IMPORTANT PLEASE READ!!!
I am a big believer in hands-on labs in the Science Classroom. I believe that students will learn more if they can actually experience, touch, and live what I am talking about. I will be doing numerous labs throughout the year, and in order for these to run successfully and safely I have very strict rules in regards to lab days.
There is absolutely no horseplay.
Students are to follow directions and are not to try different procedures or 'play mad scientist' with the equipment unless given permission
There is a reason we do labs and that is to learn. Labs are not meant as just 'play time' but there is work involved as well. Students must complete all procedures and questions given in order to complete it successfully
Random groups will be assigned and will constantly change throughout the year. Students are to work as a group with ALL members participating
Group grades will be given on certain labs. This may be taken by the teacher's observation, students may grade each other, or each member will be graded individually. It is the group's responsibility to share tasks and to work as a team
Since all equipment is either school or teacher purchased, the wasting or purposeful
Since labs are critical to success in science, certain conditions may apply where a student may be pulled from a particular lab and instead work on other assignments (questions, worksheets, reading, etc...) that pertain to the current topic.
A couple of the reasons to be pulled from a specific lab are the following:
Horseplay and/or not taking care of the equipment
Five or more missing assignments in the class
A total of eight participation grades not earned in a week
Refusing to work with group and/or partner
There may be other reasons at the teacher's discretion, but the main reason I do this is so students will take labs seriously and do the work involved. These labs take time and effort and it is not fair to other classmates if one is just doing it for 'fun'
If you have any questions or concerns regarding these lab rules please don't hesitate to contact me!
*rules are at discretion of teacher and are subject to be restructured at any time