Earth+and+Environmental+Science+2012-13

BASIC EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

CLASS CALENDAR

QUIZLET

1. Get your notebook and have it on your desk ready when class starts You will get a check for having your notebook ready each day. 2. Be in your assigned seat and ready to learn when the final bell rings 3. Electronics will not be tolerated. If you have it out, you will get a warning to put it away. if it is out again, it will be taken away from you and a disciplinary referral will be written.

__ABOUT THE CLASS__

//** OVERVIEW **//

Welcome to Earth and Environmental Science! In this class we will explore the earth and its oceans, rivers and streams and atmosphere. We will investigate the nature of the earth's interior and how its energy effects the surface. We will learn how various processes shape the landscape and create some of the most beautiful places on the planet. We will explore our solar system and deep space beyond and discover the many ways how the Earth is effected by the Sun. We will learn how the earth's resources formed, how they are extracted and how they are used. Most importantly, we will see the Earth as a collection of interrelated systems which cause effects on each other. We will evaluate our prominence in the biosphere and understand how our actions effect the earth and what we can do better by understanding how it all works.


 * // WEEKLY SCHEDULE //**

//Topic organizer handed out// - What I know; what I want to know - Inquiry into new topic. - New vocabulary words
 * __MONDAY__**

- Lecture and notes - Define vocabulary words - Workbook assignment
 * __TUESDAY__**

__**WEDNESDAY**__ //Lab or activity sheet handed out// - Lab or activity

- Lab or activity continued (if more time needed) - Recap of lab or activity - Real world application of weekly topic - Complete workbook assignment //Students take notebook home to study for quiz//
 * __THURSDAY__**

- Review and quiz - Science in the news - Notebook check
 * __FRIDAY__**

//** SYSTEM OF ORGANIZATION **//


 * -** Your **NOTEBOOK** will be kept in a __composition notebook__. Everything will be kept in chronological order with dates put at the top of each page. A model notebook will be kept up so you can compare yours. If you are absent, make sure you save the right number of pages for notes that need to be inserted. The notebook will be checked at the end of each week and given a grade based on a simple rubric (see "grading system" below). Because your handouts will be larger than the size of the composition notebook, you will have to fold and tape handouts on to the pages of the composition notebook itself. I will show you how to fold and tape your pages. When a notebook gets full, you will continue with another composition notebook.

- On Monday of each week, a new **TOPIC ORGANIZER** will be handed out. You will hand in the topic organizer each day until it is complete and then it will be folded and taped into your composition notebook. You will take notes using your topic organizer and continue in your composition notebook if more room is needed. You will mark the page in your composition notebook for the topic organizer so it can be taped there when it has been completed.


 * - NOTES ** will be given using powerpoint presentations, which may be accessed from the CLASS CALENDAR. If you are absent on a day that notes are given (mainly on Tuesday) you should look at the powerpoint (at home or on a computer in the media center) and take notes. Notes will be taken on a TOPIC ORGANIZER that will be handed out to you at the beginning of each week.

- At the top of this page is the **CLASS CALENDAR.** There will be an entry for each day briefly stating what we did in class, including the links for powerpoint presentations and web resources used in class that day. If you are absent, go to the CLASS CALENDAR to get updated on what you missed. You will be able to make up some or all of the work if you have a computer at home.

//** TEACHING AND LEARNING **//


 * DEMONSTRATIONS ** will be used to illustrate some basic principles of science that can be directly applied to topics we cover in class, ** MULTIMEDIA ** will be a commonly used tool to connect the earth science topics to the "real world." We will use a class set of **TEXTBOOKS** and its accompanying workbook. You will get your own workbook, which may be stored in the classroom for safe keeping but taken home to study for quizzes. **LABS** **and ACTIVITIES** will be done both in class and outside. You will be given a packet with directions and space to record observations and answers. You will either work with a partner or be in a larger group. Time will be provided for **CLASS DISCUSSIONS** as well as discussions within smaller groups to help clarify any misunderstandings of what was taught or presented. We will also discuss how our topics or content are applied in the "real world." Each week you will have one **HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT.** It will pertain to the topic covered for the week and will be due on the day of the quiz (Friday). You will have a **QUIZ** on Friday of each week that will be on what was covered that week.


 * // GRADING POLICIES //**

The main categories for grades are as follows:


 * 1. Lab or activity** Each lab or activity will have a packet on which to record observations and write down answers. Hand in the packet at the end of the lab session. If more time is needed, please complete during lunch within one week of the first day of the lab or activity. Be neat, accurate and thorough in your responses to get maximum credit. Lab or activity packets will be graded and handed back. Insert them on the proper page within the composition notebook.

