INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS

.

The primary objective of this course is to provide the student with a better understanding of the natural environment. Thus we will examine a number of topics including:

     The structure and composition of the earth’s surface, subsurface, and deep interior processes (both gradual and catastrophic) that alter the observed structure of the earth: rock transformation, mountain building, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanism, and atmospheric processes.

At the end of this course, you will know

•  The structure and composition of the Earth and atmosphere.
•  The elements of weather and climate including weather patterns and storms.
•  The earth’s relationship to the sun, moon, and other bodies of the solar system.
•  The earth’s place in the cosmos

NEEDS AND RESOURCES

Required Background

To successfully complete this course, you need 

• A willingness to learn.

Required Materials

To successfully complete this course, you will need:

• Textbook
• Workbook
• Lab Workbook (The Lab workbook will stay in the classroom at all times)
• Notebook
• Ruler
• Safety Compass
• Folder

COURSE SCHEDULE

Prologue                                                                  September

1: Earth Dimensions                                                October

2: Minerals and Rocks                                             November

3: The Dynamic Crust                                              December

4: Surface Process. & Landscapes                         January

5: The Earth’s History                                             February/ March

6/7: Meteorology                                                       March/ April

8: Water Cycle & Climate                                        April/May

9: Earth in Space                                                       May/ June

10: Beyond Planet Earth                                           June

11: Environmental Awareness                                  June

12. Regents Exam                                                   June

General Rules:

• Be Respectful
• No Eating or drinking in class.
• When someone is speaking there is to be no talking.
• Stay in your seats.
• My desk and computer are off limits.
• Homework is due on time.
• If you are absent for an exam you will take a different one then your classmates.
• No “pop quizzes”
• We will review for exams at least 2 days prior.
• Any problems see me before they get worse.

Grading Policy

• A minimum of four exams per quarter.
• Homework counts as an exam grade. ( Students start with 100% and a 5pt. deduction for every missed homework assignment)
• Lab work is Pass/Fail