Minerals, Rocks, and the Movements of the Earth S Crust

CHS EARTH SCIENCE: 2016-2017

Earth Science: This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding in a variety of topics relating to the physical environment; and is intended to help students develop reading, writing, and problem solving skills that are essential for further study. Course content includes:

Meteorology, Climatology

Minerals, Rocks, and the movements of the earth’s crust

Earth Resources and Human Impact on the Environment

Geologic structures and features, Volcanoes, Earthquakes

The Solar System Formation, and Astronomy

The earth science program at CoconinoHigh School strives to develop in students the skills necessary to survive in a rapidly changing, scientifically and technologically orientated world. The objectives and goals presented in the class will help students:

Understand and acquire the use of scientific methods and problem-solving techniques; including mathematical analysis of concepts and guiding principles
Gain a greater awareness and appreciation of the natural and physical environments
Build a knowledge base in a variety of scientific topics that are relevant to today’s technologically orientated world
Develop skills in oral and written communication
Develop critical thinking skills as they relate to science
Develop independent study skills
Develop an appreciation for the contribution of science to our daily lives

Classroom methods will stress the development and application of study skills: note taking, outlining, summarizing, paraphrasing, report writing, using a textbook, studying vocabulary, and reading for cause and effect. Current events are studied and presented to improve application of skills and to keep students aware of new research and technological progress. Audiovisuals, supplementary readings, laboratory and/or field investigations are utilized in addition to the text. Field trips may be arranged at the discretion of the instructor.

Laboratory exercises in this course form an important component to the class and are utilized to develop the students’ skills in following directions, reading and writing, classifying, measuring, drawing inferences, forming hypotheses, organizing and communicating information, and applying mathematics to real problems. As part of the laboratory program, the students are taught how to write accurate and detailed laboratory reports, with each successive lab adding incremental levels of complexity.

Grading will be recorded as such:(set by district)

A-A+ 90-100 %Homework/Attendance = 20% (Practice)

B-B+ 80-89 %Class-work/Labs +

C-C+ 70-79 %Tests/Quizzes = 80% (Measurement/Performance)

D-D+ 60-69 %

F below 59 %Final Exam 15% of overall grade (set by district)

Tests, Quizzes, and other Assessment

Quizzes will be given. Some will be announced, some will be pop quizzes. Quizzes cannot be made up if your absence was unexcused. Excused absences will be given an opportunity to make-up the quiz at a later date. District policy dictates that students have as many days as they were absent to make up missed assignments. Some quizzes will be given back for corrections and awarded the highest score earned. DON’T BE ABSENT FOR QUIZZES OR TEST!

Tests may be given at the end of a unit or chapter. The point value of the test will be determined by the length and amount of material covered. If you miss a test, it is your responsibility to see me and schedule a time to make up the test. On some tests you will be allowed to use notes or other similar materials. You will be notified as soon as possible on what to expect on the upcoming test. It is also possible that another method of assessment will be used, such as a project, report, or presentation. Some class time will be given for such complex assignments. Grading criteria for these projects will be given when it is assigned.

Homework

Homework will be assigned. The purpose of the assignments is not for busy work, but to reinforce the material covered in class. Assignments are expected to be turned in on time. Any assignment not turned in on time will not receive credit. All homework reading assignments are graded as extra credit. It will be the only extra credit awarded.

Make-up Assignments

When absent, follow the school make-up policy. (see student hand-book)
It is the student’s responsibility to ask for missing assignments. (they will be posted in the classroom)
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain missing class notes from fellow students.

Attendance

Class participation and regular attendance is expected. Students who regularly attend class have been shown to do better on test and classroom assignments. Legitimate reasons for missing class include; school sponsored events, weather, and illness. Students should strive for perfect attendance. Please see district policy concerning attendance if you have further questions.

Academic Expectations

All students are expected to do their own work, both at home and in the classroom. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. Anyone caught cheating will receive a zero for the assignment and will be reported to the office for disciplinary action.

Tutorial Hours:

Tutoring is offered by appointment, students must use the sign-up sheet in the class to make an appointment. Please do not wait until the day of the test to come in for help. Be proactive and seek help as soon as you have trouble with a topic, come in and ask for help.

Materials:

3-Ring Binder used exclusively for this class. (1” to 1 ½”)
Spiral bound notebook or loose leaf paper for classroom notes. Pen and or pencil to write with.
Access to a computer, the internet and printer (you also have the library and computer labs before and after normal school hours.)

Classroom Expectations:

Be in your seat and ready to work when the second bell rings.
Respect others space (keep your hand and feet to yourself.)
No eating or drinking in class (a water bottles with a twist lid is expectable.)
Bring your binder to class EVERY DAY!
Be COURTEOUS and RESPECTFUL of others and they will do the same unto you.

Parents if there are any concerns or questions about this course please contact me so we may discuss your concerns. Parental support and guidance will enhance the overall school experience and assist students in the mastery of the subject. This promises to be a fun and exciting year. I look forward to meeting you all and teaching your students.

REMEMBER!! Instructor: Mr. Jim Vail. Rm # 709

Be in School!Phone #: CHS Office 773-8200 ext. 6490

Be on Time!E-mail:

Be ready to Learn!Cell # 853-4722

Class Web Site: