Earth Science Honors Course Requirements and Grading Policy

Earth Science Honors

Course Requirements and Grading Policy

Instructor:

Mrs. Crnosija

E-mail:  ocrnosija@smithtown.k12.ny.us

Blog:  http://mrscrnosija.blogspot.com/

Phone:  631-382-3054

Text:

Pearson Earth Science

Materials:

3-ring binder for Earth Science only

loose leaf paper

#2 pencils

blue or black pen

set of colored pencils

inexpensive scientific calculator

Grading:

Homework – 5%

Labs – 15%

Assessments (Quizzes/Unit Tests/Projects) – 80%                     

Homework:

Homework will be assigned every night and will be due the following day, at the beginning of the period.  These assignments may help introduce a topic; they may also serve as a review of the day’s topic or a review prior to a unit exam.  All work handed in late will be graded down.  Once an assignment is checked and returned, late homework will no longer be accepted. 

Labs:

Making observations, organizing/presenting data, and drawing conclusions will be emphasized in the labs we do.  Thirty (30) lab hours are required by New York State in order for students to take the Regents Exam.  To satisfy this requirement, lab grades must be passing.  Labs must be submitted on the due date (generally one to two days after completing the lab) to receive full credit.  Even when working in lab groups, individual lab reports are required.  Students’ labs will be kept in folders that remain in the classroom. 

Assessments (Quizzes/Unit Tests/Projects):

Quizzes will be given frequently.  These will be announced a day or two before they are given.  Quizzes cover smaller amounts of information and will help check students’ understanding of the material. 

Unit tests will be announced well in advance.  These exams are a combination of multiple-choice questions, short answers, and short essays.  The distribution of these questions will vary with the unit. 

Math, Science and Technology (MST) projects will be assigned periodically to challenge and develop students’ ability to research a topic, solve a problem and write a written report of results.

Conduct/Attendance:

Students are expected to come prepared for class and to be on time.

Attendance will follow school policy.  Even when absent, students are responsible for class work and homework.  Students can check their teacher’s blog or contact their Earth Science Buddy for missed assignments.  The teacher should be advised in advance if a student will be out for lessons, field trips, guidance appointments, or an extended period of time.  

Students who are absent more than five times from a class that meets daily shall receive an incomplete grade for that marking period. An incomplete grade can be converted to the appropriate letter grade through the completion of a departmental assignment. If the departmental assignment is satisfactorily completed, the teacher will determine the marking period grade based on the student’s performance during the marking period/course, including appropriate make-up work. However, the teacher is not required to provide a make-up opportunity to a student.

Statement of Integrity

The Science Department of the Smithtown Central School District expects the highest conduct from its students.  We encourage all of our students to work hard and to do their own research and writing for homework, labs, special assignments or projects. Any evidence of plagiarism will result in no credit for the assignment.  Assignments are considered to be reflections of an individual’s work unless otherwise instructed by the teacher. If a student is using material that he or she did not create him/herself, the student will not get credit for the assignment, project, etc.

     

Exams and other assessments should be considered opportunities for a student to show what he or she has learned over the course of the unit, semester or year.  During any assessment, if the student is using any kind of electronic device (including but not limited to cell phones) or has an electronic device out, the student will automatically fail the exam. Therefore, cell phones and other electronic devices should be left at home or in the student’s locker during exams.  In addition, attempting to give or receive assistance in any form during an assessment will result in a failing grade for all parties involved.

Extra Help:

Mrs. Crnosija will be available for extra help after school on Thursdays.  Additional extra help sessions will be available upon request.  Mrs. Santora, our Earth Science TA, is available in her office in the Library during lunch periods—making an appointment is recommended. 

Earth Science Buddies (name, phone number, e-mail address)

Buddy 1:  ____________________________________________________________

Buddy 2:  ____________________________________________________________

Successful Earth Science Honors students are those who keep up with assignments, listen carefully in class, participate in class discussions, take good notes, review their notes often, and work to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.   

Let’s have a great year together!

___________________________________________________________________

I understand that I am to keep a copy of these guidelines as a first page in my permanent Science notebook.  My signature below indicates that I have read and understand my responsibilities as described above.

Signature of Student __________________________________      Date __________

Signature of Parent ___________________________________     Date __________

Due Date:  September 9, 2019