|
TIMBERLINE MIDDLE SCHOOL NINTH GRADE EARTH SYSTEMS Disclosure Document Mrs. Fugal clfugal@alpine.k12.ut.us What is Earth Systems Science? Earth Systems Science is a way of understanding our planet that can change the way we think of ourselves and our world. What is this Earth Systems Science that can be so important? Earth means that it is about our planet. Science indicates that it is about a special way of investigating our world. With science we make observations, do experiments and continually test our ideas to find out if they are true or not. But what do we mean by systems? We often describe our bodies as being made of systems such as the nervous, circulatory and immune systems. The circulatory system is the organized way that blood moves throughout our body. It has many parts such as the veins, the arteries, the heart and the red blood cells. These many parts work together to form a larger whole. Any system has parts that connect with each other in special ways so that the whole "system" is more than the sum of its parts. A system can be part of an even larger system. The circulatory system connects with other body systems to form a whole human being who joins with other humans to form human societies that connect with other living organisms to form Earth's living system, its biosphere. Earth Systems Science is important because we are learning how to scientifically study and understand our planet as a system. We are learning how the different parts of our planet work and how they join together to form our incredible, organized and functioning planet. One way of studying Earth as a system is to investigate the different systems that join together on our planet. Some of the most important of these systems are: Ø the biosphere - all of Earth's living organisms Ø the atmosphere - Earth's vital blanket of gases Ø the geologic system- Earth's surface and interior Ø the hydrosphere - Earth's circulating water systems Ø the solar system- Earth itself is part of a larger system Earth Systems Science is especially important because humans can now change the way our planet works. There are more than five billion people living here now and our numbers keep growing rapidly. We also have developed powerful technologies that can dramatically change Earth's systems such as our climate, atmosphere and the numbers and kinds of other living organisms. Our ability to change the way our planet works is both a danger and an opportunity. We can cause great harm to ourselves and to Earth's other creatures. We can also learn to live in ways that keep our planet healthy and still enable us to have satisfying lives. Earth Systems Science can help us avoid the dangers and enjoy the abundance that our planet provides.
GENERAL POLICIES GRADES: Students will be evaluated in several areas. Their grades will be calculated on a point basis. The total number of points earned out of the number possible will determine the grade. Points may be earned through homework, class work, labs, quizzes, tests and the notebook . Grading is on a percent basis: 94-100% A 74-76% C 90-93% A- 70-73% C- 87-89% B+ 67-69% D+ 84-86% B 64-66% D 80-83% B- 60-63% D- 77-79% C+ 0-59% F Grades will be updated on PowerSchool by the end of every week. In compliance with the Disabilities Act, students needing special accommodations may contact the instructor for alternative arrangements. New grades will be posted weekly by student number.
ATTENDANCE: Attendance is extremely important in a science class that involves hands on activities. These activities cannot be duplicated by the student merely making up a worksheet. The labs introduce or reinforce concepts that are taught. The textbook is a resource but cannot take the place of instruction by the teacher. HOMEWORK: Homework will generally be started in class. Assignments not finished in class should be completed as homework. Quizzes: Notebook quizzes will be given periodically. They will be announced beforehand. Absent students will be required to make up a quiz during the next class. TESTS: Tests will be given at the end of each unit. Tests may not be retaken. Students absent on the test day will need to make up their test in the homework center within one week. LATE WORK: Generally, late work will be accepted with a 50% reduction in grade. There will be periodic deadlines for late work. MAKE-UP WORK: Assignments will be posted on an assignment sheet in the classroom. It is the student’s responsibility to make up work missed as the result of an absence. Students have one week to turn in absent work. After one week, assignments are counted late. For special circumstances, students need to check with the teacher. EXTRA CREDIT: Extra credit will be given if students teach the “I cans” to their parents. SUPPLIES: Pen or pencil Colored pencils Spiral notebook or neatbook CLASS RULES AND PROCEDURES: 1. Students need to bring all materials to class. 2. Students should not talk or leave their seat without permission. 3. Assignments not finished in class should be completed as homework. They are due at the beginning of the next class. Those assignments not finished at the beginning of class will be counted late. 4. Daily assignments will be listed on the assignment sheet. If absent, it is the student’s responsibility to make up missed work within one week. 5. Two hall passes will be issued at the beginning of each term. 6. No food or drink other than water is permitted in class. 7. Students should not bring walkmans, CD players, cell phones or other nuisance items to class. 8. Calculator or computer games should not be played in class. TARDINESS AND CITIZENSHIP Tardies will be counted under the school wide citizenship policy Citizenship: O (outstanding): exemplary behavior, no missing assignments S (satisfactory): on task behavior, supplies in class N (needs improvement): student often off task or not prepared for class U (unsatisfactory): inappropriate behavior, truancy or cheating. Cheating will result in loss of credit for the assignment or test. Missed assignments, as the result of truancy, can be made up but will not be counted for credit. DISCIPLINE: In addition to doing their very best on assignments, tests, and participation in class activities, I expect my students to follow the rules and procedures that are necessary to create an environment conducive to learning. I’m looking forward to working with the students at Timberline Middle School this year. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to email or contact me at the school. Sincerely, Mrs. Fugal |