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Mrs. Giorgianni
Introduction :
Earth Science is a one-year course designed to introduce students to the dynamic Earth upon which they live. We will study
Earth’s place in the universe and its geologic systems. Throughout this course students will become familiar with the physical world around them and learn how to think and correlate scientific concepts into their everyday lives.
Earth Science is divided into three major topics:
1.
Astronomy : The study of celestial objects and Earth’s position in the universe.
2.
Meteorology/Weather & Climate : The study of the changing conditions of the atmosphere over time.
3.
Geology : The study of the solid Earth
The concepts presented in this course will increase your knowledge of the physical world you live in. You must make an effort to observe the world around you throughout the year. Start to notice things like the daily motion of the sun, look up at the sky at night and notice the stars as well as the position of the moon. Pay attention to the weather and look around at the countryside as you travel from place to place. Being observant outside the classroom as well as inside the classroom will help you understand the concepts we will be studying.
Review Book: Physical Setting Review: Earth Science (Publisher: UPCO ISBN: #978-937323-19-90) *[purchase required]*
Course Materials: (Required by Monday, September 10)
It is expected that students will come to class prepared every day with the following items:

Binder or folder specifically for this class (2 inch binder or multi-pocket folder)

ESRT (Earth Science Reference Tables) [* Provided to student when binder/folder is presented]

Pocket folder to be kept in class for your working labs

Loose leaf paper
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Blue or black pens and #2 pencils (WE DO NOT provide pens/pencils!)

Multi-pack of highlighters (yellow, pink, blue, green, purple, orange ~ be creative!)
Tentative Topic Schedule: Each unit will end in a Unit Exam based on the NYS Earth Science Regents.
Unit I: Earth’s Materials/Geologic History

The Nature of Change

Density

Energy
Unit II: Locating Positions on Earth

Topography

Latitude/Longitude
 Earth’s axis of rotation
Unit III: Earth Materials

Minerals

Rocks

Geologic History [ may be done 2 nd half]
Unit IV: Surface Processes/Landscape Formation

Weathering

Erosion

Deposition

Landscape Features
Unit V: Astronomy

Stars

Planets

Rotation/eccentricity
Unit VI: Plate Tectonics/Earth’s Interior

Types of plates/plate movements
 Earth’s core – Crust

Volcanoes & Earthquakes
Unit VII: Weather/Climate

Density

Energy

Weather variables

Dew point/Cloud formation

Weather patterns
Lab Practicum
Cumulative Earth Science Regents Exam
Giorgianni/Syllabus 2014--2015 1

Grading/Expectations:
Grades will be based on a percentage system. Homework/class work, weekly Do-Now and labs are each worth 20%, quizzes and unit tests are worth 30%, effort and participation account for 10%. The Earth Science Regents exam will count as 50% of your fourth quarter grade and the final exam will count as 20% of your final average. It is expected that students will do their utmost to complete all assignments in a timely and proficient manner. Participation and effort will affect your grade – doing your work and coming to class prepared will be a great asset to your grade. Not doing your work and being unprepared will have a detrimental affect on your grade -- it is a direct relationship!
Homework: Homework and vocabulary are assigned on a weekly basis and are due the following Monday. Homework will consist primarily of vocabulary and Castle Learning assignments, so access to a computer is required. Textbook work may also be assigned as homework on occasion. It is your responsibility to set aside time each week to complete the homework assignments. Homework cannot be made up and will not be accepted late. You have a week to do it; failure to complete your homework on time will result in a grade of zero “0”. [There are computers available in the library and computer labs for students without access to a computer at home.]
Quizzes: Quizzes will be both announced and unannounced. Topic quizzes will be given several times during each topic.
ALWAYS have your binder – sometimes the quizzes are open binder!
Tests: There will be seven major unit tests throughout the year. Each test is based directly on the Earth Science Regents exam with questions from previous exams being used. You will have ample notice of unit tests.
Corrections: Test and quiz corrections can be made on all tests and quizzes except vocabulary quizzes. Corrections must be made during post-session with me within five post-session days of getting the grade received on the test/quiz. When making test/quiz corrections, each incorrect question must be rewritten as a statement in a complete sentence with the correct answer.
You may use your notes, textbook and/or review book. You may also work with a partner for corrections.
Laboratory Exercises: We will complete a minimum of 30 laboratory exercises this year. This lab requirement must be completed in order to take the NYS Regents exam at the end of the year. There will also be a lab deadline before the mid-term exam. Failure to comply with this requirement will cause the student to be barred from the exam and receive a grade of “0”.
All laboratory exercises will require a satisfactorily written lab report in order to receive credit for the exercise. Laboratory books will be provided and are NOT to leave the classroom. Lab folders will be provided for completed labs. All labs are done in the classroom and are never to leave the classroom. Once a lab is completed, it will be placed in your finished lab folder and
NEVER removed from the classroom. If a lab is removed from the classroom/folder it will become void and need to be repeated. Disciplinary action will be taken. Prior to the Regents exam in June, you will take a Lab Practical based on the concepts covered in the laboratory exercises.
Class Rules:
1.
Be on time! You should be in your seat and starting ‘ do now’ assignment when the bell rings; ~ 3 lates = 1 detention
2.
Follow directions.
3.
Bring all needed materials to class; binder, pens/pencils, calculator, homework, etc. You always need them – always bring them!! You CANNOT go to your locker!
4.
No eating or drinking in the classroom. Bottled water is o.k.
5.
Do not speak when someone else is speaking.
6.
Do not get up from your seat without permission.
7.
Be polite and respectful to all people at all times.
8.
Respect other people’s property – if it’s not yours; don’t touch it !
9.
All school rules apply; No cell phones, electronic gadgets of any kind, hats, inappropriate dress, etc.
10.
This is not a democracy ; it’s a benevolent dictatorship .
“Thinking creates purpose, purpose leads to actions, actions form habits, habits decide character and character decides our destiny.”
~ Tryon Edwards
Giorgianni/Syllabus 2014--2015 2