Washington & Lee High School

Earth Science Syllabus

2020-2021
Instructor – Ms. Carrie Bray
EMAIL: braycm@wmlcps.org
WEBSITE: braycm.weebly.com

Grade Level – 9th grade

Course Summary Description
 An introduction to earth and space sciences including geology, astronomy, meteorology, oceanography,
and lab skills.
Course Objectives
 Generate renewed awareness of the world and how it works. Introduce students to geology topics
(minerals, rocks & fossils, plate tectonics, earthquakes & volcanoes, weathering & erosion) and
astronomy topics (moon, stars, solar system) through the use of lab activities, multimedia, group
projects, and classroom presentations. Learn and practice the skills necessary for advanced courses. Be
able to think critically about topics and understand the importance of why and how the earth works.
Outline of Units
 Scientific Investigation
 Astronomy (Space)
 Geology: Minerals & Rocks
 Earth’s Resources
 Plate Tectonics
 Freshwater
 Earth’s History: Fossils & Geologic Time
 Oceans
 Atmosphere
 Meteorology (Weather)
Evaluation Procedures
 Grading Scale: A: 92-100%, B: 84-91%, C: 77-83%, D 70-76%, F 69% & below
 Points will be given from:
 Activities/Assignments
 Exams (Benchmark is worth 10% of your grade, SOL exam is worth 20%)
 Quizzes
 Labs
 Projects/Presentations
Cheating/Plagiarism
 Cheating is completely unacceptable. You will only get credit for work that is yours. Taking advantage
of another person’s work is stealing and will result in no credit for that work. If you allow someone to
use your work to complete their, you will also receive no credit for that work. The act of “cutting and
pasting” reports from the internet sources will not be allowed.
Classroom Expectations
 Respecting other’s thoughts and ideas. Be positive and kind.
 Complete your work in a timely manner and submit assignments by the due date given.
 At times you may be anxious to talk, raise your hand and wait to be called on. Do not talk over people
and interrupt. Be courteous and respectful to the person who is speaking.
 Write in full sentences and use proper grammar. This may not be English class, but you are expected to
bring ALL of what you learn into the science classroom!
 Be positive, respectful, hardworking, and ready to learn and you will be surprised how much fun science
class can be! 

**Most importantly remember: YOU choose your path in life. Therefore you choose to succeed or fail; the choice is
yours. Make yourself proud and choose SUCCESS!!!**

Eagles S.O.A.R! Success = Ownership, Ambition, and Respect