Earth Science
Mrs. Amy Thomas
GlenOak High School
Contact Information
Mrs. Amy Thomas
Email: thomasa@plainlocal.org (this is best way to contact me)
Phone: 330-491-3800
Course Description
Earth Science is the study of the Earth, and its neighbors in space. All around us
there are forces that shape and change the environment. The goal of this class is to help
you understand the forces and materials that make our Earth the way it is. This class will
discuss the major concepts of geology, geophysics, geobuilding, paleontology,
oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy.
Instructional Philosophy
Students are given information via notes, lectures, and classroom discussions.
Students will apply this information to worksheets, labs, cooperative groups, projects,
and various types of assessments.
Course Goals
1. Exposure to the basic knowledge of Earth Science and its various disciplines.
2. Raise awareness of the application of Earth Sciences in everyday life.
3. Increased appreciation for the materials and forces in the environment in which we
live.
4. Challenge students to become critical consumers and thinkers in and out of the
classroom.
5. Exposure to possible career choices in science and related fields.
6. Preparation to succeed on the ACT Test
Coursework
Students will complete assignments in the following formats:
 Written notes and vocabulary
 Cooperative group and individual projects
 Class assignments, including homework
 Lab activities
 Written tests and quizzes
Course Credit
Students that successfully complete the course are awarded one science credit
towards graduation.
Assessment Plan
Students will be assessed according to the following evaluation instruments:
 Oral questioning
 Class participation
 Completion of coursework
 Performance on various assessments
 Completion of projects according to specific criteria/rubrics
Grading
Students are responsible for monitoring their grades on-line. Make sure you keep
all your assignments in the correct order in your portfolio. Please bring any questions or
errors to my attention, and I will be more than willing to fix the problem. Please see me
as soon as you are having any problems because I want to make sure that you are
working at your greatest potential.
GlenOak Grading Scale: 100 – 92 A, 91 – 82 B, 81 – 70 C, 69 – 60 D, 59 – 0 F
Assignments
Assignments will not be accepted as late, except in specific rare circumstances. In
situations where a special circumstance arises, notify me and we can work together on a
plan. Absent/make-up work is to be turned in per school policy (see handbook). If you
are absent the day of a test or quiz be prepared to take the assessment the first day back,
and you must take the initiative of setting up a time.
Participation
Learning is a process that requires intriguing questions and creative answers. The
more each of us participates the more exciting and engaging the process of learning
science can be. Participation is an important aspect of any science class.
Student Expectations
1. Students are to bring a pencil, pen, three ring binder with folder pockets, paper,
and their class assignments each day.
2. Students are responsible for completing and turning in all class assignments in
on-time.
3. Students are responsible for all make-up work
4. Students must use class time effectively in a hard working manner.
5. Students are to complete their own work unless otherwise informed by the
teacher, any indication of cheating, copying, or plagiarism will result in an
automatic failure of the assignment(s).
Procedures
Starting – You will need to be in your seat, quiet, and have you assignments ready at
the ring of the late bell.
Tardiness – Will be strictly enforced by school policy.
Leaving during class – You must have a signed planner or pass to leave class or arrive
late.
End of class – You are to remain seated until you are dismissed. If I am talking after
the bell remain seated until dismissed.
Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior
1st Offense – Verbal Reprimand
2nd Offense – Call home
3rd Offense – Detention and call home
4th Offense – Referral to the office
Electronic devices
These can be used for educational purposes. I will tell students when the devices
can be used in the classroom. Any other use of electronic devices will be a discipline
issue and will be dealt with according to GlenOak High School policy.
Class Topics
Earth Science topics are as follows: Mapping, Minerals, Rocks, Earth's
Resources, Weather, Climate, Water, Glaciers, Deserts, Wind, Earthquakes, Plate
Tectonics, Volcanoes, Mountains, Oceans, Atmosphere, and Astronomy. These topics
are discussed in the textbook and online. The online textbook will require the following
information.
Site
User Name(s)
Password
pearsonsuccessnet.com
earthstudent1
earthstudent2
earthstudent3
etc.
eagle
eagle
eagle
Earth Science Units
Unit 1: Earth's Materials
Chapter 1: Introduction to Earth Science
Chapter 2: Minerals
Chapter 3: Rocks
Chapter 4: Earth's Resources
Unit 2: Sculpturing Earth's Surface
Chapter 5: Weathering, Soil, and Mass Movements
Chapter 6: Running Water and Groundwater
Chapter 7: Glaciers, Deserts, and Wind
Unit 3: Forces Within
Chapter 8: Earthquakes and Earth's Interior
Chapter 9: Plate Tectonics
Chapter 10: Volcanoes and Other Igneous Activity
Chapter 11: Mountain Building
Unit 4: Historical Geology
Chapter 12: Geologic Time
Chapter 13: Earth's History
Unit 5: Oceanography
Chapter 14: The Ocean Floor
Chapter 15: Ocean Water and Ocean Life
Chapter 16: The Dynamic Ocean
Unit 6: Meteorology
Chapter 17: The Atmosphere: Structure and Temperature
Chapter 18: Moisture, Clouds, and Precipitation
Chapter 19: Air Pressure and Wind
Chapter 20: Weather Patterns and Severe Storms
Chapter 21: Climate
Unit 7: Astronomy
Chapter 22: Origin of Modern Astronomy
Chapter 23: Touring Our Solar System
Chapter 24: Studying the Sun
Chapter 25: Beyond Our Solar System
Supplies
Three Ring Binder
Pencils and Pens
Paper
Tabs/Section Dividers
Extra-Credit Materials (3 pts each, up to 15 pts per grading period)
Colored Pencils
Clay
Crayons
Kleenex