1 Welcome to Earth Science!
I’m very excited to have you in class this semester. This syllabus will be your go-to guide for information about classroom policies, grading, and work. It is your responsibility read to understand all aspects of it. The better you understand the syllabus, the better prepared you’ll be to complete the class successfully.
There are three things that you should know going into my earth science class:
1. This class will challenge the way you think about the role of science in your life, your
community, and on a global scale. It’s essential that you come to class ready to apply the skills you learn to life outside of school. By the end of the semester, you’ll come to understand that science is a fundamental and powerful area of study no matter what you do after high school.
2. Our district’s mission states that all students must be “college & career ready” upon graduation. To help you get to this point, this class will require that you produce college- and workplace-level work every day. We will work as a class to get you to this level of academic achievement so you’ll be ready for a wide variety of post-secondary endeavors.
3. I have an open door policy for both parents and students. If you ever have any questions or concerns relating to your success in earth science, other classes, school issues, or issues outside of school, feel free to come to me during office hours, or before or after school. If I cannot speak to you right away, you can use my contact information below to set up an appointment.
My hope is that you will leave Earth Science with a great grade, an appreciation for science in general, and the confidence to tackle future science coursework! If there is anything I can do to help you be successful in these endeavors, just let me know.
Looking forward to learning with you this semester!
-Mr. Ahmad Naboulsi
Phone: (623) 252-0178 (personal) Email: [email protected]
Class Website: https://sites.google.com/site/sciencewithmrnaboulsi
2 Attendance
District policy states that students must have 90% attendance in class in order receive credit. Absences from approved activities (field trips, performing groups, student government, etc.) do not count towards your attendance rate. Students with 10 absences may not receive credit for the class. See page 23 of your student handbook for information on attendance loss of credit and the appeals process.
Tardy/Sweep Policy
Per school policy, students who are not in class by the time the bell rings will be marked as tardy. If you will be tardy, go directly to the Sweep room before coming to class. See page 26 of the student handbook for details on the tardy/sweep policies and procedures. You should arrive in class at least 1 minute before the bell rings so that you can turn in their homework and begin working on the posted assignment.
Materials The following materials must be brought to class every day:
1. A college ruled composition notebook exclusively for earth science 2. A 2-pocket folder exclusively for earth science
3. A writing utensil
Course Units 1. Scientific Inquiry
2. The Structure of the Earth 3. Rocks and Minerals 4. History of the Earth
5. The Solar System and Universe 6. Weather and Climate
7. Humans and the Environment
Grading
This class will employ the grading scale outlined on page 3 of the DEHS course description book. Letter grades will be assigned as follows:
A = 100% - 90% D = 69.9% - 60% B = 89.9% - 80% F = Less than 60% C = 79.9% - 70%
Your class grade is broken down into the following components: Final Exam 20% Tests and Quizzes 40% Homework 25% Labs 15%
Grades will be posted in class every few days. It is your responsibility to check your grades for accuracy.
Homework Policy
Homework comprises 25% of your class grade. It is your responsibility to make sure that all assignments are turned in on time. Late homework will only be accepted if you have an excused or school-related absence.
Tests and Quizzes
3 Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty of any kind result in a grade of 0 on the assignment, test or quiz, but may result in other disciplinary action. All students are subject the school’s academic integrity policy (see page 13 of your student handbook).
Class Policies
Classroom policies are in effect every day. Students must abide by classroom policies in order to maintain a safe, comfortable, productive classroom environment. There are four general policies that will be enforced in class.
1. Follow directions the first time they are given. 2. Be seated when the bell rings.
3. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
4. Use appropriate language; no put-downs, teasing, cursing, etc. 5. Be present and prepared at all times.
6. Cell phones, music players, and other electronics must be turned off and stored from bell to bell. Using these devices in class without permission will result in an automatic morning detention at 7:25 am.
7. All class procedures must be completed in a timely, focused manner.
Food and Drink
Food and drinks are welcome until maintaining a clean and orderly classroom becomes a problem. If food and drink distracts us from our work, they will be banned from the class at all times. Please be responsible for keeping your desk and surroundings clean, neat, and trash-free.
Cell Phones, Music Players, and Electronics
Cell phones, music players, and other electronics must be turned off and stored from bell to bell. Using these devices in class without permission will result in an automatic morning detention at 7:25 am. Students caught using their phones during a quiz, test, or exit ticket will be subject to the school’s academic integrity policy (see page 13 of your student handbook).
Class Procedures Turning in Homework
Most homework assignments will be checked at your desk. Have your homework ready on your desk at the beginning of class for me to check. If I need to collect an assignment for you, I’ll give you time to do this in class.
Using the Bathroom
Using the bathroom or getting a drink with a hall pass is permitted after lecture. Students who abuse the bathroom or water fountain will not be allowed to leave the class. You may not leave the classroom during the first 15 minutes of class or the last 15 minutes of class. Use the restroom and get a drink before coming to class!
Getting Out of Your Seat
To get the most out of this class, make sure you stay in your seat throughout lecture. Once I release you for practice or group work, you do not need permission to get a handout, throw something out, etc. However, students are expected to be focused and on task throughout the entire class, so make trips away from your work area quick.
