Welcome to my Earth Science website. There are many beneficial resources and links that I have added to help you with the class. Please use the interactive websites to further study the topics we discuss in class. As a parent/guardian you can contact the school and sign up for http://www.k12planet.com/ allowing you to check on your student’s progress in all classes.
 

Grading Scale:	Class Grade Distribution:
A – excellent (93% or better)	50% - Tests & Projects
B – good, above average (85% - 92%)	30% - Labs & Quizzes
C – average (75% - 84%)	20% - Class work and homework
D – poor (68% - 74%)
F – failure (below 68%)

Course Format:
          This course is divided into two semesters. Each semester is worth ½ credit towards graduation. If you fail either semester, you must take that semester again. Good grades in the second semester cannot help poor grades in the first semester. Each semester is separate and of equal importance.

          Each semester is divided into two 9-week grading periods and a semester exam. Semester grades can be calculated from the following formula:
Semester = 2 x (sum of both nine weeks) + exam / 5

          In order for an Earth Science credit to be “verified,” the student must successfully complete the End of Course Standards of Learning (SOL) test with a grade of 400 or higher. Each student must earn at least one verified science for a standard diploma.

Materials (bring to class DAILY):
1. Text book (must be covered) and workbooks
2. 1 ½ Inch 3 ring binder with 5 dividers
a. Warm-Up
b. Notes
c. Homework/workbook
d. Labs
e. Quizzes/Tests
3. Loose leaf paper
4. # 2 pencils

Unit Topics:

First Semester:
1. Intro to Earth Science and Scientific Investigation
2. Meteorology (Structure, Composition, & Properties of the Atmosphere)
3. Meteorology (Weather)
4. Astronomy (History of Astronomy, Universe, Galaxies, Stars, the Solar System, Sun, and Moon)
5. Mapping
6. Minerals
7. Rocks and Rock Cycle (Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic)
8. Natural Resources/Virginia Resources

Second Semester
1. Geology (Weathering and Erosion)
2. Geology (Plate Tectonics)
3. Geology (Paleontology: Fossils; Relative & Absolute Dating; Geologic Time)
4. Oceanography (Geologic and Physical