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Earth Science, K.E.Y.S. 2016-2017

Course Syllabus Mrs. Moore
My name is Mrs. Moore and Im honored to be teaching your KEYS Earth Science class. We will
investigate the structures, processes, and the cycles of the dynamic planet God created through the four
disciplines of Earth Science: Meteorology, Geology, Hydrology, and Astronomy. We will look for the
hand of our Creator in the beautiful systems He has set in motion for us. We will consider how we can
be good stewards of His Creation. The expectations and procedures outlined in this syllabus are
designed to make the most of the time we have in class. Solve the math problem embedded in your
syllabus for a reward on the first day of class.
In addition to a survey of its content, Earth Science is a rigorous high school level class and one
of the first of your high school science courses. My goal is to set you up for success by helping you to:
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Learn to use a science textbook effectively

Build a scientific vocabulary, including Greek and Latin roots
Participate in the scientific process and communicate the elements of the process
Recognize the scope and limits of science
Evaluate scientific information (e.g., distinguish primary and secondary sources, assess
credibility and validity of information)

SUPPLIES: To be brought to class every meeting.

Tarbuck, Edward J. and Lutgens, Frederick. Prentice Hall Earth Science, Copyright 2006 by
Pearson Education, Inc. We will adapt as necessary for the 2009 edition.
Three- ring binder (1-2 inch) with paper for class notes and reading notes (no spiral notebooks)
4 dividers with tabs
Pen
Red pen or pencil for grading

SUPPLY FEE:

$30.00, one-time payment, payable to the teacher.

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CLASS WEBSITE. Check the class website, Earth Matters, for assignments, announcements, class
PowerPoints, supplementary materials, video clips and other materials to enhance your understanding
and enjoyment of Earth Science. The URL and password for the site will be given as soon as class lists are
finalized. Until then, I will send what you need by email.
HOMEWORK. You should expect an accelerated pace of course material. Reading will be assigned ahead
of topics covered in class so that you can construct a knowledge base for subsequent learning and get
the most out of our class demonstrations, simulations, and projectsthe fun stuff you cant easily do
at home. The class is challenging but we also laugh a lot.
Reading and notes. You should expect about 20-30 pages of reading per week and will need to
take careful notes on the reading. To help you develop efficient note-taking skills, I will provide
objectives to focus your notes and then will show you how your notes and objectives relate to each
other. Tests and assessments will be directly related to the objectives provided. Expect frequent
reading quizzes. (You will be permitted to use your reading notes for many of them). Assignments will be
distributed as far in advance as possible. As you practice, you will get faster at completing your
assignments.
Late Work
For full credit, homework must be placed in the homework tray before 10:30, the day it is due. In
fairness to the students who submit their homework on time, I will not be judging the validity of the
reasons for those who do not.
If You Do Not Have Your Homework
If you do not have your homework, you still need to turn in a paper. There is a Homework Pink Slip
folder by the homework tray for these instances. Once you realize that you do not have your
homework, take a Homework Pink Slip and fill it out completely. Put this paper in the homework tray.
If You Are Absent
Work missed because of excused Planned Absences must be completed in advance for full credit. Please
make arrangements with Mrs. Moore.
For unplanned, excused absences, check the class website, Earth Matters, for assignments and
handouts. It is your responsibility, not Mrs. Moores, to find this work and see that it is handed in. You
may submit work via email to ldkvkmoore@live.com. You have one class day for every class day that
you were out to make up the work. (For example, if you missed Thursday, any homework due the
Thursday you missed will be due on the following Tuesday). Please make arrangements with Mrs.
Moore to make tests and quizzes up within a week of your return. (Remember, your classmates cannot
get their graded tests and quizzes back until yours is made up). Bell Ringers and reading quizzes cannot
be made up. For an excused absence, your possible points total will be adjusted for missed Bell Ringer
and reading quiz grades. (For example if there are 100 available points in the quarter and a student with
2 excused absences misses a 10 -point Bell Ringer and a 5 point quiz, her grade will be calculated from
85 available points).
LAB REPORTS. Specific instructions will be provided as needed.

