Earth Science Mrs. Simmers E-mail: msimmers@lebanoncatholicschool.org Student expectations: · Come to class on time, be in your seat and prepared to work when the bell rings. · Respect the students in your class. Inappropriate behavior deprives them of the education and time that they deserve. · Ask questions if you are confused. School is a learning process. No one expects you to understand everything the first time. Materials for class: · Notebook · Textbook (must be covered) · Loose-leaf paper for homework assignments · Folder with pockets and clips to hold tests, quizzes and pre-punched papers · An open mind and a good attitude Absences/Make-Up work: When you return from an absence, you are responsible for the following: · Turning in any homework that was due during your absence. · Getting the homework assignment(s) you missed. · Turning in your make-up work. You have as many days as you were absent to turn in missing assignments. However, you should turn in at least one make-up assignment as well as the current assignment each day until you are caught up. If you are absent only on a test or quiz day, you will be expected to make up the test on the day you return to class. If you are absent any more days, you will have as many days as you were absent to make up the test. Tests may only be made up during study halls or after school. Homework policy: · Copying homework will result in a zero grade for all students involved. · Homework is due the following school day at the beginning of the period unless otherwise specified. · Late assignments will not be accepted without penalty. · No homework or make-up will be accepted after test day. Grades: Student grades are based upon a point system. Each assignment will be given a point value. The student’s grade for each assignment can be determined by taking the total number of points earned and dividing it by the total number of points possible. For example, if a student earns 40 points on an assignment worth 50 points, the grade is 80% because 40/50 = 0.8 = 80%. A student’s grade for each quarter is determined by taking all the points earned during the quarter and dividing by all the possible points for the quarter. Each student is responsible for tracking his or her own points. Recovery grades: Quizzes are designed to assess student mastery of a concept, prior to a test. If you have not mastered a concept at the time of a quiz, research your mistakes and try again. Recovery Grades are designed to give you the opportunity to retake quizzes only. Grades of 77% or lower can be recovered. The highest grade one could receive is a 78%, so as not to compromise the grades of the students who did well the first time. Any student who receives a 77% or below on a quiz will have the opportunity to take the quiz over again. The recovery quiz will always be different than the original quiz. A student may only take one recovery quiz per quarter. The guidelines are as follows: · Grades will never be hurt by taking a recovery quiz. · Recovery quizzes will only be given after school on a designated day. · Other school activities must be put on hold that day to take the quiz. · Tests are not part of the program. · Do not come in to take the recovery quiz unless you are better prepared than the first time. The following scale will be used for the recovery quizzes: Recovery grade New grade 94 – 100 78 86 – 93 77 83 – 85 76 79 – 82 75 76 – 78 74 74 – 75 73 72 – 73 72 71 71 70 70 69 or below the higher of the two grades Course outline Chapter 1 The Earth’s four systems, how they affect each other, Earth cycles and how they work Chapter 3 Mapmaking, topographical maps and the information they contain Chapter 4 The Earth’s formation, characteristics of its structure, its rotation and revolution and their effects Chapter 5 The relationship of atoms to matter, minerals and how they are formed, the identification and classification of common minerals Chapter 6 The rock cycle, the formation and differences between igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks Chapter 8 The theory of plate tectonics, important features of different types of plate boundaries, causes of plate movements, the effect on the positions and shapes of Earth’s landmasses Chapter 9 The formation of volcanoes, landforms produced by volcanoes, where they can be found Chapter 10 Earthquakes Chapter 12 Weathering of rocks, formation of soil Chapter 13 Important features of rivers, erosion and deposits, formation of valleys, river floods Chapter 14 Storage and movement of groundwater, protection of groundwater supplies Chapter 15 Formation and movement of glaciers, erosion and mineral deposits Chapter 16 Effect of wind on weathering, eroding and depositing rock materials, ocean wave formation Chapter 17 Effect of the Earth on its atmosphere, effects of heat and humans Chapter 18 Cloud formation, precipitation Chapter 22 Oceanography and its importance |