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Earth Science
| 17 November 2009
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Earth Science Syllabus
Philosophy:
God is the creator of all things and through Him all things were made both visible and invisible (Colossians 1:16). In the beginning of earth’s history God, in six literal days, made the heavens and the earth. During the first week He created life and on the sixth day crowned His work by creating man in His own image who was the masterpiece of His creation. Adventist education provides an atmosphere of learning that is conducive to optimum development. The underlying principles of Seventh-day Adventist education are founded upon God’s Word, and supported by the writings of Ellen G. White. It places a high estimate on the infinite worth of every individual and seeks to provide a climate in which a positive self-image may be developed.
Rationale:
Science is a continual process of discovery. Discovery includes an application of the scientific method in earth science. “Adventist education seeks to develop a life of faith in God and respect for the dignity of all human beings…”(Journey to Excellence, p. 5) God, as the creator and restorer of life, forms the foundation of study in all content areas of the sciences. Spiritual values are taught which will lead students to acknowledge God as the Creator and Sustainer of all living things and the Originator of all scientific principles. Careful stewardship of the earth’s environment is influenced by a study of the earth sciences.
“God is the author of science. Scientific research opens to the mind vast fields of thought and information, enabling us to see God in His created works.
Ignorance may try to support skepticism by appealing to science; but instead of upholding skepticism, true science contributes fresh evidences of the wisdom and power of God. Rightly understood, science and the written word agree, and each sheds light on the other. Together they lead us to God by teaching us something of the wise and beneficent laws through which He works.” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, page 426)
“ ‘The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever’ (Deuteronomy 29:29) Just how God accomplished the work of creation He has never revealed to men; human science cannot search out the secrets of the Most High. His creative power is as incomprehensible as His existence. (Patriarchs and Prophets, page 113)
Course Description:
This course is an in-depth study of geology, meteorology, mineralogy, and astronomy.
This class is designed to help the student learn and understand:
1) the dynamics that make up the Earth
2) to have a better understanding of Earth’s geological history and makeup
3) to recognize the basic types of minerals that make up the surface of the Earth
4) to understand what controls and regulates the weather
5) what makes up our solar system, our galaxy, and the rest of the universe
Student Work:
Students will be expected to successfully complete the following assignments: vocabulary quizzes, short essays, chapter and unit exams, and a Power Point research presentation each semester on the subject of their choice. In addition, students will be expected to complete some outside readings on a variety of topics, and participate in classroom discussions.
Late Assignments:
Assignments are due on the dater requested except in case of illness or other valid reasons. Late papers will receive half credit for a week after they were due. After that they have no grade value.
Tardies:
For every tardy after the third tardy in a class, the student will lose 2% of their overall quarter grade for that particular class (every quarter gives the student three excused tardies in each class).
Student Handbook:
All of the rules and policies in the student handbook will be followed in this class.
Grade Breakdown:
The class grade average is calculated on the total point value in each area and will be based on the following categories:
40% Chapter and Unit Exams
20% Quizzes and Essays
20% Homework
10% Class Participation
10% Outside Reading/Power Point Presentation
Grading Scale:
A 91.50% and up C 71.5 – 77.49%
A- 89.50 – 91.49% C- 69.5 – 71.49%
B+ 87.5 – 89.49% D+ 67.5 – 69.49%
B 81.5 – 87.49% D 61.5 – 67.49%
B- 79.5 – 81.49% D- 59.5 – 61.49%
C+ 77.5 – 79.49% F 0 – 59.49%
Grades are generally posted on Edline every Monday. If parents or students have a question at any time they can contact me by phone at school or via the school E-mail.
Makeup Work:
As always, it is the student’s responsibility to pick up any work they may have missed during an absence. Quizzes can be made up for illness and doctor appointments only. I throw out one student quiz score each quarter. Makeup exams are administered when a student returns to class after an EXCUSED ABSENCE. They will be given an alternate exam, but their absence must be cleared when they return. If an illness or family emergency necessitates a student missing several consecutive days of class, requests for homework should be made as soon as possible.
Teacher Conferences:
The school has set up two times during the school year when parents and teachers are scheduled to meet: September 28-29, 2009 and February 8-9, 2010.
If a parent would like to meet with me concerning their child at another time, please call to schedule a conference or contact me via the school E-mail.
Objectives:
1 The student will understand the basic laws, principles and theories of Earth Science.
2 The student will understand the meteorological phenomena that impact our planet.
3 The student will use and understand conceptual models to explain earth processes.
4 The student will be able to identify features of given objects, i.e. planets, suns, asteroids and comets.
5 The student will dive into the world of oceanography and understand the structures of the ocean floor.
6 The student will understand the major geologic processes and how they shape the objects in the solar system.
7 The student will be able to construct geologic time scales for both the uniformitarian and catastrophic models.
8 The student will recognize geomorphic features and explain the geologic processes of the earth.
9 The student will understand how geology influences the quality of living in an area.
10 The student will be aware of environmental changes in relation to geomorphic and population impact.
11 The student will develop hypotheses that explain the observable features of the earth.
12 The student will understand the implications of catastrophism and the massive, fossil-bearing, sedimentary deposits.
13 The student will be aware of career opportunities in the field of earth science and the requirements of those vocations.
Expectations:
1 Students will be required to do the bulk of their reading outside of class.
2 Turn in all homework assignments completed on time.
3 Take quizzes and tests on time.
4 Additional reading assignments besides those in the textbook will be assigned periodically.
5 Students will be expected to complete a Power Point project each semester.
6 Students will be attentive in class and show respect to everyone.
7 Students will be on time to class every day.
Unit Themes:
1 Earth Science
2 Composition of Earth
3 Surface Processes on Earth
4 The Atmosphere and the Oceans
5 The Dynamic Earth
6 Geologic Time
7 Resources and the Environment
8 Beyond Earth
Resource Requirements:
Textbook:
Hess, Frances Scelsi, Gerhard Kunze, Stephen A. Leslie, Steve Letro, Clayton Millage,
Len Sharp, Theodore Snow. Earth Science:Geology, the Environment, and the Universe
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. 2005
Selected Supplemental Reading (but not limited to):
Icons of Evolution, Jonathan Wells
Roadside Geology of Oregon, David D. Alt and Donald W. Hyndman
Fire Mountains of the West, 3rd Ed. Stephen L. Harris
Crater Lake Gem of the Cascades, KR Cranson
The Privileged Planet, Guillermo Gonzalez and Jay W. Richards
Fossils For Amateurs, Russell P. MacFall and Jay C. Wollin
Galapagos, Lester E. Harris, Jr.
The Biblical Flood and the Ice Epoch, Donald Wesley Patten
Creation-Accident or Design?, Harold G. Coffin
Creation and Catastrophe. Harry Baerg
Materials:
Students will be expected to have a notebook specifically for Earth Science and a three ring binder or folder to organize important assignments and study guides.