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Earth and Space Science Syllabus
Academic Year 2015-16
Instructor: Ms. Brenda Bartlett
Email: bbartlett@frenship.us
Classroom: S4
Phone: (806) 866-4440 x604
Texts and Resources:
 Tarbuck, E. J., Lutgens, F. K. (1997). Earth Science. 8th Edition. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New
Jersey.
We will supplement the text in an attempt to consider the most recent scientific literature to provide a foundation of
knowledge and process in earth and space science.
Materials: For this class, you will need the following items:
 Three ring binder - 1.5 to 2 inch three ring binder for assignments, tests and quizzes (this will be your
portfolio)
 Section dividers for the binder – at least five
 College-ruled notebook
 Notebook paper
 Writing utensils – Black and colored pens, pencils
 Ruler
 Calculator – if you have one on your smart device you can use that instead
Course Description: Earth Science is the study of the Earth and its neighbors in space. Nearly everything we do
each day is connected in some way to Earth: oceans, atmosphere, plants and animals. This course will focus on the
four basic areas of Earth Science: geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. This is an exciting science
with many interesting and practical applications, which we will look at in more detail. Students will explore
scientific method, structure and models of the Earth, properties of the ocean floor, atmospheric forces dealing with
climate and weather, as well as the night sky as it relates to our solar system. This year will be filled with a variety
of venues to challenge and support the student, as well as to develop and solidify a passion for the scientific world.
Course Goals:
 Gain and expand student understanding of Earth as a system, its history and dynamics relative to its
neighbors in space.
 Provide an interactive, collaborative and productive work environment that supports the learning: geology,
oceanography, meteorology and astronomy.
 Strengthen verbal, non-verbal, written and visual communication by way of projects, presentations, and
group work.
Student Learning Outcomes and Methods of Assessment: Based on standards and objectives from the Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science (TEKS), students will complete projects and laboratory investigations,
direct instruction and multiple methods of investigation to define, explore, demonstrate, distinguish, organize,
analyze, interpret, evaluate, infer, predict, understand and communicate earth and space science systems as defined
in the TEKS.
At the beginning of a topic, students will be provided the TEKS and be asked to measure their mastery of the
standards based on the completion of the teaching and learning of that topic within a specified time. Students will
be assessed using a multi-modal, mastery based assessment system that leverages selected response assessments,
laboratory findings and writing assessment, portfolio evaluation and direct communication of findings.
Methods of Teaching: Instructional methods for this course may include, but will not be limited to the following:
reading and sharing, small and large group dialogue, small and large group problem solving, lecture and
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presentations, written reflections, and project-based learning activities. Please note, as the instructor I will not “just
lecture” and provide answers to questions. I will provide some information matter-of-factly, but the majority of the
course will be focused on project-based learning of the topic and TEKS within the topic. The interactions,
discussions and collaborations are critical pieces of your development and the paradigm shift needed to successfully
know science as a way of doing and not just a way of knowing. In other words, science isn’t just about facts and
knowing stuff, science is about problem solving based on the information we know.
Overview of Course Assignments: Additional details of the class assignments, due dates, rubrics, scoring guides
and other relevant materials will be given to students as the assignments and/or projects are assigned. Written
assignments, unless otherwise specified, should be submitted as a Word document, one-inch margins, doublespaced, ten to twelve point times or ariel font, with name in the header.
The activities of the course will assist you in developing your science and problem solving skills – especially
reading, designing, analysis, synthesis of your thoughts and responding critically to peers. This approach is designed
to encourage you to be uncomfortable, experience concept-development techniques, problem-solving strategies,
manipulate concepts in various small-group configurations to work comfortably in the “uncomfortableness” of a
progressive learning environment and the use of assessment as a learning tool and not an end all be all.
Per large topic you will be assessed using the following:
A. Project (100 Points Total) - A project will cover an entire topic. A topic will cover many TEKS. A project is an
inquiry-based investigation that will cover three or more weeks.
