Earth Science 2014-2015

Ms. OBrien, Room 39

Email: bobrien@greenecountyschools.com
Website:
Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 3:00-4:30 pm
Welcome to Earth Science! I look forward to an exciting and
productive year. Well be studying interesting topics such as satellite
mapping, volcanoes, climate change, our Solar System and, societys impact on the environment. It is my
goal to help you succeed in high school and learn to be problem solvers who work well with others and
want to make a positive impact on our planet.

Supplies
1 three-ring binder or folder
Pencil/Pens (blue or black)
2 Marbled Composition Notebooks
Scotch Tape
Note: You should ALWAYS bring your notebook and pen/pencil to class everyday

Grading
Your understanding of the material is more important to me than your grades, but it is my expectation that you
will all succeed in this class. You may check your grade at any time on Power School.

Assessment (quizzes, tests) 45%
Homework & Classwork 15%
Participation 10%
Projects & Lab Activities 20%
Nine Weeks Test 10%

Missing & Late Work
Absences:
You have three days after you return from an excused absence to make up your work. Otherwise,
you will receive an Incomplete.
Pick up any missing work from the Earth Science crate. Extra copies of all notes and assignments
will be placed in that days folder in the crate.
Missing the review day does not get you out of the test. All review guides are on the class website.
Late Work:
All assignments (homework, classwork, labs) must be turned in on the due date. After the due date,
a maximum of 50% credit will be given. You may turn in late- work up to one week before final 9-
weeks grades are due.

First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
SOL ES. 1,2,4,5,6 SOL ES. 7,8 SOL ES. 9,10,11,12 SOL ES. 4,14
Scientific Method
Reading maps, globes,
etc.
Earth Chemistry &
Minerals
Rocks
VA Natural Resources
Plate Tectonics
Earth Surface
Processes & Features
Earths History
Oceanography
Atmosphere & Earth
System Interactions
Meteorology &
Weather
Earth in Space
Cosmology

Classroom Expectations

Respect
Treat your classmates, your teacher, and yourself with respect. We all have bad days,
but try your best to bring a positive attitude into our classroom.
Preparedness
Come to class prepared. This means having your notebook, homework, and a
pen/pencil always with you (please sharpen your pencils before class). This also
means contributing to class in positive ways.
Academic Honesty
Knowledge is too precious to steal. I expect your work to be that, your work. If you are
caught cheating, you will receive a 50% deduction and must repeat the assignment.
Work Hard
We will work from bell to bell. Be in your assigned seat and working on the Do Now
assignment when the bell rings or you will be considered tardy. The teacher dismisses
the class, not the bell.
Have Fun
Earth Science will be exciting and challenging. It may not be your favorite class, but try
your best to enjoy it. Ask questions, be involved and have fun!

Class Rules
We will discuss additional rules and consequences as a class, but please follow these guidelines:
1. Be on time and prepared for class.
2. Respect your classmates, teacher, and yourself.
3. Actively listen to whoever is speaking. Challenge ideas, not each other.
4. Sit in your assigned seat and work from bell to bell
5. Follow all Lab Safety procedures.

Consequences
Positive behavior will be rewarded with additional freedom and student elected consequences.
1
st
Infringement: Warning or Conference with Teacher
2
nd
Infringement: Seat Change or other Student Decided Consequence + Parent Contact
3
rd
Infringement: Previous Consequences + Referral

I look forward to an exciting year! Please feel free to contact me through the class website or any time
at bobrien@greenecountyschools.com. I believe that communication is the key to a successful
partnership between teachers, students, and parents/guardians.


Sincerely,
Ms. OBrien