80%-89%
C= 70%-79%
D= 60%-69%
F= 0%-59%

Grades are weighted in the following way:
Tests/Mini Assessments                   20%
Labs/Observational Studies/Reflections   30%
Assignments and Homework                 20%
Participation                            10%
Quarter Exam                             20%

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Should students have composition books for their journals?

Yes, ideally I would like all students to use composition books with graph
paper type pages. During labs students need to develop illustrations and draw
graphs. The graph type paper makes these tasks easier. I also request
composition books because I do not want students to remove any pages. If they
make a mistake on a page they simply draw an line or a x across the page and
continue. Further, composition books are small, compact and are easy to carry
around.

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Will students be handling live animals, such as snakes?

Students will not be obligated to handle any animals, while in my class. We
may allow them to touch the animals while I am holding them, provided that
they follow strict guideline to protect themselves and the animals. Also, if a
student wishes to handle an animal, permission will be granted once the
following requirements have been satisfied:
1. Bring a signed note from parents granting permission to handle animals.
This note will be sent home to the parent for signing upon notice of student
interest.The letter will state that parents/guardians recognize that any
animal with a mouth has the potential to bite and that clothing may be damaged
or bodily contact with fecal matter could possibly occur. 
2. The student has undergone a training with me on animal handling protocols.
3. Student demonstrates best practices for handling animals.
4. Animals will be handled only in my presence.
5. Student must have up to date tetanus vaccine.

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Will there be a TCMS field Trip to Marine Lab?

Yes, the trip is presently in the planning stages. The dates have been scheduled
for one session; June 14-16 and 60 participants in 6 boats. We will send out
letters with
details regarding initial deposits and other details soon.

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Will their be any dissections?

Yes, during the course of the year animals will be dissected. Any student
which is unable to dissect animals for personal reasons will be given an
alternative assignment or virtual dissection when available.

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What percentage of my nine week grade is based on my quarter exam?

The Quarter Exam is 20% of the nine week grade.

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Is participation an important part of this class?

Participation is crucial to any scientific endeavor and is central to being
successful in this class. Although "participation" is listed as 10%
of the
student grade, keep in mind that participation will also affect performance in
experiments, observational studies and in other class activities. Students
must be proactive and strive for excellence in all activities.

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Should students have usb drives?

Yes, a 128 MB USB Drive will make the transferring of documents much easier
for students.

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Are watches and calculators necessary?

Students use watches to tell the time during certain activities. Although
watches are not always necessary, they help the student take responsibility
for collecting data. Watches do not have to be fancy or expensive, but need to
be water resistance. Calculators are tools used in both math and science.
Students should already have calculators to use in Math. These same units can
be used in the science class, as well.

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