Jackson High School

Coach Kevin McGonigle

Environmental Science

Earth Systems

Physics

kevin.mcgonigle@bcssk12.org

770-504-2340 ext 2706

Office hours: available by appointment before school and after school

Class communications: sign up for Remind (text or email) Sign up code is:

Environmental Science: @2ekf88

Earth Systems: @72e929

Physics: @physics82

                To sign up text the number: 81010 and in the body of the message enter the class code:

Course Description Environmental Science

This course is an introduction to environmental science studies. It examines the environmental impact of population growth on natural resources; mineral and resource extraction; water resource use and water pollution; air pollution and climate change; and conventional and sustainable energy supplies. Emphasis is placed on a lab based approach to environmental science using class discussions, laboratory exercises, and environmental surveys to reinforce scientific principles.

Course Description Earth Systems

Earth Systems Science is designed to continue student investigations that began in K-8 Earth Science and Life Science curricula and investigate the connections among Earth’s systems through Earth history. These systems – the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere – interact through time to produce the Earth’s landscapes, ecology, and resources. This course develops the explanations of phenomena fundamental to the sciences of geology and physical geography, including the early history of the Earth, plate tectonics, landform evolution, the Earth’s geologic record, weather and climate, and the history of life on Earth.

Course Description Physics

The Physics course is designed to continue student investigations of the physical sciences that began in grades K-8 and provide students the necessary skills to be proficient in physics. This curriculum includes more abstract concepts such as interactions of matter and energy, velocity, acceleration, force, energy, momentum, and charge. Students investigate physics concepts through experience in laboratories and field work using the processes of inquiry.

Grading

Classroom average breakdown

Daily Work: Students will be graded on work completed in class and participation in class activities. Absences will affect this grade and the missed assignments will need to be made up.

Tests and Quizzes:  A written test is given at the completion of each unit.  Tests include information from class notes, the textbook, lab activities, worksheets, and demonstrations that were completed during a unit.  Quizzes will be given throughout the units.  

Homework:  Homework will be given, but not every night.  Often, homework will consist of completing work from class, reading, reviewing notes, and summarizing. Students should spend 10-15 minutes regularly  reviewing notes. (This will begin once we are back in person)

Laboratory Activities: Students will be responsible for performing the lab in class and completing the necessary lab report.  A lab assessment will be given based on the labs done in class. Missing a class during a lab, results in the lab being MADE UP PROMPTLY.  See me for scheduling a lab make-up time. (This will begin once we are back in person)

Projects: Students will complete in class projects using technology that will span multiple days. Occasionally these projects will need to be worked on outside of class.

Missing work: All makeup will be made up on the student’s own time.

Tutoring: Tutoring is offered each Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:15 to 4:15pm in the media center. Virtual tutoring will take place during the last 30 minutes of each class period while we are online. Friday times will also be available during virtual schooling, more information will be forthcoming.

The Georgia Standards of Excellence: This course will cover the GSE as required by the Georgia Department of Education. For a complete listing, go to www.georgiastandards.org

CRITICAL THINKING GOAL: “Students will demonstrate proficiency in the critical thinking skills of decision-making, information processing, reasoning, and analysis at or above course standards.”

Honor Code Violation:  The honor code policy is strictly enforced.  Any act of cheating, “either by giving or receiving information on a gradable experience”, will be considered a violation.  An honor code violation “may be used by the faculty in making future recommendations, specifically, membership in honor clubs (NHS and Beta Club).”  I will inform your parents of the violation and you will receive a grade of zero.  Please refer to your handbook for more specifics.

Recovery Policy:  Recovery is an opportunity for a student to demonstrate competence and mastery of objectives.  In order to be eligible for recovery, a student must have completed all assigned work and demonstrated a genuine effort, including attendance.  Students are responsible for contacting the teacher concerning recovery opportunities.  Teachers will establish, at their discretion and the concurrence of the department head, a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during the semester.  All recovery work must be completed prior to the last 10 school days of the semester.  There will be only one recovery opportunity per failed major assignment or test.

Materials

• Writing Utensil (pencil or pen)
• 1” 3 Ring Binder
• Notebook Paper

General Notes and Procedures

Communication - I always strive to maintain an open line of communication not only with your student but with you as the parents as well. I always use and respond to my email  (kevin.mcgonigle@bcssk12.org), but I also will be using Remind so that you and your student will always be aware of class events. Be sure to obtain your student’s username and password for infinite campus, so that you can be sure to watch your student’s progress and email me with any questions.

Basic procedures and expectations- All students will be treated and expected to act as young adults. All school wide rules will be strictly maintained in this classroom. This includes things like no food, no cell phones, and show respect to others. Please note that attendance and timeliness is of the utmost importance. Missing excessive school will make the course marginally more difficult. With this being said needing to leave the class excessively is also a huge detriment to their chance of success. Students will be given a set number of times to leave the classroom a semester and after those opportunities have been used each case will be reviewed.

*This syllabus is subject to change based on Covid recommendations and potential challenges. Please contact us should  you have any questions.**