Earth Science CP Syllabus

Course Description:  Earth Science studies the integrated systems of Earth - the hydrosphere, geosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere - and Earth’s place in the universe. This semester-long course uses activities and labs to better understand all of the following topics and more:

• Rock cycle 

• Geology

• Earthquakes

• Volcanoes

• Plate tectonics 

• Oceanography

• Meteorology

• Astronomy 

Textbook: Holt McDougal: Earth Science

All materials must be brought in by the first day of school per the Greenville County School District Academic Calendar. Chromebooks are required to be in operational order each day in class. Students are responsible for charging their Chromebooks and completing any repairs necessary to maintain functionality. Please remember to bring all materials to class every day. Students can only participate in labs if they have completed all lab safety training requirements of the Greenville County School District. 

Assessment and Grading Policy:  

     Major Tests/Labs & Reports/Projects:                          60%

     Minor Labs/Quizzes/Activities/Classwork:                    40%

All Classwork is due at the end of the period unless noted otherwise.  Classwork not submitted on time as a result of sleeping or other off-task behavior will be entered as a zero and turning it in late will result in losing points according to the Late Policy.

SC Grading Scale:

A 90-100

B 80-89

C 70-79

D 60-69

F 0-59

Parents can check student grades at any time via the Parent Backpack.  Contact the guidance department for more information on using the Parent Backpack.

Extra Help:

I will be available before or after school for extra help. 24 hours notice is required.

Late Work Policy:

Any class work not completed in class will be assigned as a homework assignment for that night.  Each student is required to hand in this work at the beginning of class the following day.  Assignments may be handed in up to 5 days late, with a penalty of 5 points for each day late. Please see the Mauldin High School Late Work Policy for further information.

Make-up Work Policy:

It is the student’s responsibility to obtain their makeup work in Google Classroom (digital) and from the lab bench in the front of the room (if there are paper handouts). The FIRST step is to view the weekly planner in Google Classroom so students know what work they missed.  If a student has any trouble obtaining their work, the student is responsible for communicating with the teacher the same day. Students have one day for each day absent to submit makeup work without a late penalty. Never turn in work via email unless specifically told to do so by the teacher.  All paper handouts will be turned into the black basket in front of the printer and digital assignments will be submitted in Google Classroom.

If there are any extenuating circumstances concerning make-up work, parents/guardians should contact me to discuss their individual situation before the student returns to school.

Classroom Guidelines:

The goal of these classroom guidelines is to provide an excellent learning environment for all students. Through a team effort in following all guidelines, this classroom will succeed in providing a learning environment to help further the success of all students. Raise your hand if you need to leave your seat. Practice respect for yourself, other students, and the teacher at all times. Cell phones and other electronic devices should not be accessible, visible, or in use at any time while inside the classroom. No cell phones are allowed during class. Please see the Cell Phone Policy here.

1. Arrive on time.

2. Treat yourself, the course material, the classroom, and others with respect. Clean up after yourself. 

3. Be prepared for class.

 Preparedness includes bringing all of your materials to class every day.

4. Place backpacks in the back of the room.

5. All electronic devices must remain in a zipper pocket of the bookbag and bookbag stored in the designated area at all times. You must get permission to access the bookbag after the bell rings.

6. No food in the classroom.  Drinks must be in a container with a sealed top 

7. Remain in your seat while I am teaching/talking. Reserve trips to the trash can, pencil sharpener, etc., for the completion of teaching/talking.

8. Be respectful of yourself and your peers.  

9. Use only professional language in the classroom.

10. Do not interrupt me while I am taking attendance.  Reserve questions and other needs until completion of attendance. When the warning bell rings to start class, open up your google classroom, and begin your bell ringer.

11. Turn in work on time.

12. Students may only use their SmartPasses during independent work time. 

Sharpening pencils and other tasks should be handled before or after class.  If you occasionally need to handle these duties during class time, be sure you wait until I am done teaching. 

Classroom Disciplinary Procedure:

• First Offense - Verbal Warning

• Second Offense - Verbal Warning & call home

• Third Offense - 30-Minute detention & call home

• Fourth Offense - Referral to Administration

Tardies: Students must be in their assigned seat when the tardy bell rings or they will be marked tardy.  I start class as soon as the bell rings. When students arrive late, they are expected to enter quietly and do so without disturbing the teacher or other students so that class time is not lost. Please see the Mauldin High School Tardy Policy for further information. 

Academic Honesty: If a student violates the Honor Code Policy or plagiarizes the work they submit, parents and administrators will be informed and a grade of zero will be given. Sharing Google documents or other digital files for individual assignments is considered cheating. Cheating is a violation of the Honor Code Policy and will result in a zero for all students involved with the assignment as well as notifying parents and administrators. Please see the Mauldin High School Student and Parent Handbook for more information about academic honesty. 

Please note you are responsible for checking Google Classroom and the Weekly Planner every day to prepare for assignments and note any changes that occur on the schedule.

Tentative Schedule:

Week 1: Lab Safety, Basic Science, Math, and Measurement 

Week 2 - 5: Astronomy (History and Theory, Galaxy, Kepler's Law, Planets, Seasons, Sun, Stars, Moon, and Eclipse/Tide)

Week 6 - 7: Geosphere (Plate Tectonics, Topography, Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Rocks, Soil, Minerals, and Mining, Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition)

Week 8 - 10: Paleobiosphere (Geotime, Fossil record, Carbon Cycle, and Fossil Fuels)

Week 11 - 13: Atmosphere (Weather, Climate Zones, Layer of Atmosphere, and Climate Change)

Week 14 - 17: Hydrosphere (Freshwater and Oceans)

Week 18: Review and Final Exam