Physical Setting Earth Science Syllabus (2015-2016)
Mrs. Carolyn Taylor
OBJECTIVE: The Physical Setting Earth Science class is an introductory Earth Science course that
includes 1,200 laboratory component. Curriculum follows New York State Physical Setting Earth
Science Core Curriculum Standards: http://www.emsc.ntsed.gov/ciai/mst/pub/earthsci.pdf. This
course is specifically designed to prepare students for the Physical Setting Earth Science Regents
Exam. All students taking the P.S. Earth Science course are required to take the Regents Exam in
June.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
Students will be able to:
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Analyze and interpret Earth processes and phenomena
Generate scientific inquiry based on Earth processes
Understand how the Universe and our Galaxy was formed
To look at Earth data and interpret the information
UNIT TOPICS: *** A Broad Overview
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Studying the Earth
Composition of the Earth
History of the Earth
The Dynamic Earth
Reshaping the Crust
Atmospheric Forces
Oceans
Space
MATERIALS REQUIRED:
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A three (3) Ring Binder
Pencils/Pens (blue or black ink)
Calculator *** NOT GRAPHING**** can be 4 function or scientific
Notebook or loose-leaf paper
TEXTBOOKS AND WORKBOOKS
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Earth Science, Holt McDougal, 2010 (text)
Directed Reading Workbook, Earth Science, Holt McDougal, 2010 (workbook)
Reader Study Guide, Earth Science, Holt McDougal, 2010 (workbook)
GRADING POLICY:
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Tests 40%
Quizzes 25%
Lab 20%
Homework 15%
MAKING UP WORK/MISSING ASSIGNMENTS:
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It is the student’s responsibility to make up any assignments when absent. District policy is
followed concerning time allowed for make-up work due to an excused absence. Please talk
to me about make-up work or missing assignments.
Students that are out due to a school function (NHS, RETREAT, SPORTS) are required to see
me ahead of time for information regarding class assignments. Work missed will be due upon
return to class.
EXTRA HELP:
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Regular extra help will be posted on web page and in class. Students will be notified in class at
least a day before an extra help session will be held.
ACADEMIC INTERGRITY:
Each student is expected to do his/her own work. In order to eliminate any confusion about what
academic dishonesty includes, the following definitions will apply in class:
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Knowingly copying another student’s work/answers and submitting them as your own.
Knowingly providing you work/answers to another student for them to copy as their own.
Using illicit or banned materials during a test/quiz situation.
Knowingly submitting work completed by another student as your own.
Plagiarizing anything from books. Magazines, the Internet or any other source already
published.
Students will receive a zero (0) on any assignment/project/test where cheating has occurred and will
also receive an academic referral.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Mrs. Carolyn Taylor
ctaylor@mcgann-mercy.org * *** preferred method
(631) 727-5900 ext. 352
Earth Science Regents Exam:
The Earth Science Regents Exam is actually given in two parts. Part one of the exam will be the
Laboratory Performance Test which will be administered no earlier than 2 weeks prior to the last day
of classes. The second part of the exam will be the written part which will take place during the
Regents Exam Schedule.
All students must meet or exceed a minimum of 1,200 documented lab minutes in order to take the
exam.
The Performance Test: Part D
This test is designed to test various laboratory and classroom procedures and it is designed to
measure some of the standards outlined in the Physical Setting: Earth Science Core Curriculum. The
value for the exam will be determined when all parts are graded.
There are 3 Experiment Stations that the student must complete. There is a station for Mineral and
Rock identification, as station for Locating an Earthquake Epicenter and one for Constructing and
Analyzing an Asteroid’s Elliptical Orbit.
The Written Exam:
This test consists of 3 parts. Part A is approximately 35 multiple choice questions. Part B-1 is
approximately 15 multiple choice questions. Part B-2 is mixture of both multiple choice questions and
extended answers equaling approximately 15 questions. Part C is all application or extended answers
equaling approximately 20 questions.
Physical Setting Earth Science Syllabus
Mrs. Carolyn Taylor
Please Sign and return to class
I have read the Physical Setting Earth Science course syllabus thoroughly, and understand my
teacher’s expectations of me for the semester. I will keep the syllabus in my binder and refer to it
from time to time if necessary. I will return this signed form to class.
Class Period _________________
Student’s Name (print) _______________________________________________________________
___________________________________
____________________________
Student’s Signature
Date
I have read my child’s Physical Setting Earth Science course syllabus, and understand the teacher’s
expectations for my child.
Parent/Guardian’s Name (Print) ________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________
(Parent/Guardian’s Signature)
Date
Parent/Guardian’s Email ______________________________________________________________
Perferred Phone Number: _____________________________________________________________