Introduction

=8th Grade Earth Science ~Mrs. Butcher=

This course is designed to prepare students for a high school level Earth Science course. Students will develop an understanding of general earth science topics. These topics include the scientific method, science process skills, mapping skills, Earth processes, hydrology, and atmospheric studies
 * Course Description **


 * Course Objectives **
 * Course objectives were adapted from Michigan Earth Science High School Content Expectations.**


 * Students describe the interactions within and between Earth systems. Students will explain how both fluids (water cycle) and solids (rock cycle) move within Earth systems and how these movements form and change their environment. They will describe the relationship between physical process and human activities and use this understanding to demonstrate an ability to make wise decisions about land use.


 * Students explain how scientists study and model the interior of the Earth and its dynamic nature. They use the theory of plate tectonics, the unifying theory of geology, to explain a wide variety of Earth features and processes and how hazards resulting from these processes impact society.


 * Students explain how the ocean and atmosphere move and transfer energy around the planet. They also explain how these movements affect climate and weather and how severe weather impacts society. Students explain how long term climatic changes (glaciers) have shaped the Michigan landscape. They also explain features and processes related to surface and ground- water and describe the sustainability of systems in terms of water quality and quantity.

Hello, my name is Mrs. Butcher. I will be your online instructor for this online course. I have taught high school and middle school science for six years. I graduated from University of North Carolina with a BS in Marine Biology and am currently pursuing a MA in Educational Technology. I currently teach this online course in combination with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade science. I am also the 7th grade A team girls volleyball coach and Science Olympiad coach at Haslett Middle School.
 * Instructor Information **

=Online Office Hours= I will be available to help students every Wednesday evening from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm via Skype. My Skype username is brandy.butcher1. At this time I can chat directly with students if you have any questions or concerns. To download free Skype software, visit []. I can also be available at other times via appointment only. Students can always contact me anytime via email. I will typically reply back within 24 hours of the initial email.

All students taking an online course will be expected to have access to a computer connected to the Internet and loaded with the appropriate Internet access software as well as MS-Office or a compatible package. Students are also expected to obtain a copy of the text book, **__Earth Science__**, from the high school’s main office. This textbook also comes with an online edition. Visit http://my.hrw.com/ and use the **username: hmsgrade8** and **password: vikings** to access the online edition.
 * Resource Requirements **

The textbook, **__Earth Science__** by Holt, will be used for this course. This textbook is organized into larger units that consist of 3 to 4 chapters. Each chapter is broken in smaller sections. This will allow you, as the student, to better comprehend the content in smaller organized “chunks.” The textbook also offers a variety of useful learning and study devices that include: The textbook also incorporates many diagrams, model, tables, and graphs to help you visualize and grasp the main concepts presented in the chapters.
 * Introduction to the Textbook **
 * Chapter summaries
 * Highlighted and bolded important vocabulary terms
 * Section and Chapter Review Questions.

=Student Learner Responsibilities= The student learner is expected to complete the following requirements for each module by the stated due date. Each module will incorporate the following requirements:
 * Completion of assigned reading from the book for each lesson completed by **Wednesday of each week**
 * Completion of weekly contribution to class vocabulary wiki completed by **Wednesday of each week**
 * View or listen to any additional audiovisual aids provided by the teacher completed by **Wednesday of each week**
 * Completion of assigned review questions to be posted on the class discussion board completed by **Friday of each week**
 * Completion of weekly lesson quiz completed by **Saturday of each week**
 * Completion of Independent Investigation Project completed and submitted by the **last day of the course**
 * Completion of midterm exam and final exam on **schedule dates and times**.

=Grading Policy and Scale= The student’s grade will be determined using these assignments:
 * **Assignments** || **Points Possible** ||
 * 16 Weekly Lesson Quizzes . . . 20 points each || 320  ||
 * 16 Module Vocabulary Wiki . . . . 10 points each || 160  ||
 * 16 Module Review Question Post. . . .5 points each || 80  ||
 * Independent Investigation Project. . . . 140 points || 140  ||
 * Midterm Exam. . . 150 points || 150  ||
 * Final Exam. . .150 points || 150  ||
 * **Total Points** ||  1,000  ||

With a scale of. ..

=Attendance Requirements= There are no physical attendance requirements for this course since it is based entirely online, however regular participation in the coursework is required to successfully complete this course. =Late Work Policy= Late work will be accepted with a 10% deduction in points for each day past the due date. =Retaking Weekly Quizzes= Weekly quizzes are open book and students are allowed to retake the assessment once after the initial try. The best of the two scores will be recorded as the grade for the student. Retakes on the midterm and final are not allowed.
 * **Letter Grade** || **Percentage** || **Points out of 1,000** ||
 * A || 90% or above || 900-1,000 ||
 * B || 80%-89% || 800-899 ||
 * C || 70%-79% || 700-799 ||
 * Incomplete || 69% or below || 699 or below ||