B. Lab Report (50 Points Total) – A lab investigation will address individual components of the TEKS, and there
will most likely be several lab investigations within a project. Students will complete a lab write up of their lab
investigation using the Lab Write Up Rubric.
C. Quiz (50 Points Total) – There will be about two or three Quizzes per project. Quizzes will cover a couple
chapters and therefore a couple TEKS. Quizzes will be selected response, fill in the blank, matching and/or
short answer. The quiz is open portfolio but closed book.
D. Test (100 Points Total) – Tests will cover an entire topic. Tests will be fifty questions selected response. Tests
will cover many TEKS and at least three chapters but will focus on one large topic. Tests will be validated and
have reliability data calculated to ensure quality assessment items. The test is open portfolio but closed book.
a. The final semester exam will cover all topics for the semester, be selected response in nature and be
calculated as 10% of your grade.
E. Portfolio (100 Points Total) – By definition a portfolio is an accumulation of work. A portfolio is a three ring
binder with tabbed sections. Everything we do in this course will be three-hole punched and placed in the
portfolio. The portfolio will be evaluated for accuracy and completion at the conclusion of a project and prior
to the test.
This course will work on a mastery principle. Basically, anything that you have not gotten a 100% on, you may
redo for full credit. In order to be able to redo something you must undergo remediation. To undergo
remediation, you must set up an appointment with me at least one day after getting the assignment back and at
least one day after getting the assignment back.
You may choose to redo, retake or fix errors on any assignment, lab report, quiz, test or portfolio. Please sign up
with me for remediation so that we may go over what needs to be done in order to get the 100% that all of us
want and therefore to show your mastery of the TEKS. All quizzes and tests must be completely redone. In
other words, when you wish to retake a quiz or test you must get your results, set up an appointment for
remediation, complete the remediation, then set up an appointment to retake the whole quiz or test (not just the
questions and/or parts you did not do well on). Quizzes and tests will not be permitted to leave the classroom to
ensure examination security, validity and reliability.
Course Policies and Procedures
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Written Assignments: With rare exception, assignments will be submitted for evaluation in a typed word
document. Please move assignments to a separate, digital and three-ring “portfolio” after our final papers are
complete. All written work is expected to be neat, correctly spelled, grammatically/mechanically correct and follow
APA format (6th edition). All work done outside of class is to be typed in a Word document, use 1 inch margins, 10point font, double-spaced, with name in header (no cover pages please).
Submitting Assignments: All papers will first be assessed by your “assigned” peer. After you get your paper back
and have time to revise you will submit to me as the instructor. You should submit all assignments to inbox and pick
up graded assignments from the outbox.
Grading Procedures: Grades will be based on the percentage of points earned for all coursework using a
traditional grading scale. Questions about grades should be addressed in private with me as the course instructor. It
is important to note that grades should reflect your level of mastery. It is my intent to ensure everyone that wants an
“A”, gets an “A”. Like everything in life, effort will dictate success. Please remember that you and I want the same
thing in terms of your grade. Do not hesitate to ask me any questions you might have about grading and what you
can do to earn the grade you want. It is important to note that if you get a grade for anything you are not satisfied
with it, you may revise it for complete credit (as discussed above). The traditional grading scale used for the overall
course grade is listed below:
- 90 - 100% = A
- 80 - 89% = B
- 70 - 79% = C
- 60-69% = D
- <59% = F
Viewing Your Grades: You can access your grades on the Skyward application. Grades will be posted after the due
date and after all assignments have been graded. Please be patient with the evaluation of lab write-ups and papers.
Late Work: Assignments are due as specified by the due date posted by the school calendar by topic. Completing
work on time is part of who we are as scientists. Reading, analysis, synthesis and response work should be
completed within the timeframe provided. Computer failure is not an excuse for late assignments. I do not take off
points for late work. We will discuss mastery learning, grades and grading all semester and so the applications of
best practices should make for a spirited conversation of how other teachers grade you, but best practices are based
on case study literature and frankly not all teachers follow the most progressive case study literature.
