Room 2811
Geology 12

Mrs. T. Webb

This course is an important study in a world faced with limited energy, resources and habitable areas. We need to continue our search for knowledge and understanding of the Earth and its intricate structures, at the surface level and below. The Earth is not static, and gains made in the past 20 years or so has allowed us to better predict events such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides and tornado paths, to name a few.

It is expected that students will have a well-rounded base of knowledge at the completion of this course, with relative applications to environmental concerns and resource use. The following major topics will be addressed: origins of earth, universe; atoms to minerals, to mining; igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks; plate tectonics and mountain building; volcanic activity to earthquakes; weathering, glaciation, groundwater. Throughout the course, interesting side topics will be included as time permits, such as environmental geology issues, cartography techniques, weather and atmospheric science, gemology, and palaeontology.

Text: Physical Geology (Plummer, McGeary, Carlson)

We may also refer to other texts:

The Last Billion Years (Atlantic Geological Society)

Essentials of Geology (Lutgens and Tarbuck)

Earth Science (Namowitz and Stone)

There will be two field trips this year. One trip will be to the Fundy Gypsum Mine and Blue Beach, the other trip to Ross Creek –Lime Cove– Medford Beach.

General procedure for outdoor field trips: let your teachers know ahead of time once date is set, as they may not know you take geology. Bring windbreaker or warm jacket; sensible footwear (sneakers, hiking boots – no sandals!); clipboard and pen/pencil; baggies and a marker; lots of food and water/juice…peanut-butter chocolate chip cookies…sunshine…More details later!

Classroom Protocol

  1. Attend all classes and make efficient use of class time to complete required activities, assignments and projects. Come prepared! (notes, journal/portfolio, texts, pens/pencils, paper…)
  1. If materials, instruction, or assignments are missed due to absence, CHECK THE WEBSITE, get extra help with and complete the missed work as soon as you return. This may only take one or two noon-hours but is much better than being perpetually behind in class. Make it yourresponsibility to ask about missed work.
  1. Have respect for others and their property.
  1. No food in the classroom, unless it is recess or lunch. Gum goes in the garbage, not under the desk…
  1. Do not leave the room without permission and do not ask to leave early.
  1. I expect an atmosphere of mutual respect and consideration. This means that when you ask a question or otherwise communicate with me, I will give you my full attention. I expect the same in return. While I am teaching or talking, you are listening…
  1. In most classes, I encourage you to work in small groups or with a partner, but don’t abuse the situation… Copying another student’s work or anyone else’s, is not acceptable and will be monitored closely.
  1. Treat the resources used in the classroom/lab properly. Any problems with the computer hardware/software, microscopes etc. need to be reported to me. Do not attempt to fix it yourself!

Homework, projects, and assignments

  1. Due dates are to be observed. If there is a reasonable explanation for missing a due date, or needing an extension, let me know. If you choose not to pass in work, understand that you will be spending time at lunch either here or in the office to catch up, or risk an incomplete for the course. Copied work is not marked.
  1. Test dates will be written on the board and the school test calendar, usually with a 3 week notice. If you are absent with reason for a test, you will be expected to write the test on the day I assign. Extenuating circumstances will be taken into consideration.
  1. Quick quizzes may be given with or without notice. It is recommended that you spend a minimum of 10-15 minutes each day reviewing the concepts covered regardless of whether or not you have been assigned homework.
  1. Assignments are given regularly. Some assignments involve group work, while others are done independently. Assignments may be marked or given a check for completion. All work must be legible and clearly identified. Title pages are not required…conserve your paper! 
  1. Your work will be collected at the start of class. Have your work ready to pass in (stapled if required & on your desk). Do not do late work during class time as new work is being covered and you will fall further behind. Homework must be done at home or during free time outside of class.
  1. Extra help sessions are available…these will take place in the classroom at noon hour. Please keep in mind that I am basically in my room all the time anyway, so feel free to drop in! On occasion, a specific extra help session open for anyone will be posted on the board. Yes - bring your lunch…
  1. Extra help is not a magic solution to problems. It is your day-to-day effort that promotes successful learning. Keep on top of your responsibilities for your own learning and ask questions as they occur! Don’t wait for three weeks and then tell me you “don’t have a clue about anything…” – give us both a break and deal with concerns right away!

Materials Needed:

3 ring binder* means that these are optional

metric ruler*

calculator

Hi-Liter

Math set*

Evaluation Scheme:

Students will complete a variety of exercises, assignments, and tests for each unit. The following evaluation may besubject to change with notice.

Assignments; class work30 %

Lab reports/field work25 %

Quick Quizzes 5 %

Portfolio/ project/ ISU10 %

Tests/ Major Quizzes30 %

****Optional Project worth 10%. You must see me about this individually before you start!

If you choose to do an optional project, you can pick the topic and the format. The topic can be anything at all dealing with science, whether we cover it in class or not. I generally suggest that you consider your favourite hobby or activity/sport, and learn more about it through the project work – find the science in it! The format may be:

an essay/term paper approach – minimum 1 500 words

a powerpoint presentation – minimum 20 slides with 750 word Notes section

a formal experiment or working model – suitable for Science Fair

produce a video illustrating and explaining a process

your idea? ...

Please feel free to approach me at any time with questions, rock samples you may have, career options, problems and/or concerns regarding this course.

My door is always open. 