Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common
questions of students and parents.
- Is this course as hard as everybody says it is?
- How can I raise my grade if my current average is not satisfactory?
- Is there a laboratory requirement for regents earth science?
- Are there any required classroom materials or supplies?
- Is there a specific homework policy for this class?
- Are there any field trips in regents earth science?
- Are there any specific behavioral expectations for this class?
- How are students evaluated in regents earth science?
- What do I do if I'm absent?
- What is the best advice for having a good year in this class?
- Oh yeah, what will we study this year?
Is this course as hard as everybody says it is?
Earth Science is challenging and fascinating and demands plenty
of hard work from students and teachers. Success in this
course will not happen by accident. Students and teachers who
work hard will succeed!
How can I raise my grade if my current average is not satisfactory?
Students can maintain a quality average by completing and
submitting all homework assignments and laboratory exercises on
time. Students can also take advantage of bonus/make-up
opportunities and ask for extra help when needed. Experience has
shown that students who follow these guidelines do well or excel
in regents Earth science.
Is there a laboratory requirement for regents earth science?
Yes. Students must have 30 successfully completed labs on file
by the end of the year to be eligible to sit for the NYS regents
exam. Labs are due no later than one week after they are
assigned. Students who miss a lab have one week to make up the
missing lab. Make-up opportunities will be available before or
after school on announced dates. Late labs will not be accepted
for credit except in cases of documented illness or extenuating
circumstances. Each student will have the opportunity to achieve
approximately 45 lab credits. Chronic absenteeism is usually the
reason why some students fail to achieve the state mandated
laboratory requirement.
Are there any required classroom materials or supplies?
Yes. Students must bring the following materials and supplies to
class and to lab on a daily basis: 1) one three-ringed notebook
with lined paper to be used exclusively for regents Earth
science 2) one calculator 3) one ink pen and one #2 pencil
4) one hi-liter pen 5) one new earth science review
book, "Reviewing Earth Science-The Physical Setting" by Thomas
McGuire (this third edition paperback book is available at the
student bookstore at a cost of approximately $14) 6) 1 set
of "earbud" headphones for weekly use in the computer lab 7) one
box of colored pencils and 8) one positive attitude!
Is there a specific homework policy for this class?
Yes. Homework will be assigned daily. Homework may include (but
is not limited to) review book assignments, internet assignments,
reading assignments, laboratory assignments, textbook
assignments, vocabulary assignments, study assignments and
projects. Weekly quizzes will be given that are based on
homework assignments. Weekly assignments are posted on the
instructor's web site @
http://teacherweb.com/NY/NorthTonawandaHighSchool/Swisher/
Students and parents are encouraged to visit this site
immediately and bookmark it for future reference. Experience has
shown that students who do not regularly complete homework
assignments rarely achieve course credit.
Are there any field trips in regents earth science?
Yes. Students who consistently abide by classroom policies and
school regulations will have the opportunity to participate in
several curriculum-related field trips. Students who are
chronically absent or demonstrate an unwillingness or inability
to follow rules and regulations will not be eligible for
participation in these experiences. Related classroom
activities will be prepared for students who are not eligible or
who choose not to participate. All school rules are in effect on
field trips and mandatory prerequisite assignments and pre-trip
meetings are required for all participating students.
Are there any specific behavioral expectations for this class?
Yes. Each and every student has the right to learn and to be in
an environment that is conducive to the learning process. To
that end, no disruptive behavior will be tolerated. Students who
interfere with other student's right to learn will be disciplined
in accordance with regulations stated in the student handbook.
Short term consequences may include teacher detention,
administrative detention, and Saturday morning detention.
Chronic interference may lead to removal from the class and
subsequent failure in the course. Students are encouraged to
recognize their high school experience as a stepping stone to
future success and to maintain a positive attitude throughout the
year.
How are students evaluated in regents earth science?
Quarterly grades in regents earth science will be calculated
using the following formula: 40% unit tests, 30% laboratory
reports, 30% homework quizzes and projects. Final grade in the
course will be calculated using the following formula: 4/5 class
average (four quarterly grades)and 1/5 final examination.
What do I do if I'm absent?
Students should always meet with their instructor immediately
upon return from an absence. It is the responsibility of the
student to ask the instructor for missed work and assignments.
Students can also keep up with classroom assignments by visiting
the class web site @
http://teacherweb.com/NY/NorthTonawandaHighSchool/Swisher/
What is the best advice for having a good year in this class?
Behave, be a hard worker, be courteous, be polite, be friendly,
be prepared, be nice, be honest, be reliable, be forgiving, be
trustworthy, be charitable, be responsible, be confident, be
persistent, be humble, be happy, be a proton, be on time, be
kind, and always try to maintain a good sense of humor.
Oh yeah, what will we study this year?
Earth science topics include but are not restricted to 1)Planet
Earth 2)Minerals, Rocks and Resources 3)The Dynamic Crust
4)Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition 5)Glaciers, Oceans and
Landscapes 6)Interpreting Earth's History 7)Properties of the
Atmosphere 8)Weather Systems 9)The Water Cycle and Climates
10)Earth In Space 11)Beyond Planet Earth and 12)Environmental
Awareness