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GRADES
There will be many opportunities to earn excellent grades in Earth Science. Grades will be based
on class preparation, participation, quizzes, lab reports, and tests. Grades will be posted on
HaikuLearning.com when class lists are finalized. Until then, I will notify you by email.
Grading Scale: 90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69

A
B
C
D

CLASS TIME PROCEDURES

How to Enter the Classroom
Calmly and quietly enter the room, put any homework due in the designated tray and take any handouts
or graded work from the back table. Sit in your assigned seat and put your things away. Only Earth
Science materials are to be out on your desk. Immediately get to work at your desk. There will always
be a Bell Ringer assignment for you to do. A Bell Ringer is usually a short reading quiz or discussion
question based on the homework due that day.
You start the class- not the teacher and you need to start right away!
1. Complete the Bell Ringer that will be posted on the board. You will normally have from 10:3010:35 AM to complete the task. Once the timer sounds, time is up. We cannot delay class for
any one student to finish a Bell Ringer. With experience, you will learn what degree of
preparation you personally need to think clearly and write fast. Bell Ringers are graded
assignments.
2. Read the Objectives and Daily Agenda to see what you will be working on in class that day.
3. Study your vocabulary words if you have extra time.
What to Do with Your Belongings
for safety reasons.

Books, binders, and backpacks need to be kept out of the aisles

If You Are Tardy

Bell Ringers and quizzes missed because of unexcused tardies or absences will be recorded as a 0 and
there will be no adjustment to the possible points.
Using the Restroom
Please take care of this before class. If you are going to be sick, just GO. You do not need permission.
When Mrs. Moore Wants Your Attention
Since Earth Science meets near the end of the school day, Mrs. Moore will adapt some Whole Brain
Teaching ideas for keeping us awake and functioning optimally. We will practice these in class. Though
some of the procedures may bring Captain von Trapp to mind, the purpose is to make the most of our
class time and your wonderful brain. Earth Science is much more interesting when there is time for
demonstrations and projects. We have just 66 classes this year. If we waste 5 minutes per class, how
many minutes have we lost in this year of Earth Science class?

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Class Rules
1. Follow directions quickly.
2. Raise your hand for permission to communicate.
3. Be constructive, not destructive.
4. Keep your dear teacher happy. (Hint: All that it takes to keep your dear teacher happy is to
contribute to a positive learning environment).
Classroom Discussions
All students are asked to participate in classroom discussions. However, please make all questions and
comments relevant to the current discussion. If your question is off the topic, write it down and ask it
later. Please refrain from shouting out ideas without being called on.
How to Set Up a Paper
For full credit, each paper must have four things in the top right-hand corner.
1. Your first and last name
2. Earth Science
3. The assignment description (Example: 1.1 Section Review Questions)
4. The date
Notebooks
Specific instructions for notebooks will be given in class. Notebooks will be checked on test days. After
the first grading period, students who maintain an A average will be exempt from notebook checks.
End of Class Dismissal
The teacher dismisses the class, not the clock. Do not start packing up your materials in anticipation of
the end of class. Class is over when I say: Have a great day!

1. Before you leave, take a look at the floor around you. Pick up any items on the floor
(whether they belong to you or not) and throw them in the trash if necessary.
2. Make sure to push in your chair before you leave and please take ALL of your
belongings with you.
Thank you for reading. Please sign and keep this document in your Earth Science notebook. If
you have any questions about it, please write them on a sheet of paper and place them in the
homework tray.
We are going to have a blessed year in Earth Science! Remember, our Great God who created the
universe thought you up, too--In His service,
Mrs. Moore

I, __________________________________, have read and understand K.E.Y.S. Welcome to Earth

Science,