3rd Block Earth/Environmental Science Syllabus Mrs. Brown Contact Information Room 615 Website: http://iss.schoolwires.com/Domain/5199 Email: julia_brown@gmail.com or juliapdbrown@gmail.com Twitter: @jpdrake10 Phone Number: (704)799-8555 ext. 1615 Remind: to sign up text @7f62k to 81010 Course Description The goal of this course is for students to be able to understand the world we live in and our impacts upon it. The course is implemented based on the North Carolina Essential Standards for Earth/Environmental Science. This includes graphical manipulations of data as well as real world observations. Upon successful completion of this course, a student should understand and be able to explain the composition of the Earth and universe, as well as the functions of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere, as well as our current global condition. Materials Students should bring the following to class each day Something to write both with and on Calculator (scientific or graphing) MacBook Air (fully charged) Expectations Every student is expected to be the three R’s every day: Respectful, Responsible, and Reasonable. This includes (among other things): being in class on time, having all the necessary materials for the day, having a working and fully charged MacBook Air, participating in class activities and discussions, using a kind tone when speaking to others, and listening when others are speaking. If students can be respectful, responsible, and reasonable, it is much easier to incorporate a wide range of activities into class-time that make class enjoyable and more rewarding for each student. Students also need to check the class website every day, where important information and assignments will be posted. There is no excuse for not checking the website, especially when a student is absent. There are multiple ways to contact Mrs. Brown (that information is listed above and on the website), so there is no excuse for not contacting her regarding any issues that arise. Assignments should also be downloaded (when necessary) before leaving the classroom each day to ensure there are no issues. 3rd Block Students are expected to sign up for Remind notifications, and parents are encouraged to sign up as well. This allows Mrs. Brown to send reminders about upcoming due dates and important information. Students are expected to conduct themselves according to the ISS Student Code of Conduct at all times. This code can be found at: http://iss.schoolwires.com/site/Default.aspx?PageID=1598 UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE IS CHEATING OK. Anyone caught cheating or facilitating cheating will receive a ZERO for the assignment, forfeit any extra credit points earned thus far, be written up, and their parent/guardian will be contacted. Safety A separate safety contract will be sent home that must be reviewed and signed by both student and their parent/guardian. Performing labs is a privilege (and the most fun part of a science class), and this privilege will be revoked if students cannot behave responsibly in a lab setting. Technology Because each student has their own MacBook Air, we will be using these devices regularly in class. Due to this regular use, it is extremely important that students bring their laptops to class every day, fully charged (please plug them up every night). In this class, if a student does not bring their laptop to class, or is not able to use their laptop in class when they should (for whatever reason), they will not receive extra time to complete assignments. The accessibility of materials and assignments means there is no excuse for not being aware of deadlines and responsibilities, and fulfilling them appropriately. Canvas: Canvas is what is referred to as the class website. This must be checked every single day. Remind: Remind notifications (about upcoming deadlines and important information) are sent via text message (although you can elect to receive emails instead), and two-way communication is allowed. This communication is documented and passes through a secure server so that no personal phone numbers are revealed (for either student/parent or teacher). Grading Policy The final grade in this class will include the following components: 3rd Block Final Exam: 20% Homework/Classwork: 10% Tests: 15% Quizzes: 10% Labs: 20% Portfolio: 10% Projects: 15% Extra Credit: There will be no extra credit given within the Science Department at LNHS. There are incentives offered for actively participating in SMART lunch tutorials (at least 4 times) throughout the semester. Make-Up Work If a student is absent, they will be expected to check the website and contact Mrs. Brown as soon as possible for any missed assignments or materials. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what happened in class and what needs to be done before the next class period. Because everything is now online, this should be fairly easy to do. In addition, if a student does not understand the material covered in the class he or she missed, they should come by for extra help, as discussed further below. In general, the electronic nature of assignments means there should be no late work. However, there are always special/extenuating circumstances (not “I forgot” or “I wasn’t here”) and those will be addressed individually, as long as the student comes to Mrs. Brown either before or immediately following the absence. All planned absences (appointments, field trips, etc.) must be recorded on the classroom calendar at least 1 day prior to the absence, or assignments missed/not turned in on that date will not be accepted. Additional Instruction I will be available before and after school and during lunch to provide extra help every day (with the exception of Wednesday afternoons). I will have 2nd Block planning as well. My SMART lunch availability can be found in the table below. Students are welcome to come by during any of those times to ask questions and get help. There is also the possibility of conferencing electronically if none of those options will work. If you would like help from someone other than me, there are a variety of resources available on the class website, or I would be happy to put you in touch with someone who can help. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Before School * * * * * A Lunch * * * Supervision Duty Earth/Environmental (NOT Available) Science Tutorial B * * Physics Tutorial * * 3rd Block Lunch After School * * Meetings (NOT Available) * Supervision Duty (NOT Available) *I should be in my room and available to help, but please try to check with me beforehand.