Welcome!

Mr. Ertl 

Honors Earth Science 

Regular Earth Science 

Back to School Night

Topics in Earth Science: Honors and Regular

Introduction: Remote Sensing (satellites) and reflectance spectrometry. Skills with the Lab Pro system and use of Logger Pro “program. Solar Radiation Project data gathering. Solar input patterns.

 Meteorology

Solar Radiation and electromagnetic spectrum.  Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Lithosphere model for study. Motions of Earth (seasons, rotation, revolution). Physics of heat (temperature, calories). Insolation and heating of Earth ‘s atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere. Energy conversions (heat, light, potential and kinetic energy). Water (heat capacity, phases, humidity, dewpoint. Air pressure and gas laws. Wind and global patterns of circulation. Weather patterns (fronts, air masses). Forecasts and Weather Watch Internet project.

 Earth Chemistry, Minerals, and Rock Processes

Bonding in earth materials (ionic, covalent, polar molecules). Mineral groups and identjflcation. Silicate structure and properties. Igneous processes and crystallization. Sedimentary processes and Taylor's Falls Field Trip. Metamorphic processes and rock cycle.

 Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes, and Geologic History

Evidence for plate tectonics, paleomagnetism. Volcanism and heat flow in the lithosphere. Earthquakes and waves. Geologic time (radiometric dating, interpretation of cross-sections). Mountain building patterns. Geologic Study Region paper and Prairie Island Project for honors.

 Astronomy and Solar Studies

Earth Sun relations (orbits, laws of motion). Basic spectroscopy and electromagnetic spectrum. Solar processes. Stellar evolution, galaxies. Newtons Laws of Motion, Kepler’s Laws.

 Atmospheric Chemistry and Solar Power

Acid/Base chemistry. Water and CO2 cycles, sedimentary reservoirs, and acid rain.

Fossil fuels and solar power (solar cells and energy conversions). Weathering and

Soils, Glacial features and landforms, climate cycles. Conclusion of Solar Radiation

Project.

 Long Term Projects with internet: Weather Watch (regular sections), Solar Radiation Project and Prairie Island Project for Honors sections.

 Crucial Skills:

Group problem solving, Lab Pro manipulation, computer graphing, and analysis by spreadsheet, internet monitoring (long term) unit analysis, uncertainty, metric conversions.

 Effort Grades:  9th Grade Science

I.           Contribution to Learning of Others

 

.                  1.Engaged, directed, and systematic approach to LAB

ACTIVITIES. Use of TIME in independent situations.

2. Support for lab partner. EXPLANATIONS for others.

Leadership in ambiguous situations.

3. Sensitivity to abilities and feelings of others.

 

II.         Effort in WRITTEN ANALYSIS

 

1. Organization, clarity, and PRIDE IN PRESENTA TION

2. Depth and insight in all written tasks. Asking significant

questions.

3. Thoughtful and thorough summaries and analysis questions

on FORMAL LAB REPORTS

4. Avoidance of missing, late, or incomplete work

 

 

III.       Personal Qualities

1. Respect and sensitivity to opinions and needs of others.

2. Acceptance of personal responsibility for learning.

3. Responsiveness to constructive suggestions and criticism.

4. Interest in science WITHOUT REFERENCE TO GRADES!

5. Positive attitude in the face of ambiguity. Willingness to

experiment and “go out on a limb”.

6. Personal pride in appearance of “products” of efforts.

7. Placing needs of GROUP before needs of the individual.

8. Good humor, positive sense of self, open nature.

 

 

 

 Class Expectations

Expectations, Requirements, and Effort Grading for 9th Grade Science

Earth Science: Honors and Regular

Required materials — bring the following things to class each day:

1. 3-ring binder with looseleaf paper for notes in class.

You will receive many handouts in Earth Science. You are expected to keep these handouts organized in a 3-ring binder.

