EARTH SCIENCE ENRICHED
Room 603
2015-2016
Mr. Paul Rolfe
Ms. Amanda Gogolin
paul.rolfe@montville.net
amanda.gogolin@montville.net
Office: RM 615
Office: RM 433
Welcome to Earth Science! This year you will be learning about our planet Earth and the Universe
around us. The curriculum will follow the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards related
to Science Practice and Earth Science. Our topics will include Geology (the study of rocks,
minerals, earthquakes, volcanoes and plate tectonics), Meteorology (the study of our atmosphere,
climate and weather), and Astronomy (the study of the universe). This course will use a handson inquiry based approach as well as various activities and direct instruction. Since this is an
enriched level of science, you will not just be exploring the “what” of science but the “how” and
“why” different phenomena occur on and around Earth. Together we will discover why Earth
Science is relevant to our everyday lives, all you have to do is provide the willingness to learn.
Materials:
Bring to class everyday:
Optional:
1 ½ or 2 inch binder
4 dividers- labeled Introduction, Geology, Meteorology, Astronomy
Pen (blue or black for handed-in assignments) or a pencil
Assignment Planner
Highlighters, colored pencils/ markers, scissors, glue, lined paper
Rules and Expectations:
1. Be on time and prepared for class
2. Respect and listen to your teachers, classmates and yourself
3. Follow Safety Rules during ALL lab experiments
4. Try your best and work hard on all of your assignments
Consequences:
1. First Offense: Warning from teacher(s)
2. Second Offense: Contact Parent/ Guardian
3. Third Offense: Teacher Detention
4. Serious Offense: Write-Up to Administration
Attendance/ Tardy Policy
Being late or missing class causes you to miss valuable information. The Montville Township
High School absence and tardy policy will be enforced. This is a full year course therefore, if you
are absent from this class 14 or more times, there will be a loss of credit. If you arrive late to class
without a pass from the main office or another teacher the consequence of not following the class
rules and expectations will be enforced.
Make-Up/ Late Assignments:
All assignments handed in late will lose 10% credit every class day it is late. The first day the
assignment is late the highest grade you can get is 90%, the second 80%, then 70%, 60%, etc. If
you have not handed in the assignment after 1 week from the assignments original due date, you
will not receive credit. If the assignment has be handed back to the class, then you must complete
the assignment with one of us during lunch or after school. If you are absent the day an
assignment is due, in order to receive full credit, you must hand it in the day you return to class.
Tests and Quizzes:
Unit tests will always be announced 1 week in advanced. You will receive a study guide for each
test in advance to assist in your studying therefore, there is no reason to not be prepared for major
exams. We will be having weekly quizzes (typically on Fridays) on the various topics covered
during the past week. Quizzes are short and should not take longer than 10 minutes of class. If
you are absent the day of a test or quiz, it is your responsibility to come in during lunch or after
school to make-up the assignment as soon as possible.
Grading Policy:
Each Quarterly Grade:
Full Year breakdown is as followed:
Homework:
Tests:
Quizzes:
Labs:
Projects:
Classwork:
MP 1
MP 2
Midterm Exam
MP 3
MP 4
Final Exam
Final Grade
10%
30%
10%
15%
15%
20%
20%
20%
10%
20%
20%
10%
100%
Extra Help:
If you are not understanding anything covered in class or an assignment, it is your responsibility
to come see us for extra help. We are available by appointment before and after school and
during lunch. If you need assistance with an assignment, you must come see us before the
assignment is due. Handing in an incomplete or late assignment because you did not understand
what to do is not an excuse and you will be graded accordingly.
Academic Honesty/ Cheating:
It is expected that each student adheres to the MTHS academic honesty and plagiarism policy.
This means that all work will be done, by the individual student, in their own words. Do it right the
first time, or be prepared to do it over.
Laboratory Investigations:
Some labs will be conducted in the classroom while other labs will be outdoors moving around
the campus conducting investigations. The most important aspect of any lab will be safety. You
will need to follow all safety instructions, which may include wearing goggles and aprons, handling
glassware carefully, etc. Not following the safety instructions will be cause to prohibit you from
participating in labs, for your safety and the safety of others. See Safety Rules Handout.
Science Binder:
Your science binder must be brought to class every day. This binder will only be dedicated to
Earth Science and will be monitored periodically throughout the school year for a grade. You will
need 4 dividers each labeled accordingly; Introduction, Geology, Meteorology, and
Astronomy. It would be useful to keep extra lined paper in your binder.
Other Information:
1. Cell Phones/ Headphones - you will not be allowed to use your cell phone in class
unless authorized by a teacher for academic purposes only. Your cell phone should
remain in your backpack throughout the class period. If your cell phone/ headphones
are seen in the classroom without authorization from the teacher, it will be confiscated.
2.
This is science classroom therefore, it is against lab safety procedures that you have any
food or drink in class. Do not bring or eat any food or beverage while in class. You may bring a
water bottle that has a screwed on cap only.
3.
The MTHS Dress Code will be enforced in this classroom, please see the MTHS Student
Handbook. If you are not following the dress code, then you will be asked to wear something to
cover up or you will be sent down to the office.
Course Outline::
Semester I:
1. Scientific Inquiry
2. Earth as a system
3. Geology (Rocks & Minerals)
4. Weathering and Erosion
5. Earth’s Interior
6. Plate Tectonics
7. Earthquakes and Volcanoes
8. Geologic Time
9. Midterm Exam
Semester II:
1. Earth’s atmosphere
2. Climate
3. Weather
4. Severe Weather
5. Origins of Astronomy
6. Earth-Moon-Sun System
7. Solar System
8. Galaxies and Space
9. Final Exam
Earth Science Enriched Class Rules and Expectation Contract
Name: (please, print first and last name)
Directions: Please, read and sign the following statement. Then have a parent or
guardian read and sign the statement below that.
STUDENT
I have read the attached packet both in class and on my own. I understand all material
within the packet and I have asked questions to clarify any portions that I did not
understand. I realize that I am responsible for all the information that it provides
concerning the operation of our science classroom and my responsibilities and the
expectations of me as a student.
STUDENT SIGNATURE
Date
PARENT/GUARDIAN
I have read and understand the attached packet concerning the operations of my child’s
science class. I have reviewed important points with my child which will help make them
successful throughout the year. I will monitor and assist my child on a regular basis to
ensure an acceptable effort and the best chance for positive achievement and learning. I
will contact the teacher(s) with ANY questions or concerns immediately throughout the
year.
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE
PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME (please, print first and last name)
DATE