SYLLABUS

Welcome to Earth Science

Mr. Lawrence

Room: 504, Extension 12078

Email: malawrence@bcswan.net

Welcome to Earth Science. Earth Science is a curriculum designed to allow students to conduct an in-depth study of the Earth and Environmental Sciences. In Earth Science, students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning. In order to develop a greater understanding of the processes that shape our everyday lives. The curriculum will integrate inquiry investigations and a variety of technologies with the study of Earth as a system. The impacts of human activities on Earth’s systems will also be a focus.

The results of student investigations should be communicated through presentations and formal laboratory reports. Enrichment and integration with other disciplines are encouraged.

Students will be required to take notes, do class activities, work on labs, homework, course readings and

project/presentations. I will do all I can to equip you with the tools necessary to pass the class. It is up to you to use those tools. I can make a few suggestions on what is needed to better help us through the next 18 weeks.

1.       NO CELL PHONES – All phones will be placed in holder at front of the room.

2.       Be here (Limit your absences and it will be easier to grasp the subject)

3.       Be on time (will have a bell assignment every day)

4.       Make good choices

5.       Do what is asked and follow directions

6.       Respect yourself and everyone else in the class

7.       Think before you speak!

8.       Ask questions! There is never a bad question.

9.       If at first you do not succeed, Keep trying!

Grading Scale: Semester 1 40%, Semester 2 40% Final Exam 20%

A = 90-100, B = 80-90, C = 70-80, D = 60-70, F = Below 60

Grading Percentages:

1.Test/Projects40%

2.Classwork/Labs25%

3.Quizzes 20%

4.Bell Ringers 15%

FINAL PROJECT – NATIONAL PARKS – TWO TEST GRADES

Final Exam: You will have a Common Mastery Assessment

For semester courses: A high school student may be exempt from the CMA if the student either

   (1) Has an "A" average and no more than four absences

   (2) Has a "B" average and no more than three absences

   (3) Has a "C" average and no more than two absences

Any absences, whether excused or unexcused, count towards the limit for the CMA exemption. Exceptions include absences resulting from school-sponsored field trips, school-approved activities, religious holidays, or school system-approved medical hardship waivers.

Classroom Procedures:

1.       Stay in your assigned seat when the bell rings until the teacher dismisses you.

2.       Missed assignments will be accepted with a reduction of 20% from the grade.

3.       ABSENCES: It is YOUR responsibility to make up missed work. Get lecture notes from a classmate. Contact me immediately for missed assignments.

4.       If the assignment was assigned prior to your absence, it is due when you return. If it was assigned during your absence, it is due the next class period.

5.       Missed Quizzes or Test: If no new material was presented while you were gone, you are responsible for taking the quiz or test when you return. If new material was taught, you must take the quiz or test within on school week (5 days)

6.       Missed Labs: Often labs are too extensive and involved to allow you to make them up so, alternative assignments may be given.

7.       Cell phones and electronic devices: The use of a student cell phone/personal electronic device is prohibited during instructional time (from the beginning to end of each class period).  Students are permitted to use their cell phones before/after school, in the hallways during class changes, and inside the Cafeteria during their assigned lunch period. 

·         Staff and administration are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones.

·         Staff and administration will not disrupt instruction to conduct searches for lost or stolen cell phones.

Consequences for misuse of cell phones/electronic devices during the instructional day:

·         First Offense - A Verbal Warning

·            Failure to follow instructions will be seen as insubordination and will result in further disciplinary action 

·         Second Offense - The teacher/staff will confiscate the student’s cell phone and return it at the end of class..  Failure to follow instructions will be seen as insubordination and will result in further disciplinary action.

·         Third Offense - The teacher/staff will confiscate the phone, turn it into the office.  The student may pick up at the end of the day.  Failure to follow instructions will be seen as insubordination and will result in more disciplinary action.

·         Failure to comply with teacher confiscation will lead to confiscation by administration, a parent/guardian will then need to pick up the phone or item.  

8.       Tardies: Students are to be in their seat when the bell rings. If students are not in the seat when the bell

9.       Attendance: Students may not miss more than 10 days of school. If more than 8 days are missed Brunswick County School Board Policy will be adhered which means you will fail the class.

10.   Progress Reports:  Every student should have access to Powerschool. If you do not I will assist you in getting it. 

11.   Bathroom Policy: Students will use the restrooms on 500 hallway after writing a ehallpass

12.   Exiting the Classroom: I will give you ample time to prepare your things to leave the class. We do not line up at the door! 

13.   Eating and Drinking: You must clean up after yourself. If Crumbs and trash are left the whole class will not be allowed to eat or drink.

Materials needed for class

1.       2 inch binder of bigger

2.       #2 pencils or pens

3.       Paper