8th Grade Earth Science
Instructor: Mark Storhaug
Phone: 320.762.7900 Email: mstorhau@alexandria.k12.mn.us
Teacher page: http://www.alexandria.k12.mn.us//Domain/223
What do I need for Earth Science?
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Your Notebook: A composition notebook will be used daily to record all of your thoughts, ideas, and
important information. Keep your notebook organized & in good condition. It can be left in the
classroom, except when you need to study from it or catch up at home.
Writing Utensils: Have them everyday-pencils, pens colored pencils, etc
Folder: used just for Earth Science. This will be a helpful place to organized any handouts or work not
taped into your notebook.
Mr. Storhaug’s Teacher Webpage: All unit plans/checklists of tasks will be posted here. Web links
for research and electronic versions of in-class documents will also be posted here.
How will I be assessed & graded?
Learning will be focused around Essential Questions. These are developed based on the Minnesota Academic
Content Standards. You will be scored on YOUR understanding of the skills and concepts connected to those
Essential Questions. Grades will be used to give you feedback in the following areas:
30%--Developing Understanding: Classroom work that helps you prepare for and develop an
understanding of earth science and laboratory concepts. Selected work will be scored in this area
70%--Enduring Understanding: Your ability to show lasting understanding of science concepts on final
assessments (tests, quizzes, projects, report, etc). It is worth the majority of your grade because it
is what you understand at the end of the learning that counts!
0%--Process: Not every piece of work is graded in class, but every piece has been carefully
developed to help your understanding! This category is a check-point for work completion. Scoring will
be as follows for these assignments: 0 (didn’t do), 1 (partially complete or poorly done), or 2 (complete
and related to assignment).
**Please note: There is NO extra credit!!! The goal here is to show understanding - not just collect points. There are
opportunities to revise your work and re-explain concepts to show that you have gained understanding. This is done at
teacher discretion. You will need to show me that you have prepared to do better!
What if I turn things in late—or not at all?
Getting work (& other things) completed on time is a life skill—whether it’s for a job, returning a movie, or
your car’s oil change. Start practicing today! Late work receives a Process score of “0” on a 2-point scale.
Work will NOT be accepted after the last day of a unit, unless it is because of an excused absence and YOU
have made other arrangements with me. Be responsible.
What will we be learning about in 8th grade Earth Science?
Unit topics include Earth’s Changing Surface, Materials Cycles, Rock Sequences & Earth History, Interaction with the
Environment, Plate Tectonics, Solar System Motion, Chemistry, Sources & Transfer of Energy in the Atmosphere, and
Weather & Climate.
How will we be learning?
We will learn through a variety of methods. This class will be hands- & minds-on, with a hefty dose of
inquiry and problem-solving skills being applied to what we study. You will be expected to be an active
participant in your learning, your team/group, and the class. Textbooks will be used in the classroom on a
limited basis and as a resource. Much of our material is experienced through supplemental resources and
online materials. Your composition notebook will become your “textbook”! You will be asked to sign up for a
Gmail email account for school use to create and work on Google Documents in class so that you may work
collaboratively on projects with partners and myself at school or home. I am able to monitor activity on
these accounts.
What’s expected of me?
District 206’s Code of Conduct will be followed at all times! Respect, Honesty, Kindness, Fairness, &
Responsibility—most of my expectations fit into one of those core values. Earth Science is a class full of
great things to learn and do, please be on time and ready to go when the bell rings so that we can get to all
of those things. Safety and being part of a team are everyone’s responsibilities. If you can’t work
well with others or work safely, credit will be lost. So just to anticipate a few questions you might have:
What if I…
…am disruptive or unsafe? If you insist on disrupting my teaching or your classmates’ learning, you
will need to leave until you can behave more maturely and appropriately.
…cheat? Don’t. School district policies apply. Take the responsibility to prepare for class, so that
you can have the opportunity to show yourself and me what you can do! Take some pride in YOU!
…have a phone, Ipod, or other electronic device that I can’t pry my mind &/or fingers from?
DMS school policy is that those things stay home or in your locker. I have no lockers in my
classroom, so I shouldn’t see any of those items. 
…have food or drink in the room? This is a science lab & classroom, NO food or drink other than
water is allowed in the room. Water bottles are not allowed in the lab area. This is for your safety.
…am not using the computers appropriately? Using the computer labs and the classroom laptops
are a privilege, not a right. If you are somewhere on the computer or web that you shouldn’t be or
aren’t using the computers appropriately, you will lose the privilege of using them in my room and
possibly throughout the school. Computers and technology will be used frequently in our studies!
*Digital Etiquette:
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Use it wisely, so as not to jeopardize access for yourself and others.
Absolutely no games, email, texting or web-surfing during class that is not directly related to
class content. If in doubt, ask first. Violations are subject to the district acceptable use policy.
Bullying, foul language, and other forms of harassment are prohibited by district policy and in
some cases, the law. Be aware that anything you post, text, or email can be accessed.
Avoid the dangers associated with putting personal information online at home or school.
Understanding of Expectations—8th Grade Earth Science
STUDENTS: I have read these classroom, lab, technology, and
behavioral expectations and understand them. I will honor them
during class and lab time. I will work safely in the science lab and will
use the computers appropriately.
Student Signature: _________________________ Date: ______
PARENT)/GUARDIAN: I have read and discussed the classroom,
lab, technology and behavioral expectations with my son/daughter. I
understand and will help support my child in working at meeting these
expectations. I understand that signing this syllabus gives my
son/daughter permission to travel on foot to any field investigation
related to course work.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________ Date: _____
Email where you can be contacted
(if available)
:___________________
Best phone number for contact: ___________________________
Preferred method of contact? (Circle one)
Email
Phone
TEACHER: I will be dedicated to facilitating student learning
through relevant lessons, feedback, and teaching methods.
Teacher “Signature”:
Mr. Storhaug