Earth Science (SCIN 911, 912)
(E. Science 10 Handout)


Course Objectives:
1. To develop the student's knowledge of Earth science.
2. To develop the student's scientific approach to reasoning with exercises in practical application, and experimental discovery.
3. To develop the student's awareness of the importance of the study of Earth science to our society and to his/her own well being.
4. To develop each student's scientific note taking ability.
5. To enhance the student's appreciation of God's creation, His laws for Earth, and His love for us.


Course Grades:
Tests & Exams 60% 100 - 90 % = A
Experiments/Homework 25% 89 - 80 % = B
Review Questions/Quizzes 10% 79 - 70 % = C
Notebook 5% 69 - 60 % = D
100 % 59 - 0 % = F

Course Approach:
Earth science, the study of the Earth, can be taught in many different ways. In this course, I will emphasize experimental discovery and everyday application of Earth science principles. Experimental discovery will help you develop your critical thinking and analytical abilities. Understanding the application of Earth science will show how essential the knowledge of Earth science is to our society and how much it has improved our lives.


Discussion Portion of Class: During discussion please:
1. Remain in assigned seat (as in do not walk around the room).
2. Take notes and concentrate (as in no talking or disrupting others).
3. Participate in the discussion - raise hand to be acknowledged before speaking.
4. You are encouraged to ask questions and give answers - serious comments only.


Experiment Portion of Class: During experiments please:
1. Go to assigned stations - wear goggles when the experiment requires it.
2. Follow lab instructions carefully - report any breakage or injury immediately.
3. Talk with low volume - when I call for your attention, stop immediately and listen.
4. Clean up area - leave your area clean and equipment put away. (or -5 pts.).
Bonus:
1. If the "homeletter" is signed and returned to myself the next school day after it was issued then 2 bonus points will be added to the chapter test. If it's returned within a few days of being issued then the student will receive one bonus point. If it is not returned in a timely manner 2 points will be removed from their test score.
2. Five bonus points are available for those who draw a good educational diagram of one of the concepts we have been studying within the unit. For example, Unit one contains two chapters, so an educational drawing from either chapter's content could be drawn and turned in at the beginning of the class period of the unit test. It should be an educational picture with labels and color drawn on a blank 11.5 by 8 inch paper.
3. See "classroom emergencies" statement 5 for other bonus points available

Tests: During any quiz or test please:
1. Make sure all assignments are turned in before taking the test, or no credit will be given.
2. Make sure you have turned in your notebook & review questions at beginning of class for grading. If turned in afterwards, half credit will be given.
3. Close textbook and notebooks and place all materials (except for pencil, pen and eraser) in a pile on the middle of the desk to seperate yourself from your partner.
4. When you have finished the test, do not leave the room, move back to a study booth and quietly study there. (If you leave 2 emergencies will be recorded).
5. Remember to pick up any graded assignments from your box. Contents remaining in boxes will be discarded at the end of the day each Wednesday.
6. Tests must be taken during the time that they are scheduled. 20 % per school day will be deducted from a test taken late except: 1) With a parents note excusing you from school for a serious illness or 2) in the case of an official school field trip (you must pre- arrange a test taking time with me).
7. If you are absent on the day before the test you are still expected to write the test as scheduled.

Classroom "Emergencies": If you need to leave the room for any reason, you may simply leave according to these instructions:
1. Only one person at a time may leave the room.
2. You must return in a reasonable length of time (about 5 min.), or an absence will be recorded.
3. Fill out the "Pass or Consultation Slip" then leave quietly without disrupting the class in any way.
4. You have five emergencies per half semester. A "referral" will be issued when this limit is exceeded.
5. If you keep all five, or some emergencies per half semester, then two bonus points per emergency not used will be given to test points.

Classroom Integrity and Honor:
The best rule of thumb is:
"What would Jesus do?":
1. Cheating of any type is totally unacceptable. (Remember a "referral" for academic dishonesty is serious and has considerable consequences. Also a zero will be given for that assignment/test).
2. Copying another person's homework assignment is cheating and will be treated as such.
3. Purposely giving an assignment for someone to copy is also cheating and will be treated as such.

Materials Needed:
1. Binder with two divisions - one section for notes, the other for labs.
2. Three holed lined paper - for taking classroom notes.
3. Bible, textbook, pen, pencil, eraser, colored pencils, metric ruler & calculator.

Additional Help: Please seek my assistance during class or lab by raising your hand and asking your question. Also:

1. Have a study partner from the class (Your lab partner may be this person). Ask this person for help first before asking me. This way I will be available to help more students.
2. I am available after school from 3:15 till 3.45 pm. On some days I may be available until 4:15 pm.
3. If possible try to come after school but if you are unable to obtain help after school, please call me at home (473 -2606) between 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday evenings.
4. Because I am available to help you at these times, do not come to me just before the assignment is due and say "I don't understand so this is not complete". I usually do not have time just before class to help with assignments.
5. Lab partners should look out for each other. Pick up labs for lab partner if he/she is absent. Also relay any announcements to your lab partner, that your lab partner may have missed.

Comments:

Earth science is much more than memorizing facts. A key element of Earth science is the understanding of principles and concepts. Please ask questions until you understand the concept rather than just memorizing a list of facts. Earth science is a fascinating subject and can teach you so much about the world you live in. It is fun!!

Schedule: First Semester: Ch. 1 - 11
Second Semester: Ch. 12 - 24
For Earth Science, each semester is independent of the other semester. So students can take just one semester, or all two semester of Earth Science if they wish. However, it is a little easier if the two semesters are taken in sequence.
Test dates for each chapter or unit will be written on the chalkboard at the beginning of that chapter.

Homework Policy

Why I Assign Homework:
Homework plays an important role in education. It reinforces the material learned in class, prepares students for upcoming classes, teaches them to work independently, promotes students responsibility, and aids in evaluation of performance. It has been demonstrated in scientific studies that consistent homework increases learning.

When Homework Will Be Assigned:
Homework will be assigned almost every school day. A good portion of it can be completed during class time or study hall. If time is used wisely it should take students no more than one half additional hour. (Excluding long term projects, or nights before tests). Most homework will reinforce material that has already been taught in class.

Tests:
Tests will be administered periodically, (usually after each chapter). Students will be informed of the test date at the beginning of that chapter.

Student's Homework Responsibilities:
- All assignments are to be completed by the next school day and are to be handed in at the beginning of that class period, (except for long term projects).
- Homework must be turned in on time. Half credit will be given for late work. (I want to emphasize personal responsibility. You choose the grade you receive by turning your homework in on time or late).
- Students are responsible for making up homework missed due to excused absence. No credit will be given for work turned in after the beginning of the test for that chapter.
- Work must be completed neatly and in the proper format.

Parent's Homework Responsibilities:
Parents are the key to making homework a positive, productive experience for their children. Therefore, I ask that you make his or her homework a top priority. A definite, scheduled time each evening is needed for its completion. This should be a quiet time when television and music are off. (Research has shown that students learn more quickly and retain the information longer when they study in a quiet atmosphere). Mini-breaks are helpful during this time (e.g. walk or jog for a couple of minutes). Assignment books are very helpful to assist him/her in learning to plan and schedule.
If you discover your child is spending an unusual amount of time studying for this class please get involved in an effort to make the student's efforts more efficient. One thing to look out for is procrastination. I try to set a reasonable pace throughout the chapter. However, if your child puts off doing assignments till the night before the test he/she will have an unusual amount of homework and will feel overwhelmed. If you have any questions or concerns about homework or any aspect of the class please contact me at 471 -6179 or e-mail satkins@andrews.edu

Teacher's Homework Responsibilities:
My grader or myself will check all homework and keep a record of assignments completed & of those which were not. This homework will be returned in a timely manner (usually the next school day) so that students can monitor their progress in the class. I will help students who have difficulty with the homework assignments. Because I strongly believe in the value that positive support plays in motivating students to develop good study habits, I will praise students when they consistently complete their homework in a timely manner.

Revised Aug. 2 2004


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