Earth Science Earth, Moon, and Solar System Spring 2014 Course: Instructor: Stephani Aldridge-Duff stephani.aldridge@cobbk12.org saldridge@gmail.

.com 678-594-8092 (Call this number first.) 404-507-9392 (Emergency contact number) 10AM 5PM (No calls after 5 PM. Please respect these hours.) Office Hours: I will be available in the virtual classroom to answer questions during the following days/times: Mondays/Wednesdays 7:00-8:00 pm EST Required Text: Harcourt School Publishers. (2009) Science georgia: GA spotlight/performance standard student edition science grade 4. Orlando, FL: Harcourt school Publishers. Readings as assigned. Communication: Communication is a vital part of online learning. There are two primary forms of communication. 1. Email Emailing is my preferred method of communication. I will typically check email every Monday Saturday morning and late evening. It is expected that students will check their email daily as well. 2. Phone Please feel free to call me with questions, but please be respectful of the hours listed. If no one answers, please leave a voicemail and I will call you within 24 hours during the school week. Course description: This course is designed to cover the Earth, Moon, and Solar System unit of 4th Grade Earth science. During this course, students explore how the position of the earth determines day and night, what causes the phases of the moon, how the tilt of the earths axis create seasons, and planet order in the solar system. Students will investigate the earth, moon, and solar system, create models, perform experiments, report findings, create graphs to organize data, analyze and interpret data, draw conclusions, and apply scientific principles. This purpose of this course is to introduce students to scientific principles and knowledge, and apply those skills through
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experiments and investigations. This course prepares students for the Criterion Reference Competency Test and 5th Grade Science. Learning Outcomes: This course correlates to the following Georgia Performance Standards.
Habits of the Mind S4CS1. Students will be aware of the importance of curiosity, honesty, openness, and skepticism in science and will exhibit these traits in their own efforts to understand how the world works. a. Keep records of investigations and observations and do not alter the records later. b. Carefully distinguish observations from ideas and speculation about those observations. c. Offer reasons for findings and consider reasons suggested by others. d. Take responsibility for understanding the importance of being safety conscious. S4CS2. Students will have the computation and estimation skills necessary for analyzing data and following scientific explanations. a. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers mentally, on paper, and with a calculator. b. Use fractions and decimals, and translate between decimals and commonly encountered fractions halves, thirds, fourths, fifths, tenths, and hundredths (but not sixths, sevenths, and so on) in scientific calculations. c. Judge whether measurements and computations of quantities, such as length, area, volume, weight, or time, are reasonable answers to scientific problems by comparing them to typical values. S4CS3. Students will use tools and instruments for observing, measuring, and manipulating objects in scientific activities utilizing safe laboratory procedures. a. Choose appropriate common materials for making simple mechanical constructions and repairing things. c. Use computers, cameras, and recording devices for capturing information. d. Identify and practice accepted safety procedures in manipulating science materials and equipment. S4CS4. Students will use ideas of system, model, change, and scale in exploring scientific and technological matters. a. Observe and describe how parts influence one another in things with many parts. b. Use geometric figures, number sequences, graphs, diagrams, sketches, number lines, maps, and stories to represent corresponding features of objects, events, and processes in the real world. Identify ways in which the representations do not match their original counterparts. c. Identify patterns of change in thingssuch as steady, repetitive, or irregular change using records, tables, or graphs of measurements where appropriate. S4CS5. Students will communicate scientific ideas and activities clearly. a. Write instructions that others can follow in carrying out a scientific procedure.
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b. Make sketches to aid in explaining scientific procedures or ideas. c. Use numerical data in describing and comparing objects and events. d. Locate scientific information in reference books, back issues of newspapers and magazines, CD-ROMs, and computer databases. S4CS6. Students will question scientific claims and arguments effectively. a. Support statements with facts found in books, articles, and databases, and identify the sources used. b. Identify when comparisons might not be fair because some conditions are different. The Nature of Science S4CS7. Students will be familiar with the character of scientific knowledge and how it is achieved. Students will recognize that: a. Similar scientific investigations seldom produce exactly the same results, which may differ due to unexpected differences in whatever is being investigated, unrecognized differences in the methods or circumstances of the investigation, or observational uncertainties. b. Some scientific knowledge is very old and yet is still applicable today. S4CS8. Students will understand important features of the process of scientific inquiry. Students will apply the following to inquiry learning practices: a. Scientific investigations may take many different forms, including observing what things are like or what is happening somewhere, collecting specimens for analysis, and doing experiments. b. Clear and active communication is an essential part of doing science. It enables scientists to inform others about their work, expose their ideas to criticism by other scientists, and stay informed about scientific discoveries around the world. c. Scientists use technology to increase their power to observe things and to measure and compare things accurately. d. Science involves many different kinds of work and engages men and women of all ages and backgrounds. S4P3. Students will demonstrate the relationship between the application of a force and the resulting change in position and motion on an object. a. Identify simple machines and explain their uses (lever, pulley, wedge, inclined plane, screw, wheel and axle). b. Using different size objects, observe how force affects speed and motion. c. Explain what happens to the speed or direction of an object when a greater force than the initial one is applied. d. Demonstrate the effect of gravitational force on the motion of an object.

