Course Syllabus
2015-2016
Mrs. Kern
akern@usd252.org
Earth Science
Course Description: This course deals with Earth and its neighbors in space. Earth science includes
many subdivisions of geology as well as oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. Earth science is
very interdisciplinary, involving aspects of chemistry, physics, and biology.
Grading System: All tests, quizzes, assignments and laboratory work will be assessed on a straight
points system. Students will be evaluated on their participation and work ethic while in the classroom.
The grading system used in this class is as follows:
A
90-100
D
60-69
B
80-89
F
59 and below
C
70-79
Weighting: This course will place weights on the following categories
45% - Tests/Quizzes
20% - Labs/Daily Points
25% - Assignments
10% - Final (Required for all students)
Late/Missed Work Policy: Late and missed work will be assessed in the following manner:
 If you are absent for any reason (school activity, excused or unexcused absence) the assigned
work for that day will be available in the office by 3pm on the day missed.
 One day (not class period) will be given to make up assignments for each day missed. That
means if you are absent on A day, you must turn the assignment in on the next A day (allowing
the B day to be your one day)
 If an assignment is late (not due to missed class), you will have one day, not class to turn the
assignment in with a 10% grade penalty.
 No work will be accepted after this period.
Google Classroom: Students will be invited to a google classroom. Bellwork, major assignments,
PPT’s, videos and reminders will be added so students can access information anywhere!
Course Folder: All students must maintain a folder or binder for items that will not be electronic. ALL
assignments, readings, notes, handouts and any completed work must be included. Many students going
on to study in college have found notes from high school a valuable resources. Sporadic note book
checks will be conducted throughout the year – if you have the handout, assignment, etc, you will
receive easy points!
Tardy
 If you are not in your seat working on bellwork with the bell rings, you will be counted tardy.
 Every tardy will count as a ½ day absence towards finals exemptions.
If you are Absent:
 You are responsible for your work – not the teacher, not your friends, not your parents.
 Collect missed work from office – it will be available by 3pm the day you are absent.
 Check google classroom for bellwork and notes, etc.


Reschedule with the teacher any tests, quizzes, labs you may have missed within 1 day of
returning. I WILL NOT HUNT YOU DOWN.
The weekly schedule for each class as well as assignments due is posted on the board.
Clean-Up/Safety Responsibilities: Each person in the lab facilities will be required to participate in
daily clean-up activities. All safety rules and equipment deemed necessary by the instructor will be
respected. Failure to participate in clean up and safety responsibilities will affect the student grade and
subject students to discipline. Prior to participating in the labs, students must score 100% on a
safety test. The most important rules in this class are those for safety. Horseplay and improper
use of equipment cannot be tolerated. Students will retake the test as many times as is necessary to
ensure that the students know the proper safety procedures before engaging in any laboratory work.
Your work area (including desk, lab areas/tools and supplies crate) must be cleaned and chair pushed in
before you leave. Return borrowed materials to their home.
 Do not waste supplies
 A sink is not a trash can
Miscellaneous Expectations:
 Students are not to bring food or drink into the classroom unless permission is granted for certain
labs or activities.
 Students are to bring CHARGED laptops to each class period.
 Visits to sites not related to current work, or working on other work will not be tolerated and
could result in loss of use of electronics.
 Cell phones must be kept in bags at all times.
 Policies outlined in the Southern Lyon County student handbook will be followed.
 Your starting grade each day is 4/5. If you are quiet, polite, but do not make significant efforts to
engage in discussions, notes, activities, lab work – your grade will stay at 80%. ASK
QUESTIONS – WORK HARD!
 Class time is very valuable; however, if you need to leave the room for any reason you are
issued a pass to be punched. Your punches are very valuable and could add up to 5 points
on the semester final (or extra credit if you do not need to take the final). Planners are also
required to leave room.
Important!
Mrs. Kern is only at Olpe from 8am-Noon each day. Make arrangements before school to ask questions,
get help, make up tests and labs. Occasionally advisory time will be open for extra help – dates will be
provided when available. Email questions at any time!
Academic Integrity: Keep in mind the difference between cheating and getting help (from a student or
teacher) is that YOU work harder than the person helping you and you know exactly why you did what
you did to get the answer. I’m not tolerant of “over-helping” and it will result in reduced credit for both
parties.
Olpe Science
Classroom Expectations
Be a LEARNER and act like a LEARNER.
RESPOND to adversity; don’t react.
BE ON TIME. Being late means either it’s not important to you or you can’t be relied upon.
EXECUTE. Do what you’re supposed to do when you’re supposed to do it. Not almost. Not
most of the time. Do it ALL of the time.
RESPECT. Treat others as you want to be treated. Leave things as good as or better than you
found them.
Take OWNERSHIP.
Know what it takes to be a great learner and do it.
No excuses; no explanations.
First Time:
Second Time:
Third Time:
Forth Time:
Severe Disruptions:
If You Choose to Break an Expectation
Warning
15 minutes before or after school – Action Plan Completed
30 minutes before or after school – Parents Called
45 minutes before or after school – Sent to office
Student sent immediately to the office.
All time must be served within one week of disruption
Rewards for When Expectations are Followed
Praise, free time, drawings for: free assignment pass or use of notes on a test, treats, end of 9 weeks party (if
entire class follows expectations), pick from prize drawer, various other perks throughout the year, random
surprises, and the joy of learning each and every day!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Students: I have read this classroom expectations plan and understand it. I will honor it while in the
agriculture education classroom and laboratories.
Signature _________________________________
Date: _______________
Parents: My child has discussed the classroom expectations plan with me. I understand and will
support it.
Name Printed ________________________
Signature ___________________________
Email Address: _______________________________
If you have a talent or resource that would benefit the Olpe science program please let me know. Use the space on
the back to list the area(s) that you could assist with. Thank You!
I take numerous pictures in the science classroom. I like to promote our events in the newspaper and school website
– your signature indicates it is acceptable to include your child in these pictures unless otherwise indicated.
Parents, I like to send out periodic updates on student grades or upcoming events in the classroom and would
appreciate your email address to keep you up to date!