Science with Miss Clendenin

Earth Science

Syllabus

Welcome to my classroom!  Below you can find my class rules and policies.  If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me either by phone through the school 559-485-8805, or by e-mail at Catherine.clendenin@washingtonunion.net

 

Course Description:

This course offers a foundation in the earth sciences and the scientific method.  The major units of study include: solar system; stars, galaxies, and the universe; dynamic earth processes; energy in the earth system; heating of the earth’s surface/atmosphere; climate; biogeochemical cycles; structure and composition of the atmosphere; California geology; scientific method

 

Class Rules:

  1. Respect the teacher
  2. Respect your fellow students
  3. Follow any and all lab and safety rules in the classroom
  4. No phones, MP3s or any other electronics may be out during SSR or instruction
  5. Remain at your desk until the bell rings
  6. Come prepared to learn
  7. Have fun!

 

Consequences:

  1. Any student who does not obey all of the lab and safety rules will be immediately removed from lab and will receive either a zero or partial credit for the day
  2. Any student who continuously does not obey all of the lab and safety rules will be removed from all labs for a period of time to be determined by the teacher.
  3. If I see or hear any phones or other electronic devices during SSR or instruction time I will take it.  The student can pick it up in the office at the end of the day.
  4. If a student is unprepared for the day we will negotiate for supplies and the student will lose one daily point.
  5. For being disruptive in class the steps to be taken by the teacher are as follows; verbal warning, stay after class or be referred out of class, parent contact/administration office

 Grading:

25%     Tests: Tests are every 2 to 3 weeks, quizzes are given regularly

25%     Labs

25%     Assignments: classroom work, study guides, activities, homework, daily points

15%     Projects: there will be 2 or 3 large projects

10%     Notebook: checked randomly

 

            – Daily Points: students can earn 5pts a day for being in class, on time, reading quietly during SSR, being prepared, participation and behavior.

            – Late work will receive a maximum score of half credit.

            – There is no extra credit.  Through the semester there will be opportunities to earn extra points, but there will not be any special make up work or extra credit.

 

A = >90%       B = >80%        C = >70%        D = >60%       F = <59%

 

A slight curve will be used to adjust these figures at the end of the grading period.  Also, if a student shows significant progress, they will be bumped to the higher grade if they are near a grade boundary.