9th Grade Earth Systems
2009-2010 Disclosure Statement
BoxElderMiddle School
Mrs. Yates
Email:
Website:
Course Description
The study of “Earth System” is an organizing concept to understand life on earth, geological change, and the interaction of atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Earth Systems Science provides students with an understanding of how the parts of a system interact. The concept of matter cycling and energy flowing is used to help understand how systems on planet earth are interrelated.
Materials
A three ringed binder with a section designated only for science will be needed along with a folder to keep paper and lab packets in. A set of colored pencils will be convenient, but not required. Pens and pencils will be needed everyday.
Grading Scale
A = 100-93% B+ = 89-87% B- = 82-80% C = 76-73% D+ = 69-67% D- = 62-60%
A- = 90-92% B = 86-83% C+ = 79-77% C- = 72-70% D = 66-63% F = <59%
Grading
I will be grading on a point system. All tests, quizzes, assignments, labs and activities will be given a certain amount of points based on the difficulty. Test will be worth the most points and will need to be taken seriously. The more paperwork that is handed in the better the chance the student has of achieving success in the classroom. Also students will be given points based on participation, and respect twice a trimester. Bell Quizzes are for participation only and should be taken seriously as a easy way to gain points.
Policies and Procedures
Late Work: Late work will be accepted for a maximum of half credit and must be turned in within one week of the due date and before midterm and finals.
Make-up work: Any work missed due to an excused absence, may be made up for full credit. One day will be given to complete the assignments for each day of absence. It is the responsibility of the student to check with the teacher concerning missed work on the first day back to class. Any work that was assigned before the absence will be due on the assigned due date or the first day back to class. (Exceptions may be approved by the teacher in the case of illness.)
Extra Credit: Extra credit must be approved in advance by the teacher and willb e given based on the responsibility of the student.
Cheating: Cheating, enabling cheating or plagiarism will result in a 0% on the assignment and an automatic U in citizenship.
Lab Safety: Lab safety procedures must be observed at ALL times. Failure to do so will result in a 0% on the lab assignment and expulsion form future lab experiments.
HallPass: Students will be given two hall passes throughout the trimester. Students must ask before leaving the classroom and should not interrupt class time, but wait for a break to diminish the amount of disturbance. Students should get a drink before coming to class and will not be allowed to go fill up their water bottle.
Tardies: Students should be on time to class everyday and be ready to learn. Bell quizzes will need to be picked up at the beginning of each class and will be counted for points everyday. If a student is tardy or slow to pick up their bell quiz they will miss out on receiving those points. Parents will be contacted when a student receives 3 or more tardies.
Cell Phones and Ipods: Cell phones, mp3 players and iPods will NOT be allowed in class and will be taken away if seen. The student may pick them up after class and if several warnings are given citizenship will be altered.
I will be in my classroom before and after school everyday. If a student needs help or need to make up work they should feel free to come and talk to me. I can be contacted at my email listed above and will be happy to answer any questions. On my website can be found the different power points slides used for notes and copies of lab packets for those that have been lost.
Classroom Rules
- Respect yourself and others – Every student including yourself, deserves the chance to learn, be respectful of that in every way.
- Be on time and be prepared – Being in your seat when the bell rings and being prepared with the proper materials will be the only way of getting points for preparation.
- Positive Attitude – No complaining allowed!
- No food, drink, cell phone, Ipod, or mp3 player – If seen by the teacher a warning will be issued and if seen again will be taken away and may be picked up after class.
- Follow lab safety rules at all times – Students will be asked to not participate in lab activities if they are violating rules and be given book work and a zero on the lab assignment.
Citizenship
H – No tardies, obeys class rules, has a positive attitude and participates in class.
S – Has no more than two tardies and usually obeys class rules
N – Has no more than three tardies and or frequently disobeys class rules
U – Has four or more tardies and or frequently disobeys class rules. Displays behavior that is contrary to a positive learning environment.
------
Student name
______
Parent Signature
______