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Course Syllabus
Hayes Middle School


EARTH SCIENCE SYSTEMS
Teachers Name: Mrs. Sarah Felsing Email: felsings@glcomets.net
Student Teachers Name: Carly Atkinson Email: atkinsonc@glcomets.net

Contact Time: 3rd hour (9:32-10:28) Phone: 517-925-5722

Assignments and Class Agenda will be posted on PowerSchool
Class links also available at: http://mrsfelsing.wordpress.com


Purpose/Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive overview of
geology, meteorology, hydrology, and astronomy using reading/writing, lab activities,
individual study, and short- and long-term projects.

Topics of Study: Earth Systems, Biogeochemical Cycles, Human Impact on the
Environment, The Water Cycle, Freshwater Systems, the Oceans, Weather and Climate,
Earth and Space, Earths History & Interior, Minerals and Rocks, Plate Tectonics, and
Earthquakes and Volcanoes.

Textbooks Used and Other Sources: Earth Science (Holt McDougal).

Our science textbook is available online at http://my.hrw.com

Textbook Username: astudents178 Password: f3y4n

In an attempt to keep our textbooks in excellent condition, students are encouraged to use
the online textbook. Students do have the option of checking out a book, but should do so
with the understanding that lost or damaged textbooks will result in rebind (~$10) or
replacement fees (~$72) at the end of the year.

Materials Needed for Science Class:
1 3-ring Binder Scientific calculator
Divider tabs for Binder 1 box of Kleenex (please!)
2 Dry erase markers (optional, but appreciated!) Colored pencils
White notebook paper for binder #2 Pencils

Primary Methods of Instruction: Lecture, PowerPoint presentations, Small and
large group discussion, Group projects (short- and long-term) and lab activities

Types of Evaluation and Assessment:

Homework, Projects and Lab Activities 40%
Tests and Quizzes 40%
Student Responsibility 10%
Formative Assessments (warm-ups, participation, etc) 10%



________
Course Syllabus
Hayes Middle School

Grading Scale:

93-100 A 73-76 C
90-92 A- 70-72 C-
87-89 B+ 67-69 D+
83-86 B 63-66 D
80-82 B- 60-62 D-
77-79 C+ 0-59 F

Homework Policy:
o Homework will be assigned on a regular basis between 1 and 3 times per week.
o The due date for homework is the day after it is assigned unless otherwise stated.
o The teacher will not always collect homework on the day it is due. Sometimes we
will just go over the answers and students will keep the assignment in the homework
section of their binder so it can be used to study for the test.

Responsibility Grade/Late Assignments:
Grades are one of the ways that teachers assess student knowledge and understanding;
however, teachers cannot assess work that is not turned in. The responsibility category of
the grading scale is meant to address the issue of student preparedness for class. The
responsibility category is 10% of the overall student grade. All students will begin with a
score of 100 (100%) in the responsibility category every trimester. Points will be deducted
in the following manner:

Late Assignment: -5 points
Late Project: -10 points
Not following directions: -1-5 points
(e.g. no name on paper, not writing in complete sentences, etc.)

Students will have until the end of the unit to turn in any missing work. Students that do not
turn in assignments are subject to ZAP or meeting with his/her teacher during homeroom
until work is complete. The goal of responsibility points is to eliminate zeros in the grade
book and prepare students for the responsibility of high school. Students failing to turn in
work before the unit test will receive a zero for that assignment. Students cannot earn back
any of the responsibility points lost during the trimester or make up assignments once the
unit test has been taken.

For example, if John Doe does not complete his Density Practice 25 point worksheet he
would lose 5 responsibility points. John completes his questions in ZAP 2 days later and
turns it in. John earns a score of 24/25 on the assignment. In the assignment category of
the grade book, John will still earn 24/25 points; however, his responsibility score becomes
95/100.









________
Course Syllabus
Hayes Middle School


Hayes Middle School No Excuses Writing List: Hayes Middle School is dedicated to
high expectations and the success of our students. Students will be required to follow the
No Excuses writing list in all of their classes. A one-point deduction for No Excuses errors
will be assessed on all assignments.
1. Always write in a complete sentence.
2. Use capitals at the beginning of a sentence and use end punctuation.
3. Avoid starting sentences with so, because, well, and, or but.
4. Do not use vague words like stuff, things, or kind of. Be more specific.
5. Capitalize the names of proper nouns, one-of-a-kind things.

Absent Work: Upon return from an absence, students are to check designated folders for
their make-up work. Students get one day for each day absent to make up work missed
while gone.

Class Expectations
Demonstrate Comet P.R.I.D.E. every day. I expect courteous behavior from my students,
and I will respond in kind. When a substitute is needed, I expect students behavior to be
exceptional. Remember the Golden Rule, "Treat others as you would want to be treated."
Students are expected to behave in a mature and respectful manner. An open mind and a
positive attitude are essential!

Important notices

Students are encouraged to utilize Connect time during Advisory or to make an
appointment with their teacher for an appropriate time after school to receive extra
assistance with class material.

Communication:
Please be sure to update your contact information on Power School. I use Power
School to send important emails. Sign up for Remind to receive text messages or email
reminders regarding class assignments.

Student and parent(s): If you have any questions throughout the year, email is the most
efficient method of teacher-parent communication. You may email me at the address given
on the front page of this syllabus. Please sign on to PowerSchool to indicate that you have
read and understand the content of this syllabus by Tuesday, September 9, 2014.

Student Name (please print): ______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________________

Does your child have regular access to the Internet? Yes / No

Students who do not have Internet access at home can use the schools
library computers. The library stays open until 3:30 every day after school.