Course Title: Earth Science 1, 2
Teacher: J. Pierce
Email: jpierce1@sandi.net
Mira Mesa High School 2015-2016 Course Syllabus Science
Phone: (858) 566-2262 Ext. 4227
Classroom Website: goo.gl/9Kpxok (shortened web address)
Course Description: Welcome to Earth Science! Throughout the year, we will be exploring many aspects of the world
around us. It will be our quest to discover how and why certain things take place on Earth, and the role our planet plays
in the Universe. What generates the Sun’s heat energy and how does it reach Earth? What is Earth made of? How do
mountains and volcanoes form? What drives the currents in our oceans? These are all questions we will answer as Earth
Scientists this year!
Earth Science 1, 2 is a full-year course that meets the newly adopted Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
The standards are online at http://www.nextgenscience.org/search-standards-dci under ESS: Earth and Space SciencesHigh School. The course supports the district's focus on improving literacy and math. This course has been granted a
“g” level laboratory designation by the University of California. Students must observe all safety rules and conduct
themselves in a manner that will not endanger themselves or others.
Prerequisites: N/A
Textbook(s):
Earth Science (by Holt Publishing).
The text is also available on my class website:
https://my.haikulearning.com/MrPierceMMHS/earthscience/cms_page/view/22453170 under the Syllabus, Textbook,
and General Resources tab. A shortened web address is listed at the top of the syllabus.
Supplies/Materials Needed: Students should be prepared with a sturdy single subject notebook containing graph paper
(example will be shown in class) and a pencil every day. Other supplies (ruler, glue, colored pencils, etc.) can be brought
in and used but will also be provided by the teacher.
Student Fees:
The Constitution of the State of California requires that we provide a public education to you free of charge. Your right
to a free education is for all school/educational activities, whether curricular or extracurricular, and whether you get a
grade for the activity or class. Subject to certain exceptions, your right to a free public education means that we cannot
require you or your family to purchase materials, supplies, equipment or uniforms for any school activity, nor can we
require you or your family to pay security deposits for access, participation, materials, or equipment.
Under certain circumstances, students involved in extracurricular programs, clubs and/or sports may be required to
attend fundraising events held by the program, sport or club just as you may be required to attend any other event put
on by that program, club or sport. However, you will not be required to raise funds as a condition of participation.
Please visit the SDUSD Student Fees section for the completed list and additional resources by clicking here: SDUSD
Student Fees or go to: www.sandi.net/Page/3091 then click on Student Fees in the menu on the left side.
Academic Honesty Policy:
All students are expected to abide by the Mira Mesa High School Academic Honesty Policy which is clearly outlined in
the Student & Parent Handbook as well as posted online with school registration forms for students and parents to
review.
Class Rules and Consequences:
In order to create a positive learning environment for accomplishing our goals in Earth Science we, as a class, must
adhere to specific Policies and Procedures. These are put in place to enhance not only your learning experience but also
the learning experience of those around you. In addition to the Policies listed below, students must always adhere to the
Rules and Regulations highlighted in the Mira Mesa High School Student & Parent Handbook.
Policies:
 Arrive to class on time. Be seated and ready to learn when the bell rings.
 Be prepared for class, mentally and physically. Have necessary supplies and be actively ready to learn.




Respect yourself, your classmates, and the teacher.
Try your best at all times. Sustained effort leads to success.
Electronics must be turned “OFF” at all times during the class period. They may only be turned on at the
teacher’s instruction in special circumstances that may benefit the learning process.
Food and drinks must be finished before entering the classroom. Only clear water is allowed to be consumed in
class. Please speak with Mr. Pierce for any extenuating circumstances.
Steps of Intervention:
1) Verbal Warning
2) Refocus Time-out
3) Lunch Detention or Accountability Essay
4) Parent Phone-call and/or Conference
5) Referral
Repeated disregard for the classroom Policies or disruption of the learning process will lead to a lowered Citizenship
grade, outlined below. Certain extreme actions (fighting, verbal threats) will result in an immediate referral.
Academic Grading Policy:
Categories
Tests & Quizzes
40%
Notebook
25%
Labs/Activities
25%
Homework
10%
Extra Credit
Given periodically during class and added to the Notebook grade. Extra credit will be given
unexpectedly, so ALWAYS being on task is very beneficial.
Grade Scale
90% – 100%
80% - 89.9%
70% - 79.9%
60% - 69.9 %
Below 60%
A
B
C
D
F
Make-up/Late Policy:
Students are responsible for finding out what information and assignments were missed whenever they are absent or
tardy. This can be achieved through active communication with classmates and learning partners. I am also available to
briefly recap missed lessons and provide any handouts. However, you must be proactive in your approach as I will not
track you down to give these to you. No class time will be wasted to discuss make-up work.
