Earth Science Course Syllabus

2014 – 2015

Lemon Bay High School

Mrs. Harper, Instructor

Objectives:

This course is designed to provide students a hands-on, real-life experience into the world around them. Based on the scientific method, this program is designed to target and improve:

  • Predicting● Inferring
  • Separating and controlling variables● Problem solving
  • Comparing and contrasting● Using numbers
  • Collecting, recording, organizing and interpreting data

Student will have the opportunity to conduct experiments and research for information.

Targeted Florida Plan Standard Skills for students include:

  • Extracting information from various sources (books, journals, electronic databases, videos).
  • Use of reading strategies to support information in the textbook.
  • Use and application of scientific process skills.
  • Use and application of writing, editing, discussion, and debating skills.

Expectations:

  • Be on time: Be in your seat and ready to work when the last bell rings.
  • Be prepared (see materials below)
  • Remain seated until the bell rings
  • This includes the new school-wide 20/10 Rule.
  • No fooling around: This is a laboratory
  • Be positive, respectful, and supportive towards others

*Respect your instructor and fellow classmates by being attentive and that respect will be returned*

Cell Phone/Electronic Device Policy:

You may refer to the Student Code of Conduct for more information on this county policy.

Cell phone use only allowed when teacher approval has been given for use.

  • Failure to comply will result in disciplinary referral.

Cell phone will be in backpack/purse OUT OF SIGHT during all assessments.

Materials:

  • Notebook paper● 3-Ring Binder, 1 – 1 ½”
  • Composition or spiral Notebook ● (4) dividers
  • Pen (black or blue ink)● Pencil (Mechanical or Graphite)

Please keep the binder organized and complete. The binder will be graded only 2 times during the school year, at MIDTERM and FINAL EXAMS. The rubric used is pictured below:

Grading Policy:

The grade in this class is computed using a WEIGHTED GRADE system.

Assessment:45%

  • Tests
  • Quizzes
  • Quarter Exams

Daily Work:45%

  • Classwork/Homework
  • Standards Composition Notebook
  • Employability Skills

Project Work:10%

  • Labs
  • Activities

Curriculum Map:

  1. Intro to Earth Science11. The Ocean Floor
  2. Earth’s Resources12. Ocean Water and Ocean Life
  3. Weathering, Soil, and Mass Movements13. The Dynamic Ocean
  4. Running Water and Groundwater14. The Atmosphere
  5. Glaciers, Deserts and Wind15. Clouds
  6. Earthquakes and Earth’s interior16. Air Pressure
  7. Plate Tectonics17. Weather Patterns
  8. Volcanoes18. Climate
  9. Mountain Building19. The Sun
  10. Geologic Time20. The Solar System

Students will take a Semester Exam at the end of the 2nd quarter and a Final Exam at the end of the 4th quarter. The final exam is comprehensive of the entire year.