Naval Science 1 (NS1) Syllabus 2023/24
Navy Junior ROTC
Naval Science I
Teacher: Senior Chief Christopher Gehr
Telephone: 381-3930 x041136
Room: 136
E-mail: gehrc@duvalschools.org
I. Course Description: This course will introduce students (Cadets) to the background, purpose, goals, and objectives of the Naval Science curriculum, as well as establish a foundation of basic military concepts, develop strong citizenship and leadership skills that will provide for their success in and out of the NJROTC program. The curriculum is structured into two main areas, with the first semester focused on NJROTC introduction, familiarization with uniform standards, unit chain of command, military drill, and NJROTC/US Navy rank recognition. The second semester will focus on important life skills associated with good followership, leadership, relationships, motivation, attitudes, and goals. In addition, health/fitness and Navy organization topics will be interspersed throughout both semesters.
II. Course Objectives:
NJROTC/Navy Knowledge:
● Understand the importance and strengths of military-themed training in relation to developing self-discipline, respect for authority, and leadership traits.
● Understand the importance of and be able to identify the NJROTC chain of command and how a military-themed chain of command is similar to many civilian business models.
● Explain and demonstrate how the Navy Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment apply to NJROTC and cross over to civilian applications.
● Demonstrate the appropriate wear and care of the NJROTC uniform and how it relates to basic life skills such as attention to detail, responsibility, and accountability.
● Become familiar with military customs and courtesies associated with deference to authority.
● Understand and demonstrate the various aspects of military drill and how drill relates to developing life skills such as teamwork, self-discipline, and leadership.
● Develop a basic understanding of Naval organizations including ships and aircraft.
Leadership Knowledge:
● Exhibit an understanding of basic naval leadership/ followership traits and principles and relate them to civilian equivalents.
● Develop an understanding of what motivates people and how leaders use that understanding to lead effectively.
● Understand basic principles regarding relationships with others and how leaders can use that understanding to influence and lead more effectively.
● Understand how human behavior is affected by emotions and attitudes; and demonstrate how effective leaders can positively leverage that understanding.
Naval Skills:
● Demonstrate basic military drills and adherence to uniform regulations.
● Demonstrate knowledge of the chain of command.
● Demonstrate knowledge of NJROTC/Navy ranks and rates.
● Demonstrate ability to apply learned leadership skills in NJROTC unit leadership positions and day-to-day applications outside of the unit.
III. Anticipated Course Progress
Normal Weekly Schedule
Monday: Uniform Inspection, Military Drill
Tuesday: Uniform Inspection, Military Drill
Wednesday: Academics
Thursday: Academics
Friday: Physical Fitness training (DCPS Sports Physical required)
IV. State Standards:
Sunshine State Standards:
● Language Arts: LA.A.1.4.1, LA.A.1.4.2, LA.A.1.4.4, LA.A.2.4.1, LA.A.2.4.4, LA.B.2.4.1, LA.B.2.4.2, LA.C.1.4.1, LA.C.1.4.1, LA.C.1.4.3, L.A.C.3.4.3
● Social Studies: SS.912.C1 - 4, SS.912.S.2 - 4, SS.912.S.8
● Physical Education: PE.A.1.4.1, PE.A.2.4.1, PE.A.2.4.2, PE.A.2.4.3, PE.B.1.4.4, PE.B.2.4.4, PE.B.2.4.4, PE.B.2.4
● Health Education: HE.A.1.4.1, HE.B.1.4.1, HE.B.1.4
V. Instructional Procedures:
A variety of teaching strategies will be used in this course. These include reading and writing assignments, lectures, rote memorization, oral presentations by students, independent research, computer and internet activities, guest speakers, physical hands-on training, and individual and collaborative project work.
VI. Grading Policies:
The following criteria and weights will be used to calculate your grade.
20% - Academics- To include; Tests, quizzes, reports, homework, and other graded assignments.
Cadets are required to take notes in Cornell format. Notes are gradable.
40% - Uniform inspections and drill- Weekly grade to include effort/performance in weekly drill and mandatory uniform inspections. The uniform is required to be worn once a week (Monday or Tuesday depending on the day they are in class.)
NJROTC uses weekly uniform inspections to emphasize and illustrate the importance of life skills being taught (ie. attention to detail, self-discipline, accountability, etc.), the weekly uniform inspection
grade is critical to the success of the cadet in this course.
Uniform wear is required for the ENTIRE school day. Cadets who change out of their uniform prior to the end of the school day will receive a zero for their inspection grade.
Any time a cadet is in uniform, he/she is representing the school, the NJROTC program, and ultimately the Navy. Therefore, compliance with uniform standards and grooming standards (haircut/style, shave, fingernails, authorized jewelry, etc…) are strictly enforced. Major violations will result in a zero grade for the inspection. In addition, the cadet will not be allowed to wear the uniform until the grooming standard violation is corrected. This will result in a zero for each missed inspection.
All cadets are required to participate in our annual military inspection. This inspection will be weighted as five letter grades. Attendance is mandatory. The inspection is conducted by personnel outside of Riverside High School, so we cannot schedule make-up dates. Cadets only have one opportunity to attend. Therefore, all absences must be approved by the Senior Naval Science Instructor prior to the event.
40% - Personal Performance - The weekly performance grade includes four major areas - being on time, being prepared, participating, and behaving/adhering to class standards and NJROTC uniform standards. It is important to note that the life skills being taught apply outside the NJROTC classroom as well. Therefore, participation and behavior in other non-NJROTC-related classes and events will also be reflected in the cadet's NJROTC weekly performance grade.
Extra Credit - Will be considered by the instructor based on overall performance, participation, and service to the unit.
