1 Ninth Grade Earth Science Course Syllabus Mr.Peffer Dear Parents/Guardians and Students, I want to welcome you to ninth grade Earth Science. The Earth science course is designed to interpret and understand the world around you. In order to do so, students will investigate and study the interactions between the four major Earth s spheres including the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere in order to explain Earth s formation, processes, history, landscapes, and how and why Earth changes over time. The course will also explore how current actions of man are interacting with and affecting Earth s spheres leading to local and global changes. Topics to be addressed include, but are not limited to the scientific method, mapping Earth s surface, minerals, rocks, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, geologic time, and meteorology. Students will participate in laboratory exercises, small group activities, web based investigations, class discussions, projects and research. Not only does this document outline the course topics, but also student expectations and responsibilities and grading policies. Once you have read and understand the content of this syllabus, please sign your name and return the entire packet by: Earth Science 9 rules, expected behaviors and responsibilities: 1. Follow directions the first time they are given. 2. SHOW RESPECT to the teacher and fellow classmates by: a. Please no talking while Mr. Peffer is talking. b. Please no arguing, talking back, or refusing to do work. c. Please no talking while your classmates are asking or answering a question or expressing an opinion during a discussion. d. Respect your classmates opinions as well as their personal space and belongings. Every individual in this classroom should feel free to express his/her ideas without fear of ridicule or judgment. Respect yourselves, your peers e. If you have a question, want to answer a question or participate in a discussion, please raise your hand and wait for Mr. Peffer to call on you. f. Please ask for permission if you need to get out of your seat during class. If you must leave the room for any reason, you must sign out and sign back in if you return.
2 3. Be a responsible Student by: a. Bring all materials to class. Materials to be brought to class everyday include: 1) agenda planner 2) writing utensil 3) binder 4) laptop 5) homework ****NOTE: I will not give out any writing utensils. If you forget a pencil or pen, ask another classmate first, not me! b. Complete homework assignments on time. (See homework and grading policy) c. Be punctual. Do not be late for class. Three (3) tardies will result in an office referral. d. STUDY! I recommend that you spend at least fifteen (15) minute each night looking over your science notes/work even if you are not given a homework assignment. e. Check grades and assignments on the SIS grading system regularly. f. Write down assignments and important dates in your agenda planner. 4. Once you enter the room, take your seat and quietly begin working on the bell ringer question/activity that will be on the chalkboard or smartboard. After you have completed the bell ringer, use any extra time to write down any assignments or important test and project due dates in your agenda planner. 5. Always use appropriate language. 6. Please do not touch any samples, equipment etc that might be out in the room or on your tables. This could result in losing your lab privileges and loss of responsibility points. 7. You may have water bottles (only) in class as long as those bottles have lids that close. Remember to take your water bottle with you when you leave class! You may have gum, lifesavers, and hard candy as long as it does not become a problem. 8. Please do not abuse restroom privileges. If you need to use the restroom, please try and use it before class begins. Limit restroom visits during class emergencies only. Use the restroom pass hanging on the pencil sharpener by the door and sign out when you leave and sign back in when you return. 9. Do not leave class when the bell rings. Stay in your seat until Mr. Peffer dismisses you. Also, do not clean up/pack up early, ie before the bell rings. Use your time wisely.
