Welcome to Dr. B's webpage of Science and Math!
"The most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible" -Albert Einstein
"Mathematics is the alphabet in which god has written the world" - Galileo
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic" - Arthur C. Clarke
"...until we figure it out, which we will!" - Dr. B
"People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect... but actually, from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint, it's more like a big ball of wibbly-wobbly.... timey-wimey.... stuff..."
-The Doctor
If you need extra help in science or math:
(It is best to check with me ahead of time, as I am pulled to meetings far too often)
- I am often available after school
- I am often available during Directed Study
- I am often available during lunch -- bring your lunch to my room and we'll talk physics, math or science!
- Form study groups and help each other out
- Use the Williams College tutoring resources described below
- Keep track of your progress on powerschool. I update it frequently
- Of course there are MANY physics, math and science related websites and youtube videos. The internet was invented and initially populated by our kind!
My current class schedule is here
Williams Study Help:
There
are Williams students available for tutoring for free in all subjects more details to come as school gets under way
If you want a 1-on-1 Williams physics tutor for a fee, see Dr. Burdick, or Kaatje White
If you want a 1-on-1 Williams physics tutor for a fee, see Dr. Burdick, or Kaatje White
We may have a physics field trip in late spring: We sometimes go to Hancock Shaker Village hydro and solar power, Jiminy Peak wind turbine, Ramblewild, and/or and Great Escape physics day.
the general MGRHS field trip permission slip may be downloaded here
Attendance and behavior are part of your class grade:
The Mt. Greylock Science Department includes attendance and participation as part of each student's class grade. We are trying to teach students that it is an important life skill to be where you are supposed to be, when you are supposed to be there, and doing what you are supposed to be doing.
Each day a student can earn 2 points for attendance. Each unexcused absence does not earn the 2 points, each unexcused tardy or class dismissal does not earn 1 point for the day. The total attendance/behavior grade is approximately 5-6% of your quarterly grade. Except for chronic offenders, this grade generally improves a student's quarterly average.
School policy as stated in the parent/student handbook states that excused absences include serious illness, bereavement, religious observances, school activities, or work or college interviews. Non-emergency Family situations, doctor's appointments and general illness are UN-excused. Excessive absences also incur school consequences including loss of course credit. All students are encouraged to become familiar with their parent/student handbook.
Grading:
* Everything has a point score -- typically 700-1000 points accumulate per quarter
** HW/problem sets typically 10 points each
** Chapter tests typically 50-100 points each (like MCAS: open response & MC)
** Lab activities typically 30-50 points each
** Projects 50-100 points
** Midterm Exam typically 150 points
** Attendance, behavior & participation is about 100 points each quarter
* Your quarterly grade = (your points)/(possible points)
* You may optionally take an "extra credit" 24 point greek alphabet quiz ONCE during the year
* You may optionally re-do ONE single chapter test per quarter (your choice) -
I will AVERAGE the two grades for the make-up test
Behavior Expectations:
* This is really very simple - Behave!
* Treat others as you would like others to treat you.
* I will endeavor to treat you fairly and with respect.
* Show respect for people and property
* Be honest, polite and respectful
* Clean up after yourself, pick up trash, put chairs back,etc. (halls,cafeteria, etc too!)
* Be on time
* Be prepared for class, complete all assigned reading/homework, have all needed materials such as a pencil, notebook, calculator ...
* Do not use inappropriate language
* If you are often -tardy, -disruptive, -leave class or -miss class it WILL affect your grade as well as be subject to other school consequences.
* No inappropriate electronics (phones, music players, PDAs, games, internet…)
* I can and will contact parents as needed, but will always talk to you first
Academics:
* Keep up with your work -- science and math are generally cumulative!
* We will cover a chapter or so virtually every week. Most chapters have a lab or other enrichment activity
* READ THE CHAPTER including figures & sidebars
* There will be a chapter problem set and a chapter test virtually every week.
(this means PLAN YOUR TIME! You know your own schedule)
* I encourage you to help and talk to each other in appropriate non-test situations
* Conduct yourself with the highest level of honesty & integrity Do your own work on tests, actively contribute to group work
* Sometimes the Math or Physics seems difficult, do not get discouraged
* ASK for help when needed! You are NOT alone! Don't wait and fall farther behind.
* I am happy to provide extra help as described above
* There are Williams students available for tutoring as described above
"We've arranged a civilization in which most crucial elements profoundly depend on science and technology. We have also arranged things so that almost no one understands science and technology. This is a prescription for disaster."
- Carl Sagan
My relatively updated CV is here
Science is REAL! It WORKS! In science we remove the need for any magic, supernatural or other irrational explanations! Science tests ideas against what actually happens in the real world!