Classroom assignments are considered on-time if turned in upon the teacher’s verbal request and countdown.
Homework is considered on-time when turned in at the BEGINNING of class on the due date. Any work turned in later in
the class period or later in the day will be counted as late. Late work will be deducted 10% of total points for that
assignment each day with a maximum of 50% (five days) of the assignment. If you happen to forget a due date and miss
turning in work for full-credit, it is ALWAYS advised to get partial credit by turning the assignment in late.
Support Policy:
My office hours are as follows: Monday-Friday 6:50-7:20 a.m. and by appointment after school.
Students can also make an appointment for additional tutoring/support as available.
Online Grade Access:
https://powerschool.sandi.net/public/home.html
Citizenship Rubric: Citizenship will be evaluated using the Mira Mesa High School Citizenship rubric.
MIRA MESA HIGH SCHOOL CITIZENSHIP RUBRIC FOR 2014-2015
Citizenship
Attendance
Behavior
(Absences must be excused within 72 hours)
E = Excellent
G = Good
 1 or fewer uncleared tardies
AND
 No unexcused absences
 2 or fewer uncleared tardies
AND/OR
 No unexcused absences
S = Satisfactory
 3 or fewer uncleared tardies
AND/OR
 1 unexcused absence
N = Needs
Improvement
 4 or fewer uncleared tardies
AND/OR
 2 unexcused absence
U = Unsatisfactory
 5 or more uncleared tardies
AND/OR
 3 or more unexcused absences
The student almost always:
 Participates in learning.
 Follows classroom rules.
 Displays on-task behaviors.
 Is respectful to others.
The student usually:
 Participates in learning.
 Follows classroom rules.
 Displays on-task behaviors.
 Is respectful to others.
The student sometimes:
 Participates in learning.
 Follows classroom rules.
 Displays on-task behaviors.
 Is respectful to others.
The student rarely:
 Participates in learning.
 Follows classroom rules.
 Displays on-task behaviors.
 Is respectful to others.
The student almost never:
 Participates in learning.
 Follows classroom rules.
 Displays on-task behaviors.
 Is respectful to others.
Participation in learning means a student:
 Always works diligently on individual assignments and actively engages in group work/labs.
 Raises hand and waits to be called on with all questions or comments unless instructed otherwise.
Follows classroom policies means a student:
 Enters the classroom in an orderly fashion, picks up any handouts in the Outbox, and is seated quietly.
 Takes out a pencil and science notebook and immediately begins working on the daily Bellwork.
 If tardy to class for any reason, does not interrupt the class in progress.
Displays on task behavior means a student:
 Follows all directions as outlined by the teacher.
 Refrains from side conversations or the use of any electronic device.
Respectful to others means a student:
 Promotes positivity between all others in the classroom.
 Comes to attention upon the teacher’s request. This helps the class flow smoothly and minimizes time wasted.
 Leaves the classroom cleaner than when they got there. Make sure all supplies are put back neatly, pick up any
trash around your table, and push your chair in when you leave.
FLINN SCIENTIFC STUDENT SAFETY
CONTRACT
8.
PURPOSE:
Science is a hands-on laboratory class.
You will be doing many laboratory
activities which require the use of
hazardous chemicals. Safety in the
science classroom is the #1 priority
for students, teachers, and parents.
To ensure a safe scinece classroom, a
list of rules has been developed and
provided to you in this student saftey
contract. These rules must be
followed at all times. Keep a copy of
these rules in your binder as a
constant reminder of the safety rules.
9.
10.
11.
GENERAL RULES:
1. Conduct yourself in a responsible
manner at all times in the
laboratory.
2. Follow all written and verbal
instructions carefully. If you do
not understand a direction or
part of a procedure, ask the
instructor before proceeding.
3. Never work alone. No student
may work in the laboratory
without an instructor present.
4. When first entering a science
room, do not touch any
equipment, chemicals, or other
materials in the laboratory area
until you are instructed to do so.
5. Do not eat food, drink
beverages, or chew gum in the
laboratory.
Do
not
use
laboratory
glassware
as
containers
for
food
or
beverages.
6. Perform only those experiments
authorized by the instructor.
Never do anything in the
laboratory that is not called for
in the laboratory procedures or
by your instructor. Carefully
follow all instructions, both
written and oral. Unauthorized
experiments are prohibited.
7. Be prepared for your work in the
laboratory. Read all procedures
12.
13.
14.
15.
thoroughly before entering the
laboratory.
Never fool around in the
laboratory. Horseplay, practical
jokes, and pranks are dangerous
and prohibited.
Observe good housekeeping
practices. Work areas should be
kept clean and tidy at all times.
Bring only your laboratory
instructions, worksheets, and/or
reports to the work area. Other
materials
(books,
purses,
backpacks, etc.) should be stored
in the classroom area.
