Welcome to Regents Earth Science: The Physical Setting! Mr. Orgonik, Mrs. Wells, Mr. Kowalik, Mrs. Sprague
PREPARATION PARTICIPATION PERSEVERANCE
As your science teachers, we are excited about introducing you to a new view of our planet Earth. Everything we do is linked in some way to Earth: the food we eat, the water we drink, our homes, the energy we use, and the air we breathe are all connected to our planet. This year we will help you appreciate our planet because you are its future. Some of the topics we will explore are:
1. The Nature of change 2. Our Stage: Size, Shape, and composition of Earth 3. Minerals, Rocks and Natural Resources 4. Weathering, Erosion and Landscapes 5. Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics 6. Geologic History and Dating Events 7. Astronomy and Celestial Motions 8. Energy, Weather and Climates
Materials and Supplies: Students are required to bring the following items to class each day: 3-ring binder with loose-leaf paper Handy-Dandy Earth Science Reference Table Pens, Pencils, Colored Pencils Calculator
Keys to Success: ♦ Keep an organized notebook, since you will be taking many notes and receiving many handouts.
♦ Earth Science is a new subject, and like anything it takes getting used to. Be patient and you‘ll soon get the hang of it. Sure it’s hard sometimes, so you can be very proud of yourself when you do well.
♦ Get involved! Don’t just sit there; be actively involved in your own learning. Ask questions if you do not understand something. Help each other out. Do not be afraid to come to extra help.
♦ Don’t let yourself get behind. It’s much more difficult to catch up. Bottom line – to do well in this class, you have to be here. You are responsible for the work that you miss when you are absent. Excessive absences and lateness affects your grade.
Classroom Behavior Please remember that the classroom is a place where appropriate language, courtesy, mutual respect and cooperation are expected of all of us.
Grading policy Grades will be based on your performance in five areas: TESTS, QUIZZES, LABS, HOMEWORK, and CLASS PARTICIPATION. Each assignment is worth a certain amount of points. The higher the point value, the more if will affect your final average. There is no percentage weighting of assignments. For example, a test may be worth 30 points; whereas a quiz may be worth only 15 points. Therefore, two of these quizzes are worth one test. Lab reports values will vary based on the amount of class time spent on the work.
Labs Labs are a very important part of our curriculum. The New York State Board of Regents mandates that every student be engaged in laboratory activities for a minimum of 30 hours and write a satisfactory lab report for each of those activities. All completed labs must be in the Friday before the laboratory performance test – NO EXCEPTIONS. You will not be able to take the Regents Exam at the end of the year without fulfilling the lab requirement.
If a lab is not turned in on time, credit will be taken off. If you are absent when a lab is due, please be sure to hand it in personally the next day to receive full credit ( Never turn in a lab report to anyone except your teacher ) .
You will keep all passing lab reports in a folder at school. Never take a satisfactory lab report out of the classroom. Any lab reports that are “lost” from your folder must be re- written in order to receive credit hours towards the NYS Regents requirement.
*You are expected to hold high ethical standards. All work should be original, whether on tests, homework or labs. Turning in work that is not your own will be dealt with severe consequences.
PARENT & STUDENT SIGNATURES I am looking forward to a fun year in Earth Science. Together with everyone’s cooperation; I know it will be a great one!
Student’s signature:
Parent’s/Guardian’s signature: