EARTH+SCIENCE+MAIN+PAGE


 * EARTH SCIENCE MAIN PAGE **
 * CLASS CALENDAR **
 * ASSIGNMENTS AND DEADLINES **
 * COMPOSITION NOTEBOOK **

Teacher: Mr. Greenberg Room: Phone: (336) 376-1122 ext. Contact: rgreenberg@hawbridgeschool.org

In order to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the many topics, earth and environmental science will be a research and project-based course. Besides using the Web, reading and writing assignments will be commonplace. The activities we will pursue include: seminars, court cases, making videos (interviews, documentary, informercials, etc), individual, pairs and larger group presentations in front of the class, and of course, labs and hands-on activities. Each student will document his or her understanding of topics and issues covered in this class though a blog that he or she creates and maintains throughout the academic year.
 * GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THIS COURSE **

It is my belief that learning will be more meaningful when students are given a structure that calls for participation and engagement. The majority of your grade will be based on participation in activities and labs, and keeping a neat, organized, accurate and updated composition notebook, and keeping a factual, updated, eyecatching and inspiring blog. If a test is given, it will always be announced and include a study guide. Quizzes may or may not be announced. No study guide will be provided for a quiz, however, if announced I will give you an idea of what to study.


 * EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CONTENT **

Here is a link to the many topics in the Earth and Environmental Sciences.



Every student should take full responsibility with his/her learning. My strong advice is to use this web site to its fullest. The "Class Calendar" (link on top of page) outlines what we did each day in class. I upload files and powerpoints, and add web links used in class. In most cases, if you are absent, you can keep up with what we do in class. The other link on top of this page, "Assignments and Deadlines" is an on-going list of everything assigned for earned points (a grade). The most recent assignment is on top. Nothing gets deleted. I will use the words "in progress" or "done" next to the assignment title. The date assigned as well as due date will be added, as well. I will do my best to keep Power School updated. In the notes section for each assignment, I will type in the date on the class calendar when it was assigned. This will make it easier to find it. All of these resources I provide takes time and effort on my part. Through the years, many former students have given me overwhelming positive feedback on this system, which helps to clarify and save time. This system only works when students use it as it is intended. Please do not come into class and ask "what did I miss?" Look at the resources I describe in this section, and then feel free to ask for clarification.
 * ACADEMICS - REMAINING CONSTANTLY AWARE OF WHAT WE DO IN CLASS **

The notebooks will constitute a large part of the grade. You will have two notebooks for this class: a composition notebook and a one-inch three ring binder. The composition notebook will be used almost on a daily basis to record the learning objective and catalyst (a.k.a. bellringer). Both will be posted on the front whiteboard. You will do written assignments in this notebook. The three-ring binder will be used to store hand outs such as notes and diagrams, vocabulary lists, graded labs and activities, quizzes and tests. Parents, please offer organizational assistance at home if it seems necessary.
 * NOTEBOOKS **

Students will set up an account and invite parents. Many throughout the year will be done electronically using this assignments will be electronic and uploaded to Google Classroom. You will be sent an email invite. The code for joining Google Classroom for Earth and Environmental Science is **t91k27**
 * GOOGLE CLASSROOM **

**GOOGLE BLOGGER** **Students will maintain a blog throughout the course, which will be graded regularly.** The blog will be graded regularly and highlight the topics covered in the course, including current events. Detailed information will be provided. Parents, I encourage you to regularly check the blog designed and maintained by your son or daughter.

I will often have printed notes and diagrams. If you prefer, you may use a separate small (1") binder just for this class - or keep your notes in a larger three-ring binder used for all classes. Go with what works best for you.
 * MATERIALS NEEDED FOR CLASS **

A composition notebook (or spiral notebook) for writing short essays and reactions to videos, TED talks, demonstrations, etc. This is a small, thin notebook in which pages are NOT torn out. These will be collected regularly and graded.

Drawing supplies will come in handy for science. While I will have these materials, it is always nice to have your own. You may have a preference for the type of fine-tipped marker or pen you use. One idea that has worked well for students I've taught in the past: Put your materials in a pouch with a zipper or a small container. I can find a place to keep these in the classroom if you prefer not to carry it around with you. Include some regular pencils, ultra-fine tipped pens or markers of various colors, some colored pencils, eraser, sharpener, a small straight-edge, a small template for outlining shapes.

Students should have “water shoes” for occasional river visits (can be an old pair of sneakers or actual water shoes, it’s up to you)

Each assignment: lab, activity, quiz, test, etc. will be assigned total possible points as per the teacher's judgment. Students earn points out of the total. On occasion, students may earn a point or more beyond the total possible points. Categories will not be weighted.
 * EVALUATION AND GRADING **


 * ACADEMICS - TESTS AND QUIZZES **

Retakes may be taken by appointment after school only. Your original score will be averaged with the retake score for your final grade. Tests will always be announced and a study guide will be handed out. Arrange a time to make up a test or quiz. The best times are bridge period and after school. Please make up tests within ONE WEEK of the date assigned.


