Earth Science Syllabus
Welcome to the study of the Earth, and its neighbors in space. All around us there are forces that
shape and morph 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 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.
Teacher Information:
Name: Mr. James Martell
Phone: (330) 491-3800 (*leave message with office for best results, don't leave voicemail)
Email: martellj@plainlocal.org (**this is the best way to contact me)
Web book address: http://biology.com
Room # M-149
Important Rules
1. Bring your school supplies, portfolio, and relevant class/homework everyday.
2. Be on time to class in your seat, and be ready to from bell to bell.
3. Live a life of character (honesty, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship).
4. Follow the GlenOak Handbook (Students' Code of Conduct) as a guide.
“Remember, there is a sense of freedom in following the rules. You are “free” from the worry of
being caught for doing something wrong, and you are “free” from the negative consequences of
bad behavior.”
Martell
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 (see teacher, and make up folder)
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).
A Perspective Student Should:
1. Have a natural curiosity about the living things in this world and their environment.
2. Have passed Integrated Science 9 and 10.
3. Be willing to work on assignments in and out of class. This course is a required science
course for graduation.
4. Be able to work well individually and with others in group and lab settings.
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.
Students who fail a test may retake the test as long as necessary conditions established by the
teacher are met. This does not apply to quizzes, and students must understand that retakes are all
essay format and are at a much higher learning level. It is not wise to fail a test purposely with the
hopes of getting more time to study.
GlenOak Grading Scale: 100 – 92 A, 91 – 82 B, 81 – 70 C, 69 – 60 D, 59 – 0 F
Grades will be configured by points in the following categories: (approximately)
Homework and Classwork (20%), Labs/Quizzes (25%), Tests/Projects (40%), Exam (15%)
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/makeup 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. If you fail to make-up a quiz, test, or any assignment you will receiving a
failing grade.
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 active way to raise your grade in class. Points will be given for interesting questions,
intelligent answers, being attentive and helpful. These points will be averaged in your final grade.
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.
Turning-in/Passing-back assignments – All assignments are to be turned in, when collected,
into the appropriate turn-in and will be graded and returned to the pass-back folders. Only
assignments in the pass-back folders can be taken for your portfolios.
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 must not be used during class. Devices will be taken and turned into your
academy office.
Class Topics
Mapping, Minerals, Rocks, Earth's Resources, Weather, Climate, Water, Glaciers, Deserts, Wind,
Earthquakes, Plate Tectonics, Volcanoes, Mountains, Oceans, Atmosphere, Astronomy
Earth Science Logins
Site
User Name(s)
Password
pearsonsuccessnet.com
earthstudent1
earthstudent2
earthstudent3
etc.
eagle
eagle
eagle
Earth Science Units
*There will be a quiz at the end of every chapter and a test at the end of each unit
1st Semester
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
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
2nd Semester
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
Earth Science Supplies
(Mr. Martell Rm – M149)
Three Ring Binder
Students will need a binder for keeping track of their assignments, notes, tests, quizzes, labs,
etc. The binders will be graded periodically as a portfolio grade.
Pencils and Pens
You will need both of these for writing and graphing. Please do not buy red pens or crazy
hard to read colors.
Paper
You will need a lot of notebook paper for your portfolio and assignments. Do not expect to
come to class without anything to write on, paper is not provided.
Tabs
You will need these tabs to mark unit sections of your portfolio.
Extra-Credit Materials
Colored Pencils
Crayons
Kleenex
Three Ring Folders
Pens/Pencils