Keep aisles clear. Push your chair
under the desk when not in use.
Know
the
locations
and
operating procedures of all
safety equipment including the
first aid kit, eyewash station,
safety shower, fire extinguisher,
and fire blanket. Know where
the fire alarm and the exits are
located.
Always work in a well-ventilated
area. Use the fume hood when
working with volatile substances
or poisonous vapors. Never
place your head into the fume
hood.
Be alert and proceed with
caution at all times in the
laboratory. Notify the instructor
immediately of any unsafe
conditions you observe.
Dispose of all chemical waste
properly. Never mix chemicals in
sink drains. Sinks are to be used
only for water and those
solutions designated by the
instructor.
Solid
chemicals,
metals, matches, filter paper,
and all other insoluble materials
are to be disposed of in the
proper waste containers, not in
the sink. Check the label of all
waste containers twice before
adding your chemical waste to
the container.
Labels
and
equipment
instructions must be read
carefully before use. Set up and
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
use the prescribed apparatus as
directed in the laboratory
instructions
or
by
your
instructor.
Keep hands away from face,
eyes, mouth and body while
using chemicals or preserved
specimens. Wash your hands
with soap and water after
performing all experiments.
Clean all work surfaces and
apparatus at the end of the
experiment.
Return
all
equipment clean and in working
order to the proper storage area.
Experiments must be personally
monitored at all times. You will
be assigned a laboratory station
at which to work. Do not wander
around the room, distract other
students, or interfere with the
laboratory
experiments
of
others.
Students are never permitted in
the science storage rooms or
preparation areas unless given
specific permission by their
instructor.
Know what to do if there is a fire
drill during a laboratory period;
containers must be closed, gas
valves turned off, fume hoods
turned off, and any electrical
equipment turned off.
Handle all living organisms used
in a laboratory activity in a
humane manner. Preserved
biological materials are to be
treated with respect and
disposed of properly.
When using knives and other
sharp instruments, always carry
with tips and points pointing
down and away. Always cut
away from your body. Never try
to
catch
falling
sharp
instruments.
Grasp
sharp
instruments only by the handles.
If you have a medical condition
(e.g., allergies, pregnancy, etc.),
check with your physician prior
to working in lab.
CLOTHING:
23. Any time chemicals, heat or
glassware are used, students will
wear laboratory goggles. There
will be no exceptions to this rule!
24. Contact lenses should not be
worn in the laboratory unless
you have permission from your
instructor.
25. Dress
properly
during
a
laboratory activity. Long hair,
dangling jewelry, and loose or
baggy clothing are a hazard in
the laboratory. Long hair must
be tied back and dangling
jewelry and loose or baggy
clothing must be secured. Shoes
must completely cover the foot.
No sandals are allowed.
26. Lab aprons have been provided
for your use and should be worn
during laboratory activities.
ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES:
27. Report any accident (spill,
breakage, etc.) or injury (cut,
burn, etc.) to the instructor
immediately, no matter how
trivial it may appear.
28. If you or your lab partner are
hurt, immediately yell out “Code
one, Code one” to get the
instructor’s attention.
29. If a chemical splashes in your
eye(s) or on your skin,
immediately flush with running
water from the eyewash station
or safety shower for at least 20
minutes. Notify the instructor
immediately.
30. When mercury thermometers
are broken, mercury must not be
touched. Notify the instructor
immediately.
HANDLING CHEMICALS:
31. All chemicals in the laboratory
are to be considered dangerous.
Do not touch, taste, or smell any
chemicals unless specifically
instructed to do so. The proper
technique for smelling chemical
fumes will be demonstrated to
you.
32. Check the label on chemical
bottles twice before removing
any of the contents. Take only as
much chemical as you need.
33. Never return unused chemicals
to their original containers.
34. Never use mouth suction to fill a
pipet. Use a rubber bulb or pipet
pump.
35. When transferring reagents from
one container to another, hold
the containers away from your
body.
36. Acids must be handled with
extreme care. You will be shown
the proper method for diluting
strong acids. Always add acid to
water, swirl or stir the solution
and be careful of the heat
produced, particularly with
sulfuric acid.
37. Handle flammable hazardous
liquids over a pan to contain
spills. Never dispense flammable
liquids anywhere near an open
flame or source of heat.
38. Never remove chemicals or
other materials from the
laboratory area.
39. Take
great
care
when
transporting acids and other
chemicals from one part of the
laboratory to another. Hold
them
securely
and
walk
carefully.
HANDLING GLASSWARE AND
EQUIPMENT:
40. Carry glass tubing, especially
long pieces, in a vertical position
to minimize the likelihood of
breakage and injury.
41. Never handle broken glass with
your bare hands. Use a brush
and dustpan to clean up broken
glass. Place broken or waste
glassware in the designated glass
disposal container.
