Earth & Space Science

Instructor: Ms. McGowan Email Address: Melissa_McGowan@hcpss.org Science Office: B201 The Course: Earth Science is a multidisciplinary course that explores our planet, the atmosphere, and space. Students will consistently participate in hands-on activities that allow them to learn by doing. Students are expected to be active and engaged on a daily basis. Policies and Procedures: 1. Supplies Students will come to class prepared with the following every day: 1 or 2 Binder dedicated to Earth Science o With some loose leaf paper o 4 Dividers for the following sections: 1) Warm-Ups, 2) Notes, 3) Homework, 4) Labs/Class Work o Do NOT throw away any handouts!!! They will be needed to study for quizzes and tests! Writing utensils: pens and pencils Calculator (optional) 2. Expectations Students will: Come to class awake and focused before the bell rings. Yelling and horseplay will not be tolerated as all students have the right to learn. Refrain from cussing, copying, and plagiarizing. Write down their homework in their planners at the beginning of each class period. Be respectful and not speak over others. Ask their neighbors for help during group work before directing their questions to the teacher. Follow lab safety procedures and clean up after themselves. Complete homework assignments and turn them in at the beginning of class. Email the teacher if confused about an assignment. Complete study guides and study for quizzes and tests. Students will be disciplined appropriately according the Howard High School discipline ladder. PRIDE Pact: Every class will participate in creating a PRIDE Pact outlining the agreed classroom expectations and behaviors. Students and teachers will sign the PRIDE Pact to signify ownership in their classroom community.

3. Grading

Earth & Space Science

Instructor: Ms. McGowan Email Address: Melissa_McGowan@hcpss.org Science Office: B201 Grades will be calculated using a simple points earned/possible points scale. Point values for each assignment will be based on the amount of work required and the difficulty of the assignment. Students will keep a written grade sheet that will be updated each time an assignment is returned. Grades will include: tests/quizzes, homework, class work, labs, and notebook evaluations. In order to receive full credit on written assignments, all work must be written in complete sentences (unless otherwise noted). When responding to a question, students must re-state the question in their answer. This policy includes homework, labs, and other activities. 4. Late Work / Make-Up Work All work is due by the assigned date. Late work may be submitted by the next day for up to half credit. If a student is absent, the student will have the same number of days as the absence to make up the work. For example, if a student has an excused absence for 2 days, he/she may use 2 days to make up the work. Students may only make up work for excused absences. It is always the responsibility of the student to obtain and submit missed assignments. 5. Reassessment Policy Students will be afforded redo opportunities on assignments/assessments based upon the overall class performance on those assignments/assessments, but individual students may discuss the possibility of a redo with his/her teacher.

Student Signature: _______________________________Date:___________________

Parent Signature: ________________________________Date:___________________