Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- What should I bring to class?
- What should be in my binder?
- What is expected of me in lab?
- How do I keep track of assignments?
- Are reading assignments important?
- How do I make up the work if I am absent?
- What about lab reports?
- Help?
- Can I earn extra credit?
- What calculators can I use?
- How is my class participation grade determined?
- Who keeps the lab neat and clean?
- How is my grade determined?
- Report card grades?
- How can I earn a weighted Biology or Genetics grade?
- Where do I get PJAS and PRSEF information?
What should I bring to class?
Students need to bring the following to class everyday: textbook, pencil with eraser, pen,
binder with loose-leaf and graph paper, and a set of colored pencils.
In addition, students need to bring completed homework assignments.
What should be in my binder?
Every student is expected to have a binder that will serve as a portfolio. ALL hand-outs, notes and
assignments must be in the binder.
The binder is a working tool to be used by the student. It is expected that it be organized in such a
fashion that the student can find notes, assignments, and hand-outs quickly.
What is expected of me in lab?
Labs are an integral part of the total learning experience in science. It is important that each student
experience working in the lab with his/her class.
Students are expected to be prepared for each lab. The best way to prepare for a lab is to
read the lab before class and come prepared to ask questions.
We start each year with a lab safety unit. Lab safety rules are posted in the laboratory and each
student is to keep a copy of the rules in his/her binder. It is expected that all lab safety rules will be
followed without exception. Failure to follow safety rules can result in any of a number of
consequences from written assignments to temporary removal from the laboratory.
Safety- For safety reasons, you must follow the requirements listed below on lab days:
*No contact lenses
*Long hair must be pulled back
*Shoes must be leather with a closed toe and back. Flat shoes are required. If your school shoes
are not appropriate, you must wear your leather tennis shoes to lab.
*Broken or lost equipment must reported immediately. If equipment is lost or broken due to
negligence on your part, a replacement fee will be charged.
*Backpacks are to be left in the hall against the wall. Only items needed for lab are to be brought in
during lab periods.
How do I keep track of assignments?
Assignments are found on my web page and posted on the bulletin board in the lab.
Students are responsible for the timely completion of all assignments, tests, quizzes, and labs.
It is the student's responsibility to make sure all work is current.
Late assignments will not be accepted. A zero will be assigned to all missing work.
Special circumstances will be dealt with as they occur.
Are reading assignments important?
Reading assignments are crucial for understanding. Read and reread the materials as assigned.
How do I make up the work if I am absent?
Students are responsible for any work missed due to absence from class no matter what the reason
for the absence.
If the absence is planned (vacation, apprenticeship, etc.), the student should make plans concerning
the completion of assignments before the day of absence.
Students are expected to return to school with your work updated.
Since labs are an important part of the curriculum and the hands-on experience in the presence of
peers and teacher are essential to the structure of the class, it is important that students try not to
miss lab periods. Please check the class schedule since labs may be conducted on any day or days of
the week. (In other words, lab activities are not confined to the day in which the class meets for
double periods.)
If a student is absent the day before a test or quiz, he/she is still expected to take the
test or quiz on the scheduled day. If a student is absent the day of the test or
quiz, he/she must make up the quiz or test during a scheduled make-up time.
Students are expected to miss no more than two test days and two lab days per semester. If a
student does display a habit of missing laboratory or test periods, a meeting with the student and
parents will be called to address the problem.
Of course, exceptions will be made for students experiencing special circumstances during the
school year. Students and parents are encouraged to alert Mrs. Greco to any circumstances that
need to be considered.
What about lab reports?
A lab report or lab sheet must be completed for all labs.
Lab reports must be typed and follow the correct format.
Graphs are to be computer generated.
Students should check the assignment listings to determine if the work is to be handed in or placed
in the binder.
This is also where due dates can be found.
A zero will be assigned for reports not handed in on the date due.
