HONORS+EARTH+AND+ENVIRONMENTAL+SCIENCE

HONORS EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

CRADLE TO CRADLE PROJECT

CLASS CALENDAR

HONORS QUIZLET - SCIENCE TERMS

__** ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES **__ DONE: SURVEY MONKEY Due Wed. May 8 (see CC 5/1 for link) DONE: VOCABULARY QUIZ - Rocks and Minerals (Quizlet) Mon. March 25 DONE: OPEN NOTEBOOK QUIZ DUE TUESDAY MARCH 12 BEFORE TEST DONE: FINAL WEATHER TEST: TUESDAY MARCH 12 DONE: QUIZLET VOCABULARY QUIZ on Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes. Fri. Feb. 22 DONE: QUIZLET VOCABULARY QUIZ on Celestial Motions. Wed. Feb. 13 DONE: WEATHER TEST ON TUESDAY FEBRUARY 5 - STUDY GUIDE PROVIDED - BRING TO CLASS AND SUBMIT BEFORE TAKING THE TEST. DONE: ENERGY ASSIGNMENT ON SURVEY MONKEY - DUE MONDAY JAN. 14 DONE: ENERGY PROJECT - SEE CLASS CALENDAR - DECEMBER 6-7 FOR DETAILS DONE: PREPARE FOR SEMINAR (DEC. 12) ON PUBLIC LANDS AND MINING - DONE: TEST ON MINERAL PROPERTIES AND GROUPS - TUESDAY DECEMBER 4 DONE: QUIZ ON VOLCANOES AND IGNEOUS ROCKS - MONDAY NOVEMBER 5 DONE: TUESDAY OCTOBER 23 - FIRST QUARTER RESEARCH INITIATIVE (SCRAPBOOK) DONE: THURS. OCT. 18 - EARTHQUAKES QUIZ DONE: QUIZ ON PLATE TECTONICS FRIDAY OCT. 5 - STUDY THE PACKET! DONE: PREPARE FOR SEMINAR - THURSDAY SEPT. 27 - ON THE READING "THE EARTH MOVES" DONE: STUDY FOR QUIZ #3 - TUESDAY SEPT. 25 - CELESTIAL MOTIONS AND SPHERE - 15 MULT. CHOICE WITH DIAGRAMS DONE: PRINT OUT RESEARCH INITIATIVE FILE, GRADING RUBRIC AND BEGIN YOUR WORK ON THE SCRAPBOOK - DUE OCT. 22 DONE: TUESDAY SEPT. 18 - QUIZ #2 - CELESTIAL MOTIONS; SUN AND EARTH'S MAGNETOSPHERE DONE - MONDAY SEPT. 17 - Earth and Ocean Basics Web Quest (CORRECTED FILE ON CALENDAR) DONE: Choose three locations in the world for your first nine-weeks research initiative (see info. below) DONE: QUIZ #1 - new date - TUESDAY SEPT. 11 (we will review on Monday) DONE - Tues. Sept. 4 - Student survey submitted via survey monkey DONE - Fri. Aug. 30 - Seminar on Teaching and Learning - notes handed in

__** FIRST QUARTER RESEARCH INITIATIVE **__ Please download and print the document below. Read through it and ask questions for clarification. At this time, think about three places (in the U.S. or anywhere in the world) that interests you. Your first research initiative will focus on that place. Choose your top three places and email me (or submit in writing in class). I will try to give you one of your choices. This is a solo project (no partners or groups) and only one student per location. Choosing a national park is always good as there will be plenty of information. Cities are good choices, as well. Your final product will be a scrapbook that will be shared with middle school students, The "high tech" option (if you prefer) is an online photo book.



