Why Biology Class?

It can be a teacher's worst nightmare . . . A student asks "why are we even doing this?" Or better yet, "why do we even have to take this class . . . " I think the students are right in asking. There should be a reason. There should be a purpose. We are going to work really hard this term. Why? Why should we work so hard? Here are my answers:

Purpose: Biology class exists to prepare students for the OGT, ACT End of Course Exam, and Biology 113 and 114 at OSU, while developing their ability to do design and engage in the inquiry process.

Mission: Daily, we seek to engage, challenge, and develop high-achieving students.

Vision: Our vision for biology class is for students to be the initiators in the learning process as they tackle authentic and meaningful problems by asking questions and designing solutions.

Values: We place particular value on the following:

§ Family: We are committed to each other as a class.

§ Team: Together we improve.

§ Purpose: What we do is meaningful.

§ Everyone Plays: We all actively do our part to make class sweet.

§ Leadership: We lead by example (including Mr. DeWitt).

§ Design: We can create solutions to a project’s needs within set parameters.

§ Scientific Confidence: We can do science well with our own hands.

§ Inquiry: We can make observations that lead to understanding.

§ Scientific Literacy: We can read and write in the language of science.

§ Presentation: We present and share our meaningful work.

I am looking forward to a great class. What we do matters and it will be great.

-Mr. DeWitt