Earth Science Expectations

Eden Jr./Sr. High                                

Regents Earth Science Course

Mr. Millson, Mrs. Rockwood-Klute and Ms. Cassidy

COURSE INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS

Introduction

The goal of Regents Earth Science is that the student gain an understanding of the forces of nature that cause the continuous changes in the world around us.  In addition, you will develop skills in many areas that will become useful assets in future courses and endeavors.  Major areas of study include: Measuring the Earth, Astronomy, Energy, Weather, Erosion & Deposition, Rocks & Minerals, Catastrophic Events, Geologic History, and Landscapes. 

Daily Routine

Classes will be a combination of activities, lectures, demonstrations, visual presentations, and projects.  As you enter the classroom each day, you will see an agenda for the day on the board, which will include instructions.  There will usually be papers in the front of the room for you to pick up.  You must pick up these papers and begin following instructions as soon as you get in the room.  Homework will be assigned on a regular basis and will be checked or collected.  Late homework will be half off the next day, and a will receive a zero after that. 
If you are absent the day an assignment is due, you are expected to turn it in the day you return.  If you are absent the day an assignment is given, it is your responsibility to meet with the teacher concerning the missed work.  If you are caught cheating in any form, copying homework, lab reports, or using someone else’s answers you will receive a zero grade and your parents will be contacted.  If it occurs a second time it will be turned over to the Assistant Principal for further disciplinary action. 

Test & Quizzes

Approximately nine major tests will be given for the semester.  You will be notified at least three days in advance.  Various types of quizzes will also be given, and may be unannounced.  If you are absent the day of a test or quiz, you are still responsible for that grade. 
Parent Portal

Grades will be posted to the parent portal as the school year’s quarters dictate.

Grades

Ten week grades will be computed follows: 20 % Lab grades, 15 % Assignments,  10% Projects, 40% Tests, and 15 % Quizzes. 

The final grade is:        4 Ten Week grades        4/5
                                    Regents Exam               1/5

VERY IMPORTANT

THE NEW YORK STATE REGENTS EXAM MAY NOT BE TAKEN IF ALL LAB WORK HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED AT THE TWENTY WEEK POINT.  A STUDENT WILL NOT RECEIVE REGENTS CREDIT UNLESS A GRADE OF 65% OR HIGHER IS ACHIEVED ON THE NEW YORK STATE REGENTS EXAM.  THIS COURSE CANNOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY.  IN ALL LIKELIHOOD, IT WILL BE THE MOST DIFFICULT COURSE YOU HAVE TAKEN.  EXPECT TO DO A LOT OF WORK!

REQUIRED MATERIALS
(Must be brought to class EACH DAY)

1.    Three ring binder, 2.  Both Pen and Pencil,    3.  Calculator,   4.  Color Pencils

Behavior

You are expected to always show respect for the teacher (including substitutes), for other students, and for the classroom.  This includes remaining quiet when another student is speaking, remaining in your seat unless otherwise directed, and using equipment only when instructed to do so.  Also, equipment is to be used only in the way it has been demonstrated or directed.  No tardiness, skipping class, food, or drinks are allowed. 



Laboratory Equipment

Procedures for performing experiments and writing up lab reports will be completely explained to you during the lab period.  Lab reports will always be due at the end of the class in which the experiment is completed, unless otherwise directed.  If extra time is required, you must finish in advisement or after school (that day), or take it home and turn it in the following day of school