In this course you will pose questions about the Earth and its many systems and then develop strategies to help you find the answers. Remember, you will be the scientist conducting the investigations and interpreting the data. Because of this you will have a large responsibility for your own learning. Do not come to this class expecting easy answers. Earth Science will require you to exercise your mind each day.

FALL SEMESTER 1

Chapter 2 & 26: Earth in Space

Chapter 30: Stars, Galaxies & the Universe

Chapter 29: The Sun

Chapter 28: Planets of the Solar System

Chapter 27: Minor Bodies of the Solar System

Chapter 4: Earth Chemistry

Chapter 5: Mineral’s of the Earth’s Crust

Chapter 10: Plate Tectonics

Chapter 13: Volcanoes

WINTER SEMESTER 2

Chapter 14: Weathering & Erosion

Chapters 15 & 16: River Systems & Groundwater

Chapter 8: The Rock Record

Chapter 9: A View of Earth’s Past

Chapter 12: Earthquakes

Chapter 7: Resources & Energy

Chapter 22: The Atmosphere

Chapter 23: Water in the Atmosphere

Chapter 24: Weather

Chapter 25: Climate

Everyone taking this course is expected to meet the following guidelines and requirements:

1. Textbook – The required textbook for the course is Holt Earth Science, 2008 by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. You will be assigned a textbook for the entire year.  The Earth Science textbooks are brand new this year & very expensive to replace!  It is very important that you properly maintain your assigned textbook (book covers are highly recommended). Books are not to be left in the classroom!

2. Science Binder – a 3-ring binder is used in this course to organize all work completed. This binder is to be prepared & maintained by you, and will include all materials pertinent to the course. A separate handout will detail special guidelines on the binder. Please bring you science binder to class everyday!

3. Laboratory Investigations – lab work will include written exercises completed by you either during or after a class activity. Most laboratory research is completed in cooperative teams and you will be assigned a lab partner for approximately 10 weeks. Lab partners are rotated each marking period. Although you will work most of the time in a group, you are still expected to complete individual reports and give your own original answers. All lab reports will be handed in and graded individually.

4. Tests and Quizzes – Several homework/lab quizzes & unit tests will be given during each marking period. You will be given proper notification of test and quiz dates providing plenty of time to study!

5. Homework – Homework in this class is usually given on a daily basis. Homework will be stamped at the beginning of each hour for credit. Some assignments may be collected individually for a grade. At the end of each chapter, all assignments will be graded in a “unit pack”. Any unexcused late work results in a reduction of 50% off each assignment.

6. Attendance / Make-Up Work – You will be given (1) day to make up your work for each day of absence. It is your responsibility to turn in your make up work on time. All make-up work will be ready for you to pick up in the boxes at the front of the classroom, unless otherwise noted. Your name will be written on each assignment and placed in the proper box and folder for your class. Do not see me for your make-up work at the beginning of class!

1. Students not in the classroom after the last bell will be marked tardy. Each tardy automatically results in a penalty for which you are held accountable.

2. All students will occupy their assigned seats at all times. There will be no changes made except those initiated by the teacher. Remain in your seats until the bell rings.

3. Your student planners will be used to issue passes to leave class. You must bring your student planners to class every day. Passes to leave class will be limited, so do not abuse your privilege of the school’s policy on this issue.

4. Cell phones, I-Pods or any other electronic devices are not to be played or on display inside the classroom. Please put these items away before entering the classroom.

5. There is no food or drink allowed in this classroom. Please dispose of these items before you enter to avoid any conflict.

6. All jackets, excess books, gym bags, art projects, etc. should be stored in your locker and not in the classroom. Do not bring them to class due to limited space.

7. Students are expected to follow common rules of classroom courtesy such as: raise hand before speaking, use appropriate language, follow directions the first time, stay in seat when appropriate, sharpen pencils before class starts, etc..

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to call or e-mail me. If you wish to reach me by phone the Main Office number is 759-5000. The secretary will either page me or put you through to my voice mail. My e-mail is Tina.Weller@wy.k12.mi.us I look forward to creating the best possible learning experience for you this semester.

"Teaching should be such that what is offered is perceived as a valuable gift and not as a hard duty."