Here's the rubric for the research initiative

__**HELPFUL DOCUMENTS AND WEB SITES**__

Save "views" on Google Earth as pdf files and print them. These "maps" would be excellent additions to your scrapbook
 * You will need to access Google Earth. It's a free download.**


 * Example of a geologic history table**


 * Example of a strat column**


 * Plate Tectonics - Earth's plates**




 * Plate boundary types**



In the middle of the page click on the link "download now" Choose the appropriate night sky map www.skymaps.com
 * Night Sky Map**

Here is an example of a climate data for Virginia. It shows monthly averages and extremes, You can do it this way or by season - whatever is available to you. If you can find statistics about wind direction, humidity (dew point), severe weather, etc. then add it to your table.
 * Weather Information**

||
 * Virginia Long-Term Average Temperature and Precipitation (1895-1998) ||
 * Month || Maximum F || Minimum F || Average F || Precipitation (Inches) ||
 * Jan || 45.8 || 26.0 || 35.9 || 3.13 ||
 * Feb || 47.7 || 26.7 || 37.2 || 3.08 ||
 * Mar || 56.9 || 34.1 || 45.5 || 3.86 ||
 * Apr || 67.1 || 42.7 || 54.9 || 3.29 ||
 * May || 75.8 || 52.2 || 64.0 || 3.99 ||
 * Jun || 82.9 || 60.2 || 71.5 || 3.69 ||
 * Jul || 86.1 || 64.3 || 75.2 || 4.31 ||
 * Aug || 84.6 || 63.2 || 73.9 || 4.14 ||
 * Sep || 79.2 || 57.0 || 68.1 || 3.50 ||
 * Oct || 69.2 || 45.0 || 57.1 || 3.36 ||
 * Nov || 57.8 || 35.4 || 46.6 || 3.21 ||
 * Dec || 47.8 || 28.0 || 37.9 || 3.18 ||
 * [[image:http://climate.virginia.edu/images/110.gif]] ||
 * Annual || 66.7 || 44.6 || 55.7 || 42.70 ||

http://sketchup.google.com/download/
 * Google Sketch-up free download**

__** WEEKLY SCHEDULE **__

Last week lab write-up or packet is due Quiz on material covered previous week Introduce new topic Spheres connection Begin lecture if time
 * MONDAY**

Lecture (powerpoint or prezi) Formative assessment done within “think tank” groups Questions and comments
 * TUESDAY**

Case study Assigned book reading/discussion current event
 * WEDNESDAY**

Lab or activity (extended period once per month)
 * THURSDAY**

Lab or activity (extended period once per month) review of what was covered this week
 * FRIDAY**

__** FRAMEWORK OF CLASS (below) **__


 * EACH NINE-WEEK GRADING PERIOD**

__8 quizzes__

- short answer, multiple choice, short essay - Quiz at the beginning of each week (Monday) covers material from previous week - must be made up by Friday of the week quiz administered - make-up quiz different from regular quiz (not more difficult; just different)

__1 cumulative test__

- covers all material from nine-weeks – notes, labs/activities, readings - test at end of each nine-week grading period - study guide handed out one week before test date

__Labs and activities__

- Several involve formal write-up (lab report); others involve recording answers on activity packet - Thursdays and/or Fridays (to take advantage of the extended period once per month) - Write-ups and packets due the following Monday at the beginning of class

__Case studies__

- Involve a reading related to a relevant and current issue - Questions range from simple to complex - Submit through “turn-it-in” site

__Seminars__

- Related to the reading and understanding of an assigned book (class sets will be available through donations) - Preparation for seminar involves reading the assigned pages of the book. - Modified Padeia seminar rules followed; grade based on participation

//Questions about the book will also be included in quizzes and test//


 * __ RESEARCH INITIATIVE __**

Due date is one week before end of each grading period. Details on each initiative, including a rubric, will be made available.

__FIRST QUARTER__ Geology Plate tectonics and geologic history, geomorphology, land-use and resources Investigation of a specific location, which must be approved Final product is “scrapbook-style” with summaries and illustrations, including maps and diagrams You will do this one on your own; no partnering up

__SECOND QUARTER__ Campus and community hydrology Investigate issues related to storm water on our campus and in the community Make suggestions for our campus and community based on your findings Final product suggestions are forthcoming

__THIRD QUARTER__ Sustainable development and design (Island Project) Become familiar with LEED; visit and learn about local “green” initiatives Design an island that is widely known for its “green” development and economy Final products include a topographic map, a scrapbook highlighting the natural and human attributes of the island as well as the sustainability plan, and a model of a “green” feature, such as a building.

