Course Syllabus - Pottsgrove School District



Course Information

SCI1100

Earth and Space Science

2014-2015

Teacher Contact Information

Please refer to this information any time that you have a question or concern that you need answered. Email is the most effective way to initiate contact, and then a phone conversation may be scheduled, or check my webpage. Students should also utilize Schoology as an asset for information or to ask questions.

Mr. David Moyer

Email: dmoyer@

Phone: 610-326-5105 Ext. 6054

Schoology: - log in using your pgsd account info

Course Description

This subject investigates man’s environment on Earth and in space. It is taught on a general academic level with emphasis placed upon class discussion and is interspersed with laboratory studies and outside activities. Students are encouraged to develop a general understanding of the interrelationships of geology, astronomy, and meteorology and apply these concepts to present environmental situations and phenomena which they encounter daily.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

During the course of the school year we will explore three main areas of the earth: geology, astronomy and meteorology. The goal is for the student to achieve a better understanding of the interactions that occur on the planet, as well as interactions between the planet and space, and then apply what we have learned to problems that we face today.

Required Textbook and Materials

**Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the Universe. New York: The McGraw Hill Companies, Inc, 2008.

• Students may sign a book out for home use. They must request it from the teacher (and can sign one out at ANY point during the year).

• An online version of the book can be accessed by going to ose and entering the following code: A4F0E6E612

o If the file opens and none of the links work, you may need to download software that will allow you to view the book. This software can be obtained by visiting the website schubert- and downloading the PDF plug in.

Also, it is expected that a writing utensil (pencil is preferred, but not necessary) and a notebook will be brought to class everyday. (We will not usually take notes in the notebooks, rather use it for assignments that may require a piece of paper).

Suggested Course Materials

A three ring binder is recommended so that the student can keep all pertinent materials in order and organized for easy access when it comes to preparing for quizzes and tests. A folder will be provided to keep materials in the classroom once a unit has been completed. This is to help students prepare for the midterm and final exams.

Assignments & Academic Calendar

All assignments (homework, tests, projects, etc) are posted on the chalkboard in the front of the classroom by period. It is the responsibility of the student to check the board and use their agenda book to make sure they have all of the assignments recorded. Also, assignments will be posted on the wiki. If a student is absent, they can check Edmodo for assignments and materials.

We will cover the following topics over the given period time:

Meteorology (9 weeks)

Astronomy (3 weeks)

Geology (18 weeks)

Earth History (3 weeks)

Earth Resources (3 weeks)

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.

Grading Guidelines

Weighted System

Demonstrating Knowledge and Skills (Focus on Quality & Mastery NOT completion)

80% - Assessment (tests, quizzes, projects, performance)

• Tests

• Quizzes

• Projects

• Journals

• Labs

Building Knowledge and Skills (Explicit Feedback for Learner is Required)

20%- Homework, Classwork, and Class Participation/Engagement

Grade Scale

100-93(A(4

92-85(B(3

84-77(C(2

76-70(D(1

69-60(F(0

Classroom and School Policies

(make-up exams, extra credit, late work, special assignments, class attendance, classroom citizenship, etc.)

Late Work

*Demonstrating Knowledge and Skills (Assessment)

-Students are expected to complete all learning activities designated as assessment.

-Students who are absent for a test, quiz, performance, or project will make-up the

assessment in an interval equal to the absence.

-Students who do not complete assessments by the due date must complete them

by the deadline, which is five contact days after due date. After the deadline, a 10% penalty applies unless there are extenuating circumstances.

*Building Knowledge and Skills (Classwork, Homework, and Participation/Engagement)

-Students will be given reasonable opportunities to complete building knowledge and

skills as defined by the teacher.

-Assignments not completed within 3 student contact days of the due date will be converted to a zero.

-Some assignments may not apply. (i.e. classwork grade assigned when student is absent)

Technology

Technology is ever increasing throughout society. Certain projects will require students to complete research using the Internet as a resource. Also, some projects will require the use of technology. Students will be given a choice and should choose a project that they feel most comfortable with completing.

Student Conduct & Discipline

This year students will have to act by one rule: WORK HARD – PLAY NICE. This is an all-encompassing rule but it sums up expectations nicely. Some of the expectations that fall under this guideline are listed below:

• Be absolutely respectful of yourself, classmates and teachers.

• Be on time to class. Use the bathroom/water fountain before or after class.

• Have assignments ready when they are due.

• Be prepared for class. Have a writing utensil, paper/notebook, and your textbook EVERYDAY!!

• Take responsibility!! Your actions are your actions, not your peers. It’s okay to make a mistake, but you must own up to that fact that you made the decision, and then be prepared to accept the consequences.

• Cheating is not acceptable and will result in a zero for that assignment, an unsatisfactory for citizenship grade and any necessary discipline actions set forth by school policy. Please see the student handbook for further information.

*Revised, August 26, 2014.

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