John Jay Middle School

North Salem Middle/High School

Physical Setting/Earth Science Extended 2015-2016

Mrs. Melissa Valenti and Mrs. Jennifer Frohman

[email protected] [email protected] http://teachers.northsalemschools.org/teachers/Valentime

Students in the Earth Science 8 Extended will be beginning the first units of study of the Physical Setting/Earth Science Regents curriculum. The remainder of the curriculum of will be completed as the students loop into Earth Science 9, next year. The course, taught over two years, is designed to be instructed and learned at a manageable, “hands-on” pace to ensure retention and understanding of content and academic success. Eighth grade students will not be taking the Regents exam until the completion of their 9th grade year in June 2017.

Classroom Materials: Text- Earth Science by Allison, DeGaetano and Pasachoff (textbook will be utilized in class) Review Book- Barron’s Earth Science Power Pack-Let’s Review Earth Science/Regents Exams and Answers Earth Science: The Physical Setting by Edward J. Denecke Jr. (to be purchased during the school year by you) Earth Science App- Earth Science Regents Study (by Mekambo) for iPad and iPhone (this is a great daily and end of year review tool- cost $2.99 and is optional for students who would like a digital review “book” versus a traditional review book)

Supplies-  section in three ring binder (for Earth Science)  sturdy, two pocket folder (Mead 5Star folder)- for Earth Science only  loose leaf paper & graph paper  pen, pencil & colored pencils  calculator  metric ruler

Major Topics of Study The following is a guideline for the material that will be covered throughout the school year. Course topics will integrate New York State Regents practice and labs experiences.

1 General Topics- What is Earth Science? * Scientific Method * Observations, Inferences, and Measurement, *Classification of Earth Materials * Graphic Relationships * Density *Current Events in Earth Science

Structure of the Dynamic Earth-The Size and Shape of Earth *Structure of Earth * Locating Positions on Earth (Latitude/Longitude and Directions) * Using Scale * Fields, Topographic Maps, Map Reading * Calculating Gradient and Constructing Profiles

Minerals, Rocks, and Resources- Mineral Resources * Mineral Identification * Rock (types, formation, and origin) * Rock Cycle

Course Requirements:

Folders/Binders- The sturdy pocket folder or binder contains note packets, Earth Science Reference Tables, class work, diagrams, reference sheets and homework. Quizzes, tests and labs are kept in a folder in the classroom as a working portfolio. You may not keep or bring home labs, quizzes or tests. Labs must remain in your portfolio as proof of your required lab hours. Work will be returned to students on a bi or tri-weekly basis. Parents may request tests, quizzes or labs to be sent home at any time. Please contact Mrs. Valenti or Mrs. Frohman via email to make arrangements.

Tests- Tests are given at the end of each topic to evaluate knowledge of facts and concepts covered in class, lab, and homework. Tests cover a wide area of study. Practice tests are given in advance for preparation along with an in class review.

Quizzes- Quizzes are given to cover short periods of work, usually at the end of a section of study or to assess small, but challenging areas of Earth Science. At times, “take home” quizzes may be assigned to foster student independence in mastering a smaller topic of study.

Homework- Homework is assigned virtually every night and may include reading current event articles, completing questions related to reading, finishing classroom assignments, blogging, lab questions, and review questions designed to reinforce topics covered in class. Homework is to be kept by you in your folder or binder. Late homework is not accepted. Please note that homework is usually NOT assigned on Fridays or prior to holidays. Homework is always posted in Mrs. Valenti’s classroom and can usually be accessed through my teacher webpage. Students are responsible for knowing the evening’s assignment(s).

Laboratory Work- You will be assessed on knowledge and skill gained in the laboratory setting. Mrs. Valenti will distribute labs. Students in the Earth Science 8 Extended course will be participating in lab experiences that will be used to fulfill the Regents lab requirement for the completion of the course in 9th grade. Regents level science courses place a high emphasis on lab participation, engagement, and synthesis of information. Late labs will be deducted 5 points per day until turned in by the student. Labs turned in after the marking period in which they are due will be given lab credit in your portfolio only. A grade of 0% will remain for that lab assignment. In order to be successful in your 9th grade Earth Science course, and sit for the Regents exam in June 2017, you will be expected to complete all labs this year, which include lab write-ups. Lab portfolios will constitute proof of completion of necessary lab hours and must be kept in the classroom at all times. Adequate time for lab completion and write-up will be provided in class or assigned for homework. Students who are absent for an extended period (2+ days) will be require to take on the personal responsibility of making up their labs during after school help.

2 Special Projects/Assignments- You will be reading, writing watching news/social media about current events in the Earth Sciences and you will also be expected to observe the Earth in and around North Salem and read Earth Science related articles or non fiction literature during the school year. Lab reports and a mini unit on Cyclonic Weather Systems will be completed this year.

Intermediate Level Science Exam (ILS) - This exam consists of two parts, a writing portion and a lab practical portion. The lab practical portion of the exam is administered in late May, 2016 and the written exam is tentatively scheduled for Monday, June 6, 2016. This exam will cover concepts from 5th through 8th grade science. Emphasis on test taking strategies, skills in scientific concepts, and content review will be covered in the fourth quarter in preparation for this. The format of the exam includes multiple choice questions, constructed response questions, and laboratory performance tasks. All of Mrs. Valenti’s tests and quizzes are patterned after the ILS 8 and Earth Science Regents exams.

Grade Determination: 50% Tests/Projects 30% Labs 20% Quizzes, Homework, Current Events Article Summaries, Scientific Reading and Writing

Extra Help: I am available Tuesday and Wednesday for extra help from 2:15 to 2:55 p.m. in room E214.

(Tear off and return below…Thanks!)

Physical Setting/Earth Science 8 Extended Mrs. Melissa Valenti and Mrs. Jennifer Frohman 2015-2016 Parent/Student Receipt of Course Information Sheet

Access Course Information at: http://teachers.northsalemschools.org/teachers/Valentime and click on the blue “Course Information” Post-it

Please read and sign below. Return to Mrs. Valenti no later than Tuesday, September 8, 2015. Email Mrs. Valenti or Mrs. Frohman with any questions or concerns.

3 I have read and gone over the above information with my parent(s) and/or guardian. I understand this is a Regents level science class in which my best work and effort is required to be successful. I understand that the completion and thorough comprehension of all lab work is required in order for me to not only be a success in this class, but to be successful in Earth Science 9, take my Regents exam in June 2017 and receive credit for this course.

______Student Name (print) Student Signature and Date

______Parent/Guardian Name (print) Parent/Guardian Signature and Date