Geology:
Geology is a 10th grade science laboratory class that fulfills the “G” requirement in the UC A-G list. Throughout the year, students will study the dynamic processes that shape and change the surface and interior of the Earth. Students will learn how the different geological sciences interact with one another while incorporating other disciplines such as Chemistry, Physics, Languages, Art, and Mathematics. This class emphasizes the hands-on approach with labs and students write lab reports based on the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning format. Students will conduct a major research project each Semester to show mastery of Geological and other Science Processes.
New Curriculum: Carolina Science Online
This year (2026-2027), we will be piloting a new curriculum for Geology. Since Geology counts as the same requirement that Chemistry does at CVCHS, our Geology course will cover most of the same standards as the Chemistry curriculum. This will help all students be prepared with the full science experience regardless of which class they take.
We will be using the Carolina Science Online (Open Sci Ed) Chemistry curriculum with modifications along the way to emphasize Geologic themes and content. The timing of the lessons and course may change as we get to know the curriculum together, but here is the general plan:
Semester 1 Geology
Unit 1: Thermodynamics in Earth's Systems
Unit 2: Structures & Properties of Matter (with emphasis on crystallization and rock formation)
Semester 2 Geology
Unit 3: Molecular Processes in Earth's Systems (with emphasis on water and erosional effects)
Unit 4: Chemical Reactions in Our World (with additional content TBD)
Geology Syllabus Information
Mz. S.E. Jones (They/She) Room D8 sarah.jones@claytonvalley.org
Category Weighting: All assignments are scored out of 10 points.
Assignments - 20% of the grade: Notes and Activity Worksheets
Formative Assessments- 20% of the grade: Checks for Understanding, Exit Tickets
Performance Tasks- 30% of the grade: Weekly Labs and/or Lab Reports, Unit Projects
Summative Assessments- 30% of the grade: Unit Exams, Semester Projects
CVCHS
A-G Grading Scale:
A : 9.0 - 10 [90 - 100%]
B : 8.0 - 8.9 [80 - 89%]
C : 7.0 - 7.9 [70 - 79%]
F : 0 - 5.9/10 [0 - 69%]
(F: includes Missing or turned in after Unit Exam)
Health & Safety Procedures:
No Cinnamon products of any kind allowed in D8 - Mz. Jones is VERY allergic!
No flickering of lights - migraine and seizure risk
No spray products (if you need to apply spray deodorant, use the hallway) - migraine and seizure risk
Classroom Rules and Procedures
Cell Phones: Keep in the Chromecart at all times. Medical and other exceptions do exist - in this case, your phone must be out of sight, off the desk and not in your lap.
Devices: To ensure a consistent and distraction-free learning environment, the Science Department requires that all classwork be completed using a school-issued Chromebook. Personal devices—including laptops, tablets, and smartphones—may not be used during class time. This policy supports equitable access to digital resources and helps maintain academic integrity and focus during instruction.
Absences: All work is posted online through Schoology - student is responsible for scheduling or making up missed classwork. Refer to Student Handbook for Absence Policies
Excused absences = equal-day extensions except in extenuating circumstances
Unexcused absences = teacher discretion
Tardies - student is responsible for any work missed, even during excused tardies.
Bathroom Use: One pass is available. Signal the teacher for permission and sign out on the bathroom sign-out sheet with your name, period, and time out. Bathroom breaks should be no longer than 5 minutes. 10 minutes or longer will result in an Absence and a referral, according to the Student Handbook.
DeansList: Students will be given sufficient warnings for minor offenses (as per handbook), and assigned detention if violation of minor rules continues. If necessary for discipline, students will be given a referral if they violate major class or school rules. Under extreme circumstances, a student may be removed from the class to prevent other students from losing instructional time.
Communication protocol: Schoology is the #1 place to find information about the assignments and grades on individual assignments. Please email me (using proper email etiquette) if you have any further questions.
Class Materials and Recommended Resources
Student notebooks: Students will be provided with a composition notebook for class and lab work - it will remain in the classroom.
Student Workbook: Students will be provided with a workbook for each unit - it will remain in the classroom.
Schoology: All work will be posted on Schoology - missed assignments can be found there
Final grades use the grade seen on Powerschool, but details about individual assignments can be found on Schoology
Materials: Materials available in the classroom to borrow but if you are able to bring your own, please do: Pens, Pencils, Highlighters Colored Pencils, Tape, Ruler, Glue Stick, Scissors, Stapler, Page Flags, Markers.