Expectations
Science Classroom and Lab
Mr. Wilson

Be Punctual
• Be on time and in class each day.
• Be in your seat and ready to go to work when the tardy bell rings.
Be Polite
• Respect is self-perpetuating. If you show others respect, you will gain respect for yourself.
Be Prepared
• I expect you to be ready to learn when you are in my class. Timely completion of laboratory, class work and homework is mandatory.
Be Involved
• I expect your undivided attention in class. Listening and following instructions is of the utmost importance in the lab and in class.
• Outside materials and electronic devices will not be tolerated.
Be Safe
• Lab safety rules are strictly enforced.

Grading Standards
The rubrics for grading in Science include but are not limited to the following:
Grades:
• Daily Work – 25%
• Labs – Count as a Test Grade
• Tests – 75%
• Projects – Count as a Test Grade
Absence:
• “A student absent for any reason is encouraged to make up specific assignments missed and/or complete in-depth study assigned by the teacher to meet subject or course requirements. A student who does not make up assigned work within the time allotted will receive a grade of zero for the assighnment.” (Student Handbook, p. 34)
• “Homework or class work recorded during an unexcused absence will result in a 30 point deduction on the assighment (s).” (Student Handbook, p. 35)
Late Work:
• Late work will results in a point deduction. One day late results in a 20 point deduction, two days late will result in a zero.
Testing
• Any student who is not successful on a test will be given an opportunity to retest on the material. The maximum grade to be given on a retest is 75.

Lab Safety
1. Conduct yourself responsibly at all times
2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. Ask questions if you do not understand. Carefully following instructions will not only save you time, but may also save you from injury.
3. No student is allowed in the lab without a teacher. If there is not teacher in the lab, DO NOT ENTER!
4. Do not touch any equipment or materials before you are instructed to do so.
5. NO FOOD OR DRINKS IN THE LAB!!!
6. Never start the lab unless you have received prior approval from me.
7. Keep your work area neat and clean.
8. Keep your backpacks, books and other personal items out of the aisles and off the lab tables.
9. Never leave liquid-filled containers uncovered. All chemicals are to have their caps put back on the containers as soon as you have removed the instructed amount.
10. Know the location and operation of all safety equipment.
11. Do not run, shout, or throw things in the lab.
12. Dispose of all chemicals properly. I will instruct you about how to dispose of specific chemicals.
13. Keep your hands away from your face while doing labs. Also, wash your hands after the clean-up is complete.
14. Rinse out all glassware and leave it to dry in the designated locations.
15. Stay at your lab bench during labs.
16. Know what to do if there is a fire drill. (We will practice this.)
17. When instructed to wear goggles, all my students (including those with glasses) must wear them over their eyes, not on their foreheads or around their necks!
18. Treat preserved biological specimens respectfully.
19. Carry sharps appropriately; tips down and away from the body.
20. Do not start cleanup until I direct you to. Do not think of yourself as merely an individual doing clean up, but rather as a member of a team made up of the whole class. As such, if you finish cleaning up your area, it is your responsibility to find other areas that need cleanup, and to help other groups to cleanup. We will not leave until every item and every area has been cleaned and accounted for, so it is to your advantage to help others.

Accidents
1. In the unlikely event that you break something (we all know that accidents happen), please do me the courtesy of telling me when it happens. Given that I must account for everything at the end of the period, I do not take kindly to finding out the hard way. On the other hand, I am the picture of benevolence if you come up to me on your own freewill and own up to it. The only time I will take the breakage of an object with great seriousness is when it is a result of raucous and improper behavior.
2. Immediately report ALL injuries, no matter how minor, to me.
3. Use the eyewash or shower if you are splashed with a chemical. Always assume that the chemical is hazardous.

Clothing
1. Goggles, aprons and gloves are to be worn when instructed.
2. Only closed-toed shoes may be worn in the lab.
3. Tie long hair behind your head.
4. No loose clothing or jewelry.

Handling Chemicals
1. Consider all lab chemicals to be hazardous.
2. Double check the label before using a chemical.
3. Take only the amount of chemical you will use.
4. Never return unused chemicals to their original containers.
5. Never let a chemical near your mouth.
6. Never remove chemicals or other materials from the lab.
7. Always hold chemical bottles with two hands when transporting them.

Handling Glassware
1. Never handle broken glassware. If a piece of glassware breaks, notify me immediately and I will dispose of it.
2. Never used chipped glassware.

Heating Substances
1. Use caution when heating something with a Bunsen burner. Do not put any substance in the flame, and always light the burner at arm’s length.
2. Never leave a lit burner unattended.
3. Never look into a container that is being heated.

Microscopes
1. Microscopes must be carried with two hands, one on the base and one on the arm, and held close to the body. Be sure not to leave the power cords hanging over the edge of the table.
2. Always start out with the microscope on Low power, focus and center the specimen, before you move it to High power. Remember, it is easier to find the specimen if you center it in the middle of the glass circle in the center of the stage, before you look through the eyepiece.
3. When using High power, use only the Fine Focus knob (the smaller focus knob). Failure to do this can damage not only the slide, but the microscope lens as well.






Science Expectations and Guidelines
Commitment Form



Student

I have read and understand the guidelines and expectations outlined. I promise to follow these guidelines and expectations. I understand that failure to follow these and other verbal guidelines may result in a grade reduction or removal from the lab.





____________________________________________ ____________________
Name Date





Parent or Guardian

I have read and understand the guidelines and expectations outlined. I understand that my child is expected to follow these guidelines. I also understand the consequences of my child’s failure to abide by these guidelines may consist of a grade reduction or removal from the lab.


____________________________________________ ____________________
Name Date