EARTH SCIENCE I – COURSE SYLLABUS

SKYLINE TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

 

Instructor -     Mr. John Giacobbe, MA, RPA

 

Contacts -      voice: 480.763.8425  

email: jgiacobbe@skylineths.com  

                        webpage: http://www.nakedscience.org/skyline/index.html

 

Grades Based On:                                                                            Grading Scale:

 

Class Work and Projects:                  800 Points                               A = 90 – 100%

Class Participation:                             200 Points                               B = 80 – 89%

Weekly Assessments:                                    800 Points                               C = 70 – 79%

Final Exam:                                         200 Points                               D = 60 – 69%

                                                                                                            F = 59% and below

Total Points:                                        2000 Points

 

Course Goals and Objectives:

 

By the end of the course each student will:

 

  1. Have a basic understanding of the earths geology
  2. Be able to describe weather systems and understand weather reports
  3. Have an understanding of the earths place in our universe
  4. Understand the significance of the ocean and our water supply

 

Course Themes:

 

Ψ      Geology

Ψ      Meteorology

Ψ      Astronomy

Ψ      Oceanography

 

Notebook Requirement:

 

To pass this course you will need to keep a notebook. This notebook should include any handouts or materials you get in class, lab notes, and your daily lecture notes. You can leave your notebook in the classroom, if you prefer. All assessments will be based on notes you take during class, and you will be able to use your notes on all assessments. As you progress in your education and your careers, the importance of your ability to take good notes cannot be underestimated. I will provide you with a notebook, but if you lose it you must replace it.

 

G While you can always use your notes, on the day of the exam or assessment you must come into class prepared. You will not be able to use the computer, print or access notes or any additional materials, or leave the class once the period starts. In addition, while you can share your notes prior to class starting, you will not be able to do so once the exam or assessment begins.

 

Assessments:

 

You will have an assessment, most Fridays, based upon the subject of the previous unit. These will include group and individual quizzes and exams, as well as task-oriented activities, all discussed in advance. Grades will also be based on class participation and behavior. All classes require paying attention and taking detailed notes, which you can use on all assessments, quizzes, and tests. Keeping accurate and complete notes is the key to doing well in all of my classes.

Course Outline:

 

Unit #               Title                             Allotted Time   Subunits

 

Unit 1               Geology                       Four Weeks    1.1 Introduction to the Study of the Earth

                                                                                    1.2 Landscapes and Geomorphology

                                                                                    1.3 Glaciers: Agents of Change

                                                                                    1.4 Soils: Weathering, Erosion & Deposition

                                                                                    1.5 Minerals & Rocks as Building Blocks

                                                                                    1.6 The Paradigm: Plate Tectonics

                                                                                    1.7 Geologic Hazards: Earthquakes and Volcanoes

                                                                                    1.8 Earth History: The Antiquity of Our Planet

 

 

Unit 2               Meteorology                 Two Weeks     2.1 Our Observable Atmosphere

                                                                                    2.2 Weather Systems & Severe Weather

                                                                                    2.3 Climate Change and Seasons

                                                                                    2.4 The Day After: Is Environmental Collapse Likely?

 

 

Unit 3               Astronomy                   Two Weeks     3.1 Third Rock from the Sun: Planet Earth

                                                                                    3.2 Our Solar System and the Milky Way

                                                                                    3.3 Beyond our Solar System

                                                                                    3.4 Is There Life on Mars?

 

 

Unit 4               Oceanography            One Week       4.1 Ocean Basins and Structure

                                                                                    4.2 Shorelines and Nearshore Processes

                                                                                    4.3 Water in the Earths Ecosystem

                                                                                    4.4 Water: Are We Running Out?

 

Classroom Rules and Procedures:

 

Basic Rules

 

  1. Respect each other.
  2. Respect the learning environment.
  3. Arrive on time and prepared for class.
  4. Listen to the instructions given, and follow them closely, especially during a lab class. We will occasionally be dealing with hazardous materials and equipment, and the safety of you and your classmates is important.

 

Classroom Procedures

 

  • Each day, please enter the classroom, take your assigned seat, and begin working on the Bellwork assignment, which will be written on the board.

 

  • If you need assistance, wish to answer or ask a question, or for any other reason wish to get my attention, raise your hand and wait to be called on.

 

  • Do not interrupt another student when they are speaking, unless called upon to contribute.

 

  • If you need to leave the classroom for any reason, you must get my permission. Don’t forget to get your pass punched and signed by me. We have wild dogs patrolling the halls, and they attack the passless.

 

  • At the end of class, please put your chairs back, throw your trash away, replace your text book and any equipment used, and wait for me to dismiss you.

 

Miscellaneous Items

 

Honesty: Cheating is unethical and unacceptable. Plagiarism is using information or original wording in a paper without giving credit to the source; it is also unacceptable. Truly dreadful things will happen to you if I find you cheating. Plagiarism may be a new concept for you. We will discuss plagiarism and how to avoid it.

 

Sharing: I will listen to all comments, complaints, and suggestions regarding our class. If you learn nothing else from me, I want it to be that humans do best when we work together. The best way for you to have a good class is for us to work together. I believe in sharing experiences that relate to the class, and if you participate, the class will be more rewarding.

 

Cell Phones: Please do not even think of having your cell phone visible during class. I reserve the right to answer the phone if it rings, and I just might say something extremely wicked. Even if I’m not in the mood to chat, I will have to take the phone and give it to one of my dogs, they always eat theirs.

 

 

Classroom Consequences:

 

1st Offense – Verbal Warning

2nd Offense – Loss of Participation Points for the Day and a Phone Call Home

3rd Offense – Visit with the Vice Principal or Principal, Possible Loss of Break Period, Suspension, or Death

 

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Skyline Science Department Web World

 

Web Page:      http://www.nakedscience.org/skyline

 

Science Blog: http://radio.weblogs.com/0122067/

 

Email:              School – jgiacobbe@skylineths.com

                        Home – jgiacobbe_skyline@cox.net

 

We have a significant web presence that you should take advantage of. This includes: a web page with class notes, assignments, and old exams; a Science Blog, with extra credit assignments and interesting links posted every week; and an email newsletter, outlining what we are doing in each class each week and detailing upcoming labs, activities, and field trips.

 

Please send me an email address so I can add you to the list!

 

Thanks,

John Giacobbe