This one-year course is designed to integrate scientific principles related to the Earth
and its environment. Topics of this course include relationships between atmospheric
processes and the water cycle, solar systems and the universe, and Earth’s
composition and structure. The connections between Earth’s systems and everyday life
are evaluated throughout this course. Demonstrations and lab experiences are an
integral part of instruction. Scientific methodology and the metric system are integrated
and modeled. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness
including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to our society.
The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills
one of the science credits required for high school graduation and qualifies as a
laboratory science for college admission.
Course Goals:
1. To integrate the Nature of Science with the application of scientific techniques.
2. To employ safety procedures and exercise responsibility in the safe use and care of
laboratory equipment.
3. To utilize the International System of Units (SI) system of measurement in scientific
investigation.
4. To recognize that space and Earth systems are dynamic and have a variety of cycles
through which energy and matter continually flow.
5. To develop an understanding of the origin and evolution of the universe.
6. To evaluate the evidence that reveals Earth’s geologic history.
7. To understand Earth’s internal processes and their effects on Earth’s surface.
8. To describe the interrelationship among atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere,
cryosphere, and solar energy on weather and climate.
9. To evaluate the impact of forces and factors that continually shape Earth’s dynamic
surface.
10. To relate the impact of Earth’s processes on humans and the environment.
11. To develop an understanding of the effects that humans have had on the environment
and Earth’s processes.
12. To recognize that Earth’s systems may be represented by a variety of maps and
models.
13. To identify and become familiar with Geoscience careers.
14. To develop an understanding of character, ethics, and manners as appropriate for this
course.
Units of Study
QUARTER 1
Nature of Science (will be reinforced throughout the year)
_ Scientific Methods and Applications
_ Study Skills
_ Careers, Measurements, & Safety
_ Scientific Ethics
Topography
_ Mapping
Matter and Energy
_ States of Matter and Movement
_ Physical Properties of Matter
_ Atomic Structure
_ Natural Resources
Earth Chemistry
_ Crystal Systems
_ Rock Forming Minerals
QUARTER 2
Earth Chemistry
_ Rock Cycle
_ Layers of the Earth
Earth History
_ Age-Dating Rocks
_ Geologic Time
_ Fossils
Weathering and Soil
_ Chemical Weathering
_ Mechanical Weathering
_ Hydrology
_ Soil
Erosional and Depositional Systems
_ Rates of Erosion
_ Winds, Glaciers, Waves, and Gravity
Quarter 3
Structural Forces
_ Folding and Faulting
_ Earthquakes
_ Volcanoes
_ Plate Tectonics
Astronomy
_ Earth-Moon Relations
_ Sun, Stars, and Galaxies
_ Solar System
_ Space Programs
_ Telescopes
Quarter 4
Meteorology
_ Heat Transfer
_ Layers of the Atmosphere
_ Composition of Air
_ Water Cycle
_ Weather and Climate
Earth Resources and Environment
_ Fossil Fuels
_ Mining
_ Alternatives
_ Environmental Impact
General Rules:
·Have all appropriate materials and supplies at your desk and be seated and working when the bell rings.
oCome into the room quietly and start working on the warm-up assignments which will be posted on the board daily.
oCell phones, iPods, makeup, and other personal belongings are not considered appropriate. These will be confiscated if they are seen during class time.
oNotebooks, textbooks, and writing utensils will be out on the desk when the bell rings.
·Always demonstrate respect for the people, equipment, and furnishings of room 904.
oRespect others by listening while others are speaking, using appropriate language in class, and keeping objects, hands and feet to yourself.
oRespect others by helping to maintain a safe lab environment. Make sure you are well informed of all lab procedures prior to starting a lab.
oRespect this classroom by cleaning up after yourself, and helping as a class to keep the room neat and clean. Desks will be checked daily for vandalism. If you choose to vandalize your desk you will be issued a detention for a first offense.
·Adjust your voice level to suit the activity. During lectures and discussions raise your hand and wait for permission to speak.
oWhen we are conducting group activities follow the appropriate procedure for focusing back on the Mr. Brennan.
·Use only school appropriate language, comments, and behaviors.
oProfanity will not be tolerated in the classroom.
·Follow all instructions the first time they are given.
oIf you have any questions about an assignment ask both your neighbors for help first. If they do not know then ask Mr. Brennan.
·Follow all Coronado High School and Clark County School District rules, policies, and procedures (Refer to Student Planner and CCSD Behavior Guidelines for Secondary Students).
Classroom Expectations
Preparedness
It is the sole responsibility of the student to come to class prepared with all necessary materials; 3 ring binder (@ least 1 ½ inches), cougar planner, calculator, colored pencils, and writing utensil.
Failure to due so can affect your grade.
Class Routines
·Turn in any homework that is due on that day. IMPORTANT: All homework is due at the beginning of the period! Homework turned in later that day will be considered late and 50% will be deducted.
·Quietly go to your seat and start your daily warm-up.
·The daily warm-up assignment is located on the left hand side of the board under your class heading.
·This includes copying the daily objective, and answering the question of the day (QOD)/Science Short. The objective will inform the student of the topic of the lesson and assignments, and the QOD/Science Short will review previous lessons or introduce new lessons. These questions will be located on the left hand side of the board under the class title. Students are to write all the information on their handout. These handouts will be collected weekly and will be assigned a grade.
·A reading assignment may be posted in addition or in place of the warm-up activity. If there is not a book at your lab table quietly get one from the front bookcase.
·Make sure any homework assignment for the day is written in your cougar planner.
- Mr. B's Amazing Place for Science! Coronado High School 1001 Coronado Center Drive Henderson, NV 89052 (702) 799-6800
