Earth Science Mr. Harrison 2015-2016 This is a survey course covering scientific earth systems and global processes. This course does not cover living organisms, but may discuss environmental change affecting populations. Goals for the year include:  Develop Critical Thinking Skills  Realize the impacts of science in practical, everyday life  Promote an appreciation of the natural world  Master core Earth Science content as outlined by the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS)

Course Topics: 



Scientific Methods: - The Scientific Method - Lab Safety & Procedures - Scientific Research & Documentation - SI Measurements - Pollution and its effects Geology: - Earth History – Geologic timescale - Elemental basics – familiarity with the periodic table - Identification of Minerals - Differentiation of rock and minerals - The Earth’s composition - Creation and destruction of land formations / Plate Tactonics - Map reading - Relationship of land formations to society



Hydrology: - The Oceans - The Water Cycle



Meteorology: - The Earth’s Atmosphere - Weather phenomena - Clouds & Air Masses - Climates



Astronomy: - The Solar System - Stars & Star Systems - Theories of the Origin of the Universe - History of the Space Program - Relationships of the motions of the Earth, Moon & Sun – Seasons, Day & Night

Text book: The Earth Science text book is an essential resource for Earth Science class. A class set of texts are available for classwork; however, addition texts may be checked out from the Media Center for temporary home use/study. Supplies:  a separate 3-ring binder for use as you Earth Science notebook  college ruled, loose-leaf paper (no spiral-bound paper!)  ink pens (Black and blue ink only!) and #2 pencils

Grading System: (Percentages are approximations)

Mastery of Earth Science Standards (Assessments) .....50% Labs & Projects .............................................................30% Daily Activities & Class Participation ..........................20%

Notes & Science Notebook: Notes are an important part of learning concepts and science terms. Keeping a well organized and up-to-date Earth Science notebook is an essential part of class. Periodic notebook tests (open notebook) will be given to check completion of assignments (including Essential Questions) and class notes as well as understanding of major concepts. These count as major grades. Homework & Study Policy: Homework will rarely be issued unless assignments are not completed during regular class time or students’ need to catch-up in their studies. However, some class projects/labs will require preparation at home. Although formal science homework is rare, students’ should review new class material every day for at least 15 minutes to be prepared for the next day’s class and to identify information they do not understand. Also, studying for and completion of graded assignments are a MUST! No extra credit will be offered for this course. Laboratory Activities & Demonstrations: This course involves periodic labs and demonstrations; however, they do not always take the form of experimentation. Often, critical thinking and problem solving activities are involved. Laboratory Reports are considered major grades. Lesson Plans & Assignments: Lesson plans and many assignments/supplemental materials will be posted on Mr. Harrison’s webpage linked to the school website. Students who miss class should refer to the webpage and/or Mr. Harrison for make up work. Make Up Work: Any announced tests or work assigned before your absence is due the day you return to school. For any other assignments, you will have two weeks from the time the work is assigned to complete it and receive credit. Important: It is the student’s responsibility to gather and complete all make up work! Hall Passes: According to school policy, students should not leave class unless they have an emergency. Students should go to the restroom before class or during breaks. The same is true for calls home or other trips to the office.