Advanced Science III: Earth and Space Systems

Mr. Kingman 2022-23

Email: zachary_s_kingman@mcpsmd.org

OVERVIEW:

The Earth and Space Systems science course for 10th grade will follow a Problem Based Learning (PBL) format.
We will work closely with all of the content areas of the SMCS 10th grade curriculum to collaboratively develop
potential solutions to challenges created for the SMCS 10th grade students. Topics will include (though are
certainly not limited to) Astronomy, Geomorphology, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Mineralogy,
Stratigraphy and Sedimentation, Paleontology, Geologic History, Meteorology, Seismology, and other
associated Earth Science topics.

An important attribute to consider regarding PBL based courses is that the trajectory of a team’s research may
(and hopefully will!) lead them from the basic topics in our text book. Individual and team
research/discussion are crucial for the innovative solutions that indicate mastery of this course. In
addition to reinforcing the content from previous science classes, the prescribed content of this course is only a
jumping off point for what we will all learn during the year!

MARKING PERIOD GRADES

 Grading scale:
A = 90 – 100%
B = 80 – 89%
C = 70 – 79%
D = 60 – 69%
E – 50 – 59

Work not attempted by the deadline date will be recorded as a zero.

 Major Course Projects and Assignments: There will be presentations of research and challenge solutions
throughout the year. These will be either summative or formative assignments with varying levels of
point value.

 Types of assessments:
o Major performance assessments – Presentations and Unit Tests
o Quizzes
o Laboratories
o Homework

HOMEWORK
 Homework will be related to the curriculum and will be assigned to strengthen skills, reinforce concepts,
and/or prepare for a lesson, unit, or activity.
 There are two categories of homework:
a. Homework checked only for completion may account for a maximum of 10% of the
marking period grade.
b. Homework evaluated for learning counts toward the remaining portion of the marking
period grade.
  *In accordance to MCPS policy, no additional assignments for extra credit will be considered.

LATE WORK AND /OR MISSING WORK:

 Each assignment will have a due date. This is the date by which you are expected to submit the
assignment. Your grade will drop 10% after the due date.
 The deadline is the last day an assignment will be accepted for a grade. Work not turned in by the
deadline will be considered missing.
 Missing work will be recorded in the grade book as a zero.
 If a student is absent from class, the student is responsible for arranging a time to meet with the teacher
and establish a plan to make up missed work.

RE-TEACHING AND REASSESSMENT

 Re-teaching occurs when teacher or student determines that the student is not meeting learning goals.
 Reassessment opportunities are identified by the teacher before the original task/assessment and will
occur within an instructional unit.
 Teachers will provide one reassessment opportunity per task/assessment.
 Assessments or tasks that provide measures of student progress within an instructional unit may be
reassessed. Items that may not be reassessed: End of course or semester exams, summative assessments
that end an instructional unit or period of study, final research papers, reports, or essays; culminating
projects or presentations.
 All students may be reassessed regardless of grade on original tasks/assessments, if they meet the
following requirements: complete the original tasks or assessment; complete required assignments, and
complete re-teaching/relearning activities as determined by the teacher.
 When tasks are reassessed, they may be reassessments partially, entirely, or in a different format and the
reassessment grade replaces the original grade.

COMMUNICATION
o Student Handbook/ Planner
o Progress Reports/Interims
o Report Cards
o Please feel free to email me with questions/concerns at any point during the year!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXTRA HELP

I am always available for extra help if a time has been arranged in advance. Feel free to drop in, too!