Regents Earth Science

Course Outline

The following is a tentative outline on course material to be taught this upcoming school year. The topics will be taught in chronological order in accordance to the New York State standards. Each chapter given corresponds with a particular chapter or chapters in your book. Reading assignments will be given at the start of each chapter.

Topic 1

Observation and measurement

Topic 2

Models and Dimensions of Earth

Topic 3

Astronomy

Topic 4

Motions of Earth, Moon and the Sun

Topic 5

Energy

Topic 6

Insolation and the Seasons

Topic 7

Weather

Topic 8

Water and Climate

Topic 9 & 10

Weathering, Erosion and Deposition

Topic 11

Minerals and Rocks

Topic 12

Earth’s Dynamic Crust and Interior

Topic 13

Earth’s History

Grading:

The following percentages will be used to determine your final grade for each quarter.

40% Tests/Quizzes

25% Mandatory Labs

20% Daily Bell Ringers

15% Classwork/Homework and Participation

Laboratories:

Students will be required to participate in a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory time, accompanied by satisfactorily completed laboratory reports. If you fail to participate in the minimum number of laboratory minutes or do not turn in satisfactorily completed lab reports you will be unable to take the Regents exam and the result will be a failing grade for the course.

Lab Policy (Read Carefully):

All labs are due by the start of the next lab class and will be turned in directly to your teacher. Students not turning a lab in ON TIME will have their name written on the board and will be required to stay after for 10th period detention EVERY day until the lab is completed. Failing to stay after results in a referral for 5:00 detentions. Once the late lab report has been turned in, your teacher will remove your name from the board. Labs turned in after the due date will only receive a maximum of 50% of the potential lab grade.

Homework Policy:

All homework is due at the start of your period. Any late homework will be accepted up to ONE WEEK past the due date for a maximum of 50% of the potential homework grade and are to be handed into your period’s late lab bin. No make up homework assignments are given.

Notebook Organization:

All notes, handouts, assignments should be dated and kept in chronological order. A short answer notebook test will be given at the end of each marking period and will be used as an extra-credit assignment replacing the lowest test grade if applicable.

Safety, Fire Drills and Lockdowns:

Student safety is our #1 priority. Basic classroom and laboratory safety is discussed on the first day of lab class and fire drill and lockdown procedures are reviewed with each class.

Required Materials for Earth Science:

Students are expected to be prepared everyday with the following materials: 3-ring binder, loose-leaf paper, 1 subject spiral notebook (bell ringer spiral), writing utensil, Earth Science Reference Tables and review book. Failing to be prepared may result in 10th period detention after two warnings in a quarter. The school provides one review book. The loss or destruction of this book will result in the parent/guardian purchasing a new one at his or her own expense.

Behavior Expectations:

Students are expected to show class and respect for others at all times. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action on a case-by-case basis.

Absent Policy:

All students are responsible for missed assignments due to absence. This includes but is not limited to turning in homework/labs that were due, completing homework/labs that were given the day of the absence, obtaining handouts from class in the “Extra-handouts” bin and getting the class notes copied from the day that was missed. Assignments are also posted on the agenda board at the front of the room for one week.

Contact me…

Parents should feel free to contact me via email through the school’s website, or by phone between 7:30 am - 7:50 am or 2:18 pm - 3:00 pm.

Students can receive extra help in earth science any time before school or after school up until 3:00, as well as during any one of my planning periods. Planning periods vary everyday. Therefore, prior arrangements should be made between the student and teacher before visiting during a planning period.

Cheating/Plagiarism:

Cheating/plagiarism is strictly prohibited and will result in harsh disciplinary action. A zero will be given for the assignment to each student that has plagiarized work or is caught in the act of cheating during ANY assignment. Students have the opportunity to work collaboratively on assignments, including but not limited to lab reports, however each answer/report should be written in their own words. Lab reports that are plagiarized shall not count toward the NYS requirement of 1200 minimum minutes of laboratory time.

Technology:

Students will use technology via simulated virtual lab experiences as well as having the opportunity to use our Interwrite Boards in many different ways.

Good luck and enjoy the year!

---Mr. Mucha