Earth Science
Ms. Gruber
2015-2016
lgruber@kwcps.k12.va.us
Course Description:
Earth science is the study of Earth’s composition, structure, processes and history. The main branches of
Earth science covered in this course are geology (the study of rocks), astronomy (the study of space),
oceanography (the study of the physical characteristics of the ocean), and meteorology (the study of the
atmosphere and weather).
Student Objectives: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the Virginia Standards of
Learning for Earth Science.
Course Outline
Marking Period
Topics Covered
SOLs
1st 9 weeks
Basic Scientific Principles Maps
Plate Tectonics
Minerals
The Rock Cycle
Geologic History
Surface Processes, Groundwater
Resources
Oceanography
Meteorology
Sun, Earth, and Moon Systems
Astronomy
ES 1,2
ES 7
ES 4
ES 5
ES 9
ES 8
ES 6
ES 10
ES 11, 12
ES 3
ES 13
2nd 9 weeks
3rd 9 weeks
4th 9 weeks
Grading:
9 Weeks Grade
Tests and Projects:
Laboratory Activities and Quizzes:
Daily Assignments:
Warm-Up Activities:
Notebook Checks:
Participation:
40%
20%
10%
10%
10%
10%
Semester Grade
1st Nine Week Grade
2nd Nine Week Grade
Exam Grade
40%
40%
20%
Final Grade
1st Nine Week Grade
2nd Nine Week Grade
50%
50%
Warm-up activities:
Every day you will have a warm up activity when
entering the classroom. After five class periods your
warm up notebook will be checked. YOU are
responsible for making up any missed warm up
activities using the binder at the front of the room.
Notebook Check:
You are expected to maintain a three ring binder with
all handouts you are given and all notes you take
during class. This binder should come to class every
day. Notebook checks will be random and will count
for 10% of your nine weeks grade.
Participation:
Students are expected to be active participants in
class. Effort will be rewarded with a participation
grade while people who choose not to participate will
see a negative effect on their grade.
Expectations:
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Students will show respect by not talking while others are talking
Students must raise their hand before speaking
Food and drink are never allowed in the classroom
The restroom and drinking fountain need to be used between classes not during instruction
In case of an emergency the only acceptable hall pass is a student agenda
Students are required to bring their materials to class every day
Students will clean up after themselves every day
Attendance:
Students are responsible for all classroom assignments and knowledge. If you miss a class period or are
tardy you are responsible for getting your makeup work. Students have two days following an absence
to make up any missing work. Missed work can be found in the absent bin in the classroom. The best
time to go over any questions about make-up work is before or after school.
Late Work:
Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period unless otherwise specified. Any work that is
turned in after its due date will lose 5% per day.
Laboratory Safety:
Laboratory activities are a necessary portion of any science class. Safety is the responsibility of each
student. The following guidelines must be followed at all times:
 Follow all instructions given by the teacher
 Learn the location and function of all safety equipment
 Notify the teacher of any safety concerns immediately
 Do not touch, inhale, or ingest anything unless told to do so by the teacher
 Keep your work space and the classroom clean
Required Materials
1.
2.
3.
4.
3-ring binder
Single subject Notebook
Multiple pencils (sharpened before class begins)
Colored pencils
Course: __________________________ Teacher’s Name:
____________________________
Student’s Name: _______________________________
I have read the syllabus for the course listed above, and I understand and will
comply with its contents.
________________________________
Student’s Signature
________
Date
PARENT/GUARDIAN:
I have read this syllabus and will expect my son/daughter to comply with its
contents.
_________________________________
Parent’s Signature
________
Date