42. Inserting and removing glass
tubing from rubber stoppers can
be dangerous. Always lubricate
glassware (tubing, thistle tubes,
thermometers, etc.) before
attempting to insert it in a
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
stopper. Always protect your
hands with towels or cotton
gloves when inserting glass
tubing into, or removing it from,
a rubber stopper. If a piece of
glassware becomes “frozen” in a
stopper, take it to your
instructor for removal.
Fill wash bottles only with
distilled water and use only as
intended, e.g., rinsing glassware
and equipment, or adding water
to a container.
When removing an electrical
plug from its socket, grasp the
plug, not the electrical cord.
Hands must be completely dry
before touching an electrical
switch, plug, or outlet.
Examine glassware before each
use. Never use chipped or
cracked glassware. Never use
dirty glassware.
Report
damaged
electrical
equipment immediately. Look
for things such as frayed cords,
exposed wires, and loose
connections. Do not use
damaged electrical equipment.
If you do not understand how to
use a piece of equipment, ask
the instructor for help.
48. Do not immerse hot glassware in
cold water; it may shatter.
HEATING SUBSTANCES:
49. Exercise extreme caution when
using a gas burner. Take care
that hair, clothing and hands are
a safe distance from the flame at
all times. Do not put any
substance into the flame unless
specifically instructed to do so.
Never reach over an exposed
flame. Light gas (or alcohol)
burners only as instructed by the
teacher.
50. Never leave a lit burner
unattended.
Never
leave
anything that is being heated or
is visibly reacting unattended.
Always turn the burner or hot
plate off when not in use.
51. You will be instructed in the
proper method of heating and
boiling liquids in test tubes. Do
not point the open end of a test
tube being heated at yourself or
anyone else.
52. Heated metals and glass remain
very hot for a long time. They
should be set aside to cool and
be picked up with caution. Use
tongs or heat-protective gloves if
necessary.
53. Never look into a container that
is being heated.
54. Do not place hot apparatus
directly on the laboratory desk.
Always use an insulating pad.
Allow plenty of time for hot
apparatus to cool before
touching it.
55. When bending glass, allow time
for the glass to cool before
further handling. Hot and cold
glass has the same visual
appearance. Determine if an
object is hot by bringing the back
of your hand close to it prior to
grasping it.
fellow students to maintain a safe lab
environment. I will also closely follow
the oral and written instructions
provided by the instructor. I am
aware that any violation of this safety
contract that results in unsafe
conduct in the laboratory or
misbehavior on my part, may result in
being removed from the laboratory,
detention, receiving a failing grade,
and/or dismissal from the course.
Sign on Signature Page.
QUESTIONS:
56. Do you wear contact lenses?
 YES  NO
57. Are you color blind?
 YES  NO
58. Do you have allergies?
 YES  NO
If yes, list specific allergies here for
your instructor:
_______________________________
_______________________________
AGREEMENT:
I, _____________________________,
(enter student name)
have read and agree to follow all of
the safety rules set forth in this
contract. I realize that I must obey
these rules to ensure my own safety,
and that of my fellow students and
instructors. I will cooperate to the
fullest extent with my instructor and
© 2011 Flinn Scientific, Inc. All Rights
Reserved. Reproduction permission is
granted to science teachers who are
customers of Flinn Scientific, Inc.
Batavia, Illinois, U.S.A. No part of this
material may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical,
including, but not limited to
photocopy, recording, or any
information storage and retrieval
system without permission in writing
from Flinn Scientific, Inc.
Course Title: Earth Science
Mira Mesa High School 2014-2015
Teacher: Mr. Pierce
My signature below indicates I have read and understand the policies and rules of this class and will do my best to fulfill
the requirements and expectations.
Student Name (PRINT): _______________________________________________
Period: ______
Student Signature: ___________________________________________________
Date: _________________
Parent/Guardian Name (PRINT): ____________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________
Date: _________________
I prefer to be contacted by:
Phone:
_________________________________________________________________
Preferred Contact Number(s)
E-Mail:
_________________________________________________________________
Preferred Email Address
I also acknowledge that I have read and agree to abide by the rules outlined in the Flinn Scientific’s Student Safety
Contract.
AGREEMENT:
I, ____________________________________, (enter student name) have read and agree to follow all of the safety rules
set forth in this contract. I realize that I must obey these rules to ensure my own safety, and that of my fellow students
and instructors. I will cooperate to the fullest extent with my instructor and fellow students to maintain a safe lab
environment. I will also closely follow the oral and written instructions provided by the instructor. I am aware that any
violation of this safety contract that results in unsafe conduct in the laboratory or misbehavior on my part, may result in
being removed from the laboratory, detention, receiving a failing grade, and/or dismissal from the course.
_______________________________________________________________
Student Signature
______________________________________
Date
_______________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
______________________________________
Date