EARTH SCIENCE II CLASS 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:

 

Ø      Geology

Ø      Meteorology

Ø      Astronomy

Ø      Oceanography

 

Assessments:

 

You will have an assessment, most Fridays, based upon the subject of the previous unit. These will include group and individual quizzes, 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.

 

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.

Course Outline:

 

Unit #               Title                             Allotted Time    Subunits

 

Unit 1               Geology Review           Two Weeks     1.1 Review of Landscapes and Geomorphology

                                                                                    1.2 Review of Soils, Rocks & Minerals

                                                                                    1.3 Earth History: The Antiquity of Our Planet

                                                                                    1.4 Paleontology: Fossils & Ancient Life

 

Unit 2               Meteorology                 Three 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                   Three 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:

 

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 for any reason, 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.
  • At the end of class, please put your chairs back, throw your trash away, replace your text book and any materials 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.

 

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 or Suspension