Earth, Space, and Physical Science! (ESPS, or ESP, or….)
Mr. Jeffrey Jury
Phone number ( 719 ) 328-5199 Ext 65053 e-mail address juryjm@d11.org
Course Description:
Earth, Space, and Physical Science! is a 9th grade level course that will involve learning about our
immediate surroundings. The second semester of ESPS will involve some quite varied concepts,
including: Chemistry, Energy, Earth’s Natural Resources, and Earth’s Changing Climate. There
will be more opportunities for experimentation which is designed to illustrate concepts as well as
help with understanding of certain topics.
Grading Policy:
Assignments will be worth various point values, and an average will be calculated to arrive at your
current grade. Homework assignments will be worth 10 points. (Approx. 30%) Pop quizzes will be
worth 25 points, Labs will be worth 25 points (Approx 30%) and tests will be worth 50 points.
(Approx 30%) The final exam will be worth 15 % of the course grade. Assignments are due at the
beginning of class unless otherwise instructed ( which is rare). An assignment not turned in at the
beginning of class will be considered late. Finishing your homework in the first minute or two of
class is also evidence that your homework was not finished on time. Assignments turned in 1-2
class periods late will have a substantial ( 30%) grade penalty. Assignments turned in more than
that will result in even more points (50-90%)deducted. TURN YOUR WORK IN ON TIME!
Makeup work can be obtained after class or after school. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain
his/her makeup work. Students who are absent should come and get the missed assignment
immediately, and then turn the assignment in promptly to avoid getting behind in their schoolwork.
Make up work and labs in particular not obtained within a day or two of your absence will
ultimately be counted late. Students are expected to keep up with their schoolwork. In science in
particular, not staying current will cause a severe decline in understanding of future concepts. GET
YOUR WORK DONE! STAY AHEAD AND DO NOT GET BEHIND!
The Science tutoring center is an opportunity to get help on assignments during your study hall, or
free period time. I am always here after school for help, and occasionally during lunch hours ( not
often) for helping you.
* Extra Credit!!!! There is none. To make a better grade.... study more and\or better.
* Retaking tests/quizzes. No retakes! It is my expectation that when you are given a test… you
will study for it so that you can demonstrate knowledge and understanding at that time. Prepare
and come to class prepared!
** Students with accommodations allowing additional time for assignments will be allowed 1-2
days additional time. Work turned in "whenever" you feel like it will be counted as late.
Student Conduct:
Students are expected to follow all school rules and procedures. Students should: show respect for
others and themselves; respect for the building and surroundings; contribute to help maintain a good
learning environment for all students, and demonstrate responsibility for their learning.
All students will be expected to participate in Lab activities. Students choosing to not participate
will be asked to sit down and will receive a zero for the assignment. Likewise, students who choose
to “play” or conduct the lab inappropriately will also be asked to sit down.
*Food and drink- not allowed. the end
*Electronics- not allowed. the end
Academic Dishonesty:
“Cheating” – copying other students work, using cheat sheets etc. will not be tolerated. Students
caught cheating will be given a zero for the assignment, will have a parent contacted, and will
receive an office referral which might lead to a suspension from school.
Materials Needed:
Science notebook, pens/ pencils, calculator, positive attitude!
Consequences of Misbehavior:
1st offense- student- teacher discussion, possible parent contact, detention
2nd offense- parent contact, detention
3rd offense- 30 minute detention, parent contact
4th offense- office referral
Continual misbehavior will result in office referrals and likelihood of detentions or suspension.
Detentions must be served after school ( or otherwise arranged) , within three days of receiving the
detention.
Tardy Policy:
Students are expected to be in the classroom when the bell rings. Running in as the bell is ringing is
cutting it a bit too close! Consequences of tardies are the same as above.
Mr. Jury’s Promise:
You are about to be involved in one of the most fantastic educational experiences of your life!
During our time together, you will learn a great deal about science. You will learn how a lot of the
science we study is important and relevant in your daily life. I will also share life lessons which
will help you be successful in life. I will do my best to make sure that this is a fun enjoyable
learning experience. This will only be possible with the cooperation of all students in the class. At
the end of the year, or perhaps next year, or maybe even years down the road you will say : "You
were right Mr. Jury!, that was the greatest educational experience of my life!". (and if you want...
you can bring me some cookies- I like oatmeal-raisin!)
Welcome to my class!
I look forward to being here with you and for you!
Mr. Jury