Marci Leuschen Room 418

mleusche@usd497.org

- freestatescience.weebly.com

What will we learn?

This is a course designed to develop an understanding of living things. Our class will have
multiple lab activities and explorations. The scientific process is emphasized throughout the year.
Topic sequence is as follows:
1 st Semester: Intro to Biology, Animal Behavior, Classification, Biochemistry, Cells,
Photosynthesis
2 nd Semester: Cellular Respiration, Cell Division, DNA/Protein Synthesis, Genetics,
Evolution, Ecology
Tools of the Trade

Have your science notebook, paper, and something to write with each day and be in
your seat with the bell rings. Failure to bring any of these supplies will result in a
tardy.

W hat about Homework?

Homework will be assigned frequently, but not every night

Homework, notes, observations, assignments, quizzes, etc.. are to be kept in your
science notebook. Your name, date, and class period must be in the upper right hand
corner of all papers
Late Work - If homework is not turned in on time (the beginning of class unless
otherwise stated). Late work will receive reduced credit.

Absences
All tests and daily work must be made up as soon after an absence as possible. In most cases, you
have two days to make up any missing work resulting from an excused absence. It is the students
responsibility to find out what he/she has missed. Check the website or ask Mrs. Leuschen to find
out what you missed when you were absent.

Labs and Group Activities

Science labs and activities are very exciting, and so everyone will want to participate.
Safety is a top priority in a science classroom, and for this reason participation will be
based on proper behavior (following directions, exercising caution, and good judgment,
etc) If student behavior is not satisfactory during an activity, the student will not be
allowed to participate in the lab and will receive an zero for that activity.

Evaluation
Students will also be graded on a point system. Letter grades will be assigned according to the following
scale:

90%
80%
70%
60%
59%

- 100% = A
- 89% = B
- 79% = C
- 69% = D
or less = F

Final grades will be determined by the total number of points earned by the student divided by the total
number of points possible. Again daily work (attendance, participation, notes and/or observations, lab
sheets and other in class work , as well has homework assignments) will count heavily in your final grade.
Online Textbook Access
Website:
Username:
Password:

HELP
Help is available before or after school in room 418. To ensure that help will be available please
schedule an appointment or simply ask if I will be there. I will make every effort possible to be there for
assistance. You can also use email to reach me mleusche@usd497.org

HOW TO SUCCEED IN SCIENCE

BE HERE EVERYDAY
KEEP A SCIENCE NOTEBOOK
COMPLETE AND TURN-IN ASSIGNMENTS
BE COURTEOUS
LISTEN
ASK QUESTIONS
STUDY
OBSERVE
THINK
CLEAN UP YOUR OWN MESSES
BE RESPONSIBLE
DO YOUR BEST
PARTICIPATE
PREPARE FOR TESTS