Introduction
This is a one-year course designed to introduce students to the study of
the Earth upon which they live. Earth Science is the study of the
Earth's systems and its location in the universe. This
definition includes most of the physical world around you. Earth
Science can be divided into three areas of study as follows:
1. Astronomy -- the study of the motions of planet Earth and
the other objects in space
2. Meteorology-Weather-Climate -- the study of the changing
conditions of
the atmosphere over short and long periods of time
3. Geology -- the study of the solid Earth
The concepts presented in this course will increase your knowledge of the
physical world you live in. You must make an effort to observe the
world around you throughout the year. Start to notice things
like the daily motion of the sun, look up at the sky at night and notice the
stars as well as the position of the moon. Pay attention to the
weather and look around at the countryside as you travel from place to place
over this next year. Being observant outside the classroom will help
you understand concepts inside the classroom.
Course Outline
Throughout the yeat we will follow these topics in the order they are presented
below:
1. Introduction
2. Dimensions of the Earth
3. Astronomy
4. Meteorology
5. Climate and Water Cycle
6. Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition
7. Minerals and Rocks
8. Earthquakes and the Earth's Interior
9. Dynamic Crust
10. Earth's History
Text: Earth Science, Spaulding and Namowitz
Work Book: Earth Science Physical Setting, Prentice Hall, 2001
Course Materials:
It is expected that the student will come to class prepared
everyday. Students must have with them the following:
Course Work and Grading Policy
The grade for this course will consist of three components: homework,
quizzes/tests, and lab reports.
Homework (15% of grade)
Assignments will be given on a regular basis including:
reading and writing assignments, review questions, vocabulary, practice tests,
etc. All homework will be due on the date given by the
teacher. No late homework will be accepted unless a student
has been absent. Homework not turned in receives a zero
grade. It is the responsibility of the student to turn in homework
and get assignments if he/she is absent. Homework will be graded
using the following:
100
90
80
70
60
Students can expect to receive homework on average of four to five nights a
week. Some weeks it may be a little less.
Bell Ringers -- Students will have a small task at the beginning of every
class unless there is a test that day. Bell ringers will consist of
questions about previously learned material or entries in their recall
notebook. All students must complete the bell ringer
everyday. Being absent the previous day is not an excuse for not
taking the bell ringer. Every two weeks students will be provided
with a sheet on which they will record their bell ringer
answers. At the end of two weeks they will be collected and
graded. If the sheet is complete students will receive a 100.
Quizzes/Tests (70% of grade)
Quizzes -- Students can expect at least one quiz a week and can either be
announced or unannounced (pop quiz). Students should spend some time
every night reviewing earth science in preparation for these
quizzes. A quiz grade will count once. Students will be
expected to keep a recall notebook that will be explained to students
during the first week of school. These notebooks will be checked by
allowing students to use them on random quizzes throughout the year.
Tests -- A test will be given at the end of every unit of
study. Students can expect these tests to be set up in a
format similar to the regents exam that will be taken in June. A
test grade will count twice. Some tests may be given over a two-day
period.
Quizzes and tests will be reviewed with those students who have an interest to
do so during mutually free times (after school, study halls, etc.)
Students who receive failing grades on tests may be required to come in and
review the test.
Lab (15% of grade)
The student must satisfactorily complete, and have reports on file proving that
he/she has completed all laboratory reports and requirements for this
course. Failure to complete the lab requirement will mean
repeating the entire course in another year. All labs scheduled
during the school year must be completed and kept in the lab
folder. Students are not allowed to take the lab folders from
the classroom, but may take an individual lab home to complete, if
necessary. Students are responsible for the lab if it is taken
from the classroom. If the student is absent during a lab day
he/she must make arrangements with me to set up a time for the missed
lab. Make-up labs should be completed in a timely fashion as old lab
materials are put away to make room for new ones.
Laboratory reports are due on assigned dates, usually at the time of the next
lab class. Late labs will lose 10 points for each day they are
late. After five school days the student will receive a zero grade
for that lab. However, the lab will need to be turned in for regents
credit. Students must have all labs assigned within a
ten-week period completed within that ten-week period. It is
imperative that students keep their labs up to date.
All students will be instructed in laboratory safety during the first week of
labs.