Please remember that true mastery learning takes place through the completion of quality work in a meaningful way.
Consistently being late on assignments will lead to a conversation with the instructor about your work ethic.
Attendance and Participation: Class attendance, punctuality, preparation and participation are expected. As a good
student, being an active participant is part of your obligation. The quality of the course depends on the extent to
which you share, reflect, and participate. Please give the class your best effort.
Periodically situations arise that may modify this policy, such as a severe illness or a family situation. In that case,
plan to work ahead on course readings and expect to work on activities out of the course text. Students should
address other personal situations on an individual basis with the instructor, who retains the final word on
determining the final decision.
Use of Personal Electronic Devices: We live a technology rich life. Most of us have a smart phone, a tablet, laptop
or some other personal device we communicate with our friends, family, and relatives. Moreover, current smart
devices (mobile phones and tablets) possess a series of applications that are rich in information that can help us
better solve problems, get information, perform calculations and communicate with the outside world. This course
will operate on a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy. There will be strategic times I as instructor will allow the
use of your personal electronic device and there will be sometimes I will require that you keep them stowed away.
When you come into class, please put your devices on silent. You MAY NOT text messages friends, parents and/or
anyone for social function without the express consent from me as instructor. If you have a need to contact someone
via text message or phone call, please ask me first. If it is important I will obviously allow you to do it, but in order
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for us to have a classroom conducive to learning, we must be physical AND mentally in the room, psychologically
and socially interacting with one another. If I catch you using your device for anything other than coursework at the
times I say is OK, I will warn you once to put it away. If I have to warn you again I will confiscate your phone and
turn it in to your administrator in the main office and you will have to get the device from them after school.
I want each of you to use your personal electronic device at the right time and in the right circumstance conducive to
our learning environment. I too “live on my iPhone”. I use my device for so many things that not using it for
communication and information is crazy. So, please know that we will use our personal electronic devices in this
class, but also follow the simple rules so that we have a functional classroom focused on learning.
E-mail Communication: Please use only my Frenship e-mail for sending e-mail messages to me. I will respond to
your email message within 24 hours on weekdays and within 48 hours on weekends, sometimes quicker. (You may
also chat with me via the chat feature on Remind.)
Civility in the Classroom: Regarding civility of the classroom, please remember one rule, “treat others how you
would like to be treated” (be nice!). Inappropriate behavior shall result in consequences ranging from a request to
correct the problem, to a referral. Disciplinary actions will be taken according to the Frenship Code of Student
Conduct. Students are expected to maintain an environment conducive to learning.
Food and Drink: This is a science course and we have a few simple rules we must follow when it comes to food or
drink. You are more than welcome to bring in anything you want to eat, drink or whatever (gum is also OK). Please
keep the food or drink in the classroom area only. No food or drink of any kind are allowed in the lab area of the
classroom. When finished with your food or drink (including gum), please dispose of it in the garbage can. Failure
to properly dispose of your waste will result in the suspension of the food or drink privilege. Putting gum anywhere
besides in your mouth or a waste container will result in a referral.
ADA Disability Statement: Frenship ISD is committed to the principle that in no aspect of its programs, shall there
be differences in the treatment of persons because of race, creed, national origin, age, sex, or disability and that
equal opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all. Any student who, because of a disability, may
require special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as
possible to make any necessary arrangements (I will also check IEP and/or 504 plans to ensure we meet student
needs, but a personal conversation could help provide things that better match student perception of needs within the
IEP and/or 504 guidelines).
Absence for Observance of a Religious Holiday: A student who intends to observe a religious holy day should
make that intention known to the instructor prior to the absence. A student who is absent from classes for the
observance of a religious holiday shall be allowed to take an examination or complete and assignment scheduled for
the day within a reasonable time after the absence. A student may not be penalized for the absence but the instructor
may respond appropriately if the student fails to complete the assignment satisfactorily.
