Earth Science Course Syllabus

Mrs. Fosgett

Room 720 951-696-1408 x 5720

Course Information

Earth Science is a physical science course that fulfills MVHS graduation requirements. It’s designed to allow students to examine the Earth’s dynamic geochemical processes as well as exploring Earth’s relationship to the solar system and beyond. Topics covered include geology, plate tectonics, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy.

Course Syllabus

Unit / Chapter / Semester 1 Content / Unit / Chapter / Semester 2 Content
1 / 1 / Introduction to Earth Science / 4 / 14 / The Ocean Floor
1 / 2 / Minerals / 4 / 15 / Ocean Water and Ocean Life
1 / 3 / Rocks & Rock Cycle / 4 / 16 / The Dynamic Ocean
1 / 4 / Earth’s Resources
5 / 17 / Atmosphere: Structure & Temperature
2 / 8 / Earthquakes & Earth’s Interior / 5 / 18 / Moisture, Clouds & Precipitation
2 / 9 / Plate Tectonics / 5 / 19 / Air Pressure & Wind
2 / 10 / Volcanoes & Igneous Activity / 5 / 20 / Weather Patterns & Severe Storms
2 / 11 / Mountain Building / 5 / 21 / Climate
3 / 12 / Geologic Time / 6 / 22 / Origin of Modern Astronomy
3 / 13A / California’s Resources & Natural / 6 / 23 / Touring Our Solar System
Hazards / 6 / 24 / Studying the Sun
6 / 25 / Beyond Our Solar System

Assessment & Grades

You will have multiple ways to demonstrate what you are learning. These include classwork, homework, labs, quizzes, tests and projects. Classwork, homework, labs and projects will be 50% of your grade. Tests and quizzes are 40% of your grade. Your semester final is worth 10%.

Grading Scale:

A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79%D = 60-69% F = Less than 60%

Late Work: Accepted, but only worth half credit (50%) and must be turned in by six week progress report or no credit will be given.

Materials

The text for this course is Earth Science by Prentice Hall. Being successful depends on staying organized and having what you need to work and study. Use whatever system works for you (binder/folder/etc), but stick with it. Bring this system with you to every class. Consistency is more than half the battle when trying to keep track of things.

*Supplies you should always have: Pencils, pens, highlighter, and paper.

Attendance and Make-Up Work

Being here is the first step in being successful. Missing class doesn’t just mean missed “work” but missed experiences. Always check my website/Haiku page to check on the assignments and activities you miss if you’re absent. You need to turn in missing work by the next class period. See me for clarification after checking online.

Expectations

Be present, physically and mentally. Respect yourself and others. Be honest. Give your best effort. Make the most of the opportunities around you. Keep your head up and remember to communicate with me when you have questions or need anything. We are a team.