Integrated Earth Science Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Course Information

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Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

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• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
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• consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
  • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

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Course

PHYS-2373-002 Integrated Earth Science

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

Preparation for elementary and middle school teachers of science to supplement science knowledge and increase confidence levels of science instruction. Hands-on activities and survey of topics in earth systems, atoms, minerals, rocks, plate tectonics, volcanism, planets and the universe. Interaction of systems will include the integration of the atmosphere, oceans and earth resources.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Textbook:  Conceptual Physical Science, 4^th edition, Hewitt, Suchocki and Hewitt

Lab manual:  Conceptual Physical Science, 4^th edition, Hewitt, Suchocki and Hewitt

Supplies

Student Performance

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

I do not expect to hear ANY cell phones (including mine) or see anyone texting during class.  I recognize that many of you have children and need to be available to them.  Therefore, place your phone on vibrate and leave the room if you must make a call.  No phones out during quizzes or tests.  This will result in an immediate zero, no excuses will be accepted.

Grading Criteria

The course grade will be a combination of lab assignments (10%), quizzes (25%), vocabulary/chapter review questions (10%), chapter tests (40%) and final exam (15%).  I will drop your lowest two labs and quiz grades.  No test grades will be dropped.  Note:

*Expect a quiz at the beginning of each class period.  The quizzes are comprehensive and will cover both lecture and lab material from the previous class/lab meeting. No make-up of missed quizzes.

*Labs are due at the end of the lab period on Mondays unless otherwise noted.  You will need a pencil and eraser for every lab.  I will not grade a lab completed in anything other than pencil.  Labs not turned in on-time will be graded starting at ½ the original total points for that lab.  Most labs are worth 100 points; therefore a missed or late lab will be graded beginning at 50 points.  READ AND COMPLETE THOSE PARTS OF THE LAB YOU CAN BEFORE THE CLASS PERIOD.  This will maximize the time in lab to work on the material with which you are having difficulty.

*Tests will cover material from the lecture as well as the lab and will include material from any previous test.  We will usually have a test after covering two to four chapters of material.  You will most likely have 4 or 5 tests over the course of the semester.  Missed tests will be scheduled for make-up when you return to class.  When given, and if possible, make-up tests are given in the testing center during their hours of operation.  The Science Testing Center is located across the hall in Warren 112.  Their phone number is 371-5948.

*Chapter review questions.  These assignments are used to assist you in preparation for chapter tests.  Student’s whose average grade is below 80 will be required to complete these assignments.  Failure to do so will result in a 5 point grade reduction from the test the review questions cover.  Those with average grades above 80 may complete them for personal use (no extra credit).  These are turned in on the test date.

*Final exam is comprehensive. Material for this test will be compiled from the tests you have already taken.  Finals week is May 6 through May 10, 2019.  Students whose average is at or above 93 will be exempt from taking the final exam.

Grading Schema:

• A=89.5 – 100
• B=79.5 – 89.4
• C=69.5 – 79.4
• D=59.5 – 69.4
• F=0 – 59.4

Attendance

Class attendance is mandatory and monitored by class rolls and quizzes.

Calendar

Additional Information

The material covered in this course is unlike anything most students have encountered in their high school course work.  Most of you will find it demanding and challenging.  There is a large amount of new vocabulary to learn (i.e. able to discuss a terms meaning) and concepts to master.  The successful student will be one who spends time each day reviewing notes and the corresponding section in each chapter of the textbook AND lab manual.  Do not rely on class lectures as your only means of learning the subject.  READ the textbook AND lab manual.  In addition, monitor your section of the AC Angel on-line system.  Your assignments, grades, email correspondence from me (and to me), helpful bookmarks and calendars are all located here.  If you have difficultly logging in contact the help desk for assistance.

Course Drop Date:  This course may be dropped on or before Wednesday, April 17.  PLEASE SPEAK WITH ME BEFORE DROPPING THIS COURSE.

Course Description:  This course is not designed to teach you how to teach earth science, but rather to prepare elementary and middle school teachers of science the basic principles of the topic through hands on activities and a survey of topics in earth systems;  minerals, rocks, plate tectonics, volcanism, planets and the universe.  Interaction of systems will include the integration of the atmosphere, oceans and earth resources.