DELTA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT


Mr. Eayrs

 

 

Building G

 

 

 

 Earth Science

 

 

       Welcome to Earth Science!  The class in which you are now enrolled is designed to prepare you with a substantial background for use in other science courses.  California’s State Board of Education and New Jerusalem School District require two years of science.  The courses will be one year of life science and one year of physical science or earth science.  This course meets one year of the science requirement.

            One objective of this course is to provide you with many skills in manipulating, analyzing, and presenting data.  The course basically covers an earth science curriculum incorporating the physical science processes which are at work.  There are incredible forces interacting within and around the planet that we inhabit!  Our goal as earth scientists is to learn about and appreciate the natural laws and awesome powers that make Earth a planet worth living on.

            The study of science will encourage logical thinking and will aid in your making scientifically-based decision in an ever changing world.  This course will cover the scientific method using metrics, geology, meteorology, cartography, oceanography, and astronomy.  Each semester will have a project that will conclude with an oral presentation.

Class Preparation:

Always be prepared for class.  Complete all homework assignments on time.  It will behoove you to review your class work from the previous lab session.  Keep all of your work as study materials for tests.

You are required to bring the following materials to class EACH DAY:

 
  • Pen & Pencil
  • Calculator
  • Notebook (3-ring for science only)
  • Paper (clean, college ruled)

 

 

 

Attendance:

DO NOT BE ABSENT.  You are encouraged to attend all classes because it is VERY difficult to make up lab work.  We are allotted only one session per week together so every moment is precious, as crucial (and fun!!!) lab concepts will be covered weekly.  Your attendance will have a direct effect on your grade.

Notebook:
  • You will take weekly notes in your notebook.  Good note-taking skills are essential to science students.  You will learn how to take clear, concise notes that you can review and understand.  Always mark the day and assignment/lecture in your notes.
  • Keep this introduction sheet in front of your notebook for easy reference.
  • All papers must be saved in your notebook for use as study material and to keep your own personal record of what grade you received on a particular assignment.  This will also give you an up-to-date idea of your class grade.

 

 

 

Assignments:
  • All assignments are DUE ON TIME.  It is your responsibility to see that they are completed and turned in on time.  Assignments will include lab reports, class activities, homework, and projects.
  • Late work due to an excused absence will be accepted the following day.
  • Assignments turned in one day late will lose 10% from their grade.  Every class session thereafter the percentage deducted doubles.  Every assignment must be turned in by the time each block ends or they are given a zero.
  • Assignments are to be completed and neat.  They should all be labeled properly by name, day and period, assignment, and date in the upper right hand corner.  An example is shown below:

 

 

Name:              Nacho Libre
Period:              Monday per. 2
Assignment:      Volcano handout
Date:                1 September, 2007

 
  • Students are expected to do their own work.  Cooperation in lab work is encouraged, but copying is not.  Your assignments must reflect your work.  Copied papers are not accepted.
  • This course covers the adopted state framework and you are responsible to learn the material by doing the work.

 

 

 

Tests and Quizzes:
  • Most of your assessment will be done through NovaNet.  There will be a few short lab quizzes throughout the semester that make up around 10% of your lab grade.

Lab Reports:
  • The lab work and the lab reports are an important part of your grade.
  • Follow directions carefully.  Understand what you are doing and connect it with what you have been learning outside of the lab.
  • Use your own equipment only.  Treat the equipment with care.
  • Clean up completely.  No one leaves the class until everything is cleaned up, equipment stored properly, and everyone is in their proper seat.
  • Do not miss lab days!!!  They are too difficult to set up again!!!
  • You are expected to follow all safety procedures during laboratory time.
  • Lab reports must follow the format as given by the teacher.

 

 

 

Classroom Behavior:

I have three basic rules in my classroom.  After school detention or other disciplinary action may be used if a student does not comply.
  1. BE RESPECTFUL
    • No name calling, teasing
    • Promote a courteous classroom environment where everyone can learn.
    • Keep your area clean.  No writing on desks or leaving junk on the floor.
    • Do not talk while the teacher is talking.  Raise your hand if you have a question.

     2.  DO NOT DISRUPT CLASS
    • No cell phones, pagers, electronic equipment.
    • No food or drink allowed in the classroom.
    • Do not be tardy to class.
    • Remain in your seat during instruction time.  Do not get up without permission.
    • Be in your seat cheerful and ready to work when class starts.

     3.  FOLLOW THE SCHOOL RULES
    • Your E.C. has probably gone over the guidelines for Delta Charter High School
    • Dress code, drug and alcohol, tobacco, weapons, violence, etc.

 

 

Grading:

The point of this class is not for me to give you a grade.  You are here to learn.  Your coursework and tests are designed to assess how well you have learned the material.  Grading is based on a point system.  Points are earned by showing up to lab and turning in the assignments complete at the end of each period.  NovaNet makes up about 60% of your grade, while the lab makes up the remaining 40%.  Showing up to lab and participating will get you a passing grade in the lab.  Doing all of your work will get you  a good grade in the lab.

 

 

 

A - 89.5 – 100%

 

 

B - 79.5 – 89.4%

 

 

C - 69.5 – 79.4%

 

 

D - 59.5 – 69.4%

 

 

F - below 59.5%

 

 

 

NovaNet Assistance:

Having trouble with the tests on NovaNet?  If you are struggling to get those stars then set up an appointment with me for available tutoring.  I know it can be hard to understand on a little black computer screen and I am here to help.

 

 

 

Calendar:

Here is an outline of what we will cover in the labs this year.

 

Earth Science A

Block / Week of:

NovaNet Topic

Lab

Block 1:  Aug 27-31

Astronomy

Welcome students
Rocket lab

Block 1:  Sept 4-7

The Earth in Space

Earth-Moon system
Inner and Outer Planets

Block 1:  Sept 10-14

The Sun and Earth

Solar system lab

Block 1:  Sept 17-21

Rocks and Minerals page 1

Sun Model

 

Block 2:  Oct 8-12

Rocks and Minerals page 2

Forces that shape the earth
Elasticity

Block 2:  Oct 15-19

The Atmosphere

Synoptic weather maps
Famous weather project

Block 2:  Oct 22-26

Weather

Atmosphere lab
Famous weather project

Block 2:  Oct 29 – Nov 2

Weather

Present projects
Cloud lab

 

Block 3:  Nov 26-30

The Hydrosphere

Longitude and latitude

Block 3:  Dec 3-7

Mapping

Contour mapping

Block 3:  Dec 10-14

Mapping

Contour model lab
Mapping project

Block 3:  Dec 17-21

Finish up NovaNet

Mapping project

Earth Science B
(Environmental Science)

Block / Week of:

NovaNet Topic

Lab

Block 4:  Jan 22-25

What is Earth Science?
SI Units

Metric System

Block 4:  Jan 28 – Feb 1

Metric System

Uncertainty of measurements

Block 4:  Feb 4-8

Scientific Notation

Predator-prey lab

Block 4:  Feb12-15

Ecology

Biogeochemical cycles

 

Block 5:  Mar 3-7

Energy Flow in Communities

Electromagnetic radiation

Block 5:  Mar 10-14

Energy and its Effects

Angle of insolation lab

Block 5:  Mar 17-20

Nuclear Energy

Ozone and pollution

Block 5:  Mar 31 – Apr 4

Solar Energy

Radioactive decay
Help session for NovaNet

 

Block 6:  Apr 21-25

Populations

STAR testing

Block 6:  Apr 28 – May 2

Environmental Problems

STAR testing

Block 6:  May 5-9

Finish Up NovaNet

Project

Block 6:  May 12-16

Finish Up NovaNet

Project