Mr. Downs
Meteorology
Fall 2015
Meteorology Syllabus
Contact Info:
Room – G137
Email – cdowns@sd308.org
Phone Extension - 630.636.2247
Class Website – oehsdowns.weebly.com
Office Hours – 2, 4, & 8
*You can find me in Science Office
Course Overview:
This laboratory is designed to cover meteorological topics such as the mechanics of the atmosphere, the
hydrosphere, regional geography, climate patterns, and weather prediction. In addition, you will learn how to
collect weather data, analyze weather data, and forecast weather based on that data.
Expectations:
Since this is an elective course, you have chosen to be in here. Throughout this semester long course you will
engage in inquiry and project based learning. My expectations for you are simple: come to class prepared, be
ready to work everyday, and be responsible for your own learning.
Weekly Agenda:
Mondays: Learning about Meteorology (Discussions, Notes, Videos, etc.)
Tuesdays: Lab Work
Wednesdays: Independent Research
Thursdays: Lab Work
Fridays: Flex Days (Current Events, Research, Lab Work)
*Weather Collection will be completed at the beginning of each class period, be prepared to go outside! Dress
for the conditions. We will start weather collection around the third week of this course.
Course Materials:
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Spiral or composition notebook to record all lab notes in.
Something to write with everyday. I do not provide writing utensils
A phone or camera to take pictures during labs (these pictures are used as evidence).
Appropriate clothing to go outside (We will go outside almost every day).
Textbook: The Atmosphere, The: An Introduction to Meteorology, 12/E
Grading Criteria:
1. Performance (90%): Labs, Projects, Discussions, Participation & Assessments.
2. Midterm (10%)
Grading Scale:
A 89.5% - 100%
B 79.5% - 89.49%
C 69.5% - 79.49%
D 59.5% - 69.49%
F < 59.49%
Google Drive:
In this course you will use Google Drive to submit assignments by creating a shared folder with me. Only you
and I can see the materials and contents in this folder. The advantages to Google Drive are many. Your work
saves automatically and is never lost, it’s easy to collaborate with group members (You don’t even have to
meet), and you don’t have to carry a messy folder of papers around. All you need is a gmail account to get
started. We will be creating shared folders in class.
Emailing Guidelines:
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Any Email sent to me must be sent in a professional format. I will not respond to any email not in the
correct format.
I do not respond to emails with excessive typos, grammatical errors of any kind (yes you need to use
punctuation and capitalization. Refer to Warriner’s English Grammar & Composition Guide), or slang and
text speech. Be professional!
Correct Email Format:
Subject: Put the subject of your email, so I know what you’re talking about.
Introduction:
Dear Mr. Puckett (Or some other form of introduction that is professional.
Unacceptable introductions include: Hey, Yo, What’s up, Bro, Dude, Dog, etc.).
Body of Email: The content of your email goes here.
Ending:
Sincerely, YOUR NAME
Acceptable endings: Warmly, Regards, Best, Thanks, etc.
Grade For Improvement Policy:
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All assignments and assessments are eligible for Grading for Improvement. You can resubmit
assignments for an improved score, please see me with further questions. This policy is at my
discretion and can be denied at any time. It is your responsibility to take advantage of this
opportunity.
Late Work Policy:
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All projects and assignments will have both a Due Date & a Deadline Date.
No work will be accepted after the Deadline Date.
The Deadline Date will be decided as a class.
Class Rules:
*To be discussed on first day of course.
Absences:
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The class will follow the student handbook procedures regarding attendance unless alternate
arrangements have been made.
For any absence, the student is responsible for getting the appropriate work and talking to me.
Special Notes:
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You are responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged textbooks and/or lab books.
You are responsible for any damaged or broken lab equipment or school property.
Plagiarism of an assignment is an automatic zero.
Bullying, cheating, stealing, and disrespect is not tolerated in this classroom.