The Science Zone

Welcome!!

This is a website for students and parents to get information about Mr. Thomas' Biology and Marine Biology classes.

Use the links up top to go directly to your class calendar to see what's due, when the next test is going to be, or download extra copies of handouts.
If you have any questions please email me at dave.thomas@bvsd.org

Class Policies

Retake:  I will allow a student to retake an exam if they receive a D or F grade.  To be awarded a retake, the student must submit to me their review sheet with all vocabulary defined and all review questions answered.  Student have ONE WEEK from the day I post test grades to complete the makeup.  I generally do not allow retakes on the open-note quizzes, however, it doesn't hurt to ask if there are extenuating circumstances. 

Late Work:  I will accept late lab reports and/or projects for one week after the original due date.  Late work will be penalized one letter grade.  After exactly one week I will NOT accept any work and a score of "zero" will be entered.  I DO NOT accept late homework or daily work; it is your responsibility to do this work on time.  As always, if you communicate with me ahead of time I can be flexible with due dates under special circumstances.

Absences:  Students have one week from the date of the absence to complete any work missed.  This includes labs, quizzes, and tests.  This does not include work collected on the missed day -- the is due the next class period.

Participation:  All students will be awarded 25 extra credit points at the end of the semester for participation in class.  Each tardy, unexcused absence, or behavior demerit subtracts 5 points from this "gift."  Participation includes (but isn't limited to) good behavior, respecting your peers, being safe in lab, and showing up to class prepared to learn.

Grading:  I grade on a total points system, so each category is not assigned an exact percentage.  However, your grade breakdown is approximately as follows:

• Daily Work/Homework 10%
• Open-Note Reading Quizzes 10%
• Tests 25%
• Final Exam 20%

How to Succeed in Science

Hey thanks for reading all the way down to the bottom of the page.  Here's a special message from me, where I'm going to give you the secret recipe for how to be successful in a high school science class.

Successful students study a little bit every night rather than pull a huge study session right before the test.  That way you learn the material at the time it is being taught rather than on your own the night before the "big test."  Lots of students sort of "coast through" each class period, going through the motions, but not really learning much (sound familiar?).  How much time you spend studying is up to you and how well the class is going for you, but I recommend 10-15 minutes a night, 4-5 nights a week to start.  Try it for a week.  Go over class notes, readings, labs, and activities.  Use the excellent online resources that go with the textbook.  Jot down any questions you have or circle things you don't understand fully, then ask me about it during class or tutor time. 

You'll find that when the next test comes, you'll be more prepared and won't have to study as much the night before.  Plus, you'll be a LOT less stressed because you'll feel more on top of what's happening in class!