- George Washington High
- Syllabus
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Required Course Materials for EVERY DAY: Pencil/Pen, binder with loose leaf paper. Chromebooks.
Earth Science 2023-2024
Ms. Robertson Rm W111
email: arobertson@mail.dps.k12.va.us
Course Description: Earth Science is an introductory overview of our planet, earth, including important aspects of physical and historical geology: rock types, minerals, plate tectonics and estimates of the age of the earth, land forms, ground water, and erosion; physical oceanography: oceans, currents and water masses; meteorology: weather systems, wind-ocean interactions and climatology; astronomy: planets and moons in our solar system and the sun.
Instructional Philosophy: is a process in which students construct meaning as they acquire new concepts and extend their understanding of familiar concepts. In Earth Science the students will:
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How will you organize the classroom for student learning?
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The class will have policies and procedures that will be used daily.
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Follow class agenda (daily)
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Be on time
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Follow safety procedures for labs
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Dress appropriately for lab and in class activities
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What do you expect of students in terms of participation?
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Students are required to participate and engage fully in class discussions, note taking, labs, and group assignments.
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Will they work independently or with others?
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Student will have some individual assignments and group work
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What instructional strategies will you use?
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Project based learning
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One on one sessions
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Small group instructions
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Engaging note taking strategies
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Major Course Goals: The major outcome of this course is to have students, as responsible citizens, understand enough about the earth to appreciate the opportunities and constraints placed upon people and society by earth resources and hazards, and to make informed decisions about earth-related environmental issues. The broad aim of the Earth sciences is to understand the present features and past evolution of Earth and to use this knowledge, where appropriate, for the benefit of humankind.
Major Course Projects & Course Activities: Students will perform various labs and projects while in Earth Science. Examples of the labs are listed below:
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Investigate and understand Virginia standards of learning according to the VDOE
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Evaluate and explain the four strands required by the state.
Course Grading & Assessment Plan: The students will take various formal and informal assessments throughout the school year. These assessments will assist the educator in order to collect and analyze data to support the content taught in class.
**THE NEW GRADING POLICIES!**
Grading Scale:
A= 90-100 C= 70-79
B= 80-89 D= 60-69
F= below 60
Grade Weights
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Summative Assessments (Gold Category) = 40%
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Formative “Short-Cycle” Assessments (Silver Category) = 35%
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Classwork/Warm up (Bronze Category) = 25%
Final Exams = 10% of overall grade for high school courses (SOL tests count as final exams)
*Late work and redo policies vary by school
Classroom Expectations: Respect is an essential component of my class.
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I will respect you, provide you with every opportunity to learn, and help you in any way that I can.
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In return, I expect you will work hard, do your best, and ensure that your behavior is always respectful of yourself, others, and our school.
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Everyone deserves the best possible learning environment, together we will seek to provide that.
Course Expectations:
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You will come to class prepared and ready to learn.
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You will submit all of your assignments to the best of your ability.
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You will communicate respectfully and responsibly at all times.
*Use the link from reference to the student handbook.
Student Code of Responsibilities and Expectations (CORE) - George Washingston High School
Course Components: This course will involve a variety of learning experiences: inquiry activities, investigations, problem solving, individual and group investigations, presentations, quizzes, writing assignments and reports, unit tests and a final exam.
Please, do not hesitate to ask for help. Do not assume it is too late, too hard, or not important that you understand. I am available for additional help by appointment.
Required Course Materials for EVERY DAY: Pencil/Pen, binder with loose leaf paper. Chromebooks.
If you wish to be successful, you must plan for it.
Those who work, learn.
I look forward to working with each of you to learn together!
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