After-school activities - 1-10 extra credit points (per grading period) can/will be assigned to cadets participating in and/or supporting after-school events, including Drill practice, community service, school service, etc.
Competition events - Cadets actively assigned to and supporting any competing team will incur 1-10 extra credit points per grading period. Actively assigned and supporting is defined as: attending at least two practices a week and attending one competition
School District letter and numerical grade equivalents:
100-90 A
89-80 B
79-70 C
69-60 D
59- below
VII. Major Projects/and annual inspection:
Major assignments and projects may be incorporated into each quarter or semester as determined by the Naval Science Instructors.
VIII. Types of Weekly Assignments Used:
Assignments may include classroom projects, skills assessments, problem-solving, life skills assessments, uniform inspections, aptitude evaluations, and other classroom activities.
IX. Materials/Supplies/Textbooks supplied by NJROTC:
● Textbooks: Field Manual for NJROTC and Introduction to the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps textbook.
● Uniform items including shirts, trousers, jackets, shoes, belts, covers (hat), insignia, etc. are supplied by the NJROTC program. However, each Cadet is responsible for the proper care and maintenance of issued articles and items. Shirts, trousers, jackets, and covers, are mandatory returnable items and the cadet will be held accountable for turning in the uniform items upon dropping or completing the NJROTC course.
X. Materials/Supplies Required by Student:
Note-taking materials
Plain white, cotton, crew neck t-shirt one size smaller than normally worn (the T-shirt is worn with uniform and is worn one size smaller than normal so it will provide a snug and professional appearance).
Black dress socks (worn with the uniform.)
Materials to clean and shine shoes and insignia.
Cadets will be required to purchase one of the following: physical training shorts and a shirt; and a unit polo-style shirt. The fee is mandatory and ensures that cadets are able to fully participate in all intra/extracurricular activities associated with NJROTC. Even though the fee is one-time, cadets may be required to purchase additional clothing items as replacements
XI. Homework Procedures/Policies:
Homework is an integral part of the learning process. If assigned, it is given to help the cadet prepare for upcoming lessons, reinforce work done in class, and allow the cadet to practice skills learned. All homework assignments will be graded and must be completed on time. The maximum grade allowed for late work is 75%. It is important to note that traditionally, academic homework will be light. This is due to the fact that preparations for the weekly uniform inspection and military drill evaluations are the main homework focus. The weekly uniform inspection grade is critical to the success of the cadet in this course.
XII. Performance Remediation, Makeup Procedures/Policies:
Performance/behavior: Most minor substandard performance and behavior issues can/will be handled in class using accepted military training-themed techniques (verbal reminders, counseling, pushups, jumping jacks, etc.) These techniques are not disciplinary or punitive in manner and are used to refocus cadets and reinforce the concept of personal accountability. If the substandard performance or behavior continues, Extra Military Instruction (EMI) may be assigned. EMI is designed to help a cadet recover from a performance deficiency or a missed uniform inspection. EMI will be conducted after school on drill days Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. EMI will normally consist of chores or extra work assignments related to the behavior infraction. Failure to complete EMI, or continued substandard performance/behavior after completion of EMI, will result in escalated disciplinary action to possibly include parent-teacher conferences, formal disciplinary referrals, and/or removal from the NJROTC program.
Makeup work: It is the responsibility of the cadet to obtain missed assignments and complete them. Cadets will normally be given five days to make up work (including Uniform Inspections, homework, and taking exams).
Missed uniform inspections: The weekly uniform inspection grade is critical to the success of the cadet in this course.
Absences - can be made up for full credit on the next day the student is in class. If a cadet fails to wear his/her uniform on the next day they are in the class, they can make up the inspection the following day in class at a maximum grade of 75. If the cadet misses this second makeup opportunity, they can attend EMI and will receive a grade of 65.
Fail to wear the uniform when required - If a cadet is present, but fails to wear their uniform on inspection day, they will receive a zero until the inspection is made up. The inspection must be made up the next day they are present in the class and the maximum grade possible is a 75. If the student misses this makeup opportunity, they can attend EMI and will receive a grade of 65.
XIII. Class Rules/Procedures/Policies
All class rules, procedures/ policies will be explained to cadets and must be adhered to and are considered a part of their personal performance grade.
1. Come to class on time
2. Come to class prepared for the day's routine (i.e. notebook and pen on academic days. PT gear on PT days)
3. Participate in class discussions and activities
4. Treat others with respect
5. Do not lie, cheat or steal or tolerate those who do
6. Respect and follow classroom routines and military courtesies (i.e. reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, saluting when appropriate, addressing student officers as sir/ma’am, etc. )
7. Do not chew gum or eat in class
8. Do not take out personal electronic devices unless allowed by the instructor
9. Class will remain silent during school-wide general announcements
Naval Science 1 Course Syllabus and Requirements Acknowledgement Letter
Please complete the following form and return to Command Master Chief Hudson
This form requires a signature from both the student and a parent/guardian:
We are committed to fostering and maintaining a productive and cooperative student/parent/teacher team spirit. We are dedicated to working with both students and parents/guardians to provide the best chance of success for the student, both in and out of our NJROTC program. In keeping with this commitment, we ask that you please indicate you have read and understand the above course requirements by printing and signing your name. Please include a day and evening telephone number as well as a current email address where we can contact you. If you have any questions, please contact us at (904) 381-3930 x041136.
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(Student Printed Name) (Parent/Guardian Printed Name)
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(Student Signature/Date) (Parent/Guardian signature/Date)
Parent/Guardian Email: ____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Telephone:
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Please indicate preferred method of contact: Email: ______ Phone: ______