Welcome to Mrs. DiMarcella's Science Site
Whether it is the start of a fresh, new school year or you are joining a course that is already in progress, it is important you take a few moments to acquaint yourself to the procedural elements for the course itself as well as the information within this website. Using the navigation bar at the top of the page will allow you to access different parts of the website. Pull-down menus under each course will allow you to "drill" down to the current units of study. This will be your primary way of moving about with in this website.
Before we begin with the courses themselves, we must take care of the administrative tasks most commonly addressed at the beginning of the year.
1. Course Policy - While the general procedures and policies are rather similar for all science courses, I have specific details that are pertinent for each course. When you select your course from above, you will find my Course Policy on the course homepage. Please take time to read the document carefully. Feel free to email me should you have any questions. BOTH the STUDENT and PARENT must sign to acknowledge they have read and understand the course policies as I have explained them. I will check to make certain the document is signed by both parties and student's will then keep it within their notebook at all times.
2. Course Outline - For each course, I have included a general breakdown of what topics are going to be addressed during the school year. The components are correlated to the textbook and while I have divided the topics for the two course examinations, the final displacement of what material will be on which exam as well as the actual topics covered, will be determined later as we progress through the school year. The Course Outline is located on the homepage for each science course.
3. Course Calendar - As in years past, I have relied on providing students with (1) all of their core coursework materials, and (2) a deadline schedule at the beginning of each new chapter. This practice was met with a lot of positive feedback and so I decided to continue with this tradition. Using our time together in class, this website, the online resources by the publishers and Schoology will take care of having access to the coursework. As for the deadline schedule, I have created a course calendar, which is a "live" google document that blends important dates not only from the district calendar but also the essential due dates for each chapter. This information is posted at the top of each chapter for each course.
4. Laboratory Safety - Next, we must address laboratory safety for all students. Below you will find links to the DASD's Laboratory Safety Policy for students. Both students and parents need to read and become familiar with the district policy. A spanish version is available to read, as well. Each student must provide two (2) copies of the signature form. BOTH the STUDENT and PARENT must sign each form before submitting the TWO (2) COPIES to their teacher. After reviewing the policy in class, students will participate in an online tutorial developed for Baruch College/CUNY. This 20 minute tutorial offers an overview of many of the laboratory safety topics commonly found in a science class, such as biology and assesses students of their understanding of safety issues.
5. Technology Software - As we advance into using more technology as a part of classroom instruction, there will be various software programs that personal devices should have on them so student instruction is not impeded. While I am in no way a tech-geek, I have compiled a list of commonly used software applications, which I believe will help students as they progress the course. I would appreciate any assistance in helping me to add/modify/delete the information so it remains current and relevant for future use.
Before we begin with the courses themselves, we must take care of the administrative tasks most commonly addressed at the beginning of the year.
1. Course Policy - While the general procedures and policies are rather similar for all science courses, I have specific details that are pertinent for each course. When you select your course from above, you will find my Course Policy on the course homepage. Please take time to read the document carefully. Feel free to email me should you have any questions. BOTH the STUDENT and PARENT must sign to acknowledge they have read and understand the course policies as I have explained them. I will check to make certain the document is signed by both parties and student's will then keep it within their notebook at all times.
2. Course Outline - For each course, I have included a general breakdown of what topics are going to be addressed during the school year. The components are correlated to the textbook and while I have divided the topics for the two course examinations, the final displacement of what material will be on which exam as well as the actual topics covered, will be determined later as we progress through the school year. The Course Outline is located on the homepage for each science course.
3. Course Calendar - As in years past, I have relied on providing students with (1) all of their core coursework materials, and (2) a deadline schedule at the beginning of each new chapter. This practice was met with a lot of positive feedback and so I decided to continue with this tradition. Using our time together in class, this website, the online resources by the publishers and Schoology will take care of having access to the coursework. As for the deadline schedule, I have created a course calendar, which is a "live" google document that blends important dates not only from the district calendar but also the essential due dates for each chapter. This information is posted at the top of each chapter for each course.
4. Laboratory Safety - Next, we must address laboratory safety for all students. Below you will find links to the DASD's Laboratory Safety Policy for students. Both students and parents need to read and become familiar with the district policy. A spanish version is available to read, as well. Each student must provide two (2) copies of the signature form. BOTH the STUDENT and PARENT must sign each form before submitting the TWO (2) COPIES to their teacher. After reviewing the policy in class, students will participate in an online tutorial developed for Baruch College/CUNY. This 20 minute tutorial offers an overview of many of the laboratory safety topics commonly found in a science class, such as biology and assesses students of their understanding of safety issues.
- Laboratory Safety Policy for students (read only)
- Laboratory Safety Policy for students - Spanish version (read only)
- Laboratory Safety signature form - Two forms will be sent home for students to have signed and returned. (They are in essence pages 6 and 10 of the policy printed back to back.)
- Laboratory Safety Tutorial
5. Technology Software - As we advance into using more technology as a part of classroom instruction, there will be various software programs that personal devices should have on them so student instruction is not impeded. While I am in no way a tech-geek, I have compiled a list of commonly used software applications, which I believe will help students as they progress the course. I would appreciate any assistance in helping me to add/modify/delete the information so it remains current and relevant for future use.
Select your subject below to access course information and documents. Remember to navigate between the pages, use the menu bar across the top. Enjoy and Good Luck!