 * Grading Scale **
 * 90-100= A = 4.0
 * 80-89 = B = 3.0
 * 70-79 = C = 2.0
 * 60-69 = D = 1.0
 * < 59 = F = 0.0

// For more information on grading and GPA please referrer to the Student Handbook //

__** PROCEDURES **__

Student must obtain permission to leave during class. Once permission has been granted student will: Sign “sign out sheet Leave the room quietly Go straight to desired location Re-enter the room quietly and sign back in
 * Hall Passes **

Enter class SILENTLY Sign the Tardy Log -Name -Time in -Reason for tardy -Begin assignment immediately -if need instructions wait silently until I can assist you
 * Tardy For Class **

Bring note for office Do not ask me “What did I miss” First check “While You Were Out” folder If you need assistance with assignment see me during bridge period or after school If missed notes you may: Ask a friend or come see me
 * Absent **

Always double check answers If finished Follow procedures to turn in assignments You may do the following: Complete other homework Study Read Organize your notebook
 * Finished Early **

Disturb others Give others answers (if given permission you may help guide them) Use Electronics- including cell phones
 * __ You may not: __**

Enter room quietly and begin studying First 5 minutes- your study time When 5 minutes up clear desks You will have entire period to complete - Take your time -Eyes on **OWN** paper - Read each question carefully - Remain **SILENT** until given “**All clear**” signal - Turn exam over when completed- I will collect them!! If finish early you may: - Do homework - Doodle - Read - DO NOT TALK!!
 * Testing Procedures **


 * Lab Procedures **


 * •NO Horseplay
 * •DO NOT TOUCH ANY MATERIALS IN THE BASKET OR ON TABLE
 * •ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD
 * •Follow all safety rules
 * •Work closely with your group
 * •Keep voice at a low level
 * •Work in a timely manner
 * •Report **__ALL__** accidents **__ASAP__**
 * •Follow **__ALL__** directions
 * •Make sure to return all materials to their proper location
 * •Be safe and use equipment properly

The materials manager is responsible for obtaining all necessary materials and/or equipment for the lab.
 * Lab Roles **
 * || ** Materials Manager (MM) **

Roles and responsibilities: The technical manager is in charge of recording all data.
 * Picks up needed materials
 * Organizes materials and/or equipment in the work space
 * Facilitates the use of materials during the investigation
 * Assists with conducting lab procedures
 * Returns all materials at the end of the lab to the designated area ||
 * ** Technical Manager (TM) **
 * ** Technical Manager (TM) **

Roles and responsibilities: Responsible for the group
 * Records data in tables and/or graphs
 * Completes conclusions and final summaries
 * Assists with conducting the lab procedures
 * Assists with the cleanup || ** Project Director **

Roles and Responsibilities: The safety director is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and conducting the lab.
 * Read directions to group
 * Keeps group on task
 * Is the only group member allowed to talk to teacher
 * assists with conducting lab procedures
 * Shares summary of group work and results with class || ** Safety Director (SD) **

Roles and responsibilities:
 * Assists the PD with keeping the group on-task
 * Conducts lab procedures
 * Reports any accident to the teacher
 * Keeps track of time
 * Assists the MM as needed. ||

__** HONORS LEVEL EARTH SCIENCE - OPTIONAL **__ All interested students must be registered for Honors Earth Science by September 12th. If you are interested in taking Honors, you must have met with me and completed your QUALIFYING PROJECT by this date. You can only take this course at an honors level if your first project exemplifies honors level work. Refer to the Blooms Taxonomy chart: http://ccblog.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54f7a4381883301157147473b970c-pi

View the powerpoint (uploaded below) and link on the Earth's spheres. You will choose a natural or human-caused event, such as a specific epidemic (see links below). Please email me your choice. If it has already been taken, I will let you know. Discuss all possible causes and effects (interactions) between the spheres pertaining to the event. The spheres: exosphere (space - beyond the atmosphere), atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (everywhere water exists - air, surface of earth and below surface of earth) and lithosphere (bedrock and all layers below). If this intrigues you, see me for clarification and a natural event on which to focus your qualifying assignment.
 * Qualifying Project **



Earth's Spheres Powerpoint []

__ LIST OF THE WORST HUMAN MADE DISASTERS IN HISTORY __ http://list25.com/25-biggest-man-made-environmental-disasters-in-history/

__ LIST OF THE WORST NATURAL DISASTERS IN HISTORY __ http://list25.com/25-worst-natural-disasters-recorded/

if your qualifying has been approved and you can take the class for honors credit, you have two options in

1. Complete a focused research project with an experimental component throughout the year. You will be expected to __write a weekly report__ on your progress as well as completing an __initial proposal__, __background research__, __experiment__, __data collection__, and __final research paper__. This will be submitted to me on Google Drive. Give me permission to edit so I can add comments and suggestions. Your research must be done on a topic that falls within the realm of the earth and environmental sciences. This gives you a very broad spectrum for choices.
 * Completing your Honors requirements: **

2. Complete a weekly assignment related to the unit we are studying. Possible assignments include but are not limited to posters, presentations, written reports, models, experiments, and current event papers. Each assignment must explore the topic in a greater depth than what we have discussed in class.

All honors students must meet with me once a week during bridge period to check in and for extra instruction.

All assignments/requirements related to honors level must be submitted via. Google Drive and shared with me.

// Please review these procedures periodically with your son or daughter to keep them fresh in their minds so that they may have a smooth and successful year. Encourage your student to ask for clarification wherever or whenever it is needed. //