Basic+Earth+and+Environmental+Science+(Periods+2+and+7)

=**BASIC EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (PERIODS 2 & 7)**=

=** COMMUNICATION **=
 * CONTACT EMAIL: rgreenberg@chccs.k12.nc.us **
 * CLASSWORK AND ASSIGNMENTS - Go to CLASS CALENDAR (link on left side) **
 * TWITTER: @rgreenscience **

- Be on time and be prepared to participate, contribute in a positive way and learn - Engage, cooperate, participate, ask questions - Treat others with courtesy and respect - Please communicate with me in advance if you are having a bad day - Keep backpacks in designated area on south side of room - not in aisles or by seats - Smart phones and headphones not allowed under normal circumstances. There will be class periods when smart phones will be welcome as tools - Stay in your seats until you are dismissed - Recycle mixed paper, aluminum, plastic and glass. Please rinse out containers first. - Schedule time during lunch, before or after school or during first period (my planning) to discuss gradeds and get extra help. I do not discuss grades with students during class.
 * RULES OF THE CLASSROOM **

__** WEEKLY SCHEDULE **__

Hand out new current event matrix Introduce new topic (using media (YouTube, TED Talk, etc), demo or reading) What you know / What you want to know (WYK/WYWTK) Vocabulary Introduce Quizlet for current topic
 * MONDAY**

Lecture (powerpoint or prezi) Formative assessment done within “think tank” groups Questions and comments; "muddy points," clarification
 * TUESDAY**

Assigned book reading (textbook or other) with questions Case studies may be assigned Work solo, pairs or in "think tank" groups (4)
 * WEDNESDAY**

//NORMAL WEEK// Lab or activity - indoor or outdoor //EXTENDED PERIOD ONCE PER MONTH// Lab or activity - indoor or outdoor Quiz - open ended (short answer and short essay)
 * THURSDAY**

//NORMAL WEEK// Quiz - open ended (short answer and short essay) Current events - presentation and discussion //EXTENDED PERIOD ONCE PER MONTH// Lab or activity - indoor or outdoor Quiz - open ended (short answer and short essay)
 * FRIDAY**

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

__**EACH NINE-WEEK GRADING PERIOD -** **7-8 quizzes**__

- short answer, short essay - Quiz at the end of each week covers material from the topic of the week (as well as previous weeks material if connected) - must be made up by the end of the day Friday during the following week in order to get full credit - if made up after the deadline a percentage will taken off earned grade as a penalty - a maximum of 50% will be taken off of anything handed in late - make-up quiz will be a different version of the quiz administered to the class


 * __EACH NINE WEEK GRADING PERIOD - 1 cumulative test__**

- test at end of each nine-week grading period - covers all material from nine-weeks – notes, labs/activities, readings - study guide handed out one week before test date - multiple choice (40-50 questions) - incomplete report card grade will be given if test not taken, It will be changed to a letter grade once test is taken

__**WHAT WE WILL DO IN CLASS**__


 * __Labs and activities__**

- Thursdays and/or Fridays (to take advantage of the extended period once per month) - Packet with directions and questions will accompany each lab or activity - Questions answered in composition books


 * __Seminars__**

- Related to a reading or a short video - Questions asked during seminar will be announced ahead of time to help you prepare - Modified Padeia seminar rules followed; grade based on participation - Notes may be used during seminar

__**ALL ABOUT NOTEBOOKS**__

Will be used throughout year for written assignments. Student should keep composition book in backpack at all times for use in class. The notebook will periodically be handed in for grading assignments within.
 * Composition notebook**

Hand outs (notes, diagrams, instructions, etc) will be kept organized using your preferred method. These will not be collected, although worksheets may be handed in and graded separately and then placed in your notebook or folder. It is recommended you keep an organized notebook or folder so you can better prepare for the texts and year-end exam.
 * Three-ring binder or folder **

=** OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE CLASS **=


 * REWARDS**

- everything handed in on time - all quizzes taken before deadlines - student participation is good to excellent - little or no off-task behavior
 * Lowest quiz grade dropped only if:**

All are optional. Provide opportunities to collect information or brainstorm a research initiative. No extra credit for participation; should be based on sincere interest.
 * FIELD TRIPS AND OUT-OF-CLASSROOM SCIENCE EXPERIENCES **


 * OVERNIGHT:**

- Appalachian geology (dates and location to be announced)
 * - Bald Head Island Conservancy (limited number of students; based on interest level) THURS. OCT 10 (evening departure) through SUN. OCT 13 (return mid-afternoon)**

- Triangle geology trek(s) - Local sustainable initiatives (UNC campus; NC Botanical Garden education center; Duke Smart Home) - Night sky viewing at Jordan Lake run by Morehead Planetarium - Solar House and National Weather Service at NC State campus
 * LOCAL (Saturday or after school)**


 * ALL ABOUT GRADES **

+ Submit assignments by the due dates and take the quizzes and test on the day they are administered. If absent, make up work in a timely fashion + Maintain an A average on quizzes and the end-of-quarter test + Maintain an organized composition notebook, which is used for lab/activity summaries, seminar questions, + 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**