Ms. Hauser
Honors Earth Science
2015-2016
lhauser@kwcps.k12.va.us
Course Description: Earth Science is the study of the physical processes and characteristics of planet
Earth. There are four major divisions of earth science: geology (essentially the study of rocks and
minerals), meteorology (the study of the atmosphere and weather), oceanography (the study of the physical
characteristics of the oceans), and astronomy (the study of space). We will examine all four branches, as
well as basic scientific principles and the impact that humans have on their world.
Student Objectives: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the Virginia Standards of Learning for
Earth Science. For a complete listing of Virginia Earth Science SOL go to:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/science/courses/stds_earth_sci.pdf
Tentative Schedule:
Marking Period
1st 9 weeks
Topics Covered
Basic Scientific Principles/Maps
Plate Tectonics
Minerals
SOLs
ES.1, 2, 3
ES.8
ES.5
2nd 9 weeks
The Rock Cycle
Geologic History
Surface Processes, Groundwater
Resources
ES.6
ES.10
ES.8, 9
ES.7
3rd 9 weeks
Oceanography
Meteorology
ES.11
ES.12, 13
4th 9 weeks
Sun, Earth, Moon Systems
Astronomy
E.S.4
ES.14
Grading Policy:
9 week grade: TESTS/PROJECTS
LABORATORIES/QUIZZES
SOL QUIZZES/REFLECTION JOURNAL
DAILY ASSIGNMENTS/HOMEWORK
BINDER CHECKS
40%
20%
15%
15%
10%
Semester grade: 1st NINE WEEK GRADE
2nd NINE WEEK GRADE
EXAM GRADE
40%
40%
20%
1st SEMESTER GRADE
50%
2nd SEMESTER GRADE
50%
SOL Quizzes/Reflection Journal: Class will start with a Reflection Journal entry. Students will write and
reflect on the question or topic that is given. This will be used as a starting point for growth in the
understanding of the day’s lesson. An SOL quiz based primarily on the previous class (though review
questions will be included) may often be given at the beginning of class. Other warm up activities may also
be used to begin class and they can be given a quiz, participation, or assignment grade.
Final grade:
Binder Checks: Students will be expected to take notes every day and to keep them organized in a 3 ring
binder. This binder should be brought to class every day and kept up to date. If absent, it is the student’s
responsibility to get the notes from a classmate. In addition to notes, all assignments should be kept in a
binder. Binder checks will be random and will account for 7.5% of each 9 week grade. A table of contents
will be given to students to keep track of assignments.
Participation: Students are expected to be active participants in class. Solid effort will be rewarded
through the participation grade, whereas non-participation will reflect negatively on the participation score.
Students may also be asked to complete assignments where there is no “right” or “wrong” answers. These
assignments will be given a participation grade.
Homework: Homework will be assigned every class. Homework will reflect what was covered in class.
Homework must be turned in at the beginning of every class. For each day homework is turned in late will
result in 20% off. If the homework is not turned in by the next two classes, the homework will result in a
0%.
Classroom Expectations:
 At the beginning of every class students are expected to come in and sit at their assigned seat and
begin work in their reflection journal including getting out homework and required class supplies.
 Each student is expected to show respect for the teacher and other members of the class by not
talking when another person is talking.
 The restroom and drinking fountain should be used between classes, not during instructional time
unless it is an extreme case.
 A student agenda is the only acceptable hall pass.
Class Policies:
Make-up work
 All students are to make up all assignments missed when absent or tardy. A student is allowed
one day to complete make up work for each day s/he was absent up to a maximum of 5 days. It is
the student’s responsibility to arrange for make-up work.
 The best time to arrange for make-up work is before or after school.
 Students will not be able to make up work for unexcused absences.
Late Work
 Any late work will result in 20% deducted from your grade for each day that it is not turned in
following the assigned due date. No late work with be accepted after each unit test.
Cheating/Plagiarism
 Cheating and plagiarism will result in a 0% on the assignment.
Food and Drink
 Food and drinks are not permitted in the classroom except for water.
Laboratory Safety:
Laboratory work is an integral part of science class. Safety is the responsibility of each student. The
following guidelines should be followed at all times.
 Food/Drink – There is absolutely no food or drink allowed in the classroom except for water.
 Follow all instructions given by the teacher
 Notify the teacher immediately about any safety concern.
 Do not inhale or ingest anything unless told to do so by the teacher.
 Learn the location and use of safety equipment in the classroom.
 Keep your workspace and classroom clean.
Supplies:
Binder
Loose-leaf paper
Notebook (composition or spiral)
Pencils
Colored pencils
Contact:
Please contact me via email at lhauser@kwcps.k12.va.us
Availability:
Mondays
Afterschool – 4pm
Tuesdays & Thursdays 7:30am –8am
Or by appointment
Course:__________________________ Teacher’s Name:_________________________
Student’s Name: _______________________________
I have read the syllabus for the course listed above, and I understand and will comply
with its contents.
________________________________
Student’s Signature
________
Date
PARENT/GUARDIAN:
I have read this syllabus and will expect my son/daughter to comply with its contents.
_________________________________
Parent’s Signature
________
Date