2. Completed homework assignment

3. Current assignment sheet

4. An appropriate writing utensil - pencil or black/blue pen

5. There are many days when you will be asked to bring your laptop to class. You will be alerted to these days in advance in your assignment sheets and by reminders from your teacher.

Note: If you are not prepared for class because you forgot your binder/pencil/laptop/homework you will be considered late to class. Following the guidelines set forth in the Upper School Handbook, on the third lateness to a class and every lateness thereafter, you will be required to attend a 45 minute after school study hail detention.

Laptop Guidelines

1. Your teachers will not accept computer excuses for late work.

2. You must come to class with any electronic document already printed to turn in at the beginning of class. If your assignment is not printed, late penalties will apply. (See Late Homework Policy on next page.)

3. You are not permitted to do any of the following during class time:

• Email

• Internet surfing

• Instant messaging

• Games of any type

4. Unless otherwise specified by your teacher, all word-processed work must be formatted according to the following guidelines:

• Times New Roman font

• 12 point font

• 1 inch margins on all sides

Homework and Lab Reports

1. Completed homework assignments and lab reports are due at the beginning of the class period on the day specified on the assignment sheet.

2. Informal lab reports are completed directly on the lab handout.

3. Follow the attached format for formal lab reports.

4. Homework assignments consist of other assignments, such as reading and questions from the textbook. These assignments are either completed directly on the handout or on a separate piece of looseleaf paper or word-processed on your computer.

Tests and Quizzes

1. You will receive a study guide several days before each unit test. We will use this study guide as a basis for review in class the day before the test.

2. There may be a quiz based on the homework due on any given day.

Grading

1. Grading is based on a point system. In general, these point ranges will apply for each of the following:

• Formal lab reports: 30-40 points

• Informal lab reports: 20-30 points

• Homework assignments: 10-20 points

• Tests: 60-100 points

• Quizzes: 15-25 points

2. Your quarter grades are weighted as follows:

• Labs=45%

• Homework = 15%

• Tests and Quizzes = 40%

3. Your quarter grades will follow the guidelines:

• A range = 90-100%

• B range = 80 - 89.9%

• C range = 70- 79.9%

• D range = 60 - 69.9%

• Not passing = Below 60%

4. Late homework policy: You are expected to complete and turn in your homework assignments and lab reports at the beginning of class on the day specified on the assignment sheet. If you choose not to turn in your completed homework on the due date, the following late penalties will apply:

• Homework turned in late but before the unit test: maximum 50% credit

• Homework turned in late after the unit test: no credit

5. Extensions: If you feel you have a special situation that merits an extension on an assignment, then you must request and be granted this extension the day before the assignment is due. Each situation will be considered individually by your teacher, and you may or may not be granted an extension.

6. Effort Grades: We do many different lab and group activities in earth science,

and you must be able to work effectively with other members of your class.

Specifically, in order to succeed in this class you must:

• Be engaged in individual and group activities.

• Be able to use your time effectively when you are working independently or with a group.

• Be able to act as both a LEADER in a group and a HELPER.

• Be willing to explain directions and ideas to your classmates, and also be willing to ask questions of your classmates if you need clarification.

• Accept your personal responsibility for learning.

• Take pride in your work by completing your assignments thoughtfully, thoroughly, and turning them in on time.

Following the general outline in the Upper School Handbook, effort grades will follow the guidelines:

• 1 Effort = Demonstrates exemplary consistency, reliability and responsibility. Usually exceeds expectations. Offers positive classroom experience.

• 2 Effort = Does assigned work regularly and on time, is motivated and participates appropriately in class.

• 3 Effort = Is not working to ability. Work is not completed regularly or satisfactorily, or participation is not meeting expectations.

                             

 EXTRA CREDIT opportunities will be abundant, but is only used in assigning final marking period grades (it may not substitute for "regular" points). Find these extra credit opportunities on Mr. Ertl’s website.

The following behavioral patterns will determine your effort grades in science: