GENERAL INFORMATION & CLASS SYLLABUS
EARTH SCIENCE Honors
2015-2016 School Year
Ms. Evans – Room 210
jevans@staunton.k12.va.us
(540) 332-3926 (school)
(516) 650-8123 (cell)
Course Description: Earth Science Honors is a laboratory course emphasizing the process of scientific
investigation through the study of our physical world. The course will include a discussion of Earth, its
materials, processes, history, weather, climate and position in space. Use of natural resources and current
environmental concerns are also topics of exploration. The course combines extensive lab work with
challenging lectures and discussions. Class projects are also included. This curriculum is designed in
accordance with the Virginia Standards of Learning.
I.
Student-Provided Materials
 one 3-inch 3-ring binder
 loose-leaf paper for class notes
 five (5) dividers
 writing implements (pens or pencils)
II.
Grading
Grades (for each nine-week period) will be calculated as follows:
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III.
tests / quizzes / projects:
labs:
homework / classwork / bellwork activities:
midterm / final:
55%
20%
10%
15%
100%
Conduct
The following rubric will be used in determining conduct grades:
ABCDF-
Respectful, cooperative, responsible
Occasional lapses in good behavior
Inappropriate behavior
Defiant
Repeated Defiance
ES HONORS Evans
IV.
Course Overview
Following is our tentative schedule along with associated Standards of Learning.
Please note: timeframes may vary slightly depending on the needs of the class.
V.
Week
Topic
Related Standards of Learning
1
Introduction, Scientific Method
ES 1a, b c, e, f; 2b, c, d
2
Map Skills
ES 1d
3-4
Minerals and Rocks
ES 4a, b; 5a, b, c
5
Natural Resources
ES 6a, b, c, d
6-7
Shaping Earth’s Surface
ES 8a, b, c, d, e, f
8-10
Plate Tectonics
ES 7a, b
11
Investigating Earth’s Geologic
History
ES 9a, b, c, d
12-13
Meteorology
ES 12a, b, c, d
14-15
Astronomy
ES 3a, b, c, d; ES 13a, b
16
Oceanography
ES 10a, b, c, d, e
Timeline of Major Assessments
Unit tests will be given at the conclusion of each area of study as provided in the Course
Overview (every one-two weeks). Midterm exams are scheduled during week ten, and will
include information through the Plate Tectonics Unit. Final exams will be cumulative, and will
include all topics of study throughout the semester.
Projects will also be assigned during a number of units (including, but not limited to: Plate
Tectonics, Natural Resources, Meteorology and Astronomy). A final semester-end project will
be given at the conclusion of the course.
VI.
Test Corrections
In the event that assessment scores are unsatisfactory, you will be strongly encouraged to
increase your grade by completing corrections. Instructions for doing so will be clearly
explained in class, and deadlines will be strictly enforced.
VII.
Electronic Textbook
Textbook: Earth Science, Tarbuck and Lutgens
Please note: the textbook will be available in electronic form and you will be provided an online
access code for assignments and readings.
ES HONORS Evans
VIII.
Attendance / Makeup Work
Attendance is crucial for successful learning. We will be moving at an accelerated pace in this
class, making your constant presence essential. If you miss a class, YOU are responsible for
seeing me immediately regarding missed work (including homework, notes, labs, handouts,
quizzes and tests).
The number of regular school days allowed for the completion of makeup work will equal the
number of days absent plus one day, up to a maximum of ten (10) days. Assignments made
prior to your absence and due during your absence are due immediately upon your return to
class.
IX.
Homework
Homework assists in the application of acquired skills and knowledge. Individual assignments
are designed specifically for guided practice and reinforcement of classroom learning
objectives. Homework also serves to develop regular study skills and the ability to complete
assignments independently.
Homework will be assigned three to four times per week and may be collected and graded at
the beginning of next class. Homework quizzes may also be given at the beginning of the next
day’s class.
If homework cannot be completed at home, students are encouraged to attend plus block for
extra help.
Late homework will be accepted up to one week (five school days) following the due date, with
a point deduction. After this time, a grade of 50% will be the highest possible score on any
completed late assignment.
See page 13 of the Student Handbook & Code of Conduct for additional information and
guidelines.
X.
Laboratory Work and Reports
Labs will be conducted on a continual basis throughout the semester and will count for a
substantial portion of your grade. Labs will be graded according to a rubric that assesses
participation, teamwork, completion and understanding. It is imperative that you keep on top
of your lab work. If you are absent and miss a lab performed in class, you must make the lab up
within one (1) week (before or after school hours, or during plus block, as discussed below).
Late labs will be accepted up to one week (five school days) following the due date, with a
point deduction. After this time, a grade of 50% will be the highest possible score on any
completed late lab report.
XI.
Late / Missing Work
If you are absent for or do not attempt an assignment you will receive an ‘Incomplete’ for that
assignment. The ‘Incomplete’ will remain until the assignment is submitted.
Late work will be accepted, and points deducted accordingly (as outlined above), until the
Friday prior to progress report or report card distribution.
ES HONORS Evans
XII.
Extra Help / Contacting Me
Please see me to make arrangements for extra help in advance. Plus block is an excellent
opportunity to catch up when / if you fall behind.
*PLEASE NOTE: E-mail is the best way for parents / guardians to communicate with me:
jevans@staunton.k12.va.us
XIII.
Leaving Class / Passes
EVERY student requires a pass to leave the classroom for any reason (bathroom, locker, water,
nurse, etc.). Each student will be allowed to leave class a total of five (5) times per each nineweek period; be sure to use your allotment wisely. Planners with hall passes will be provided to
all students within the first few days of school. Please refrain from asking to be excused from
class during instructional time.
XIV.
Water / Drinks / Food in the Classroom
Water bottles are allowed in the classroom but cannot be mixed with flavor packets. No other
drinks or food will be permitted at any time.
ES HONORS Evans
Please tear off this page, fill in the requested information, have the acknowledgments signed and return to class
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Parent Contact Information and Progress Report Agreement
I look forward to working with you this year. Please be sure to sign up for the Parent Portal as soon
as possible. Parent Portal offers you an in-depth look at all your child’s grades. Through Parent Portal, you
can see what grade your child has earned on each assignment, and additional notations will indicate
whether an assignment is late or missing. I encourage you to reflect on your child’s grade weekly. For
more information about Parent Portal please contact the school office at 540-332-3926. Progress reports
will also be sent home every three weeks for your review and signature (excluding the weeks that report
cards go home). Please monitor your child’s progress and contact me as soon as possible if you have any
questions. It is better not to wait until the end of the grading period to get involved.
After you have reviewed this syllabus, please sign this form and return it to me (Ms. Evans) by
Friday, August 21, 2015.
Student’s Name (printed): ______________________________________________________________
Student’s Signature: ___________________________________________________________________
Parent Name(s): _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Parent Signature: _______________________________________________________________
DO YOU HAVE INTERNET ACCESS AT HOME?
YES
NO
CONTACT INFORMATION
May I contact you via e-mail concerning your child?
YES
NO
If “yes,” please provide a frequently checked email address:
____________________________________________________________________________
If “no,” please provide a phone number where you can be reached:
____________________________________________________________________________
Comments / Concerns / Things I should be aware of:
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
ES HONORS Evans