A note of caution when working preparing lab reports/sheets: It is important that lab partners
collaborate with each other. It is equally important that such collaboration is followed by each
student independently composing a report or answers to questions. This will be discussed in great
detail in class.
Help?
Students are encouraged to asks questions! Asking questions is an essential part of learning. Keep
asking until you understand. Learning can involve struggle.
Ask questions in class.
Feel free to e-mail questions to Mrs. Greco.
Study groups are encouraged and are welcome to work in Mrs. Greco's lab most days after school.
Peer tutors are available upon request.
Can I earn extra credit?
Extra credit will not be assigned at the end of the grading in an effort to save one's grade.
Take advantage of the extra credit opportunities as they present themselves throughout the grading
period. These can be found posted on the bulletin board in the lab and on the web page titled
"Opportunities for Science Nerds."
What calculators can I use?
Chemistry students can only use the calculators provided in my room.
Biology and Genetics students can use any calculator.
How is my class participation grade determined?
Mrs. Greco will use the following to determine your class participation grade:
*Willingness to share relevant answers and information during class discussions
*Ability to answer questions that were assigned previously
*Effective use of class time
Each student will be assigned ten points at the start of every week. Points will be deducted if
necessary, as the week progresses.
Who keeps the lab neat and clean?
All students who use the lab are expected to work to maintain a clean and neat environment.
Students are responsible for returning anything they use.
Failure to be neat and clean and to demonstrate a responsible attitude towards items in the lab, may
result in removal from the lab until the problem is corrected.
How is my grade determined?
Students are graded in three categories: lab, class participation, quizzes and
tests. Each of these areas will be considered as 1/3 of the semester grade.
The following are considered in determining lab grades:
Lab reports / lab sheets
Participation in lab activities which includes cooperation with lab partners and responsibility toward
lab equipment
Class Participation:
Homework and class assignments
Participation in activities and discussions
Coming to class prepared (This includes regular class attendance)
The final Biology and Chemistry grade = 45% First Semester grade + 45% Second Semester grade +
10% Final Exam
The Final Genetics grade = 90% semester grade + 10% Final Exam
The grades that you earn on assignments and test are only indicators of your success. An honest
evaluation of effort and progress, made by student and teacher, are important considerations in the
assignment of a grade.
Please use PowerSchool to keep track of your progress.
Report card grades?
It is important to remember that the grades assigned at the quarter are
reports of progress made thus far. It provides an opportunity for the
student, parent, and teacher to evaluate progress to date. These
grades do not appear on any permanent records. Only the semester
grades are reported.
How can I earn a weighted Biology or Genetics grade?
Most students earn a weighted grade by completing an independent science research project and
presenting it at PRSEF or PJAS.l
Some students have earned a weighted grade by preparing and submitting projects for other
competitions.
All juniors and seniors working toward a weighted grade in Biology or Genetics will be expected to
meet EVERY Friday from 11:30 until 12:20. This time will be spent on topics
relevant to the completion of a quality science project and as a time in which students will report on
their progress. Grades will be assigned for participation in these sessions. Grades will also be
assigned for project work. These grades will be averaged into the overall semester grades.
A decision to participate in the weighted program must be made by the middle of September.
All assignments leading to the completion of the student project will be graded and the grade will
average into the student's overall chemistry or biology grade. These assignments are subject to the
same guidelines as all other assignments completed for the class.
If a student decides not to finish a project, all incomplete work will earn a zero.
Dates and deadlines can be found on Mrs. Greco's website.
All work must be at the level and of the quality expected for a Junior or Senior working
toward a weighted grade. Final judgements are made by Mrs. Greco.
If you have an another interest that you wish to pursue in order to earn a weighted grade, discuss the
possibility with Mrs. Greco.
Where do I get PJAS and PRSEF information?
There are bulletin boards outside my lab. They will display the
information you need. It also helps to listen to morning
announcements. Click on PJAS or PRSEF on my website for detailed
information.