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Earth System and Planetary Sciences
Ms. Chang 2010-2011
Honors Course:
Our planet is a dynamic, ever changing and evolving place with a fascinating history spanning almost five billion years, born in an ever-evolving universe with a known (detectable) history of almost fourteen billion years. We will try to fathom the natural forces at work in the cosmos, in our solar system, and on Earth (including the role of humans) so we can experience the wonder, excitement, and connection we can feel to the natural world when we learn its pulse, how it beats, and how we are part of the whole beating, pulsing, system. By deepening your understanding of how our planet works, I hope this course can inspire you as a life long learner, while motivating you to put you scientific understanding to good use - to help us all better care for our planet, our fellow living things, and
the planetary systems on which we all depend.
Introduction to Course
SPHERES OF EARTH: Our explorations will begin with Earth’s origins in the universe, and then move to the solid Earth from its rocky crust to its magnetic core (the lithosphere & geology); from its watery surface to the spreading sea floor deep below (the hydrosphere & oceanography); from its deserts, tropical rain forests and polar ice caps to the cocoon of gases that encircles the planet (the biosphere,
cryosphere, and atmosphere). We will investigate unearthed clues from the past to understand the present and the future. We will seek answers to the questions: what causes the “plates” of the crust of earth to move, and what earthly forces carve the Grand Canyon, propel the Gulf Stream, and drive the Jet Stream? How could the planet that now has ice at the poles to be once so hot that reptiles grew to gargantuan sizes? What causes it to rock back and forth between extremes and plunge into an ice age? What’s causing global warming today and how long will it take for the ice at the poles to melt? What causes extreme weather like droughts, floods, and hurricanes (climate and meteorology). We will examine the evidence of planetary change as reported by scientists in the field, and the links between human activities and Earth’s changing climate. We will explore Earth and its place and time in the universe - from the sun, moon, and Milky Way to black
holes, dying stars, and ten billion-year-old galaxies (the cosmos and astronomy). We will learn how biology, chemistry, physics and all the sciences come together in the Earth Sciences; that Planet Earth is a dynamic, complex, and continually changing system that we humans are only beginning to understand.
INVESTIGATIONS AND LABS: The goal for all investigations and labs is to help you learn to think scientifically. To do this we will ask questions, make sense of information, and connect it meaningfully to the real world. You will be observing, experimenting, collecting and analyzing data, analyzing data already collected, searching for patterns to make sense of what we observe; graphing; interpreting maps; using satellite imagery, doing research online and in the library; conducting research and experiments, and creating projects that synthesize what you’ve learned.
EXPECTATIONS:
Set high standards, work to achieve them, and take pride in work you hand in. Think for yourself, question, take risks and show respect for yourself, one another, and me. Have fun. Be curious. Work hard. Take the initiative. Do assignments with an engaged mind. Exercise your brain. Be rested and fueled BEFORE class (no food, eating or gum in class). I will do my best to create a stimulating, challenging, and fun environment that will allow your curiosity to flourish. I value quality work, creativity, originality, initiative, and intellectual risk taking. How your mind works interests me. I hope I can stimulate it to stretch beyond where it’s been, beyond its current comfort zone to new, uncharted territory that will open up you and your mind. I hope my passion and thirst for
knowledge will inspire you look more deeply at everything around you and teach you how to think and solve problems in a global society. If you do not enjoy working seriously, if you do not like to do homework with your brain on, if you do not like to be pushed intellectually, you should not be in an honors class.
HOMEWORK AND CONDUCT: You are expected to read nightly, do written and homework assignments on time, participate in class, and be respectful and courteous to one another and to me. Homework will average between 30-45 minutes a night – sometimes more, sometimes less. If homework regularly takes you longer, and you are struggling to complete it, please tell me. Be in class and seated, with homework on your desk when the bell rings. Come to class prepared. Keep your notebook organized with a designated place to write down homework assignments. Assignments may involve readings (textbook and science related news), writing, and/or researching information (on science web
sites) for classroom discussion/activities. Work must be neat, in legible handwriting (or typed) and original. NEVER hand in work that isn’t your own.
Do homework on time. Homework that isn’t done or complete will hurt your grade. Homework done with an engaged mind and pride in what you give me, will give your grade a wonderful lift. For full credit, your name must be on the front right corner, along with the date, the name of the assignment (and pages assigned, if from the book). Taking care to do this shows courtesy and respect toward me and will help us both keep track of completed work.
MATERIALS (see complete list on a separate page)
- 3 Ring Binder – If you want to do well in an honors class, being organized will help a lot. Your 3 Ring Binder must be brought to class every day, and organized with tabs. Expect you binder to be periodically checked and possibly graded.
- TEXTBOOK. Please note, we will use www.prenhall.com/tarbuck to augment this edition and the Internet in general. Other reputable science sources include science magazines, articles by scientists, and newspapers to bring us the most up date information.
- Access to a computer for word processing, and access to the Internet for homework and research assignments. Please let me know if you do not have a computer, Internet access, printer or email at home so arrangements can be made.
- Daily access (print or on-line) to the Boston Globe, the New York Times, BBC, or other sources that have reputable science reporters.
GRADES: How you earn them… with quality work
- Class participation (preparation, engagement, labs) 10-20 %
- Homework and written assignments 10-20 %
(quality and timeliness)
- Projects up to 25 %
- Tests and Quizzes up to 40%
Strive for your best, reach higher, and go for understanding. Develop and use your mind and reasoning skills. Strong class preparation, thoughtful homework preparation, interesting questions, initiative – these are evidence of meaningful learning and all can greatly lift your grade. I will be looking for understanding, and for your ability to apply what you have learned to the big picture. If you don't get the big idea of how something fits into the bigger picture, memorizing facts is not useful. This is an intellectually challenging course. Enjoy the experience! If you find yourself struggling, let me know. I am very approachable and reasonable. Try me! I want to help you succeed.
Classroom Manners: No eating, food, or gum in the classroom at any time. Cell phones are not allowed.
QUESTIONS AND EXTRA-HELP – I'm here 1st block and most days after school. Look for me in Room 184, or in Room 192. If you know you want to come by, give me a heads up in class or email me at rita_chang@wellesley.k12.ma.us. Let's get together!
Attendance: Be on time (especially for labs - I know, it's early but you still have to be here on time). Three lates equals a “cut” (see student handbook). If you miss a class, you are responsible for getting notes from a friend, finding out the homework, picking up hand outs from me, and completing late homework within two days of your return. In an honors class, I will not chase after you for homework. (Homework that is not handed in on time earns no credit).
Do your own work. Be original (never copy and paste). Think. Take intellecctual risks. Be honest and show respect for yourself and for me by striving for excellence and meaning in whatever you undertake.
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