S4E2a Day/Night Cycle Explain the day/night cycle of the earth using a model.

S4E2b Phases of Moon Explain the sequence of the phases of the moon. S4E2c Earth's Seasons Demonstrate the revolution of the earth around the sun and the earth's tilt to explain the seasonal changes. S4E2d Solar System Scale Model Demonstrate the relative size and order from the sun of the planets in the solar system. Course Schedule: This course is scheduled to begin Monday, February 3, and will conclude Friday, March 7, 2014. The course schedule runs Monday to Friday. Please take note that all weekly assignments will be due by Sunday at 11:59PM. The following topics will be covered in this course: Week 1 Introduction Week 2 Planet Order Week 3 Day and Night Week 4 Phases of the Moon Week 5 Earths Tilt On Its Axis Week 6 Final Assessment

Class Participation: Students are expected to attend and participate in an online course as fully as they attend and participate in a traditional classroom course. During the spring quarter, students are required to login and perform work in the course at least 4-5 times a week, dispersed throughout the week, for approximately 5-10 hours a week. Class participation is measured by contributions made through communications such as discussion forums, submission of assignments, projects, and tests. Participation will be considered when determining grades for discussion forums and projects. Each time you enter the course, participation will be automatically recorded and the length of time in each area is noted.

Late Work Policy: During the quarter we have weekly due dates. The weekly assignments are due by Sunday at 11:59PM on the day listed. For each week an assignment is late, 10% will be deducted. Work turned in at 12:00 AM Monday or later will be considered late and lose 10%. Beginning Tuesday at 12:00 AM, late work from the previous week that is turned in will lose 20%. After 5 school days, a grade of 0 will be given. Please be aware of the pacing guide and due dates for all assignments extensions will not be granted. You may work ahead, put points are deducted for late work. Be sure you communicate with your instructor if you have any problems or questions. Grading Policy and Assessments All assignments will be graded using the following scale: A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 74-79 D = 70-73 F = Below 70

Grades will be determined using the weighted system below: Category Assignments Discussions Quizzes Projects Final Exam Percentage 10 15 10 40 25

Assignments, discussions, quizzes, and projects will be graded within one week of submission. Online Testing Assessments in the course will be randomized, timed, or project-based in order to discourage academic dishonesty. Conduct and Academic Honesty: As members of Cobb County School District, students have a responsibility to conduct themselves with the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Academic honesty is one of the most important characteristics of any class. Through Cobb Virtual Academy, students are given the opportunity to achieve academically through an online environment; therefore, it is very important that mutual trust exists between instructors and students. Accordingly, honesty in all academic matters is expected from all students. Any attempt to cheat, plagiarize, falsify

information, or receive credit for work you did not do will be considered dishonest behavior and will be dealt with accordingly by the instructor and administration. The following are examples of some, but not all, acts that are considered dishonest behavior: Plagiarism (representing anothers ideas, words, expressions, or data in writing or presentation without properly acknowledging the source). Submitting work through the use of another person's password/login is considered dishonest behavior. Student logins/passwords are confidential information that should not be shared with others. Any assignments, work, or projects posted while using another student's login will be considered plagiarism. Cheating (intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized material, assistance, or study aids in any academic work). Cheating includes copying another students work and submitting it as your own. Performing work or taking an examination for another student. Falsification and/or misrepresentation of data (submitting made up data or sources). Computer crimes (damaging computer programs, hacking, constructing viruses, introducing viruses into a system, copying programs, etc.) Academic dishonesty will result in one or more of the following actions: Loss of grade points ISS Removal from the course Failure to receive credit for the course Loss of eligibility to earn credits through Cobb Virtual Academy