3 10. Instructional time begins when you enter the room and ends when you are dismissed, therefore, electronic devices including but not limited to cell phones, ipods, MP3 players etc are not permitted and will be put away. Cell phones, as per the student handbook, are to be used before block 1, class change and lunch periods. 11. Mr. Peffer reserves the right to require students to leave cell phones on Mr. Peffer s desk when students leave the room to visit the restroom, particularly during tests. When any of the classroom rules are not followed, the following consequences will be given: - Point deduction from the student s participation/responsibility grade. See rubric in the Responsibility Points section. - Parental Contact - Coach Contact - Detention after School - Office referral Here is what you should expect of me, Mr. Peffer: 1. To provide you with timely, detailed and constructive feedback regarding your work. 2. To maintain organized grades and classroom materials. 3. To respect your ideas, opinions, viewpoints, and needs. 4. To provide you with clear directions, rules, and expectations to guide your learning. 5. To be available for communication and collaboration with you and your parents/guardians. ~Continued Page 4~
4 Earth Science Course Topics Overview Ninth grade Earth science is designed to help students master the concepts and skills as outlined in the Earth Science Pennsylvania State Standards. This course will also help students relate Earth science to everyday life situations. Below are the topics that will be explored in the class through discussions, notes, labs, and various class activities and projects. The list of topics and how they will be presented and learned are, but not limited to: Earth Science 9 Topics Unit 1 - Nature of Science/Mapping Earth s Surface o Scientific Inquiry/Scientific Method o Maps Topographic Maps o **Topographic Map Project Unit 2 - Minerals o Mineral Characteristics o Mineral Properties o Mineral formation o **Mineral Identification Lab o Mineral Uses Lab Unit 3 - Rocks: o The formation, characteristics and identification of: Sedimentary Rocks Igneous Rocks Metamorphic Rocks o The Rock Cycle Unit 4 - Plate Tectonics o Earth s Internal Layered Structure o Continental Drift Theory o **Continental Drift/Pangaea Project o Seafloor Spreading o Plate Tectonics Theory o Plate Boundaries and How they Change and Shape Earth s Surface o Forces Behind Plate Tectonics
Unit 5 - Earthquakes o What they are o Where they occur types of earthquake faults o Why they occur o How they Change and Shape Earth s Surface o Earthquake Anatomy parts of an earthquake, measurement scales, hazards o **Earthquake Research Project Unit 6 - Volcanoes o What they are o Where they occur ring of fire, hotspots and the Hawaiian Islands o Why they occur o Magma Formation and Types o Volcano Anatomy parts of a volcano, types of eruptions, types of volcanoes o Volcanic Features Unit 7 - Geologic Time o Fossils o Relative Age Dating o Absolute Age Dating Half-Life Calculations o The Geologic Time Scale Unit 8 - Meteorology o Composition and Structure of the Atmosphere o Greenhouse Effect o Environmental Issues - Global Warming What it is, causes, effects, solutions o Atmospheric Temperature Controls o Winds o Relative Humidity and Dew Point o Weather Factors Air Masses, Weather Fronts, Pressure Systems, Weather Maps, Weather Prediction 5
6 Research Paper At the completion of the earthquake unit, students Earth Science 9 course will write a 2-3 page research paper and create a poster based on a major world earthquake. This research paper will require students to apply the knowledge learned throughout the course, particularly from the plate tectonics and earthquake unit, to explain how, why and where earthquakes occur. In addition, they will research the specific details about their earthquake including the effects on humans. A works cited page with at least three (3) entries will be required. Classroom Textbook Earth Science, Prentice Hall, 2009. Edward Tarbuck, Frederick Lutgens authors. Books will remain covered at ALL times throughout the ENTIRE semester. Book covers will be provided for those needing them. Books need to be covered by:. Binders/Required Materials It is required that all students keep a three ring binder 2 inches or larger. The binder will be used to keep ALL and ONLY Earth Science materials used and studied in the Ninth Grade Earth Science Course. Binders will be divided into three (3) sections. I will provide the binder dividers. Binders will be divided into the following sections: SECTION 1: NOTES/HANDOUTS SECTION 2: LABS SECTION 3: HOMEWORK Binders will be required by: ****This course syllabus will be the very first document in your binder.**** Technology Students are expected to bring their computers everyday to class, completely charged. Technology is incorporated throughout the course. Course materials including notes, powerpoint presentations, assignments with rubrics, animations, diagrams, supplemental readings, youtube videos, and additional websites for further study and research are available on Blackboard and Mr. Peffer s teachers website, both of which can be accessed from the district homepage. See the last page of this syllabus for login directions for both Blackboard and Mr. Peffer s teacher webpage. You will also be required to utilize technology in your research for the course and to complete webquest activities.
7 Grading Your grade for this course will be earned through a variety of assessments including, but not limited to tests, quizzes, homework, writing assignments, in-class activities, projects, binder checks, etc Please make sure that you submit all of your work on time. Submitting late work will have a negative impact on your grade. Grades will be calculated based on a cumulative point system. For example, to determine your nine week grade, the total amount of points you earn on all assignments, tests, etc, will be divided by the total points possible of all graded work. In other words, your goal is to earn as many points possible on all graded assignments so your total points earned is as close to the total points possible for all assignments in order to earn the highest possible grade. Final Exam There is also a cumulative final exam given at the end of the course. The final exam will test all skills and content of all subjects taught throughout the course. The final exam is worth 20% of your overall, final course grade, which is calculated as follows: Grade for marking period 1 is 40% of the final course grade Grade for marking period 2 is 40% of the final course grade. Grade for the final exam is 20% of the final course grade. Formative Assessments Formative assessments are those that need to be completed to demonstrate progress and/or the need for additional practice or instruction such as daily homework assignments, inclass assignments, quizzes etc... There will be an 11% deduction (one letter grade) from the score of any formative assessment assignment that is submitted late. ***Homework assignments will comprise approximately 20% of the overall point total for both of the two nine week grading periods. Summative Assessments Summative assessments are those that need to be completed to demonstrate mastery of the subject, content or skill such as unit tests, projects, and writing assignments, etc Failure to complete summative assessments will be reflected in a student s overall grade, and WILL result in a zero (0%) for the marking period grade. There will be an 11% deduction (one entire letter grade) from the score of any summative assessment/project that is submitted late.
8 Late Policy The submission of ANY formative AND/OR summative assessment will result in an 11% deduction (one letter grade) from the total score for that assignment. The failure to complete and/or submit a summative or formative assessment will result in a zero (0%) for that assignment. The following scale will be used on grade books and report cards: A - 90-100% B - 80-89% C - 70-79% D - 60-69% E - 0-59% Responsibility/Participation Points Most students show a consistent effort throughout the marking period by bringing materials, actively participating in class, and listening attentively. Being accountable for your learning and behavior is very important and should contribute to your marking period grade. Therefore, each marking period you will receive an accountability grade worth 50 points. These 50 points account for less than 10% of the overall nine week grade for each of the two nine weeks of the course. Points will be deducted from the 50 points by the following: 1. Student is late to class without a pass -2 points for each occurrence (after two occurrences, student also receives an office referral) 2. Student is not listening attentively -2 points for each occurrence during class 3. Student doesn t have writing utensil -2 points for each occurrence 4. Student doesn t bring materials to -2 points for each occurrence class: texts, notebook, laptops charged 5. Student s textbook is uncovered -2 points for each occurrence 6. Student not in seat when bell rings, -2 points for each occurrence attentive and ready for the day's lesson 7. Student refuses to participate in class -2 points for each occurrence activity Monitoring and Checking Grades/Course Work ***It is the student s responsibility to check and monitor, on a regular basis, his/her grade on the SIS grading program. Students will be able to determine if they have any missing or incomplete assignments, test, etc if the letter M or I is in the grade column, instead of a numerical grade. It is the student s responsibility to complete and submit any missing/late work or see Mr. Peffer concerning any missing/late work.
9 ***Students can and are expected to keep track of assignments and projects, when they are due, as well as dates for tests, quizzes etc To help remember assignments and projects and their due dates as well as test dates, students: Can record the assignments and dates in their agenda planner Will receive, on a daily basis, via email, assignments and projects and their due dates as well date of test dates Visit Mr. Peffer s teacher website that can be accessed from the Penns Valley District homepage. Participating parents will also receive a homework email as well as the capability of accessing Mr. Peffer s teacher webpage. Cheating Policy Your grade is a reflection of your skills, knowledge, and understanding of the course content. Therefore, any work that is not your own will not be accepted or assessed. Cheating is an act of dishonesty which shows disrespect for self and others and shows a lack of responsibility to apply oneself to completing satisfactory work. If evidence of cheating is found, it will result in an office referral, contact home, and a zero (0) on that activity in which there is evidence of cheating. The definition of cheating in ninth grade Earth science is copying homework, classwork, projects, reports, quizzes, writing assignments, tests, and computer screens; allowing someone else to use your homework, classwork, projects, reports, quizzes, writing assignments, and tests; using cheat sheets or any other cheating aid; and plagiarizing written work that is not your own. Assignments that require you to use additional resources (books, websites, photographs, etc.) must be properly cited on a Works Cited Page to submit with your work. Using the MLA format for citing sources is required; use easybib.com as a site to help you with this. Student Portfolios Major assessments (unit tests, quizzes, projects etc ) will be kept in a student portfolio in room 57 for progress monitoring throughout the semester and will be kept in the room for up to one year after the course has been completed. This portfolio may not leave the room. However, parents are welcome to come in and review the folder at any time during the school year (by appointment).
10 Attendance Attendance is important to student success. Students who are absent from class for ANY reason are responsible for talking with Mr. Peffer (not another student) to find out what they missed. This must be done before homeroom or between classes; this may not be done once the bell rings to begin class. Students who know they are going to be absent for any reason (educational trip, appointment, athletic event etc ) must see Mr. Peffer to pick up any assignments BEFORE leaving. These assignments will be due the day the student returns to school. If a student knows of an upcoming absence, please see Mr. Peffer as soon as possible so he has amble time to prepare what will be missed. All work (in-class and homework) must be made up when a student misses school for any reason including excused trips. If a student is in school but misses Earth Science 9 (sport, appointment, illness, etc.), the student MUST see Mr. Peffer before they leave to submit that day s homework and to find out what he/she will be missing in class. If the student doesn t do this, the assignments given and collected on that day will be considered late. In addition, the student is responsible for getting missed notes from a responsible student for upcoming quizzes etc... Students will not be tested or required to hand in assignments on the day the student returns from school if they were assigned on the day the student was absent. Students should adhere to deadlines for tests and projects that were established/assigned prior to the absence. Exceptions can be granted by the classroom teacher. Students have equal to the number of days absent for make-up work, test, assignments, reports, etc., up to a maximum of five (5) days without late penalty.
11 Advice for SUCCESS in Ninth Grade Earth Science 1. Follow all classroom and school rules. 2. Help to create a classroom atmosphere of respect. Every individual in this classroom should feel free to express his/her ideas without fear of ridicule or judgment. Respect yourselves, your peers, and your school. 3. Be responsible. It is up to you to take charge of your own learning and behavior. You are accountable for your education! - Study - Do your homework - Come to class prepared with all needed materials - Be aware of due dates and write down important information Use your agenda planner! 4. Actively participate in classroom activities and lessons. Be confident. Each one of you is capable of experiencing great success in this course. Believe in your abilities and your potential to be a successful learner! 5. Have a good attitude! 6. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE to ASK QUESTIONS or ask for extra help at ANY time! You are here to learn and I am here to help in that learning processes! If you don t understand something, please ask for help!
12 Contact Information Teacher Contact Information Course Website Andrew Peffer Go to http://www.pennsvalley.org apeffer@pennsvalley.org Click on Staff Directory near the top. 814-422-2003 Search for Peffer. link ***Visit the course website for up-to-date assignments and important test and project due dates Blackboard Each PVHS Student has a Blackboard Account Go to https://ciu10.blackboard.com/webapps/login/ Username: pv-yearofgraduationusername EXAMPLE: pv-17apeffer Default Password: pvasdbb2013 Enter Earth Science 9 - Use the blue tabs on the left hand side to navigate through the course. After you have read and understand the Ninth Grade Course Syllabus, please sign below and return the entire packet by -. Sincerely, Mr. A. Peffer apeffer@pennsvalley.org High School Phone: 814-422-2003 Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature