Course Syllabus

24-25 EARTH SCIENCE SYLLABUS.docx

At a glance information:

Purpose of this syllabus: This syllabus provides an overview of the course goals, expectations, materials, and assessment criteria.

Course Title: Earth and Space Science

Teacher:  Ms. Hafner

Contact Information:  hafnere@issaquah.wednet.edu

Course Description: Earth and Space Science explores Earth's phenomenon including: earthquakes, volcanoes, weather, and space.

Course Outline:

  1. Earth’s Dynamic Systems (EDS)
  2. Weather & Climate Systems (WCS)
  3. Space System Exploration (SSE)

 

Required Course Materials and Supplies

  • Computer and charger
  • Science notebook (100 sheet composition notebook)
  • Multiple Pencils!
  • Glue Sticks
  • Pen for corrections (any color)
  • Coloring pencils and small scissors (helpful, but not required)

All of these materials should be brought to class every day. If students lose or use up any of the listed materials, they are responsible for replacing them.

Grading Policies

Points

Letter Grade

Standard Scale

 

4

(4.0 - 3.2)

A

Student demonstrated application of standard

(Student can apply learning to new situations)

 

3

(<3.2 - 2.4)

B

Student demonstrates understanding standard

(Student shows gaps in application, but understands content)

 

2

(<2.4 - 1.6)

C

Student is approaching understanding of standard

(Student has gaps in understanding)

 

1

(<1.6 - 0.8)

D

Student demonstrates minimal understanding of standard

(Student needs significant support to show understanding)

 

0

(<0.8 - 0)

F

Student has not attempted standard or insufficient evidence to evaluate

Assessment Criteria 

Grading categories, types of work, and weights: 

Summative (End of unit assessments – one each trimester)                                 55%

Formative (labs, models, standard-based skills)                                                       40%

Work Habits (active participation, appropriate conduct, use of time)                     5%

Recovery Plans:

Summative assessments and Formative assignments are based on the required learning standards for this science course (Next Generation Science Standards) and are evaluated using a 4-point scale. You will have the opportunity to retake the assignment or assessment standard in which you did not demonstrate application of the standard.

W.I.N. (What I Need) WEDNESDAYS happen each week during class time. Depending on your own personal learning needs, you will participate in one, or more, of the following:

  • Complete missing science homework or labs from the week
  • Organize notebook or binder
  • Ask questions concerning the concepts we are learning/seek extra help
  • Re-take assessments on standards not met
  • Study and review material
  • Engineering challenges and Extension activities (for students who have no missing work)

It is important that during our W.I.N. Wednesdays you use the time to work on science. This is time for you to catch up, further your understanding, and deepen your scientific appreciation.

 

Homework type/purpose/volume/frequency:

During class you will use your class notebook to keep track of your observations, data, questions, answers, handouts, notes, and reflections. Homework is unusual in this class, but there is classwork every day. If classwork is not complete during class, it becomes homework. Most labs can only be completed in class.

 

The purpose of your grade is to reflect your understanding, therefore missing or late work can be submitted without penalty until the next summative assessment. After you have taken a summative on a lesson or unit, late work is not accepted for credit on that lesson. Late work should be the EXCEPTION when completing science work. It is very important to stay current with assignments so you do not fall behind.

 

Classroom Values and Expectations  

Welcome to your science class! I expect Earth & Space Science students to be respectful, prepared, help others, put forth your best effort always, and make mistakes! Yes! Mistakes! Mistakes are how we learn; we must take risks to grow. In class, taking risks may be sharing your ideas (even if you don’t know if you are correct), trying something new, or asking for help. We will even share our mistakes and how to learn from them.

 

We work independently and in small groups in science. When you are working in a small group, it is expected that you will divide tasks fairly among your group members and you will do your part to the best of your ability.

Class Structure

This class is structured with active learning every day using:

  • observed phenomena to establish questions and inquiry
  • labs to investigate questions,
  • readings and videos to research ideas,
  • group and class discussions to make connections in our learning.

 

Missing class is impactful to your learning! When a student is absent it is expected that the work missed due to the absence is completed outside of regular class time. it is your responsibility to view the Canvas module for the days you were absent before returning to class, complete any of the coursework remotely that you can, and be ready to ask specific questions when you return. Students are encouraged to use BBT or WIN Wednesdays to ask questions or get caught up. There are some parts of our lessons that are regularly completed at home (larger assignments and preparing for assessments).