Hello Students and Parents !!!

This is the place to visit to find out what we are doing in Science this year.  Students will be able to verify when assignments are due.  Parents will have the ability to see when tests and quizzes are coming up so they can offer to help with the study and/or review process!  Start by clicking the appropriate page or course link in the “Assignments Etc.” area in the left margin.  

Have you ever lost a handout?  Perhaps you forgot to bring it home and it’s due in the morning?  What if you did bring the assignment home… you did a GREAT job on it… but then you LEFT it on your bed and it’s due today?  All is not lost.  Simply visit the “Downloads” page and download a new copy!  Parents, this is also a great way to make sure that work is getting completed on time… download your own copy!     Note To Parents:  all “Downloads” pages are password protected.  Your son/daughter should know the password or you can simply send a text message (250-1487) to request it.  I will not reply, however, unless you identify yourself.  

Confused about the assignment or the grades don’t look quite right on PowerSchool?  Parents, are you hearing unhappy grumbling about Biology?     Let me get everyone back on the easy path or smooth the ruffled feathers… almost ALL problems are due to a misunderstanding (hmm… or perhaps a lack of study?).   Don’t ever hesitate to give me a call or text (be sure to include your name) at home at 250-1487.   Since I’m ASKING students to call me at home don’t expect me to be too keen on that old excuse that;  “I didn’t understand the homework“.
Please try to avoid the hours from 6:00 to 8:00 PM (dinner).   

Did you forget your textbook at school and suddenly remember that you have a quiz in the morning?  Don’t worry, click the “Biology Text On-line” link in the left margin.  Your “User Name” should be:  BDOL   (That’s the abbreviation for the title of your textbook).  Your “Password“  should be:   HUCHETASP5       I would suggest that you download each chapter as it is assigned and then save it to a folder on your desktop named “Biology“.  That way you can jump back into the book for a quick review session without having to wait for the file to download each time.  

Great News!   Now you can even LISTEN to your Biology chapter!
Click the “Biology Text Chapter MP3’s” link at left and you will be able to download an MP3 audio file of your instructor reading along with you in your book!   Please note that last part  “…reading along with you…“.  I’m here to HELP you read your book and learn your lessons… not to do your work FOR you.  Let me help you get through the tough concepts and big words but you must try to read along with me in your book.  My explanations will work best if you can also study the words, diagrams and photos as we go along.  This is also a great way to review if you are stuck on a long team bus ride to/from a game.  

Review Sessions:  I try to offer review sessions before every quiz or test.  Review sessons will begin at 8 AM and last until the first bell.  Late arrivers are always welcome although they may not be able to find seats.  Science Dept. meeetings (Tues AM) and All Staff meetings (Thurs AM) will prevent review sessions on those days… sorry.  

Extra help:  I am usually in the building from about 7:40 AM until almost 6:00 PM every day.  I have also set aside period #7 as a “Help Period“.   I have the “pleasure” of running the school Detention Room / Study Room every Tues. and Wed. from 3:25 to 4:30.   ALL students are welcome to join us for extra help.  Beat the rush!   You certainly don’t have to wait to be ASSIGNED !    

Don’t forget you are also encouraged to contact me via email at:  dobrien@polson.k12.mt.us  

  -  Mr. O’B 

	Biology   Length:            Year Prerequisite:  Earth Science Entry Level:    10 Room:  103 Text:  Biology - The Dynamics Of Life Publisher:  Glencoe McGraw-Hill
Biology is the study of life. Various living systems will be covered from an environmental, cellular and evolutionary perspective. Also included will be cell reproduction, molecular biology and genetics. There will be a heavy emphasis on problem solving and application of the scientific method.

Forensic Science Length:    1 Semester (Spring) Prerequisite:   Earth Science Co-requisite:  Biology Entry Level:     11 Room:  103 Text:     none

Forensic Science is the study of any aspect of science as it relates to the law.  In fact, nearly any field of science may turn out to be of use in a criminal investigation. In this course we will concentrate on subjects such as;  crime scene processing protocols, criminal law, cs photography, DNA analysis, firearms & ballistics, toolmarks, serology, fingerprinting, odontology, blood spatter analysis, entomology, anthropology, hair & fiber analysis, questioned documents and the history of Forensics.