Earth
Science
Course
Outline and Expectations
Sept.
2009 – June 2010
The course in Earth Science at
- Creating and carrying out experimental procedures using appropriate equipment.
- Using appropriate tools and techniques to collect and organize observable data.
- Using data to make predictions and generalized statements.
- Discerning between fact and opinion and handling each type of idea appropriately.
- Defining, constructing and using various types of scientific models.
- Defining and discussing the roles of basic principles of physical science in Earth’s Systems.
- Discussing the motions of our solar system and the importance of the motions to our daily life.
- Discussing the principals of uniformatarianism, planetary motion, theories of planetary formation, explaining how the Earth is shaped by forces and factors from inside and out.
- Discussing the role of the individual, the community, the economy and government play in modern science.
- Using ideas and concepts to understand current issues and propose solutions to problems we face.
- Making connections, hypotheses, and judgments based on observable data.
- Demonstrating a basic understanding of science using several means of representing ideas and data.
- Defending work and ideas from questions and criticisms.
- Sitting for the
I will be making an attempt to keep parents and families up to
date on what is going on in class via teacherease.com and
It is the student’s responsibility to have the
following materials for class:
- Pencils and pens
- A Notebook dedicated to science
- A folder or binder to keep handed out material in
order
- A scientific calculator*
- A
*All
students should own a calculator by this point in their lives! While Earth
Science is not necessarily math
intensive there will be occasion to make calculations. I will not be providing calculators
to students nor will I be allowing the use of cell phones, iPods, PSP’s or other handheld electronic
devices. I will also not be allowing students to leave the room to go on
the always popular calculator hunt.
**
In the modern world computers and the internet are integrated into our lives.
Data is more
and more valuable. All students should have a way to store and carry
their data with
them.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend class on a regular basis. If unable to attend due to illness or family obligations, a note must be provided offering an excuse from a parent or guardian. Failure to attend class regularly and on time can result in a lower grade. If you are not in class, you are missing classwork and assignments; this will not make passing easy.
Lateness is not tolerated. Students are expected to be in the room within two minutes of the beginning of the period. Every three latenesses will be counted as an absence for the record. The State maintains a 90% attendance requirement and this class will follow that rule. Students with less than 90% attendance will be considered at risk of failing and may not be passed or promoted without making up the time and assignments they have missed.
Cutting class is not tolerated. Students found to be cutting will be reprimanded according to the published NYC discipline code.
It is the student’s
responsibility to make up all missed assignments when he or she returns to
school after any and all absences. Credit for assignments will only be given if
accompanied by a note from a Physician/Parent or
Guardian.
Basic Guidelines
There are a few basic courtesies which must be followed while in the classroom. Most are common sense, but I will state them so that you know what is expected of you.
- Be in the room and in a seat when class starts, Attendance will always be taken first.
- You are responsible to bring your materials to class, be sure you have paper or a notebook, and something to write with. I am not happy when my class gets interrupted because a student forgot to bring the required materials. Be sure you have everything you need with you. Please bring only what you need to class, space is limited.
- If you have a question or comment, raise your hand. Only one person in the class can be heard at a time. Keep your mind engaged and your mouth closed when someone else is speaking.
- There is to be absolutely NO food or drink in the classroom.
- The following items do not belong in class and will be
confiscated until the end of the day if seen or heard:
- Walkmen, disc players, beepers, cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, headphones, PSP’s, Sidekicks etc.
- Hats, toys, stuffed animals, photographs, magazines, newspapers
- Food or drink of any kind
- Do not play with the gas jets, sink faucets, or cabinet doors.
- There is a garbage can at the front of the room at all times. Do not put anything in the sink unless directed to. The drains clog easily and it is your responsibility to keep them clean and functioning. Violators will remain after class and clean all sinks to my satisfaction.
- Only one person may leave the room at a time. That person must take the pass with them. No one may leave the first or last ten minutes of the period.
- This country guarantees all children a free education through 12th grade. I am here to provide students with that education. If you have no desire to participate and learn in my class it is an issue you may discuss with me after school. Do NOT think that anything you have to do or say is remotely more important than what I am doing. I will not tolerate a student distracting others and preventing them from getting the education they are entitled to.
Grades
Grades will be calculated in the following manner each semester:
- 20% Classwork
- 20% Homework
- 40% Quizzes, Projects and Exams
- Quizzes 20%
- Projects 40%
- Exams 40%
- 20% Laboratory
- Lab Reports 50%
- Lab Participation 50%
General
Policy
It is important to remember that assignments must be done completely and
correctly to get full credit and not just done. Incomplete assignments cannot
earn complete grades. Assignments that are not correct cannot get full credit.
