Rancho Alamitos High School
11351 Dale St. Garden Grove, CA. 92841
(714) 663-6415
Earth Science
Course Description
By looking outward and deep into space and time, astronomers have discovered a vast and ancient universe. The study of earth sciences helps students find their place in this universe by showing where their unique world fits in with the grand scheme of the cosmos. Students of the earth sciences gain an understanding of the physical and chemical processes that formed Earth and continue to operate on this planet. As students study these science standards, they will also learn more about the geologic factors that help to make California special.
The Sun, a rather ordinary star, provides virtually all the surface energy required for life on Earth. Its energy also drives convection in Earth’s atmosphere and oceans, a process that in turn drives global climate conditions and local weather patterns. In addition, heat energy moves slowly below Earth’s surface through the planet’s interior. Some of this internal heat originated with the formation of the planet, and some is generated by the decay of radioactive nuclides. This geothermal heat slowly escapes to the hydrosphere and atmosphere. The quantity of geothermal heat is tiny compared with the quantity of incoming solar energy. However, over the long term, geothermal heat is responsible for plate tectonic processes—moving continents, building mountains, and causing volcanism and earthquakes.
Textbooks: Physical Science (with a focus on Earth)
Text: Holt, Earth Science
Suggested Materials:
Required textbook
College rule notebook paper
pencils/pens/hi-liters/paper
Attendance & Make-up Work: Attendance is important for academic success in this class. However, excused absent students may pick up make-up work. Students should also get the daily record and homework from a classmate. Late work can be turned in for half credit.
See Student Handbook for Tardy, Cheating Policy, electronic device, and dress code policies—all are strictly enforced in this classroom. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in creating the best learning environment possible!
Bathroom Policy: Students are responsible to have their planner with them to leave the classroom. All information needs to be filled out in the “hall pass” section clearly and accurately (this section can be found at the bottom of each daily column).
Classroom Rules and Expectations:
Be… 1) Respectful
2) Come to class prepared
3) Ask Questions
4) Try your best/ Participate
in class
Grading Policy: Students will have opportunities to retest to demonstrate a possible higher level of mastery. If a higher level of mastery is demonstrated, it will replace the lower score for that assignment. Grades can be accessed online at mykids.ggusd.us. At the end of the semester, a letter grade will be assigned based on the average of all the grading categories using the following:
GUIDELINES FOR FINAL SEMESTER/QUARTER GRADES
Academic grades should reflect a student’s mastery of district approved, state or national contentstandards. Standards-based formative and summative assessments determine a student’s level of mastery. The levels of performance, below, taken from the California State Standards, are presented with a short descriptor and the corresponding grade (A-F):
A- Advanced: student demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the standards and is able to broadlyapply the knowledge and skills of standards across a variety of contexts.
B- Proficient: student demonstrates a complete understanding of the standards and has some ability toapply the knowledge and skills of standards.
C- Basic: student demonstrates a functional understanding of the knowledge and skills of the
standards.
D- Below Basic: student demonstrates limited understanding of the knowledge and skills of the
standards.
F- Far Below Basic: student demonstrates a lack of understanding of the knowledge and skills of the
standards
NOTE: The descriptors shown above (advanced, proficient, etc.) reflect the levels of mastery from the California StateStandards, and are NOT meant to equate with CST or GGUSD benchmark cut points or corresponding percentages.
GENERAL GRADING BREAKDOWN
The following are general guidelines for determining total course grades:
10% CLASSWORK/HOMEWORK (INDEPENDENT PRACTICE)
40% FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS (PROGRESS MONITORING)
Examples include: class work, notes/notebook, independent or group work,
presentations, quizzes
50% SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS (ASSESSMENT OF MASTERY)
Examples include: projects, final essays, presentations, tests and labs
Please note that the GGUSD Administrative Regulation 6125.2(b) states that
Work Habits/Citizenship Marks for “citizenship” relate to a student’s conduct in the class or course of
instruction. Marks for “work habits” relate to attendance, completion of assignments, and use of class
study time. Marks for “grades” shall not be impacted by a student’s performance in other categories, such as “citizenship” or “work habits”.