Earth Systems 🌋

1.0 credits (full year), foundation science
Mr. David Buckley  david.buckley@meritacademy.org  Room 225

Course Summary

• The Earth and space science SEEd Standards investigate processes and mechanisms that have resulted in the formation of our Earth, galaxy, and universe.
• Students develop models to illustrate the life span of the Sun and the role of nuclear fusion releasing energy in the Sun’s core.
• Students analyze and interpret data to construct an explanation for Earth’s 4.6 billion year history and explore changes to Earth’s systems.
• Students develop and use a model of Earth’s interior to describe the cycling of matter by thermal convection.
• Students plan and carry out an investigation on the properties of water to determine its effects on Earth materials.
• Students use computational thinking to explain sustainable and natural resources, focusing on responsible stewardship.
• Additionally, students design and evaluate solutions to problems that exist in these areas.

Grading

This class adheres to the letter grading scale adopted here at Merit Academy.

• Labs, Projects, and Tests = 80% of grade
• All Other Formative Assignments = 20% of grade

Late Work and Resubmissions

• There will be time to make up assignments at the end of each unit. Please use this time. There will be no penalty for late assignments or assignment resubmissions.
• However, tests are non-retakable unless special circumstances require it (If you are absent on test day, you can take the test on a different day. Testing accommodations in student's IEP still apply). Doing assignments promptly will properly prepare you for tests.
• Tests will be open notes.

Materials to Bring

• Pencil or Pen
• Somewhere to keep papers from class (folder, binder, etc.)

Behavior Expectations

• All policies found at https://www.meritprepacademy.org/policies will be honored. A notable change across Merit this year is the phones and electronics policy, where phones must be out of sight and silent during class. Zero-tolerance.
• Hall pass usage is now tracked school-wide. Be honest about what you need (bathroom, locker, etc.).
• Classroom Values
1. Spirit - Exemplify high character, respect, and love.
2. Opportunity - Seize the moment to try new things.
3. Curiosity - Engage in scientific inquiry with child-like wonder.
4. Perseverance - Be resilient and finish strong!

Course Fees

There is a class fee of $10 that should be paid at the front office. This fee covers any perishable lab materials used throughout the course for building models that assist our learning.

Optional Field Work

Part of the student experience at Merit Academy is field work, where students have meaningful learning experiences outside the class room. These are optional experiences and the dates are to be determined.