Course Syllabus 2016-17 S.

Rovell Room 524 Earth Science

I.

ACADEMICS Course Objectives, Major Units of Study, Scheduled Exams, Project Dates, Required Materials
1.

Course Objectives: The study of earth sciences helps students find their place in the universe by showing where their unique world
fits in with the grand scheme of the cosmos. Students gain an understanding of the physical and chemical processes that formed Earth
and continue to operate on this planet. Students will also learn more about the geologic factors that help to make California unique.
Students will develop and improve reading skills of comprehension and word analysis. Students will also learn to use academic
language and vocabulary on a regular basis through reading, writing and speaking.

B.

Major Units of Study:

1. Astronomy
2. Energy in the Earth System/Matter Cycles in Earth Systems
3. Earths Resources & Human Impacts
4. Dynamic Earth Processes Geology & California Resources and Natural Hazards

C.

Formative and Summative Assessments (PBAs, Tests and Quizzes)

1. Two Performance Based Assessments (PBAs)
2. Finals at end of each Semester
3. Summative Assessments (tests) at end of each unit.
4. Several formative assessments (quizzes) administered throughout each unit.

D.

Materials for Success

1. Textbook Earth Science (Prentice Hall, 2006)
2. District-supplied Chromebook charged and ready to go EVERY DAY.
3. Pencil, pen, paper, eraser (highlighter optional)
4. Earbuds/Headphones

E.

Grading Policy

Grades are cumulative each semester:

A: 90% or higher

C: 65 - 79%

B: 80 - 89%

D: 55 - 64%

F: Below 55%

Student work is weighted:

40% - Tests & Quizzes

25% - Labs

10% - Participation

5% - Organizational Skills

20% - Homework

1.

Citizenship - citizenship grade of O (outstanding), S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory) will be given based on behavior,
tardiness and participation.

2.

Absences - Work missed during an absence is still required. It is the students responsibility to ask the teacher about
makeup work upon returning from an absence. Students who miss assignments due to absences may or may not make up
the assignment depending on the assignment. Attendance is essential to being successful in this class.

3.

Extra Credit - [Definition: any variety of methods to raise your grade.] It is occasionally available to students who put
forth a good effort and behave in class consistently. It is not for students who are missing several assignments or
misbehave. It is not a replacement for missed assignments!

4.

Makeup Work - [Definition: Assignment(s) identical to missed assignments during excused absence.] It is the student's
responsibility to ask the teacher about makeup work upon returning from an absence.

5.

How do I know what my grade is? - You can access your grades any time from the Home Access Center (HAC)

II.

HONOR - classroom expectations, consequences, tardy policy

1.

Classroom Expectations - Students should attend school daily, be on time and be responsible. If you are absent, ask a classmate for
any notes, handouts, or lab information that you need. Ask the teacher for documents before or after class.
1.
Students should follow the class rules:
a. Be on time with all your materials.
b. Have a positive attitude.
c. Be respectful to people and property.
d. One person speaks, others listen.
e. Follow directions the first time you are told.
f. Follow Safety Rules
B.

Consequences - consequences vary from warnings to suspension. The type of consequence you receive depends on your actions.
For minor offences, a warning is appropriate. For major offences, referrals or suspensions are warranted. In addition, repeated
minor offences that become a nuisance will be treated with harsher consequences if they persist. Any item brought to class that
disrupts the learning environment will be confiscated and brought to your designated administrator.

C.

Electronic Devices - are not allowed in class unless specifically allowed by your teacher on a specific day. Please turn off your
electronic devices as you enter the classroom. Headphones and earbuds should not be visible on your body during class.

D.

Tardy Policy - Tardies will be counted each quarter. At the end of each quarter, tardies are erased. Tardies 1 and 2 are free. After
that, tardies will be dealt with on an individual basis, with parent contact involved. Four tardies per quarter = U in citizenship.
Participation is critical. Learning is not a one-way street, from teacher to student. A student must provide feedback, questions and
answers if true learning is to be accomplished. Part of your grade (10%) is based on your participation. Participation BEST occurs
when you are in class, on time and you have all necessary materials.

E.

III.

SOLIDARITY -teachers daily schedule and contact information.

I will do all I can to help you succeed!
1.

Teachers Daily Schedule

Monday - Friday
Period

Course

Room
Start

End

Earth Science

524

8:00 am

8:59 am

Earth Science

524

9:07 am

10:02 am

Earth Science

524

10:10 am

11:05 am

Earth Science

524

11:13 am

12:08 pm

Earth Science

524

12:56 pm

1:51 pm

Earth Science

524

1:59 pm

2:54 pm

524

3:00 pm

4:00 pm

WEDNESDAY TUTORIAL
B.

Contact Information:

Steve Rovell

796-7600 x2075

steven.rovell@salinasuhsd.org

____________________________________________________________________________________________
We have read, we understand and our student agrees to follow the teachers policies in this course syllabus.

_____________________________________________
Student Signature / Date

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Parent Signature / Date