Regents Earth Science

REGENTS EARTH SCIENCE COURSE EXPECTATIONS / CONTRACT

TO: Students, Parents and Guardians FROM: Mr. Gabreski - Regents Earth Science Teacher Lackawanna High School 2010 -2011

Introduction : Regents Earth Science is a thinking/problem solving course of study, designed to help students gain new understandings of the world around them, and the process of change. Students will also grow to understand their dependence upon the earth, with its finite resources, and limited ability to recover from abuse. This is a rigorous course; but it includes a compilation of many useful scientific principles, which will help students develop into informed scientifically literate citizens. A brief study review of class notes NIGHTLY is strongly suggested.

REGENTS EARTH SCIENCE COURSE OUTLINE (Major Units)

1) Observation and Measurement 6) Weathering, Erosion and Deposition 2) Earth Models and Dimensions 7) Dynamic Crust 3) Astronomy - The Earth in Space 8) Earth History 4) Meteorology and Climate 9) Oceanography 5) Rocks and Minerals 10) Environmental Awareness

SUPPLIES REQUIRED

1) PENCIL and PEN (optional colored pencils) 2) One three ring binder, (2 inch size or larger) for organization of note packets, handouts and homework assignments. 3) Inexpensive (four-function) pocket calculator. 4) Each student MUST PURCHASE a Physical Setting Regents Earth Science REVIEW BOOK for $10.00 cash only – no Checks.

GRADING Grades for the four marking periods will be based on a points marking system. Points earned divided by total points offered per quarter equals student score. Approximately, 500 points offered per marking quarter period equals a 100% score which will be based on the following percentages: 1) Unit test/quiz average 50% (approx. 250 points) 2) Classroom/homework average 20% ( “ 100 “ ) 3) Laboratory reports/activities 20% ( “ 100 “ ) 4) Classroom participation & notebook 10% ( “ 50 “ ) 100% 500 points

* I reserve the right to inspect a students binder/notebook at any time for evaluation and scoring purposes for participation grade. REGENTS EARTH SCIENCE COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Achievement of a passing grade in the course (65%). Final course grade will be calculated as follows: Average of 1st,2nd,3rd,4th, quarter grades and Regents Exam Grade. 2. Achievement of a passing grade on the NYS Regents Exam (65%) 3. Satisfactory completion of approximately 30 laboratory assignments (1200 minutes).

MAKE-UP POLICY On the day a student returns from and absence he/she must inquire as to any assignments that were missed. Missed notes and assignments must be made up in five days upon return by contacting the teacher or a classmate.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS All assignments are always due at the beginning of class (within the first five minutes). Homework assignments that are late receive a reduced grade score. No assignments will be accepted after the unit test.

TEACHER AVAILABILITY Daily immediately after school from 2:05 - 2:45 pm. or at other mutually agreed times.

STUDENT CONDUCT 1. Students are expected to adhere to the rules and behavior guidelines as outlined in the Lackawanna School Student Handbook. 2. Respect for the teacher and all classmates is expected at all times. 3. Take care of lavatory needs at the appropriate time. Do not depend on me for lav passes. 4. Consequences for misbehavior are to include any or all of the following (depending on the severity): a) initial warning b) teacher detention and /or removal from the classroom c) principal’s detention/call home (possible parental conference).