Type Text Here

Email: ahaeffne@psdnet.org

Phone: 540-6200 Ext. 2172

Goal of the course: The student will develop an understanding of the structure, dynamics and geophysical systems of the Earth

Objectives:

1. Observe that most rocks and soils are made of several substances or minerals
2. Recognize that most of the Earth’s surface is covered by water and be able to identify the characteristics of those sources of water: oceans, rivers, lakes, underground sources, glaciers.
3. Observe that the properties of soil vary from place to place and will affect the soil’s ability to support life.
4. Use maps to locate and identify physical features on the Earth.
5. Describe and illustrate the water cycle.

Materials Needed:

Each student is expected to bring the following to class EVERY day:

1. Writing utensils

2. Notebook paper and folder

Grading :

The students will be graded on a point system as opposed to a percentage. Their grade will be the number of questions correct out of the total number of questions

Grades include:

Class work/homework

Participation

Lab

Test/quiz

Class Rules:

Lateness - Students are expected to arrive to class on time. Lateness to class will be treated according to the district guidelines of one non-disciplinary point per incident.

Absences – Students are expected to report to the teacher or another classmate for all missed work. Do not expect the teacher to notify any student of missed work. Makeup work is the student’s responsibility. For each day missed, a student is given one school day to complete missed assignments or tests. Students will have TWO (2) days to make up missed quizzes or tests. Failure to comply by these rules will result in an automatic zero. If one is absent the class period prior to a test or other quiz, one is expected to still take it the day one returns. Exceptions to this occur only if one missed a review session when absent. Lengthy absences or extenuating circumstances will be handled on an individual basis.

If a student is out for a school trip, choir rehearsal, or athletic event, he/she is expected to make up any worked missed. Similar to the attendance rule, a student will be given one day to complete the assignments. If, two days later, he/she failed to make up the missed assignments, the assignment will automatically receive a zero.

Class Conduct – This course is designed to expose students to various disciplines of Earth Science.

Mature behavior is expected in class. Disruptions, inappropriate language or gestures, and lack of courtesy for fellow classmates or the teacher will not be tolerated. Teacher referrals/detention and administrative intervention will occur.

Assignments – Assignments not completed during the class period are required to be completed as homework. Ample time is given in class to complete assignments. If the student has an excess of homework, typically, time is not being used well during class. It is to the students benefit to make use of the staff’s assistance during class instead of trying to complete work at home. Homework will be accepted late with a reduction of points earned.

Midterms and Final Exams – The teacher does not collect notebooks and will not be checking to see if all assignments and papers have been saved. However, it is strongly recommended that all major tests and quizzes be kept for midterm and final exam preparation.

Cheating – Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. Homework, class work, papers, and/or tests will receive an automatic zero (0) if one is caught cheating. This work may not be made up.

Extra Credit – Throughout the course, extra credit opportunities will present themselves. Do not, however, ask for extra credit work at the end of a marking period or before progress reports. No extra credit assignments will be created on an individual basis. On this note, do not attempt to make up all the work one has failed to do at the end of the marking period. Missed work will be handled according to the Absences section above.