Earth Systems – Course Syllabus - 2021-2022
Instructor: Richard Butterworth Georgia Science Certified in All Sciences Grades 6-12
School e-mail: richard.butterworth@polk.k12.ga.us
Co-Teacher Mr. Avery Privett
Class websites/help links: Mr. Butterworth’s on-line classroom is on the PSD web page.
Google Classroom will also be used in the class. Students must log into Google Classroom with their CHS account.
Grades available on-line: powerschool.polk.k12.ga.us
Classroom: 221
Planning time 2nd period daily
Course Description: Earth Systems Science is designed for students to investigate the connections among Earth’s systems through Earth history. These systems – the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere – interact through time to produce the Earth’s landscapes, ecology, and resources.
Text: Students will use the online classroom as the base for learning.
Course Objectives: • Composition, distribution, and motion of solar system objects
• Composition and formation of Earth’s systems
• Plate tectonics and geologic hazards
• Hydrologic processes
• Physical and chemical weathing
• Age of rocks, rock & fossil succession,
• Uniform processes that affect the landscape
• Major transitions in rock and fossil records found in Earth and Georgia history
• Solar heating, weather systems, climate zones, and extreme weather events
• Connections between Earth systems and life
• Nutrient cycling, atmospheric composition, and soil formation
• Extinction, migration, and adaptation
Materials Needed: Students will need their charged Chromebook, notebook/paper and a writing implement. Be prepared to organize and keep track of your own papers etc. Safety equipment will be provided by the teacher.
Department Grading Policy: 60% of the final grade will be taken from objective unit tests and
cumulative testing. No tests will be dropped.
20% of the final grade will come from class work, homework and lab work/reports.
20% of the final grade will come from the Midterm/Final Exam
Students may not receive credit after seven absences from the class. Make sure you are at school every day.
If your final grade is below 59% you will not receive credit.
*PARENT’S can obtain their child’s confidential PowerSchool access code from the office at CHS.
Testing: All tests are scheduled well in advance and announced in class 2-5 days before the testing date. Test dates are written on the board in the classroom, mentioned in class, and sent out in remind at least 2 days before the test. Study guides/prep guides are given to the students before the test and should be completed by the student to prepare for testing. If the student is out the day before the test, that student is fully expected to take the test on time as they have been given adequate notice and preparation time for testing.
Make-up Policy: Students who miss work have a prescribed amount of time stated in the student code of conduct to make up work or a test. It is solely the student’s responsibility to complete and discuss missing work with the teacher. Late work may be graded at reduced points or will not be accepted at all after the cut off period before unit testing.
Remediation: There is no dropping of tests. Retests are available for students. Students must first complete remedial work set up for the student in Study Island (limited time frame to complete). After completion of Study Island remediation, students can take a retest. PSD policy states that students may only take one retest per nine -week grading period in a subject area. Projects and Mid-Terms/Finals cannot be “retested”.
Classroom Conduct:
All students are expected to work together and contribute to the learning atmosphere of the class. Behavior that disrupts the learning environment will not be tolerated. Treat your teacher and fellow students with RESPECT at all times and expect to be treated the same manner.
Expectations of Students
Obey all of the rules outlined in the CHS Code of Conduct and respect all members of the class. All rules are enforced.
Come to class prepared to learn every day. Begin the warm-up before the bell rings. Students are expected to work bell to bell. Do not pack up before the bell. Bring a constructive attitude to class every day. Keep your area clean.
Ask questions when you don’t understand class material. Participate fully in class. Complete assignments on time.
Study for tests using provided study guides and notes taken in class. Consistent work will create greater success. Lack of adequate preparation may lead to failure.
No standing around class doorway during class changes. Students will maintain social distancing in class and follow procedures to the fullest extent possible.
Expectations of Parents
Make sure your child completes all assignments and studies for tests. Study guides are provided for students to complete and use to prepare for their tests.
Make sure your child misses class only when absolutely necessary. No amount of make-up work truly makes up for what is missed in the classroom during absences.
Make sure your child makes up labs, tests, and assignments when he/she is absent. My online classroom contains daily assignments and other resources.
Contact me at 770-748-0490, by e-mail at richard.butterworth@polk.k12.ga.us or by logging on to powerschool.polk.k12.ga.us using your child’s confidential access code.