- Why do we have to learn this stuff anyway?
- Can I borrow a pencil?
- What was the homework?
- I was absent yesterday. What did I miss?
- Can we go outside?
- When are we going to build catapults?
- What are we doing today?
- Can't we do something FUN today?
- Can I sit here - just for today?
- Why can't I use a spiral-bound notebook?
- Can I sharpen my pencil?
- Can I hand the homework in tomorrow for 1/2 credit?
- What did I get on the test?
- Why can't we chew gum?
- Can we eat in here?
- Should we write this?
- What is my student number?
- How many Homeworks did I miss?
- What is my grade so far?
- What am I getting on my report card?
- This is science - why do we have to do math?
- Do we MULTIPLY or DIVIDE?
- Can't you just TELL us the answer?
- What is my secret code number?
- How am I supposed to do it if I don't understand it?
Why do we have to learn this stuff anyway?
You have to learn this stuff for several reasons (just pick the
one that motivates you!)
1. You will be getting a grade each marking period. High grades
make your parents happy - this
makes them easier to live with.
2. You will be getting a grade each marking period. You can
justifiably feel proud of your hard
work and a job well done.
3. You can better understand the complicated world in which you
live. You get a handle on where
the electricity you use comes from, how things move on earth and
in space, how rockets travel,
why planets stay in orbit, why the sodium (in salt) causes an
explosion when placed in water, and
a thousand other interesting concepts.
4. You become better equipped to make decisions about the world
in which you live. (If you don't
make these decisions, someone else will make them for you!)
Can I borrow a pencil?
In this class, you are expected to bring your own writing instruments. In the rare case that you don't, this will invariably be my response: "Did you ask your Commander?", then, "Did you ask you teammates?" Next, "Did you ask your
classmates?" When you have exhausted the resources of your peers, I may lend you a pencil with the
provision that you leave collateral (security). This may be a small item of some value to you - a
notebook, or an article of clothing (a shoe works nicely!). This ensures that you remember to return
the pencil. Fair enough?
What was the homework?
Just check the bottom of the white board or the homework page on this site. (No need for verbal
communication)
I was absent yesterday. What did I miss?
Step 1: Ask a member of your Team (your Commander should be able to walk you through the concepts you missed.)
Step 2: Ask a fellow classmate.
Step 3: Check the Class and Homework page on this website.
Can we go outside?
No
When are we going to build catapults?
Near the end of the school year, in June.
What are we doing today?
Check the Dat Box on the blackboard for today's topic (under the
sign that says, "THIS is what we
are doing today") - no need for verbal communication.
Can't we do something FUN today?
No
Can I sit here - just for today?
No
Why can't I use a spiral-bound notebook?
Students habitually tear papers out of their spiral bound notebooks and leave the scraps on the tables. While I know YOU would never do such a thing, I bet you know students who would.
The whole issue is avoided by not using a spiral notebook.
Can I sharpen my pencil?
You may- but only with a personal, manually operated pencil sharpener.
(remember to collect the shavings!) An electric sharpener is far
too noisy and distracts your classmates.
Can I hand the homework in tomorrow for 1/2 credit?
In general - no. Homework is due on the due date. In rare instances, partial credit my be given for late homework.
What did I get on the test?
Check the web site (teacherweb.com)
Click the icon, "Test and Quiz Scores"
Scroll down to your secret code number.
Why can't we chew gum?
Gum very often ends up stuck under the lab tables and chairs.
Wrappers end up in the table well. Naturally, YOU would never do
such a thing, but I'll bet you know people who would! In general
people do not like to clean up a gummy mess.
Can we eat in here?
Because you are in a lab, safety laws prohibit eating in the classroom.
Should we write this?
Yes
What is my student number?
Student numbers were assigned alphabetically, based on the original seating chart. Because your student number is public (unlike your secret code) you should write your student number in your notebook.
How many Homeworks did I miss?
Check your Homework Record Sheet
What is my grade so far?
Answer #19 (blank)
What am I getting on my report card?
Answer #20 (blank)
This is science - why do we have to do math?
Answer #21 (blank)
Do we MULTIPLY or DIVIDE?
Answer #22 (blank)
Can't you just TELL us the answer?
No
What is my secret code number?
Answer #24 (blank)
How am I supposed to do it if I don't understand it?
Answer #25 (blank)