Academic Integrity and Academic Dishonesty: Individuals found to be engaged in practices deemed to be
“academic dishonesty” will receive no credit for the assignment. It is the aim of Frenship ISD teachers and students
to foster a spirit of complete honesty and high standards of integrity. The attempts of students to present other’s
work as their own, or any work not honestly performed, is regarded by teachers as a serious offense and renders the
offenders liable to serious consequences, possibly suspension.
a. Scholastic academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsifying
academic records, misrepresenting facts, and any act designed to give unfair academic advantage to the student
(such as, but not limited to, submission of essentially the same written assignment for two courses without
prior permission of the instructor) or the attempt to commit such an act.
b. Plagiarism includes using words, ideas, illustrations, structure, computer code, other expression and media,
and presenting that material as one’s own academic work being offered for credit.
As scientists we will “borrow” from others their ideas, knowledge and processes. You are expected to note sources
as thoroughly as possible, including printed and web sources. Please note sources by citing everything that you
borrow using APA, 6th edition.
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Syllabus Revision: The instructor reserves the right to revise the syllabus at any point when deemed necessary and
appropriate for the needs of the students.
Tentative Schedule and Course Calendar: The weekly course framework starts on Mondays and closes out on the
following Sunday. Due dates will be on Saturday evening at midnight as listed on the calendar below. You are an
adult learner and must decide when you can get readings accomplished. It is highly advised that you read each day
over the next month of this course.
Semester 1
Unit 1 – Problem Solving & Science as Process
Unit 2 – Solid Earth Part 1 – Rocks, Minerals and Weathering
Unit 3 – Solid Earth Part 2 – Ground Water, Glaciers, Deserts, Wind and Earthquakes
Unit 4 – Solid Earth Part 3 – Plate Tectonics, Volcanoes and Mountains
Unit 5 – Solid Earth Part 4 – Geologic Time and the History of the Earth
Semester 2
Unit 6 – Oceans – Waters, Crust, Currents and Waves
Unit 7 – Atmosphere – Composition, Structure and Temperature (moisture, pressure and wind)
Unit 8 – Weather and Climate – Weather, Storms and Climate
Unit 9 – Earth and the Sun – Earth, Solar System and the Sun
Unit 10 – Stars – Light, Properties and Life Cycles
Unit 11 – Beyond our Solar System – Galaxies and more
Bell Schedules:
Monday
8:20-9:19
Strategy
Sessions/MMA
9:19-9:25
Passing Period
8:20 - 8:44
Tuesday
Activity Period
Wednesday/Thursday/Friday
8:20 - 8:44
Activity Period
8:44 - 8:50
Passing Period
8:44 - 8:50
Passing Period
9:25-10:41
1st/5th Period
8:50 - 10:06
1st/5th Period
8:50 - 10:26
1st/5th Period
10:41-10:47
Passing Period
10:06 - 10:12
Passing Period
10:26 - 10:32
Passing Period
10:47-12:08
2nd/6th Period
10:12 - 11:33
2nd/6th Period
10:32 - 12:08
2nd/6th Period
12:08-12:14
Passing Period
11:33 - 11:39
Passing Period
12:08 - 12:14
Passing Period
12:14-12:39
A Lunch -12:44 tardy
11:39 - 12:08
Homeroom
12:14 - 12:39
A Lunch -12:44 tardy
12:44 - 2:14
3rd/7th Period
12:08 - 12:14
Passing Period
12:44 - 2:14
3rd/7th Period
2:14 - 2:20
Passing Period
12:14 - 12:39
A Lunch -12:44 tardy
2:14 - 2:20
Passing Period
2:20 - 3:50
4th/8th Period
12:44 - 2:14
3rd/7th Period
2:20 - 3:50
4th/8th Period
2:14 - 2:20
Passing Period
2:20 - 3:50
4th/8th Period