Totally.
What will I learn about in Earth and Space Science?
Unit 1: Course Intro & The Nature Of Science
Unit 2: Earth's Composition, the Rock Cycle, & Fossils
Unit 3: Plate Tectonics & Fossil Fuels
Unit 4: Weather and Climate
Unit 5: The Sun, Earth, Moon, & Solar System
What kind of behavior is appropriate in T-Mac's class?
Our time together and classroom space are sacred. You are expected to bring the best possible, most authentic version of yourself to class on a daily basis. Strive for actions which are KIND, TRUE, and NECESSARY. Always practice LOVE.
What should I bring to class?
Your best self, a 3-ring science binder (1.5-2 inches) with dividers OR an accordion folder, writing utensils, lined paper. *NOTE: Your science binder will have a permanent home in Room 5.
What is a "DO NOW!"?
A "DO NOW!" is a warm-up question you will receive at the beginning of most classes. You do not need to re-write the question, but are responsible for recording a meaningful response that you may be asked to share with the class. You should always record your DO NOWs in your science journal. If you miss a DO NOW for any reason, you can always check out the updated list HERE.
What's the deal on homework and other assignments?
Expect two small "homework" assignments per week (typically Mondays and Wednesdays). Weeks with scheduled quizzes will only have one homework assignment. Homework assignments are generally brief, designed to take minimal completion time, and (unless otherwise stated) due at the start of the next class. Homework assignments are worth various points and graded on an effort basis; 1 point will be taken off per day late. A variety of other assignments (in class or longer-term) may also be assigned throughout the year that may be worth a larger number of points and/or require time out of class on which to work.
How will I be graded?
Concept Assessment: 40% (unit quizzes, projects, research, formal laboratory reporting)
Concept Practice: 60% (some elements of projects and research, some lab prep, homework assignments, quizzes)
*Percentages are based on total number of points earned in each category.
What should I do if I miss class?
You will have the same number of days missed to complete any assignments that are due. Please connect with T-Mac regarding questions or concerns related to absences, or for dialogue surrounding absences due to special circumstances.
How should I contact T-Mac?
Her NOVA school e-mail is a great place to start (ltukarski@novaschool.org). You are also welcome to swing by her classroom (Room 5) or pay a visit to the Fishbowl. Homing pigeons and smoke signals are additional possibilities.
How do I write an e-mail to T-Mac?
You can reach T-Mac at ltukarski@novaschool.org. Be sure to briefly state what your e-mail is about in the subject line. Begin your e-mail with an appropriate greeting such as: "Dear T-Mac," or "Hello T-Mac,". Your name and section # should be included at the end of your e-mail so T-Mac knows who you are.
What should I do if I miss class?
You will have the same number of days missed to complete any assignments that are due. Please connect with T-Mac regarding questions or concerns related to absences, or for dialogue surrounding absences due to special circumstances.
How should I contact T-Mac?
Her NOVA school e-mail is a great place to start (ltukarski@novaschool.org). You are also welcome to swing by her classroom (Room 5) or pay a visit to the Fishbowl. Homing pigeons and smoke signals are additional possibilities.
How do I write an e-mail to T-Mac?
You can reach T-Mac at ltukarski@novaschool.org. Be sure to briefly state what your e-mail is about in the subject line. Begin your e-mail with an appropriate greeting such as: "Dear T-Mac," or "Hello T-Mac,". Your name and section # should be included at the end of your e-mail so T-Mac knows who you are.
If I find something super cool related to Earth and Space Science, should I bring it to class to show everyone?
Um, yes.
Can I borrow writing utensils from the container labeled "Not For Student Use" in T-Mac's science lab?
Don't even think about it.
I know I'm supposed to push my chair in at the end of class, but I forgot how. What should I do?
What does "T-Mac" stand for?
My last name...Tukarski, but the way cooler version.
If I find a cool dead thing, should I present it to T-Mac as a gift?
Absolutely.
Are 3-point shots into the recycling or garbage bins ever acceptable?
Nope. Never. Nada. Under any circumstance. At any point during your existence on this Earth.
How old is T-Mac?
Nah.
Who is T-Mac?
Um, yes.
Can I borrow writing utensils from the container labeled "Not For Student Use" in T-Mac's science lab?
Don't even think about it.
I know I'm supposed to push my chair in at the end of class, but I forgot how. What should I do?
What does "T-Mac" stand for?
My last name...Tukarski, but the way cooler version.
If I find a cool dead thing, should I present it to T-Mac as a gift?
Absolutely.
Are 3-point shots into the recycling or garbage bins ever acceptable?
Nope. Never. Nada. Under any circumstance. At any point during your existence on this Earth.
How old is T-Mac?
Nah.
Who is T-Mac?
After spending most of her life traveling the world, T-Mac is inspired by the use of cross-cultural experiences in the design of teaching practices which nurture diversity, civic literacy, and a fierce passion for environmental stewardship. She also believes that our connection to the Earth can help us learn empathy and compassion, ultimately teaching us how to love.
T-Mac graduated with a Master of Science in Molecular Ecology. She loves teaching science and is grateful for each moment spent helping her students connect with nature. When not teaching, you might find T-Mac hiking, backpacking, kayaking, out in her garden, herding chickens, in her art studio, fossil hunting, on top of a volcano, swimming in mountain lakes, skiing, or just hangin’ on the porch with good friends and her sweet dog Juniper Bearpaw.
