1. Michael Powell BIOLOGY – THE SCIENCE OF LIFE

2. GOALS OF THE CLASS To encourage the spirit of scientific inquiry. To teach students practical skills that allow them to better investigate and accurately explain the world around them. To give students a deeper understanding of biology and how it relates to their everyday lives. To promote scientific literacy so that students can intelligently participate in public forums.

3. ABOUT ME Graduated Southside High (2012) Graduated UAFS (2016) I have a girlfriend, no plans of marriage yet. We have a cat named Nidalee. My favorite musician is Aesop Rock. I’ve always had an interest in science and a desire to share that passion with others. “Not explaining science seems to me perverse. When you’re in love, you want to tell the world.” – Carl Sagan

4. CLASSROOM The classroom is for students, not teachers. Make the most of your access to it. The classroom is not oppressive or restrictive. Students are encouraged to share their ideas. The classroom should be comfortable for all students in order to foster the highest level of learning possible. Students don’t have to remain stiff in the classroom. Stretch if you need to. If you made a good grade on the test, do a celebration dance if you want. It’s ok to express yourself. Remember, a scientist’s classroom is the universe. Learning doesn’t have to end just because you leave the classroom.

5. SUPPLIES Education is best when the unnecessary parts are removed; nothing fancy is required for this class. The only necessary materials are pencil and paper. However, the most important supplies include an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a drive to discover more about the universe and yourself.

6. RULES Be responsible and kind; doing this will get you very far. During lecture, raise your hand to speak or ask a question. During discussion anyone is allowed to speak, but be respectful of other people. Don’t shout over others or talk for too long. Ideas can and should be criticized, people cannot be. During classwork students are free to move about the room to get resources, sharpen pencils, collaborate with other groups, stretch, etc. Ask and sign the appropriate form when leaving the classroom for any reason. Dire emergencies are exceptions; use good judgment.

7. CONSEQUENCES Most of the time I will simply address the student’s behavior and explain why it’s important to stop that behavior. I understand there are many distractions at school, but it is important to work through them. This is the most common consequence of negative behavior. If the negative behavior continues, the student will be asked to stay after class where I can have a one on one discussion with the student about their behavior. This allows both parties to preset their side and promotes better understanding and classroom relations. If the behavioral issues are not improving after this talk, then the parents will be called and notified. If the behavioral issues still continue then the child will be sent to the principal. This is a last resort.

8. THE NATURE OF SCIENCE Be skeptical and question everything. Never be unwilling to admit that you are wrong. “The imagination of nature is far greater than the imagination of man.” - Richard Feynman “Science is not only a discipline of reason, but also one of love and passion” – Stephen Hawking “Science is a cooperative enterprise, spanning generations. It’s the passing of a torch from teacher, to student, to teacher. A community of minds reaching back into antiquity and forward toward the stars.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson

9. THE MOST ASTOUNDING FACT