Earth to Space!
Course Syllabus
Mr. Ball
Earth to Space is a one-semester course. The first part of this class explores the dynamic geological
processes that occur on earth. This includes a closer look into the history of the earth and why it looks
the way it does today. The second part of this course will examine our solar system and deep space.
This includes investigating our sun and planets, the life and death of stars, as well as black holes.
Text: Geol, Reed Wicander, and James S. Monroe, Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, 2013.
Astro, Michael A. Seeds, Dana E. Backman, Cengage Learning, 2013.
Pre-Requisites: General Biology
Materials Required for Class:
Textbook
Pen and Pencil
Calculator (no, your phone doesn’t count!)
Notebook
Folder or Binder (I give lots of handouts, choose wisely)
Grading Scale
A 100 - 93
A- 92 - 90
B+ 89 – 87
B 86 - 83
B- 82 - 80
C+ 79 - 77
C 76 - 73
C- 72 - 70
D+ 69 - 67
D 66 - 63
D- 62 - 60
F 59 - below
Grade Composition
Semester Grade Calculation
60% Homework and Lab Assignments
40% Exams
44% 1st Quarter Grade
44% 2nd Quarter Grade
12% Semester Exam Score
Class Expectations
1. Be in your seat, ready to begin when
the bell rings.
2. Bring the required materials (as listed
above) every day to class.
3. Show academic integrity in the work
you submit.
4. Treat others with respect.
5. Homework is due at the beginning of
class.
6. Follow lab safety guidelines at all times.
7. Be cool
Academic Integrity
I expect students to do their own work and submit their own work. The internet, your text, and fellow
students are resources to utilize, however, what you submit for credit must be your own thoughts.
Students who submit duplicated (or copied) assignments will not receive credit for the work – that
includes the original creator of the work.
Homework Policy
1. Homework assignments are due at the beginning of class. Assignments turned in after I collect
them are considered late.
2. You are allowed to turn in two late homework assignments “free of charge” for full credit. 40%
of the total points will be deducted for any subsequent late assignments. You may arrange with
me to serve a fifteen minute detention, before or after school, to receive the full credit for the
late assignment. You must be working on Earth to Space course work during this detention to
receive full credit. Students who abuse this policy will not be allowed to turn in future late
work. Extra credit will be given to any student who doesn’t use their late passes at the end of
each semester.
3. Homework missed due to absence: If you are excused absent you will have one day for each day
missed to submit your work. If you are gone for a school activity (band, athletics, field trips,
etc.), I expect the work to be turned in to me before you leave. Pick up the next day homework
whenever possible. If you are absent unexcused, you will not receive credit for work turned in
that day (this includes any work completed in class that day).
Tardy Policy
1. Students are tardy if they are not in their seats when the bell rings.
2. Students who come to class unprepared such that they must return to their locker are
considered tardy.
3. Review the school wide tardy policy in the student handbook.
Lab Safety: You must follow the guidelines at all times. Failure to do so may result in removal from class
or further disciplinary action.
My Schedule: I’m here from 8:00 – 4:00 (or a little earlier or later on both)
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Physical Science Rm 207
Physical Science Rm 207
Physical Science Rm 207
1st semester: Study Hall Rm 209. 2nd semester: Prep my office in room 207
Earth to Space Rm 614
Earth to Space Rm 614
1st semester: Prep my office in room 207. 2nd semester: Study Hall Rm 209
APES Rm 612
To Contact Me: Come see me during 4th or 7th periods depending on the semester, or after school in my
office. I love e-mail from my students!! Remember that you are e-mailing your teacher and not your
friend, this means you do not want to use short-hand and you should probably proof-read what you
wrote.
My Email Address: ballchris@mhasd.k12.wi.us. If you email me at night, you may not get an immediate
answer but I typically check my email each morning before school starts.