LAB/ACTIVITY GRADING RUBRIC 1. Follow instructions; on task - 5 pts. 2. Cooperation; helping others; getting along - 5 pts. 3. Engagement; showing interest - 5 pts. 4. Quality of responses on packet - 10-20 pts (depending on amount of work)


 * 2. Weekly quiz** There will be a quiz each Friday that informs me how much you studied and participated in the topics we covered the same week. Each quiz will have between 10-20 questions and include multiple choice, short answer, matching and sometimes a short essay (5 sentences).


 * 3. Homework Assignment** - You will generally be assigned one homework (out of classroom) task per week, The amount of work required will dictate the amount of points assigned. Each will have its own time line and due date.


 * 4. Notebook** You may store your composition notebook in the classroom, however bring it home on Thursday to study for the quiz. Insert topic organizers and lab sheets in their proper places in the notebook so everything is in chronological order. Put the DATE on top of each page. "Save" pages if you are absent. Use the SAMPLE NOTEBOOK to compare with your own. The notebook will be graded each weekend based on a rubric.

Points WILL NOT be taken off your grade for quizzes, labs or activities once completed, however you will lose participation points (# 6 below) If a quiz, lab/activity or an assignment has not been made up by the end of the first nine weeks, you will receive an INCOMPLETE on your report card. it will be turned into a letter grade once completed. However, at the end of the first semester, if any work is missing, you will receive zeros for that work and a letter grade will be given to you on the report card. The same rule applies for the third and fourth quarters.
 * 5. Penalty for late work**


 * 6. Participation points**. This part of your grade is separate from your academic grade (i.e. quiz and lab scores) and is based on you being responsible. Each lab or activity and quiz is worth 5 possible participation points. //Either you earn all five points or you earn none at all. There is no in-between here. All or nothing//. Here's how it works:

Each of the following categories is worth 10 participation points per week. If each has been handed in on time, you would earn 30 out of 30 participation points. QUIZ--- Taken on quiz day unless excused absence = 10 pts. Unexcused absence = 0 pts. LAB/ACTIVITY-- Participated in lab/activity and handed in packet = 10 pts. Unexcused absence = 0 pts. ASSIGNMENT-- Handed in on due date = 10 pts. Not handed in or unexcused absence = 0 pts

If you have an __excused absence__ for any of the above assignments, you have time to make it up without losing participation points. Here is how it works: QUIZ--- Must be made up within one week of the original day of quiz. LAB/ACTIVITY- Must be made up within one week of the original day of the lab or activity. Some labs or activities cannot be made up given the set-up and other reasons, In those cases, an alternate assignment will be given. ASSIGNMENT Must be turned in on day returning from absence

The participation points will be calculated separately and not posted in the gradebook until the end of the nine weeks. It is up to you to keep track of your participation points and honor your obligation by the deadline if you are absent.

Please treat others with courtesy and respect and expect to be treated the same Conflicts will be addressed diplomatically and privately to avoid disruption of the learning environment Please put all electronics away; turn off the sound on your phone, which must be put away by the start of class. Stay i n your seat until you are dismissed; do not line up at the door; push chairs under tables. Clean up your messes and put away supplies before leaving room. Keep aisles clear; put backpacks under tables. Schedule time during lunch to discuss grades. Be mindful of your academic obligations and ask if you need clarification or reminders. Communicate with me (ahead of time if at all possible) if anything serious comes up that keeps you from making a deadline.
 * // CLASSROOM RULES //**

I will go out of my way to ensure that the information you need is made available. You will always be able to check your grades and know where you stand. My web site and class calendar will be updated regularly so you can see what work you missed when absent or when something is due. Please feel free to schedule time to come in to discuss your progress if you feel the need. Be respectful of the fact that I do not use class time to discuss grades. Email is always a good way to get in touch with me. If you need to, suggest a time that you can meet and I will respond.
 * // COMMUNICATION AND //**
 * // EXTRA HELP WHEN NEEDED //**


 * // ONLINE TESTING PRACTICE //**

Virginia test - no feedback http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/released_tests/2005/test05_earthsci.pdf Virginia test - immediate feedback http://www.iq.poquoson.org/2005vasol/eocesci/eocesci05.htm Review and Practice http://www.iq.poquoson.org/2005vasol/eocesci/eocesci05.htm Online test - New South Wales, Australia - immediate feedback after taking test http://www4.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/course/higher-school-certificate/earth-and-environmental-science/ Quizlet - Final Review Earth and Environmental Science - flashcards http://quizlet.com/17142142/final-review-earthenvironmental-science-flash-cards/