The purpose of this site is to help students obtain the tools necessary to be successful in my classes. Here you will find the class syllabus, the general class content, Mineral Rock Field Project, heads up for the final exam and downloads to useful links and activities.
Since the class is NOT A CORRESPONDENCE CLASS, you will NOT find in these pages: answers to assignment questions; duplicates of special handouts; postings of my power point lectures; etc. To receive the full benefit, you WILL HAVE TO ATTEND
FAQ:
Q: Is there any extra credit I can do?
A: In my opinion, this question really asks: “Is there anything I can do INSTEAD of the regular work required in class to receive credit?” The answer to this question is a resounding NO! I refuse to give INSTEAD-OF-CREDIT. However, the Geology Lab Exams, Chapter Quizzes and the Field Project carry more than 100% (usually 110%). If you prepare above & beyond the ordinary you could receive extra credit. It is surprisingly common that well prepared students receive over 100% on assessments. This, however, is most likely reserved for those who are willing to invest their share of “sweat equity” into the class! Any take-home tests or make-up assessments do NOT carry extra credit!
Q: Are your tests hard?
A: Simply stated: “Those who are prepared shall not fear!” Working diligently through the lab assignments & being attentive, as well as keeping well organized class notes during lectures is the first step. However, in my tests I avoid most questions that ask for regurgitated memorized material, but rather probe for a conceptual understanding. In other words, you most know the material (which precludes cramming or memorization) in order to do well. For this reason I have created a downloadable Exam Primer and I highly recommend students to use it in order to prepare not only for my exams, but for any possible tests that must be passed!
Q. If I do poorly on an assessment, can I retake it?
A: Unfortunately this is a major gripe of mine and the curse of your highschool training. The answer to this question is an absolute NO!!! I will drop the lowest score from the 5 LAB exams, however! A missed LAB exam equals your lowest score!
Q: How much homework do you give?
A: There is NO specific homework in my class other than working on assignments given. However, to do well on tests and exams you should study / review / work through the material on your own ON A REGULAR BASIS. This is your homework... Since cramming for tests does NOT work well in my classes.
Q: What if I miss a test, exam or assessment? Can I make it up?
A: NO! Since I will pass out labs and other assignments within the first few weeks of class, I will not accept ANY late work. Please note, this means ANY!!! You had practically the whole semester to complete the exercise(s), so don't blame broken printers, crashed computers, uncooperative emails, sudden work conflicts or bouts of illness the days(s) before or even during the deadline for missing the deadline. Hint: Turn your work in early and there will be NO problems! As stated above, we will drop one (and only one) lowest score for the LAB exams. & Chapter Quizzes. A missed LAB exam or Chapter Quiz will be counted as your lowest score.
