Earth Science
Course description:
Earth Science is a yearlong course in the sophomore sequence.
Major units include: Earth models, plate tectonics, rocks & minerals, energy, weathering, Earth history,
oceans, atmospheric forces, and space science.
Grading scale & policy:
A – 100% - 90%
B – 89% - 80%
C – 79% - 70%
D – 69% - 60%
F – 59% or below
All homework assignments are due the day after the work is assigned, unless otherwise stated by your
teacher. Late work will not be accepted for credit unless there is an excused absence. An unexcused absence
will be given 50% credit for missed homework for 1 day only. Follow your student handbook for make-up
work requirements. It is your responsibility to pick-up missed work (see folder). If you are absent the day
before the test (the review day), you will still be required to take the test on the scheduled day.
One extra credit assignment will be offered per quarter. This assignment is optional.
Required materials:
Each student must have an organizer for all notes and assignments. The organizer may be a 3-ring binder,
trapper-keeper, accordion case, or pocket folder with spiral notebook. Writing utensil must be a pencil or
blue or black pen only. No red pens, Sharpies, or gel pens.
Classroom rules and expectations:
 All rules in the student handbook will be enforced. Read your handbook and understand the rules and
consequences.
 Always sit in your assigned seat as soon as the bell rings. Using the restroom is not an excuse for being
tardy. Come to class and get a pass for the restroom.
 Come to class prepared everyday with your textbook, paper, writing utensil, and any assignments due.
 Show respect to your school, your teacher, and your classmates. This includes being quiet unless called
upon.
 This is a science classroom. No gum, food, or flavored drink will be allowed in class.
 Students must clearly label ALL their materials with full name and class period.
 Cheating will not be tolerated. Anyone copying or allowing their paper to be copied will receive an
automatic zero on that assignment, a detention, and a call home.
 Clean up after yourself, put materials away, and leave your area as you found it. Do NOT mark your
desk or chair. Please do NOT lean back in your chair (It breaks the plastic!).
Extra help:
You may come to the classroom for extra help any day from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. when I do not have a
scheduled class. My prep period is 7th hour, and I have A lunch. I generally have lunch in my room.
Consequences:
Students not meeting classroom expectations will receive a verbal warning for the first infraction. If the
behavior is repeated, a call home and an after school detention will be issued. Repeated abuses will result in
a detention, a call home, and/or a follow-up with the principal.
Syllabus
1st Quarter (August-October)
 Unit 1 – Studying the Earth
o Chapter 1 – Introduction to Earth Science
o Chapter 2 – The Earth in Space
o Chapter 3 – Models of the Earth
 Unit 2 – The Dynamic Earth
o Chapter 4 – Plate Tectonics
o Chapter 5 – Deformation of the Crust
o Chapter 6 – Earthquakes
o Chapter 7 – Volcanoes
Comprehensive Mid-term exam
2nd Quarter (October-December)
 Unit 3 – Composition of the Earth
o Chapter 8 – Earth Chemistry
o Chapter 9 – Minerals of the Earth’s Crust
o Chapter 10 – Rocks
o Chapter 11 – Resources and Energy
 Unit 4 – Reshaping the Crust
o Chapter 12 – Weathering and Erosion
o Chapter 13 – Water and Erosion
o Chapter 14 – Groundwater and Erosion
o Chapter 15 – Glaciers and Erosion
o Chapter 16 – Erosion by Wind and Waves
Comprehensive 1st Sem. Final Exam
3rd Quarter (January-March)
 Unit 5 – The History of Earth
o Chapter 17 – The Rock Record
o Chapter 18 – A view of the Earth’s Past
o Chapter 19 – The History of the Continents
 Unit 6 - Oceans
o Chapter 20 – The Ocean Basins
o Chapter 21 – Ocean Water
o Chapter 22 – Movements of the Ocean
Comprehensive Mid-term exam
4th Quarter (March-May)
 Unit 7 – Atmospheric Forces
o Chapter 23 – The Atmosphere
o Chapter 24 – Water in the Atmosphere
o Chapter 25 – Weather
o Chapter 26 - Climate
 Unit 2 – Studying Space
o Chapter 27 – Stars and Galaxies
o Chapter 28 – The Sun
o Chapter 29 – The Solar System
o Chapter 30 – Moons and Rings
Comprehensive 2nd Sem. Final Exam
Assessments: Homework assignments, Quizzes, Chapter tests, Lab reports, and Final exams