Dear Students, Parents and/or Guardians,
It is my pleasure to be your teacher this year in science. My goal is to present an AP / IB science curriculum that is enriching and motivating to all students. With the use of laboratory experiments to understand scientific concepts, students are educated about how science can help them understand their natural world. Our world in the 21st Century is international in nature and multi disciplinary in focus.
My objectives are:
1. To encourage and assist each student to learn and develop their scientific potential.
2. To acquire a knowledge of and appreciation for science as an experimental, dynamic and decision-making process.
3. To emphasize developing and maintaining effective study habits and literacy skills.
4. To encourage cooperation and understanding among peers in order for everyone to have an enjoyable classroom experience.
I teach according to the Colorado Science Model Standards and District 14 expectations:
"Science presumes that the things and events in the universe occur in consistent patterns that are comprehensible through careful, systemic study. Scientists believe that through the use of the intellect, and with the aid of instruments that extend the senses, people can discover patterns in all of nature. Science is a process for producing knowledge. Change in scientific knowledge is inevitable because new observations may challenge prevailing theories. In science, the testing and improving and occasional discarding of theories, whether new or old, go on all the time. However, the modification of ideas, rather than their outright rejection, is the norm in science, as powerful constructs tend to survive and grow more precise and to become widely accepted. Continuity and stability are as characteristic of science as change is, and confidence is as prevalent as tentativeness."
Here are some answers to questions you might have about my class:
Q: Should I be doing science homework every night?
A: YES! You should either be completing assignments or reviewing information for an upcoming quiz or assessment. Look for an update on this blog from me each weekend that will have the next week's agenda. Budget your time. Ask for help!
Q: How will I know what my grade is?
A: Score sheets are updated every Wednesday on Infinite Campus. Please check your grades frequently. If you don't know how to access the parent portal please contact the counseling office. If you have any concerns about your grade, talk with me in class, email doug.abshire.achs@gmail.com or call 303-853-7786
Q: How is my grade calculated?
A: You overall grade is based on: (5%) appropriately demonstrating the "IB Learner Profile" characteristics; (5%) on using 21st Century technology skills; (25%) on content quizzes; (15%) on laboratory experiments and projects; and (50%) on IB classroom tests and assessments. Grade will be adjusted to a distribution with 90% = A; 80% = B; 70% = C; and 60% = D. Lower than a 60% merits a failing grade.
Q: What do you mean by demonstrating the "IB Learner Profile" characteristics?
A: The IB Learner Profile characteristics are summarized below:
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THE IB LEARNER PROFILE
Inquirers: They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
Knowledgeable: They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers: They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators: They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
Principled: They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.
Open-minded: They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring: They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
Risk-takers:They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their belief
Balanced: They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
Reflective: They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.
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Q: How will the 5% of my grade be based on the "IB Learner Profile"?
A: If you participate in all activities, have cooperative / appropriate behavior in class, do not distract others and "own" your own learning, then you will received full credit. If you display behaviors that go against the IB Learner Profile such as destruction of school property, detrimental behavior or being disobedient or defiant then your grade will be reduced. This will be monitored daily and recorded weekly on your Infinite Campus score sheet.
Q: How often will quizzes be given?
A: Quizzes will be given once or twice a week. You will be updated by a blog post before the weekend for the next week's agenda. This will identify when the quiz(es) is /are given and what it will cover with links as references. If you have any questions, please contact me by email or call.
Q: I missed a quiz. What can I do?
A: If you missed a quiz, you have two make-up opportunities. I will be available to help you understand the information and/or let you re-quiz after school in my room C103 from 2:30 - 3:30 every Tuesday and Thursday. You have two opportunities to makeup a quiz. For example, you missed a quiz given on Wednesday. The next two opportunities are the next day (Thursday) or the following week (Tuesday). If there are unusual circumstances such as a family emergency or illness, please talk with me. If you are involved in sports or other extra-curricular activities, you may need to miss a practice or a rehearsal to re-quiz. Remember, you have two opportunities to makeup a quiz. You can redo a failed quiz once. After the two opportunities have passed, your quiz grade cannot be changed.
Q: 5% of my grade is based on using 21st Century technology skills. What's this?
A: As a global learner and an IB student who strives for international mindedness and lives in the digital age, you will be interacting with others students through the internet. This may mean posting to blogs, using the Smart Board in class, using edmoto or ning, quia, doing webquests / internet research and sharing your information through collaborative tools such as ePals or voicethread and others presentations. This also means interacting with students in your classroom, other classrooms, other buildings; and maybe other districts, states and countries!
Q: I need to talk with you.
A: Please email at doug.abshire.achs@gmail.com or call: 303-853-7786
Q: What is your background and experience in teaching?
A: I have taught for more than twenty years. I taught in Lima, Peru for five years; Nairobi, Kenya for four years; Ft. Lupton, Colorado for two years; and at ACHS since 1992. I have taught all the science areas including chemistry, physics, earth science, biology, and zoology. I am also authorized to teach AP Chemistry, AP Biology, IB Chemistry and IB Biology.
Q: Anything else I should know?
A: It is a privilege to teach at ACHS and I am looking forward to teaching and interacting with you. Thank you for the opportunity.
Sincerely,
Mr. Doug Abshire