Late Work Policy
No credit is given to work that is turned in late, plan ahead to insure that work gets completed and turned in on time.
Homework
Homework will be assigned regularly. You will get assignment sheets on a regular basis, and assignments will be available online at http://www.scientifex.com/ and through TeacherEase. Homework will be checked in at the beginning of each class as attendance is taken. After homework has been checked in we may discuss it as a class. Following the discussion the work will often be collected and graded. Not all assignments will be collected, sometimes the initial check at the beginning of class will be the only assessment of homework.
All assignments must have the student’s name,
the date, and the HW# at the top of the page.
Homework will be graded based on the number of assignments attempted and the quality of those assignments.
Classwork
Classwork grades are the most subjective of the grades. There are five main categories that will be evaluated. Attendance, Preparation, Cooperation, Participation, and Completion of Assignments.
Attendance points will be awarded for being on time. Cutting, unexcused absence and lateness all can affect your grade see the policy above for specific attendance policy.
Preparation is an easy grade, be sure you have a notebook and something to write with every day. Bring your homework assignments with you, as well as any past handouts you may need.
Cooperation is making sure that you do your best to create a peaceful environment for learning. Please follow the guidelines stated above. Please leave all vulgar language out on the street where it belongs. Cursing is a crutch for those who cannot express themselves effectively.
Participation in class is important to effective learning. Listening is not enough on its own. Each time you raise your hand and either ask or answer a question you are getting a class participation point.
Completion of assignments is the last and most important area of your classwork grade. Assignments given in class are to be completed in class. Failure to do so will have an effect on your grade.
Quizzes, Projects and Exams
There will be quizzes given on a weekly basis. They will be given at the end of each class. The topic of the quiz will be announced at the beginning of the week but can cover any and all material taught since the beginning of the year. Be sure you come to class prepared.
Throughout the year we will do projects during class. Projects will mostly be done in groups. These projects will play an important role in determining your grade.
There will an exam at the end of each quarter. The exams will cover all of the material from the beginning of the current semester.
Laboratory
We will attempt to do some sort of lab activity every 1-2 weeks. When we work on labs you will be working with a group.
Lab participation and preparedness are the same as class participation and preparation. Be sure you are on time with all the materials you need. Make certain that you understand what you will be doing, this way you will not waste time talking about what needs to get done. You will be free to begin.
Expectations:
· Students will complete a written assignment for all lab activites.
· Students will listen to and read directions for all lab activity.
· Students will master the proper techniques and safety for the equipment we will be using.
· Students will keep lab notes in a separate section or notebook.
· Much of the equipment we use is expensive and sensitive, broken, lost, damaged, missing or misused equipment will be paid for by the individual or group responsible.
· Students behaving in an inappropriate or unsafe manner will be dismissed from the lab and counseled appropriately. This will most likely have an adverse effect on the student’s grade.
The NYS Physical Setting Regents
Exam
All
students are expected to prepare, take and pass the Earth Science Regents
Exam with a score higher than 65 in
June 2010. Throughout the year predictive and diagnostic exams will be given
with a goal of targeting instruction more specifically towards individual needs
and determining overall readiness for this rigorous assessment of skills and
knowledge.
Final Thoughts
I take education very seriously. You should as well. A good education is the key to your future. The key to an enjoyable and successful year is to accept the responsibility of your actions and learn to behave in a mature adult manner. This means being present in class, being prepared for class, participating in class, and completing assignments. Ignoring deadlines and assignments will get you nowhere. There is NOTHING more important than your success in school.
Earth Science Course
Contract
I have read the course outline and expectations
and understand how my child is expected to behave and how he/she will be graded.
I have discussed this with my child and they understand what they are
responsible for and are aware of how they will be graded. I understand that if
my child damages equipment either accidentally or on purpose I may be billed for
the damages. I understand and accept responsibility for any school property
which is provided to my child including textbooks, lab equipment, lockers and
classroom furniture.
Parent Phone (please list a number you can be
reached at easily)
Parent Email
Parent or Guardian Signature
Date
I have read the course outline and expectations
and understand fully what I will be expected to do in Mr. Vaders’ class. Any
questions I had have been explained to me and I am clear on my responsibilities
and obligations. I also understand the system that will be used to evaluate my
performance as a student and generate my grade. I understand that my family and
I will be held financially responsible for any equipment that is entrusted to
me.
Student Signature
Date
Returning this signed by