Honors Earth Science Syllabus 2009-2010
Mrs. Veda Kanitz (Ms. K)
Room N22
E-mail: veda.kanitz@district196.org
Voice Mail: (651)683-6969 #94448
This is a year-long course covering the disciplines of meteorology, astronomy and geology. Content is similar to the
regular Earth Science sequence, however, greater emphasis is placed on observation, interpretation and problem
solving. Students will be enrolled in Honors Earth Science according to the recommendation of the Science
Department. This decision will be based on the recommendation of middle school teachers, test scores and past success
in science courses.
Earth and Space Systems: Understand concepts, theories and principles of earth and space systems through
investigation and analysis.
What students should know:
1. Understand earth systems through the interaction of force and energy (e.g., plate tectonics, terranes)
2. Understand geochemical processes and cycles (e.g., rock cycle, chemical reservoirs)
3. Understand theories of the origin and evolution of the universe (e.g., planetary systems, stellar cycles)
4. Understand energy in the earth system (e.g., global climate, convection)
5. Understand the historical significance of major scientific advances (e.g., geological timescale, plate tectonics)
What students should do:
1. Design and conduct an experiment to investigate a question and test a hypothesis in earth and space systems
2. Analyze data to support or refute hypothesis
3. Design and conduct one investigation through a problem-based study, service learning project or field study:
a. identify scientific issues based on observations and the corresponding scientific concepts
b. analyze data to clarify scientific issues or define scientific questions.
c. compare results to current models and/or personal experience
4. Use scientific evidence to defend or refute an idea in a historical or contemporary context:
a. identify scientific concepts found in evidence
b. evaluate the validity of the idea in relationship to scientific information
c. analyze the immediate and long-term impact on the individual and/or society in the areas of technology,
economics and the environment
Class Resources
Text - Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the Universe
Web site: http://www.glencoe.com/sec/science/earthscience/index.html
Mrs. Kanitz’s faculty web page contains valuable resource links to practice and extend the concepts taught in class.
Course Outline
Units of study
Earth and Space Systems
Trimester 1
Graduation Standard
9th grade transition/Nature of Science
Know - #2
Earth Systems and geochemical cycles –carbon, nitrogen,
Know - # 1. 2. 4
phosphorus and water
Field study – Vermillion River (physical, chemical and
Do - #2, 3
habitat data)
Surface processes – weathering, erosion, glaciers, rivers
Know - #1
and soils
Trimester 2
Rock cycle – mineral and rock formation, classification
and uses
Plate tectonics
Earth History
Trimester 3
Meteorology and Climate
Astronomy – Earth-Moon system, stellar evolution,
cosmology
Know - #2
Know - #1, 5
Know - #3, 5
Know - #4 Do - #1, 2 Inquiry lab
Know - #3, 5 Do - #4 Astronomy grad standard project
Classroom behavior
1. Behave at all times in a responsible manner. This means will you be respectful and courteous!
Putdowns and hate speech will NOT be tolerated!
Show respect for:
a. yourself
b. your fellow students
c. all RHS faculty and staff
d. all things belonging to others
e. everyone’s time and space to learn!
2. Come to class on time with the required materials out and get ready to learn.
Required materials include:
pens (black, blue)
#2 pencils with erasers
covered science textbook
RHS Academic planner
box of colored pencils
bottle of school glue
3-ring binder or pocket folder with loose leaf paper
composition notebook for labs and notes
calculator (basic functions)
ruler (English/Metric 12 inch)
3 or 4-color pack of play dough or modeling clay
box of tissues
3. Stay actively engaged in learning until the bell rings. Do not pack up your materials early or stand by the door.
4. Follow all safety rules in the lab and take time to read and follow lab directions carefully.
5. Do not consume food or beverage (other than water) in the classroom.
6. Be an active learner! Listen, take notes, ask questions and participate fully in all labs and class activities.
7. Follow all school and district rules as listed in your RHS planner.
Absences, makeup work and late work
1. It is your responsibility to get all missed work, notes, etc. when you are absent.
2. To find out what you missed in class:
a. ask study buddy (Write the phone number of a classmate in your planner.)
b. check the on-line class calendar
c. read the board
d. ask Mrs. Kanitz before/after class.
3. If you just miss one day of class, you may be asked to take a missed test or quiz in class the next day.
4. If more than one day of class are missed due to an excused absence, you will have 1 week to make up the assessment
before or after school.
5. Students missing tests or quizzes may be given an alternative format assessment such as essay or oral questions.
6. Students missing lab work will need to come in before or after school within one week of their absence to make up
the work.
7. For all other assignments, you will be given 2 days per day absent to turn in missed work due to an excused absence.
8. If you are absent the day an assignment is due, you will be required to turn it in the day you return to class to receive
credit.
9. Homework or class work (generally worth 5 –20 points) turned in late will receive 0.1 points with the exception of
two assignments that are one or two days late. These two will be recorded with a .1 after the total such as 5.1 or 10.1.
This is like getting 2 late assignment coupons!
10. Work that is graded in class may NOT be turned in late for points.
11. Larger projects/labs and assignments will lose 10% per day late.
Work quality and work ethic
1. All work must be original. No credit will be given for work that is copied from another student or source. Zero
points will be awarded to students who give or receive another student’s work.
2. Be sure to follow all school policies regarding plagiarism. Always give proper credit to your sources. See the
library’s home page for help with properly citing sources.
3. Homework will be assigned on most class days. Unless otherwise noted, homework is due at the start of the next
class period.
4. You should expect to spend at least 20 minutes per day on Earth Science outside of class. This should include
reviewing class notes and other materials to prepare for tests and quizzes.
5. Morning and after school study sessions will be offered before tests and quizzes.
6. Science notebooks will be kept and organized into subsections. All class work and notes must be saved and
organized in it. Periodic notebook checks will assess student progress with this.
What to do when you need help:
1. Come see Ms. K! I will generally be available in N22 after school from 2:30 – 3:30.
2. Have a study buddy. Make a friend in class and call or get together to double your brainpower! Remember all
work turned in must be in your own words, however!
3. Check out one of the many class resources listed under “Resource links” on Ms. K’s home page.
Grading and Assessment
Points will be awarded for most work completed both in and out of class.
The final trimester grade will include the approximate percent totals:
homework and class work
30%
formal assessments (tests, quizzes)
30%
projects and lab work
30%
final test
10%
Grading scale:
93-100 A
77-79 C+
60-62 D90-92 A73-77 C
0-59 F
87-89 B+
70-72 C83-87 B
67-69 D+
80-82 B63-67 D
Field trips
The following field trips will be an integral part of the Honor’s Earth Science Course Curriculum:
1. Early October will be our Vermillion River field study. There will be no charge for this trip. Students will collect
transparency, stream flow, water chemistry and habitat data for the Vermillion River Watch Project.
2. In December, a select group of students will present our findings at the River Summit at the Science Museum.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please sign and cut this bottom part off your syllabus and turn it in to Mrs. Kanitz during the first week of class
We have read and agree to follow the above rules and expectations for Honors
Earth Science.
__________________________________
Student’s printed name
_______________________________
Student’s signature
____________
date
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Parent’s printed name
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Parent’s signature
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date