This document provides instructions for students on the first day of an Earth Science class. It includes directions for students to find and label their seat, make a name tag, and fill out an index card with personal information. The document outlines classroom rules and procedures, such as arriving on time, respecting others, and asking permission to move around the room. It also lists required class supplies, provides an overview of the units that will be covered during the year, and describes homework, lab, quiz, and test grading policies. General lab safety rules are outlined.

1. Do Now
1) Find the index card with your name! This is your
seat! Make your name tag! Fold neon paper like a
hamburger and then like a hotdog. Then write
your name or appropriate nickname neatly!
1st 2nd

2. Ms. Gill’s Regents Earth Science

3. I love Rocks!!!

4. I love to TEACH!!!

5. …And my Dogs
Charlie and Linus

6. I consider myself a Geology
Detective…
Do you see what I see in
these pictures that I took
through out my travels?

7. Evidence of several separate
snowfalls, the dark lines are
dust accumulation in
between storms.

8. If superman didn’t fold
these rock layers… who did?
Mother Nature via plate tectonics!!!

9. Evidence of an Ancient Sea

12. Microscopic Fossils
ooids

13. Did you know…
Smiles are Contagious!
A view of a diorite rock sample
under high magnification

14. Time to pick a name to identify
our class…

15. Now I would like to get to
know you!
2) Fill out the back of your index card
Line 1: Name & Nickname
Line 2: Class Name
Line 3: Birthday
Line 4: A cool fact about you!
Line 5: Hobbies and Interests
Line 6: Rate Science from 1 to 10 (10 being
your favorite & 1 being your least)
Line 7: Text Book #

16. Textbooks and Syllabus
• Please read through the syllabus
quietly as I hand out textbooks.
• Once you get your textbook please
fill out card with name and text book
number.

18. • Please enter quietly
• Put all homework, finished labs and
make-up work in the Inbox
• Fill out a pink slip for any missing
work.
• Be seated in your assigned seat
before the bell rings.

19. • Take out supplies: Earth Science
Reference Tables, a notebook, two
sharpened pencils.
• Please begin the Do Now written on
the board.

20. • Treat each person with dignity and
respect
• Follow directions the first time they
are given
• Stay seated; ask permission to move
around the classroom

21. • -Do not talk out of turn or interrupt
others
• -Raise your hand and wait patiently to
be called on
• -If you need a pass, first fill out your
pass book and then raise your hand.

22. -Please continue to work through the
bell until I dismiss you.
-Do not pack up your belongings until
after the bell rings.
-Take all of your belongings with you.

24. 5 Simple Rules of Conduct
• Respect yourself, other • Class begins the moment
students, school property, the bell rings. All students
and the Teacher should be seated in their
(substitutes too) at all assigned seats, and working
on the “Do Now”, ready to
times.
begin work when the bell
rings. An official pass must
• Do not interfere with accompany all late arrivals.
another student’s right to
learn. • Always follow all safety
rules in the laboratory and
classroom (i.e. absolutely no
• Come to class prepared eating or drinking in the
each day. Bring all classroom at any time).
materials with you each day
(including an open mind and
a positive attitude).

26. • A two inch 3-ring binder with five dividers
for Earth Science only.
• Pens and #2 pencils.
• 3x5 index cards (recommended).
• Colored pencils.
• A Non-Programmable basic function
Calculator.
• 12 inch metric ruler.

28. Unit 0 – Prologue –
This unit is an introduction to the use of instruments, math, and science
skills that will be used in this course.
Unit 1- Energy-
Here we will study the different form of electromagnetic energy and it’s
transfer.
Unit 2 – Astronomy –
This unit looks at our position in the universe. We will study the cycles that
occur in our solar system, the stars, and the galaxies.
Unit 3 – Earth Dimensions-
Here we will study the size, shape, and structure of Earth.
Unit 4 – Rocks and Minerals –
Rocks and minerals introduces us to the chemical makeup of the solid part of
Earth. We will study the origin and process that forms each type of rock
and the rock cycle. We will look at the characteristics and properties of
minerals.
Unit 5 – Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes –
This unit looks at the dynamic Earth. We will examine a picture of Earth
today and the processes that have been going on for 4.6 billion years the have
brought us to this point.