__FOURTH QUARTER__ Science kit development for donation to elementary school classrooms Kits should include instructions for activities and all the necessary materials Each kit should highlight one unique principle of science and show its application //This project may be completed and submitted at any time during the academic year//


 * OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE CLASS **


 * REWARDS**

Lowest quiz grade dropped if all case studies and labs submitted on time and each earns an A (+92.5%) Second lowest quiz grade dropped if research initiative submitted on time and earns an A If neither or one of the above apply, student may submit notebook for review. If everything is in there, neat and in order, it may qualify for the dropping of a quiz grade. Be sure that your notebook for this reward is in excellent shape and satisfies the “A” requirement on the notebook rubric.

//No more than two low quiz grades may be dropped in any one grading period.//

“Borderline grade” will be “bumped up” if student is a regular and interested participator in class


 * COMMUNICATION**

I’ve always believed in developing and maintaining a good system of communication. By doing this, many hurdles are removed. This will be my first year using Engrade and my goal is to make it so everyone can see their current grade at any time. I maintain a web site with a class calendar for each subject I teach. Each day there will be an entry with uploaded powerpoint presentations, electronic copies of papers handed out, web links used in class, etc. You will never have to wonder what you missed when absent from class – you can find that information on the class calendar! I do not discuss grades during class but I am happy to meet with you regarding concerns at an agreed upon time.


 * MATERIALS NEEDED BY STUDENT**

REQUIRED: Three-ring binder notebook with paper and dividers - or - scrapbook (I will show you a few) OPTIONAL: “drawing kit” which may be stored in classroom OPTIONAL: obtain the books we will use in class (list is below)


 * SUPPLEMENTARY BOOK DONATIONS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED**

As an honors class, students will be reading from several books on science issues that are highly acclaimed. Legally I cannot require students to purchase books and hope to gather class sets through donations. Would you be willing to purchase and donate a copy or two of any of these following three books:

__World Without Ice__ by Henry Pollack **ISBN-10: ** 1583333576 **ISBN-13:** 978-1583333570 __Diet for a Hot Planet__ by Anne Lappe **ISBN-10: ** 1596916591 __Cradle to Cradle__ by William McDonough **ISBN ****-10: ** 0865475873 **ISBN-13:** 978-0865475878


 * FIELD TRIPS AND OUT-OF-CLASSROOM SCIENCE EXPERIENES**

All are optional. Provide opportunities to collect information or brainstorm a research initiative. No extra credit for participation; based on sincere interest.

OVERNIGHT:

- Bald Head Island Conservancy (limited number of students; based on interest level) THURS. SEPT. 14 (evening departure) through SUN. SEPT 17 (return mid-afternoon)

- Appalachian geology (dates and location to be announced)

LOCAL (Saturday or after school)

- Triangle geology trek(s) - Local sustainable initiatives - Night sky viewing at Jordan Lake run by Morehead Planetarium - Solar House and National Weather Service at NC State campus

SPRING BREAK IN COSTA RICA!!

I’ve reserved the spring break block of time for a science inquiry and service learning trip to Costa Rica through Ecology Project International (EPI). I used this company for a trip to the Galapagos during spring break of 2010 and was greatly impressed with the results! Please check out the description of this opportunity on their web site: http://www.ecologyproject.org/programs/costa-rica/

If interested, print out the application and send a FULLY REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT of $200 directly to EPI as soon as possible. They will notify me as students enroll. I will host an evening session for interested students and their parents close to the beginning of the school year.


