Investigation of Earth Systems
Instructor and Contact Information:
Shara Bellamy
Science Teacher
615.822.2375 x 5544
shara.bellamy@jp2hs.org
http://jp2hs.org/teachers/shara-bellamy/
Tutorials: Monday: 3:15 – 4:00pm
Thursday: 3:15 – 4:00pm
Additional times available upon request
Course Description:
Investigation of Earth Systems is a broad survey of science subjects, including, but not limited
to, earth science, astronomy, and current scientific developments. In this class students will
participate in projects, labs, interpretation of scientific journal articles, and discussions. Furthermore,
students will be required to participate in a Science Olympiad invitational and attend and/or compete
in a regional competition.
The course will include weekly science article reading and practice in science writing for a broad
audience. This will allow our class to explore current events and areas of particular interest to the
individuals in the class. Students will have the opportunity to develop deep expertise in a specific
area through participating in Science Olympiad. Students will develop their observation and
communication skills, while also having a chance to explore the wonder of our world.
“The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
- Psalm 19:1
Course Outline:
Semester One
Introduction
Meteorology
Astronomy
Geology
Length of Unit of Study
1 week
4 weeks
4 weeks
8 weeks
Semester Two
Topography
Oceanography
Biosphere
Environmental Ethics
4 weeks
5 weeks
1 week
7 weeks
Assessment Types and Forms for Investigation of Earth Systems
Category
Description
Homework
Daily Work designed to help students
explore concepts
Projects and Responsibilities designed
to help students deepen their
knowledge/skills in a particular area
Science
Olympiad
Quizzes
Articles
Tests
Short Assessments to help students
reflect on their progress
Reading, Writing and Article collection
assignments used to help student
increase their science literacy
Summative Assignments used to help
student assess their understanding
Assessment Form
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Observation Journal
Creative Assignments
Resource Collection
Coach/Teammate
Meetings
Product Creation/Project
Event Attendance
Concept Check Quizzes
ConcepTest Items
Reading
Research
Writing
Projects
Labs
Multiple choice/Short
Answer Assessments
Approx
Weight
20%
20%
10%
20%
30%
Grading:
Your grade is a direct and objective reflection of the work you put into this class as well as your comprehension
of the material. Please see the assessment chart for specifics on weighting in the categories.
Semester grades are an average of the 2 quarters and the exam. Each semester exam is comprehensive for
that semester. Please save all returned work in your binder.
Grading Codes used in Veracross to indicate progress with regard to individual assignments:
Description
Pending
Abbreviation
Pending
Complete
Not Turned In
NTI
Missing
Assignment
Incomplete
M
Not Required
to Complete
NREQ
Inc
Notes
Assignment has not been graded or the deadline has not
arrived
Completed assignment
Student was present but did not turn in the assignment.
Late penalties apply.
Student was absent. Student can receive full credit for the
assignment when returning to school.
Student failed to finish or hand in an acceptable quality of
work on a major assessment.
Student is not required to complete the assignment
Late Work Policy:
In the event that you miss an assignment (for a reason besides excused absence) your grade will begin grading
as follows:
Number of meetings late
1
2
3
Homework
70%
50%
Not accepted
Major Assignments – Labs, Tests, Projects, Final Article Drafts
90%
85%
80% (continuing to lose 5% each day until CRS)
Further information on the consequences of not turning in major assignments will be communicated by the
school. If the student fails to attend, or satisfactorily participate in, their assigned CRS, they will earn a 0 on the
assignment.
In Case of an Absence:
It is your responsibility to make up all assignments and assessments when you miss class.
When returning from an absence, the student is responsible for checking with the instructor immediately
regarding work missed. It is the student’s responsibility to copy notes from a classmate, obtain handouts,
hand in assignments, and arrange to make-up missed labs, quizzes or tests. The late work policy will take
effect if assignments are submitted after the absent time allowance.
All quizzes and tests must be made up within 1 week from the date of missed school, unless special
arrangements have been made within that time period with the teacher.
If a student will be missing school due to a planned absence, they should see the instructor before being
absent to make arrangements for make-up work. All work missed while absent is due the day that the student
returns to school, unless otherwise specified by the teacher.
Supplies needed for the year:
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3 ring binder with notebook paper (may be ½” or 1”)
3-pronged folder
Black and red pens
Pencil
Highlighters
Colored Pencils
USB Drive (may be used for other classes as well)