30. Unit 6– Weathering Erosion & Deposition
Processes have been changing the surface of Earth. We will look at how
these work to shape and change land features.
Unit 7 Landscapes and The Water Cycle –
Here will will explore the many different landscape regions such as glacial,
coastal. Also, we will study the movement of water around our planet and the
impact it has on the environment.
Unit 8 – Earth’s History –
Earth was formed about 4.6 billion years ago. In this unit we will look at the
changes that have occurred since its origin and predict what might happen in
the future.
Unit 9 – Weather –
This unit looks at the day to day changes in the properties of the
atmosphere as well as seasonal changes in climate. We will use instruments to study
and predict these changes.
Unit 10 – Environmental Awareness –
We will look at the interrelationships between different part of the
environment and the impact that humans have on it.
– Regents Review–
During the final weeks of June we will work together to ensure that each of
you meet your goals.

32. Homework/Assignments
• All written portions of assignments must be done in
dark blue or black ink. Some assignments may be
enhanced with color diagrams. Typed assignments
are OK.
• Paper must be loose-leaf or perforated notebook
paper. No torn out spiral notebook paper, rolled or
otherwise mutilated assignments will be accepted.
• Each student is responsible for ALL work assigned.
Any missed assignments, resulting from excused
absences, must be made up within five (5) days.
• Laboratories must be made up and turned in
within two weeks of an excused absence.

33. You can find
all
assignments
here

& on my
Eboard too!

34. Laboratory Reports
• All laboratory report due dates will be posted.
• All written portions of laboratories maybe done in
Pen or pencil. Some laboratory reports may be
enhanced with color diagrams.
• Each laboratory assignment is worth 10 pts. One
point (4%) will be deducted for every unexcused
day late. After 9 days the maximum possible score
is 16 points.

35. Unless told
otherwise,
all finished
labs and hw
go into the
box in the
Earth
Science
Corner

36. Also in the corner
you can find the
Make-Up work bin,
therefore when
absent, you can
get any handouts
that you missed.
Most handouts will
also be available
on my Eboard.

38. Extra Help
• I will be available for extra help
every Wednesday afternoons from
3:15 to 4:00 PM. I will also be
available Thursday mornings from
7:30-8:00 AM.
• Please use this time for questions or
help before you feel like you are in
trouble. If you cannot meet during
the regular extra help times we will
work out another time, just speak to
me. Remember, there is no such thing
as a dumb question!

40. Grading Policies
Keep track using the POINT SHEET!
• Tests (60%,360 pts): about 2-3 per quarter,
approximately 100 points each
• Quizzes (20%,120 pts): about 4-5 per quarter,
approximately 25-30 points each
• Labs (10%,60 pts): about 8 per quarter worth 5
points per lab depending on scope of lab. Late labs
will be penalized 10% per day, and pink slips will be
completed and filed. One Quarterly lab quiz worth
20pts.
• Homework (10%,60pts):about 20 per quarter
each counts 2 points per fully completed and on
time assignment. Late assignments will only be
accepted if due to an excused absence.

42. Weekly Quizzes – A ten to fifteen minute short
answer/multiple choice quiz designed to help assess student’s
comprehension of recent class work before proceeding to a
new subject.
Topic Examinations – A two-period test comprised of multiple
choice, essay and short answer questions.
Homework Assignments – Nightly reading and short answer
assignments designed to either review the prior day’s lesson or
begin exploring a new subject.
Laboratory Reports – Will be assessed on completeness and
accuracy.
Progress reports will be available on Infinite Campus Portal
which will always be kept open.

44. •The grading policy outlined above applies
to the student’s quarterly grades. The
final grade will be an average of the four
quarterly grades and the Earth Science
Regents. The Earth Science Regents
Examination counts as 20% of the
student’s final grade.

46. General Laboratory Safety
Rules
• Read all instructions before proceeding and
follow all instructions given by the teacher.
• Report any accidents or unsafe behavior.
• Wear appropriate protective clothing or gear
for that day’s particular activity (i.e. goggles,
gloves, long sleeves).
• Tie back long hair or loose fitting clothing.
• No eating, drinking or gum chewing in the
classroom/laboratory.
• Do only the experiments assigned by or
approved by the teacher.

48. •Never substitute materials or procedures called for
in written or verbal instructions.
•No fooling around or horseplay in the
laboratory/classroom at any time.
•Learn the locations of fire extinguishers, fire
blankets, safety shower, eyewash, and know how to
use them.
•Treat all chemicals as poisonous and as a personal
health hazard unless otherwise instructed.
•No sitting or standing on laboratory tables at any
time.
•Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all
times.

49. Academic Dishonesty:
In accordance with district policy,
any student caught cheating or
voluntarily enabling another
student to cheat will at the very
least receive a zero for that
assessment. Further action may be
sought depending on the severity
of the offense.

52. I do this with some help
from the Draw-O-Fun

53. Now lets discuss your goals…
To achieve something in life… you must
plan to achieve it so we will begin by
setting goals
We will revisit this exercise several
times through out the year to reflect
and revise our goals.