Course Syllabus

Earth Science Middle Creek High

Instructor: Kenneth R. Ward - MEd, BS Chemistry
Email: kward2@wcpss.net
Website: ward-science.weebly.com
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Science is both a systematic body of knowledge and a method of thinking and problem solving. The
philosophy of this class is to involve the student in both aspects of science with the hope that the
student will gain appreciation of the current science problems and an ability to question, evaluate,
and solve problems in a logical manner. This class will cover a variety of topics, from the nature of
our universe down to the unique characteristics of the Earths core. We will explore the tremendous
power of our atmosphere, the fascinating interactions between living organisms and their habitats,
our own influential role we each play as we live and grow as a species on this dynamic planet...just
to name a few!
Earth science is particularly unique not only for its pull from all the sciences, but also for its
consistent relevancy; for almost every concept we go over, we can find some practical and
meaningful application to our daily lives. Using what you learn in this class can lead to decisions
that both benefit the environment but you as well!
INSTRUCTIONAL PHILOSOPHY
A students success in this course will be solely based on the level of commitment of the individual. It has
been shown with past experience that there are certain guidelines for success such as: good attendance, class
participation, studying for tests, and turning in all assignments when due. By utilizing creativity, collaboration,
communication and critical thinking, it is my desire for you to achieve great success throughout this course.
COURSE EXPECTATIONS
The nature of a laboratory oriented class requires more than the usual amount of attention and self-control.
Full cooperation is expected at all times. Failure to listen and understand instructions could result in injury. Any
deviation from described format or disciplinary procedure will be considered unsatisfactory citizenship and may result
in a less than desirable grade for the group.
WEBSITE
On my website you will find a schedule for each unit along with helpful resources and other information.
COURSE MATERIALS
Journal composition notebook, Scientific calculator is REQUIRED, pen or pencil, 3 ring notebook for
handouts
DAILY NORMS
1.
2.
3.

Take assigned seats, write the date and work on the DO NOW in journals.
Please keep sidebar conversations to a minimum during my lectures. If you have a question
a question or comment, please raise your hand.
Please be courteous and respectful to everyone in the class who is asking a question or
giving an answer.

OUTLINE OF TOPICS:

Geosphere
Hydrosphere
Astronomy
Lithosphere
Ecosystems
Sustainability

Energy
Atmosphere
Biosphere
Climate Change
Environmental Impacts
Renewable Resources

COURSE ASSESSMENT / INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Students will be required to take notes and complete lab activities in class. Quizzes will be given on key terms
for each unit. Students will be required to complete projects as well throughout the semester.
GRADING METHOD
All grades will be out of 100 points and then multiplied by the following scale:
Weighted Averages by Quarter
Tests & Projects
Labs & Quizzes
Classwork
Homework

40
25
25
10

You will be expected to access your grades online and double-check your grades. I am human and I will make
mistakes!!!
A = 90 100
B = 80 89
C = 70 79
D = 60 69
F = 0 59
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

All students are expected to adhere to the following rules in addition to school policy.
Come to class prepared with the necessary materials EVERY DAY.
Be IN your seat ready to work when the bell rings.
Raise your hand and wait to be recognized before speaking.
Be respectful of other and their belongings.
DARE TO CARE (Be Courteous, Be Accountable, Be Responsible, Be Empathetic)
HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework will be assigned periodically for each unit. Any assignments not completed in class will need to
be finished for homework and turned in the next day.
LATE WORK
Late work will be accepted 4 times during the semester without penalty. You have been given 4 late passes
which allow you to turn in an assignment 1 school day late without penalty. After one day, 20% will be deducted.
Assignments after 5 days past the due date will have 50% deducted. Late passes are not valid for video notes. Late
work will be graded by the end of the quarter.

REMEDIATION
Students may retest provided they attend tutoring session to complete test corrections The retest will be given
on the second Wednesday after the test is returned. Retesting will only occur on that one day. The date will be posted
in the classroom. The retest will be averaged with the original test grade to calculate the final grade for that unit test.
Remediated test scores will not replace quizzes.

EXTRA HELP
Wednesday tutoring will be during ALL lunches. You will need to get a lunch pass from me.
ABSENCES/MAKE-UP WORK
It is very important that you be present in class, especially on days of graded assignments (labs, quizzes, and
tests). At the high school level, I must allow make-up work, so make-up work will be handled on an individual, as
need basis. I expect assignments which are due on a day you are absent to be turned in upon your return.
All makeup work must be completed within 1 day of your return, as per Wake County School Board Policy, 2 days if
absence exceeds 3 days. I am fair.
COUNTY HEALTH / SAFETY GUIDELINES
1.
2.
3.

Students must wear goggles during labs.

Students who are not appropriately groomed will not be permitted to do the lab. This includes shoes, pants, shirts,
blouses, etc. All wearing apparel must fit appropriately.
Open faced shoes and sandals are not permitted in the lab. Alternative assignment will be given.

PARENT-TEACHER CONTACT: Parents can obtain a login and password to check on student progress through
student services. All grades are posted online within 5 days of receiving them unless they are late. Late work is
graded after all current work. I will gladly speak to you about any concerns you may have about your child during my
planning period, during a conference, or through email. Email is the quickest method of contact!! Reach me at:
kward2@wcpss.net
Please detach this page and return to me. The previous page is for you to keep as a reference.
This paper needs to be signed by the student and the parent/guardian to acknowledge the material has been read and
understood. Please return this assignment by Friday, January 27, 20017.
_____________________________________
Student Name-printed

_____________________________________
Parent/guardian Name-printed

_____________________________________
Student-signature

_____________________________________
Parent/guardian-signature

For Parents:
One of my goals this semester is to increase parent communication. That means that I would like to be proactive in
letting parents/guardians know when their students grade is dropping or if theyre acting out. I would also like to let
parents/guardians know when students have been making a good effort in class and encouraging and supporting others.
I have found in the past that I am more likely to communicate with parents if I have a good email address for
them. Emails are easiest because I can send them at any point during the day. If you do not have access to email I will
try to call you instead.
Mother/Guardian Name: _________________________________________
Mother/Guardian Email: __________________________________________
Father/Guardian Name: _________________________________________
Father/Guardian Email: __________________________________________
Please check all that apply:
I would like to be included in weekly class updates
I would like an email if my child makes an F on a test.
I would like weekly emails if my childs grade is at an F (this is in addition to Academic
Recovery Plan updates)
I would like to receive an email if my child______________________________________________
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