[ Vision ] [ Mission ] [ Goals ] 

[ Classroom Expectations] [ Safety ] 

[ Rules, Policies, & Procedures ]

Vision

All students will develop the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind necessary to become scientifically literate citizens.

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Mission

To provide learning experiences in which students are able to meet and exceed the  standards set forth in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science.

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Goals

Understand and respond to individual student needs, strengths, and experiences.

Provide an inquiry-based science program, concentrating on scientific ideas, knowledge, and processes.

Use multiple forms of assessment to gather data on student understanding and use this data to guide my instruction.

Integrate technology into the curriculum in a way that models its use in real-world, professional science.

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Safety

Before any learning can take place, students must be assured that they are safe. Therefore laboratory safety is a priority in the classroom. 

All students will be expected to know, understand, and practice safe science at all times. 

As an article of good faith, a science safety contract will be signed by each student and a parent before any laboratory activities are part of our learning experience.

A copy of a Safety Contract may be viewed and printed HERE.

Safety precautions (when necessary) will be:

Given orally

Written on the activity handout

Safety rules, laws, and guidelines for Science Education in the state of Texas can be found HERE.

I have received the state professional development in the Science Safety Standards and have served as a safety trainer for several school districts in San Antonio. I am well - versed in what it takes to keep our children safe, and will not compromise on this issue.

Safety and the Standards:

The National Science Education Standards are clear in the mandate for safe science:

TEACHING STANDARD D:

Teachers of science design and manage learning environments that provide students with the time,space, and resources needed for learning science. 

In doing this, teachers

Structure the time available so that students are able to engage in extended investigations.

Create a setting for student work that is flexible and supportive of science inquiry.

Ensure a safe working environment.

Make the available science tools, materials, media, and technological resources accessible to students.

Identify and use resources outside the school.

Engage students in designing the learning environment. (NSES, pg. 44)

ENSURE A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT. 

Safety is a fundamental concern in all experimental science. Teachers of science must know and apply the necessary safety regulations in the storage, use, and care of the materials used by students. They adhere to safety rules and guidelines that are established by national organizations such as the American Chemical Society and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as well as by local and state regulatory agencies. They work with the school and district to ensure implementation and use of safety guidelines for which they are responsible, such as the presence of safety equipment and an appropriate class size. Teachers also teach students how to engage safely in investigations inside and outside the classroom. (NSES, Pg. 44)

The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills legislate safety:

(6.1, 7.1, 8.1)Scientific processes. The student conducts field and laboratory investigations using safe, environmentally appropriate, and ethical practices.

The student is expected to: (A) demonstrate safe practices during field and laboratory investigations; and (B) make wise choices in the use and conservation of resources and the disposal or recycling of materials.

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