Entering Class
4 Exiting Class
Students are responsible for making sure that their desks and surrounding areas are free of trash, papers, and other debris. Desks should be left totally clean and straight with chairs pushed underneath.
Additional classroom policies procedures may be implemented throughout the semester as deemed necessary.
Individual Behavior
You’re expected to follow classroom rules and policies 100% of the time every single class. To keep class running smoothly and efficiently, we’ll implement a 3-strike consequence system. The table below outlines the consequences for failing to follow these rules and policies
Offense Consequence
1 Verbal warning, chance to review our class rules and policies 2 45 minute detention at 7:25 AM, possible phone call home 3 Office referral
Certain misbehaviors may result in an immediate phone call home, an office referral, or other
consequences at my discretion. Consequences reset daily, so you always start class with a clean slate.
Class-Wide Behavior
It’s also important that we work together to be as productive and efficient as possible. To encourage this, we will use a class points system. Classes can earn up to 3 points for good behavior and productivity every day. As points add up, we’ll celebrate our hard work with 4 rewards that we vote on as a class. The more points we get, the more class time we can spend celebrating.
75 Points 20 minutes
150 Points 45 minutes
225 Points 60 minutes
250 Points 90 minutes
Classes can also earn bonus points for achieving the following goals: Class average above 80% on a test or quiz 6 points Highest class average on a test or quiz 2 points Perfect attendance for 1 class day 1 point
Perfect attendance for 1 full week 3 points (in addition to daily bonus) Perfect homework completion for 1 class day 1 point
Diversity and Respect
Finally, my classroom is one where diversity of opinion, lifestyle, and beliefs should be acknowledged and respected. No student will ever be made to feel ostracized or abused (physically, emotionally, or verbally) because of who they are or what they believe.
Your First Homework Assignment
Your first homework assignment is due on the January 8, 2012. Follow the steps below to complete this homework assignment.
1. Read this syllabus carefully. Review it with your parent or guardian. Sign the contract on the next page bring it to class. The parent section must also be completed and signed by a parent or guardian.
5 EARTH SCIENCE STUDENT CONTRACT
Student Name: Block #:
Parent Name:
Parent Phone Number:
Parent Email:
What is the best way to reach your parent? Circle one: Phone Email
By signing below, I verify that I have reviewed and read the syllabus for Mr. Naboulsi’s Earth Science class. I understand that the level of work demanded in this class is designed to prepare me for college and work beyond high school. I pledge to abide by the policies, procedures, and guidelines included in this syllabus. I also pledge to uphold our classroom’s core values, and work hard in pursuit of our classroom goals and mission.
______________________________________ ____________________
Student Signature Date
______________________________________ ____________________
6 Naboulsi- Spring Semester 2013
SCIENCE SAFETY RULES AND PROCEDURES AGREEMENT
In order to ensure that science experiments are safe and positive learning experiences, students and their parents should read, discuss, and sign the science safety rules and procedures agreement. No student will be permitted to participate in laboratory work until the agreement is signed by a parent and student and returned to the teacher.
1. Act in a responsible manner at all times. Misconduct that endangers any student will not be tolerated. 2. Never work without adult supervision. Do not handle any materials until instructed by the teacher to
do so.
3. Perform the experiments as directed. Do not do anything that is not part of an approved experimental procedure. Follow all instructions given by the teacher. Read the written procedures. If you don’t understand a procedure or piece of equipment, ask the teacher.
4. Eating, or drinking in the lab or experimental work area are forbidden.
5. Wear appropriate protective equipment. A lab coat or apron and ANSI approved eye protection should be worn when necessary. Keep hands away from face, eyes, and mouth while using chemicals or preserved specimens.
6. Learn the locations and operation of emergency equipment including eyewash fountains, safety showers, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, etc. Report all accidents, injuries, close calls, or unsafe conditions to your teacher.
7. Closed-toed shoes must be worn at all times; never go barefoot in the lab. Special care should be taken with floppy clothing. Tie back long hair to keep it away from flames and chemicals. 8. Never taste a chemical. Never pipette by mouth – always use a pipette bulb.
9. Check odors only if instructed to do so by gently wafting some of the vapor toward your nose with your hand.
10. Carry sharp objects with tip or sharp edge pointing downwards. Do not try to catch falling sharp objects.
11. Use caution when heating materials in the lab. Keep hands and face away from the mouth of a test tube or beaker being heated. Turn off burner or hot plate when you are finished – never leave an active heat source unattended.
12. Do not enter science prep rooms or storage areas unless under teacher supervision.
13. Never take chemicals, supplies, or equipment out of the laboratory without the knowledge and consent of the science teacher.
14. Clean your lab area; put away all equipment and reagents; wash your hands at the end of each work session. Report any damaged glassware or equipment to your teacher.
15. All personal items, backpack, bags, etc… are to remain in a locked classroom. Personal items are not permitted in the lab.
Your Science Teacher may add additional safety instructions to the back of this form.
I, _________________________________, have read, understand, and agree to follow these science safety rules and procedures. I agree to abide by any additional instructions, written or verbal, provided by my science teacher or adult supervisor.
_______________________________________________________ _______________
Student Signature Date
_______________________________________________________ _______________
Parent Signature Date
