EARTH AND SPACE

Period 2   9:55-11:25            Period 3  12:05-1:32

CALENDAR AND ASSIGNMENTS                    BACK

"With freedom comes responsibility." (George Stimson)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Welcome to Earth and Space! This course is a college preparatory course in physical science. It satisfies the physical science requirement for high school graduation as well as a college preparatory elective. During this course, you will embark upon a journey exploring this planet’s place in the universe, learning about the dynamics that control its atmosphere, studying the workings of its interior and formation of its surface, and investigating the physical world of its oceans. Throughout this class, you will explore the nature of Science, what it is, how it works and why it is important to you. The following are the topics this course will cover:

        Astronomy         Meteorology         Geology         Oceanography

GRADING POLICY

* Grades are based on total points

* Grading percentages: A 90-100%     B 80-89%         C 70-79%    D 60-69%     F 0-59%

* Tests and quizzes account for approximately 50% of the grade

* Lab reports, projects, activities, and homework account for the remaining 50% of the grade

MATERIALS: A spiral-ringed notebook will be maintained and brought to class every day. It will be used for homework, class notes and other class directed reflections. There will be a notebook containing the notes given in class and samples of any handouts for the students to reference when they are absent. Please do not throw anything away because this information will be needed later to study for tests and may be needed to be scored and entered. It is the students’ responsibility to keep track of their own work and to obtain any missing work from days of absence. Notebooks will be checked and scored by peers and instructor for organization and completeness.

HOMEWORK: Homework should be completed in their notebook on the assigned page. If more room is needed, it should be completed on a separated page and stapled on top the assigned page. An organized and complete notebook can really assist in the student’s success.

EXPECTATIONS:

Three basic expectations:

1) Be respectful and courteous at all times

2) Be on time and prepared every day

3) Give your best effort daily

Rewards for choosing to follow these rules:

1) Praise

2) Positive Parental contact

3) Success in the class!!!

LATEWORK: Late assignments lose 10% each day they are late. No assignment will be accepted later than 1 week after the due date unless agreed upon by instructor.

ABSENCES: Good attendance is crucial for success in this class. This class will move along rapidly and frequent absences will jeopardize the student’s opportunities to earn points toward their grade. Students with medically excused absences may arrange for Make-up work. Make-up work must occur within 5 days of your return. Unexcused absences receive "0" points.

**The student is responsible for scheduling Make-Ups**

TARDINESS: Being in class on time and prepared to learn is also essential for success. Students should be in their seats when the bell rings to avoid a tardy mark.

COLLABORATION:

Collaboration is expected on homework and class assignments. It involves referring, conferring, discussing, checking and comparing data and conclusions. However, copied work receives a zero for both parties involved.

CHEATING:

Cheating on tests/quizzes will result in a referral to the Assistant Principal, a "U" in citizenship for that grading period and a "0" on the test. A second offense will result in an "F" for the class.

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT: All electronic equipment such as Cell Phones; MP3 or CD Players; and Gaming equipment should be turned off and put away during class. Failure to do this will result in immediate confiscation.

REQUIRED SUPPLIES:

a) Spiral ringed notebook (one will be given out by instructor)

b) Paper

c) Pen and pencil

*Paper, pencil, pen, and notebook must be brought to class daily*

LABORATORY SAFETY

Safe laboratory practices will be taught in class. The following items deserve to be mentioned here.

1) Shoes, which enclose the foot, are safer than sandals.

2) Eye protection for some experiments is required. We provide goggles.

3) Absolutely NO food, drinks, or gum in the lab at ANY time.

Unsafe behavior will result in an immediate referral to the office and if warranted by the seriousness of the offense, permanent removal of the student from the class. It is extremely important that the laboratory be a safe place for all of us to work and learn. All students and parents will sign a Safety Contract.