 * ALL ABOUT GRADES **

+ Submit assignments by the due dates and take the quizzes and test on the day they are administered. + Maintain an A average on quizzes and the end-of-quarter test + Maintain your notebook according to the notebook instructions + Be prepared for and participate in class discussions by demonstrating critical thinking + Writing (papers, case studies, research initiative) should be thorough and demonstrate critical thinking + Read what is assigned and strive to understand the material + Ask questions when something is unclear + Communicate when “extenuating circumstances” come up
 * WHAT IT TAKES TO EARN A GOOD GRADE IN THIS CLASS**


 * __DEADLINES / DUE DATES__**

QUIZ on Monday; make-up by Thursday

TEST during last week of grading period; make-up within one week. Incomplete grade will be given and changed once test is taken.

LAB OR ACTIVITY on Thursday and/or Friday. Lab report or activity packet due the following Monday.

RESEARCH PAPER - If lab or activity missed, prompt for three-page paper will be assigned. Due date for paper is one week after due date for lab report or activity packet. Note that some activities are web-based and can be done at home if absent.

CASE STUDY – no defined day of week. Due date determined by amount of work involved.

SEMINAR – Students earn points on day of seminar. If absent, paper will be assigned with due date.


 * __ THE PARTICIPATION GRADE __**

Points will be awarded for submitting assignments on time as well as completing quizzes and the end-of-quarter test on time. The details are listed below. Please keep this information handy so you can refer to it when needed. The participation grade is an OBJECTIVE grade, which gives everyone a fair chance to improve their overall grade. This will be a SEPARATE GRADE FROM THE ASSIGNMENT OR ASSESSMENT itself and will be tallied through the nine weeks. The final participation points for the nine weeks will be entered on the grade report at the end of the nine week grading period.
 * __PARTICIPATION GRADE DESCRIPTION__**


 * __PARTICIPATION GRADE FOR QUIZZES AND TEST__**

Each quiz taken on day of administration or made up by deadline if absent (earn 5 pts. per quiz) __Any quiz not made up by deadline is zero pts.__ Deadline is within three days of absence, for example, a quiz administered on Monday needs to be made up by the end of the day on Thursday.

End-of-quarter test taken on day of administration or within one week of test date if absent (earn 10 pts.) End-of quarter test not made up by deadline is zero pts.


 * __PARTICIPATION GRADE FOR LAB REPORTS AND ACTIVITY PACKETS__**

Lab report or activity packet submitted on due date or on day returning from an absence (earn 5 pts per lab report or activity packet). The due date is the Monday following the lab or activity. __Any lab report or activity packet not submitted on due date (if student present) is zero pts.__


 * __RESEARCH PAPER IN LIEU OF MISSED LAB OR ACTIVITY – OR MISSED SEMINAR__**

A short (3 page) research paper is required if some labs or activities are missed. There will be some labs that will be difficult to offer after the scheduled day. If this is the case, a research paper will serve as the back-up assignment and will carry the same points as the lab. Research papers assigned in lieu of missing a lab or seminar must be submitted through the “turn-it-in” site by the deadline to earn 5 points for the participation grade. Students who are absent on lab/activity days should email me to get the research paper topic as soon as possible. __Paper not submitted by deadline (within one week of lab or seminar day) earns zero participation points__


 * __PARTICIPATION GRADE FOR CASE STUDY__**

Case study assignment submitted on due date or on day returning from absence if absent on due date (earn 5 pts per case study paper) __Any case study assignment not submitted on due date or on day returning from absence is zero pts.__

Paideia seminar rules followed for some book and topic discussions. Students earn points through participation. Total points for each seminar will vary. Earned seminar points will be figured into participation grade.
 * __PARTICIPATION GRADE FOR SEMINAR__**

//If an “extenuating circumstance” prevents any of the above to be taken/submitted on time, student should contact me by email explaining the situation and proposing a reasonable deadline. I will respond to email a.s.a.p. I understand that hardships arise and impede academics. Please communicate honestly and you will be treated fairly.//
 * __//EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES//__**