Course title and number: EPS 100
Semester/year: 2015-2016 Block:
Teacher name: Jonathan Stapleton Teacher email: jstapleton@ccsuvt.org
Teacher phone extension: x1501
Blocks/times/locations available
to meet with students outside of class, including AST:
A78, B34 – Library, Science Office, or D104. Flex Block – C211. B12(study hall) – C112.
Course website: www.mrstapleton.com
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is an introductory course designed to provide students with scientific literacy in the physical and earth sciences. Topics are explored through inquiry, discussion, math applications, projects, lab investigations, research, engineering, and technology. Physics and Chemistry are woven into the three major topics of Meteorology, Astronomy, and Geology.
Teacher’s goals:
1. To provide
useful tools for understanding and dealing with our world
2. To provide
interesting challenges
3. To make
science make sense and fit together in a meaningful way
4. To respect the value of my students’ time
5. To be reasonable and have fun
6. To ensure that my students feel safe and comfortable
Course Topics (order may vary):
1.
Meteorology
a.
Physical
Properties, Pressure, Buoyancy
b.
Kinetic
Molecular Theory, Cloud Formation, Winds
c.
Weather
and Climate
2.
Geology
a.
Plate
Tectonics
b.
The
“Rock Record”
3.
Scientific
Inquiry and Design
4.
Astronomy
a.
Solar
System
b.
System
of The Earth and Moon
c.
Stars
and The Universe
5.
Human
impacts
6.
Physics
a.
Motion
b.
Newton’s
Laws
Online Resources:
Almost
all class information can be accessed online. Assignment names and grades will
be posted on PowerSchool. Links and
support material for those assignments will be posted on www.mrstapleton.com. Videos accompanying class notes will be
uploaded to the MisterStapleton YouTube channel.
Retaking Tests and Quizzes:
In
this class, any test may be retaken – including retakes. Retakes will not be identical, but they will
be similar in format and content to the original test. At times, retakes may be offered during
class, but most often it will be up to the individual to student to schedule a
retake time outside of class. When a
test is retaken, the best test score is kept.
Please do not retake a test unless you have taken steps to improve your
understanding.
Homework Policy:
In
this class, the purpose of homework is to help students master the concepts
that are being taught. Therefore,
completion of homework is rewarded with a grade based on completion and/or
effort. However, the completion of
homework is not required. You will not
receive a zero for missing a homework assignment. In this class, the more homework you do, the
more it counts (up to 50% of your total grade).
Completing your homework is a great way to learn the material and to
help ensure that you get a higher grade in the class.
Making up Missing
Assignments: Make up an assignment by finding the missing
assignment in PowerSchool. Note the due
date of the assignment in PowerSchool and then use that due date to find the
assignment at www.mrstapleton.com. Keep in mind that you will find assignments
with the class day when they were assigned, not with the class day on which
they were due.
Deductions for Late Work: Unless otherwise specified, unexcused late
work will receive a 10% deduction when it is turned in within a week after its
due date. Work that is turned in later
than one week may receive an increased deduction, depending on the extent of
its tardiness. No points are deducted
from late tests or quizzes.
Notebooks: Save all handouts (tests, notes, project guidelines, etc.) in a 3-ring binder.
Assessment/Student Evaluation:
Quarter Grading and assessment:
Tests & Quizzes: at least 50%.
All other assignments: up to 50%
Mid-year/final assessments: At EHS, mid-year and/or end-of-year/course assessments provide authentic, meaningful experiences designed to measure student learning and achievement. These assessments may be written exams, performance tasks, and/or projects. Exams count for 20% of the student’s semester grade.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
·
Be on time.
·
Be respectful and courteous.
·
Help keep the classroom neat and clean.
Please see the Student Handbook for
additional information related to policies and student expectations:
http://www.ccsuvt.org/Handbook.pdf
I have read and understand the expectations for Mr. Stapleton’s EPS 100 class.
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Student name Student signature/date
________________________________________
Parent
signature/date