Earth Science A
Course Syllabus
1st Quarter of 2012-2013 School Year
Teacher: Ms. Merritt
Subject Area: Science
Course Title: Earth Science A
Credit:
.5 per quarter
Email: msmerritt.ihs@gmail.com
Course Description
This course offers students instruction in many different sciences, including geology,
meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. The 1st quarter will focus on the scientific
method, Earth’s water cycle including Chicago’s water supply, and Earth’s atmosphere.
These topics will provide students with an understanding of how Earth’s landforms were
created, and how Earth’s processes affect everyday life.
Course Objectives
After successfully completing this course, the student will:
1. Understand scientific inquiry and how to apply the scientific method using technology
investigations, experiments, and problem solving, while also using basic science
equipment.
2. Be able to analyze data accurately and create graphs to represent data.
3. Be able to understand Earth’s water cycle and the importance relating to everyday life.
4. Recognize the importance of clean water and the process involved in maintaining our
water supply.
5. Examine the Earth’s atmosphere and climate and the effect both have on weather
systems, including various storm systems.
SCHOLASTIC EXCELLENCE
Student learning will be assessed through a variety of ways. Students will be assessed
with quizzes, tests, laboratory accomplishments and reports, projects, as well as daily
assignments.
Students will also be assigned an essay that will be included in the quarterly portfolio. This
essay is required to be typed and shared on Google docs.
Grading Scale
A = 94-100%
B = 86-93%
C = 77-85%
F = 76% and below
Earth Science A
Course Syllabus
1st Quarter of 2012-2013 School Year
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Students are expected to be respectful, responsible, and prepared. Students are expected to
adhere to all rules outlined in the Innovations Discipline Code, as well as the classroom rules.
Cell phones should be left in student lockers. An individual copy of the classroom rules
will be given to each student, and additional copies can be obtained upon request.
Minor violations of the rules will result in a 15-minute detention to be served with the teacher
during lunch or after school. Major or continuing violations will result in referrals to the Dean’s
office.
Late Work Policy
Students who need make-up work must make arrangements with me on an individual basis.
Students must get make-up work during work time in class, before school, during lunch,
or after school. Students may not get make-up work once class has begun or during
lessons.
Students will lose points each day an assignment is late. After 5 days, the assignment can no
longer be accepted.
All late/make-up work must be turned in at least three days prior to the end of the
quarter. Work will not be accepted beyond that point.
Supplies
Students should bring the following supplies with them to class each day:
- A pen/pencil
- Loose leaf paper or a notebook
- Science binder (will be kept in the classroom)
INTELLIGENT CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Students are expected to participate in classroom discussion and express themselves
accordingly.
An arts integration project will be required in this course. An artist will be coming in the
classroom to work with the students. Students are expected to actively participate in the arts
project and to be respectful of the artist and the process.
In order for students in the classroom to feel comfortable expressing themselves creatively,
students must treat others with respect. Judgments and insults will not be tolerated during
class discussions.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
This course requires many small group and partner activities. As a part of this class and this
community, students are expected to work with others cooperatively and without complaint.
As always, students should treat their peers with respect.
Earth Science A
Course Syllabus
1st Quarter of 2012-2013 School Year
Course Schedule/Timeline
Week 1: Intro to Earth Science and the Scientific Method
Week 2: The Scientific Method and the Tools of Earth Science
Week 3: Applying the Scientific Method
Week 4: Earth’s Water: The Water Cycle
○ Begin Process of Writing
Week 5: Earth’s Water: Surface Water and Ground Water
○ Continue Essays
Week 6: Earth’s Water: Chicago’s Water Supply
Week 7: Analyzing Earth’s Water Systems and Supplies
○ Final Draft of Essay Due
Week 8: Earth’s Atmosphere
Week 9: Meteorology and Earth’s Storm Systems
Week 10: Meteorology and Earth’s Storm Systems