Earth Science Syllabus

Teacher: Andrew Harvey

aharvey@emanuel.k12.ga.us

WELCOME TO 6
TH
GRADE EARTH SCIENCE. I look forward to an exciting
and successful year. Each one of you has the potential for greatness, and I
cannot wait to see how successful you will be!

Course Description: Earth Science is the study concerned with the solid Earth,
its waters, and the air that envelops it. Included in Earth Science are the geologic,
hydrologic, and atmospheric sciences; as well as Earths location in space and how it
compares to other objects in the universe.

Objectives: Students will learn how to make good observations, take accurate
notes, and develop organizational and analytical skills. Students will master Georgia
Performance Standards for Earth Science. We will also incorporate the Common
Core standards of Language Arts (writing) and Mathematics.

Course Expectations:
Each student will conduct himself or herself in a manner that promotes self-
respect and respect for fellow students, teachers, property, and life.
Students will bring the required materials (pencil, paper, class notebook,
homework) to class daily.
Students will turn in ALL work on time.
Students will give their best effort at all times.
Students will allow the teacher to teach and the other students to learn.
Students will follow science class safety rules and school-wide rules.
Grading: (Please refer to the ECS website/Agenda for additional information)
30% - Tests 30% - Quizzes/Performance Tasks 40% - Classwork/Homework
Grades are updated by Monday afternoon of each week. (Please note: some
assignments are graded on a cumulative basis and may not be posted at that time.)


Grading Procedures and Guidelines
Emanuel County Schools implement a system which advocates that every grade
assigned to a student must be reflective of that students mastery of a specified
curriculum standard. Keeping this framework in mind, the following procedures will
be adhered to consistently across all grade levels and standards-based classes at
Swainsboro Middle School.
Assessments
An assessment is any grade entered into the grade book that will be
calculated into the achievement grade.
An assessment must measure mastery of one or more curriculum standards.
Students will be allowed to retake an assessment (according to the
guidelines below).
Retakes
Students will be allowed to demonstrate mastery by retaking an assessment
up to two times.
Grades for a retake will be entered in the grade book and will replace the
previous attempts.
Students will be allowed to retake an assessment up to ten school days
following the original assessment.
In order to take a reassessment, students will be expected to engage in re-
learning tasks. These tasks may include making up missed work, completing a
homework assignment, attending a tutorial, or other meaningful learning
tasks. If the student does not complete the tasks, s/he may forfeit the
opportunity for reassessment.
Homework
Homework assignments are a critical part of student success and practice is
necessary for standards mastery.
Students will be assigned homework to reinforce classroom learning.
Homework assignments that are evaluated to determine mastery of concepts
and skills may be graded as an assessment and can count toward the
achievement grade.
Homework assignments that are graded for practice completion will be
reflected in the Learner Behaviors and Work Habits gradings.
Late Work
Teachers may assign consequences for late assignments.
To ensure that the grades in the achievement portion of the grade book are
only reflective of standards mastery points will not be deducted from an
assessment due to lateness.
Teachers will keep the family portal (parent connect) updated regularly to
reflect missing assignments and/or assessments.
Teachers will accept missing work up to ten school days following the original
due date. After that time, the grade may be recorded as a zero and the
assignment may no longer be accepted. Teachers may require a written
explanation from the student as to why the assignment is being submitted
after the deadline.

Required Materials:
$5 Lab Fee

3 Ring Binder (1 inch)

5 Tab Dividers
Handheld Pencil Sharpeners

Notebook Paper *Optional Materials:
#2 Pencils and/or Pens Hand Sanitizer
1 Package of Index Cards Kleenex Tissues
Red Pen (used for self-grading) Construction Paper/Printer Paper

Absences and/or Make-up Procedures:
Please see read the ECS policy for make-up work due to excused/unexcused
absences.
It is the students responsibility to ask for ALL assignments that were
missed due to an absence.
When a student misses an assessment or a presentation, it is the students
responsibility to schedule a make-up date according to the policy set forth
by the school system. (Some assignments/presentations may be available on
the class website or sent via email. Please do not hesitate to ask.)

Classroom Rules and Consequences:
Students should follow the code of conduct for the Emanuel County School District
and ECS as stated in the student handbook/agenda or the ECS website. A uniform
set of consequences will be used according to ECS policy. We expect students to
follow these important rules for success.
4 Basic Rules:
Respect yourself, others, and property
Follow directions the first time
Be prepared for EACH class
Transition quickly and quietly
It is important for all students to follow these directions in order to create
an environment where we can learn and ultimately be successful!
Internet/Website:
I have created a class website which is to be used for class and extra help. E-
textbooks are found on class website. earthsciencesms.weebly.com

Teacher-Parent Contact:
Please feel free to contact me any time you have concerns or questions. Email is
the most efficient way to contact me and will receive a prompt response. Parent
conferences can be arranged to discuss any issues we may have. Please arrange
conferences through our counselor.
Please return the last page of this syllabus before August 15, 2014.





























Student (Print Name):
____________________________________

Contact Information:

Primary Caregiver: (Print
Name)________________________________
Address: ________________________________________
Phone number: ____________________________________
Email: ____________________________________
Alternate contact number:
__________________________________
Primary Language: __________________________________

Comments/Concerns:




Signatures: I have read and discussed the Earth Science
syllabus with my parent/guardian.

Parent/Guardian:______________________________
Date ______________
Student:_____________________________________
Date______________

Please return this completed page to your Earth Science Teacher
by 08/15/2014.