Mr. Smith's Classroom at GJHS
Earth and Enviromental Science
SMITH/ SCARTON
Scarton
Room: B200
E-mail Address: dscarton@gjsd.net
School Phone Number: (814) 533-5601 Extension 2200
Smith
Room: B202
e-mail: msmith@gjsd.net
School phone: 814-533-5061
Course Overview:
Earth and Environmental Science is the Second Required Science course at Greater Johnstown High School. This class is designed to prepare you for the PSSA Science Test and become a scientifically literate citizen. The list below outlines the topics to be completed in this course.
Unit 1: The Nature of Science
Chapter 1 - The Nature of Science
Unit 3: Surface Processes on Earth
Chapter 7 - Weathering, Erosion, and Soil
Chapter 8- Mass Movements
Chapter 9 - Surface Water
Chapter 10 – Groundwater
Unit 5: The Dynamic Earth
Chapter 17 - Plate Tectonics
Chapter 18 – Volcanism
Chapter 19 – Earthquakes
Unit 7: Resources and the Environment
Chapter 25 - Energy Resources
Chapter 26 - Human Impact on Resources
As you can see, this course is covering a broad spectrum of topics. We will be required to maintain a steady pace. In order to achieve this, we have several resources to assist you in succeeding. These include: electronic textbooks with audio support and printable classroom materials. For all chapters, we will provide chapter notes, outlines, practice activities, review materials and standardized test practice in addition to traditional assessments. Laboratory activities are a regular part of this course and will be largely hands-on type activities. Because of the hands-on nature of Laboratory activities, some lab activities cannot be made up if absent.
Supplies Needed Daily:
1.) Writing utensils (pen or pencil).
2.) 3 ring binder (we will provide folders, but a binder will help you stay organized).
Attendance:
It is absolutely necessary that you attend class on a regular basis. This course, like any science
course, will follow a rigorous and continuous schedule in which new concepts are introduced
every day. You will be amazed at how much you will miss in just one day out of this class.
If you miss a day, the class will move on without you. We cannot make up missed work during
Class time. Before you return to class, you must get an excusal slip from your academy secretary. Do not enter the classroom without an excusal slip.
If you do miss a class, then it is YOUR responsibility to get the notes and make up any work that you missed. If possible, have someone pick up assignments for you when you are out a day. Please contact me in the case of an extended absence so your work can be sent home to you.
If you are absent the day an assignment is due, that assignment is due the day you return. If you are absent on the day of a quiz or a test, be prepared to take that quiz or test on the day of your return. All make-up work must be completed within 3 days of your return to school, or you will receive a zero. An unexcused absence will result in a zero for any assignments, quizzes, tests, or activities performed that day.
Tardies:
You MUST arrive to class on time! Class will begin promptly each day. I expect you to be
prompt as well. Coming to class late is a disruption in the educational process of others; therefore, it will be handled in a very strict, consistent fashion. If you are late to class 3 times, a log will be written. Bottom line,
BE ON TIME!!!!!!!
Classroom Behavior:
Class will begin promptly every day. I expect you to come to class prepared and to have all materials ready. Pencils should be sharp, homework out, and books ready to go before the bell rings. Responsible and respectful behavior is expected at all times. The following rules are to be followed at all times: Be Respectful, Be Honorable, Be There, and Be Prepared. A more detailed explanation of classroom rules and expectations follows in the Code of Conduct Contract.
Dismissal from class:
Plan your stops for between classes. You have 5 minutes between periods. Use this time wisely. Classes are only 42 minutes, and every one of those 42 minutes will be used for instruction. Repeated requests to use the restroom, or go to the fountain will be discouraged.
Academic Dishonesty:
Any act of academic dishonesty (cheating on exams, plagiarism of homework, etc.) WILL NOT
BE TOLERATED and will result in the following:
1.) a zero on the work involved,
2.) a phone call home to parent/guardian
3.) a discipline log being sent to the office.
Notes:
You are REQUIRED to take notes in this class and keep them organized. Some outlined note sheets will be given to you at the beginning of each section, and you will need to fill in material where appropriate. There is lined paper for you to take notes on also.
You are not permitted to leave any of your class materials in the classroom. If you leave things in class, they may disappear. That will be your problem, not mine. If you miss notes because of absence, remember it is your responsibility to get the notes.
Homework:
Doing homework is expected and is an integral part of the lessons and must be completed on a
regular basis. It is my responsibility to be prepared each day with an organized instructional plan. It is your responsibility to meet me half way in preparing for each class. Your preparation should include the completion of ALL homework assignments.
Homework is the learning experience which allows you to practice the concepts you are learning in class. No late homework will be accepted. No exceptions, no excuses.
Quizzes and Tests:
Quizzes will not be given. We complete home work and work book material frequently throughout each unit of study. The purpose of this work is to help you see what areas of difficulty you may be experiencing prior to taking a large chapter test. Therefore, you can ask questions and remediation can take place before you take the chapter test.
Tests will occur at the end of each chapter of study. They will always be announced at least two days in advance. Please try to be in attendance on test days! In some cases, we will review the day before a test. If you are absent on a review day, you are still responsible for taking the test after school the day you return! No exceptions!
Grading Procedure:
Grades can be determined at any time throughout the term using the following grading scale:
100 – 93 % A
92 – 82 % B
81 – 70 % C
69 – 60 % D
59 – 0 % F
Your final grade will be determined by four 9 week grades and the final exam. Each 9 week grade is worth 20%, and the final exam is 20%. Even if you pass all 9 week marking periods, but fail the final exam, you may still fail the course. Thus, it is an absolute necessity to take final exams seriously!!
Progress Reports:
Progress reports will be sent home in the middle of the nine weeks for those students not achieving at least a C.
Extra Help: Please do not be afraid to ask questions and seek additional help any time you need it! I cannot stress this point enough! If you do not understand something, please talk to me! I will do all that I can to help you! Tutoring is available through the After-School Live program. Please contact Cindy in the After School Live office.
Scarton/Smith
I have read and understand the overall course structure as well as the student requirements and responsibilities. I have also read the GJSD Code of Conduct, understand them and the consequences that result if not followed.
Student Name_____________________________________________
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Student Signature________________________________________________ Date_________________
Parent/Guardian Name_______________________________________ Relation_________________
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Parent/Guardian Signature____________________________________________Date______________
Please write any questions, comments, or concerns that you may have about this course below:
