Course Title: Earth Science                  Instructor: Paul Fleischer

EXPLANATION:

         Earth Science is designed to be an introductory, general, hands-on, activity-based course covering Next Generation Science Standards on Geology, Meteorology, and Astronomy. Basic Chemistry and Physics will be taught throughout the year to further understanding of Earth/Space Sciences.

WEB SITE ACCESS:

         Almost all class information (assignments, explanations, due dates, etc.) can be found at the following web address: http://pfleischer.com (hey, you're already here!)

OBJECTIVES:

        During this year, you will work independently and in groups using The Process of Science to predict/explain the previous topics: These areas will be covered and assessed through exams, labs/activities, projects, oral presentations, and classroom discussion/participation.

MATERIALS:

            You will be required to bring the following to every class meeting:

Your own-

•Text Book                  •Paper                         •Red pen                     •Non-red pen 

•Pencil                         •Graph Paper (at least a few sheets)              •Planner/Agenda/Device to check and record due dates

•Chromebook (District issued laptop)

•Science Folder (keep all assignments for the semester*; separate from other classes)

            Additional supplies will be needed for particular labs/activities/projects and will be announced at that time.  All donated supplies are greatly appreciated and will be counted as extra participation.

*if a score is lost or you choose to redo an assignment, I MUST see the original graded assignment (keep all work!)

ASSIGNMENTS:

            Turn in ALL assignments (homework, lab/activity write-ups, redone work, etc.) into assigned boxes ("In Box"/"Notes” box) following the format as shown:

            If you are not satisfied with the score you earned on any assignment, you may redo the assignment. Credit will be given ONLY IF the following are completed:

•Include an explanation about your corrections (i.e. HOW you changed it and what you did to make sure it is now correct-[what you learned]) *For tests, each corrected question must be accompanies by an explanation.

•Include the original "graded" assignment (no original=no new score)

LATE WORK:

Turn in your work on the day it is due!!

(See absence policy)

ABSENCE: (this one is VERY important)

            IF YOU ARE ABSENT... when you return you will have normal "due" time to turn in an assignment (the assignment will not be late, but you have the same amount of time everyone else had. Please note on the assignment that you were absent so I will not think it is "LATE"). Exceptions will be made for medical excuses for labs/activities that cannot be made up but it is YOUR responsibility to show me the note or verify the absence with me (this is posted/explained more in class [above my desk]).

            Upon your return, it is YOUR responsibility to get any missed assignments from the assignment calendar online/in class.

EXTRA CREDIT: 

            E. C. will ONLY be accepted if you have ALL assignments turned in. Please don’t ask me for extra work if you haven’t done what you were assigned in the first place. Redoing low scores is the best way to raise your grade.

GRADING:

Your grade will be based on how well you demonstrate proficiency on the standards throughout the semester. This will be accomplished through lab reports, oral and written responses to activities/lessons, notes, and exams. Each standard is worth about 20% of your semester grade. There will be 4 standards per semester and the remainder of your grade will be based on participation, attendance, homework, daily review quizzes, notes,  etc.

Assignments will be scored based on the 0 – 4 system. (0: No work; 1: Below Basic; 2: Basic; 3: Proficient; 4: Advanced)

EXPLANATION OF ASSIGNMENTS: (see Explanations for updated info on scoring)

•The Diurnal Retrospection (D.R.) is a Daily Review Quiz. As soon as class begins, you have 5 minutes to answer the question on your D.R. paper. We will also discuss the answers before moving on.

•It is expected that Cornell Notes will be taken during each class period. Notes will be collected occasionally but they are mostly for YOUR benefit.

•The "Not Necessarily Current Event" (NNCE) will be one of the methods used to demonstrate understanding of each standard. Ideally, you will find each topic in the media (not necessarily current) and use the criteria posted in online to earn full credit. This can also be accomplished by adding the information to your Notes/Exams to demonstrate "advanced" level comprehension.

•Assignments done by more than one person must have accountability sheet(s); info on wall and online.

CLASS/LAB RULES:

            Demonstrate a sense of respect for others and yourself (including equipment and materials).  Follow all lab safety and procedural rules.  Take responsibility for your own actions.  Follow rules from the Student Handbook.

Very Simple Class Rules (Posted in class)

Rule #1: Respect people, equipment, materials

Consequence: Student/Parent conference; pay for damaged items; suspension

Rule #2: No gum/food/drink (except water)

Consequence: Clean room (floor, desks, chairs)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/HELPFUL HINTS:

•Tardy policy: If you are not in class before the bell stops ringing, you are tardy. I will follow the school

tardy policy and there will be additional consequences for excessive tardies (show up on time).

•Participation helps! When you get involved, you learn more and the time goes by more quickly. Seriously!

•You need blood in your brain to think, not your bottom. If you need to get up and stretch or move around,

please do, but be respectful of others and do not disturb or distract them.

•Please raise your hand to ask a question (if you feel you’ll forget it, write it down). I will usually call on an individual to answer a question and if I do, it means I want to hear from THAT individual! Telling them the answer or yelling it out doesn’t help them learn and it shows a lack of self-control. Believe me, everyone will get a chance to talk.

•I want everyone to feel comfortable but challenged. If you don’t feel this way, please discuss it with me.

Sign/return this form for credit, and then keep it in your folder for reference throughout the year

We have read and understand the above class procedures

Student  Signature                                                                                                       Date                           

Parent  Signature                                                                                                         Date