All Cobb Virtual Academy students are required to take their final exams/end of course tests in a face-to-face setting with a proctor. The performance on the final exam should closely match the work on assignments and other quizzes and tests. Cobb Virtual Academy teachers have the ability to require that students perform other tasks or undergo additional assessments in proctored situations. If a Cobb Virtual Academy teacher suspects that there is a problem with academic integrity, the local school administrator will be informed. Plagiarism Detection Technology Students should be aware that Cobb Virtual Academy instructors use several technologies to check student work for authenticity, including but not limited to the upload of student work to
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anti-plagiarism software. In order to maintain the integrity of all Cobb Virtual Academy grades, instructors may choose to facilitate random oral assessments and/or face to face exams. If an instructor confirms that a student has plagiarized work in any manner, the student will be subject to consequences determined by Cobb Virtual Academy administration and may be removed from the course with a failing grade. Acceptable Use Policy: IFBG-R Internet Acceptable Use RATIONALE/OBJECTIVE: The Cobb County School District (District) believes that technology and its utilization enhances the quality and delivery of education and is an important part of preparing children for life in the 21st century. The community of technology users must understand that the Internet is a global, fluid community, which remains largely unregulated. While it is an extremely valuable educational tool, there are sections that are not commensurate with community, school, or family standards. The District believes that the Internets advantages far outweigh its disadvantages and will provide an Internet filtering device which shall be used to block or filter access to inappropriate information and material on the Internet, in electronic mail or other forms of electronic communications. It should not be assumed that users are completely prevented from accessing inappropriate materials or from sending or receiving objectionable communications. Additionally, the District considers access to the Internet and computer resources a privilege, not a right. Therefore, users violating Board of Education Policies or District Administrative Rules may be subject to revocation of these privileges and potential disciplinary action. RULE: A. AUTHORITY: 1. The District: The District provides its students and authorized employees with access to and use of its technology consistent with the Districts vision and strategic goals. Therefore, the District reserves the right to monitor, access, and disclose the contents of any users files, activities, or communications to any appropriate authority, including law enforcement. 2. Employees: Principals and Administrators will endeavor to inform students and employees of the responsibilities associated with use of the District's technology. To this end, Administrative Rule IFBG-R (Internet Acceptable Use) and Board of Education Policy IFBGE (Internet Safety) are included in the Parent Information Guide. Any attempts to harm, modify, destroy or otherwise change the District's data and technology should be reported to appropriate District authorities.
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Staff will refer to District Administrative Rules governing employee and student conduct, including, Rules JICDA-E, -M, and H (Student Conduct: Codes of Conduct), when addressing inappropriate use or abuse of District technology privileges. 3. Students: Students will adhere to all policies, rules and regulations issued by the District and their respective school. B. PENALITIES FOR PROHIBITED USE: Students and employees who violate District/school policies, Rules or regulations governing the use of the Districts technology and network resources may have their network privileges suspended or revoked and will be subject to District Administrative Rules applying to employee and student conduct including, for students, the provisions of the appropriate District Code of Conduct (Rules JICDA-E, -M, or H). C. WEB SITE PUBLISHING: 1. Publication of student information, work and pictures is governed by Administrative Rule JG(1)-R (Monitoring-Recording Staff and Students). Page 2 of 3 2. Web pages or blogs hosted on or linked from Cobb County School Districts Web server will not: a. Include any information that indicates the physical location of a student at a given time, other than attendance at a particular school or participation in school activities where appropriate consent has been received. b. Display personal information, photographs, videos, streaming video, or audio clips of any identifiable student without a prior written permission slip (Form JG(1)-1 [Permission to Display Student Photograph]) if a parent/guardian has opted out of the release of directory information as stated in the Directory Information Statement in the Parent Information Guide. 3. Prior to placing a student's material on the Internet, the student should sign Form IFBG-1 (Permission to Display Student Work). For students under the age of 18, the permission slip should also be signed by the students parent/guardian. 4. Students may retain the copyright on the material they create that is subsequently displayed or performed on the District's Web site or individual school Web pages or blogs.

D. EMPLOYEE CREATED WEB PAGES AND/OR BLOGS: The District assumes no responsibility for schools or individual employees who do not comply with the following provisions: 1. Employees may create or link to individual Web pages and/or blogs on an external site provided these external sites meet the Districts definition of educational purposes as stated in Section G below. Any links to external sites that fail to meet that definition will be removed. 2. Each employee will be responsible for maintaining his/her Web pages or blogs in cooperation with the school Web Publisher. Specifically, all material originating from the employee and placed on the employee Web pages/blogs will be consistent with the Web Page Publishing and Compliance Guidelines (Form IJNDB-5) and approved through the compliance process established by the District Web Publisher (Web Master). 3. The District Web site and individual employee Web pages/blogs will not: a. Contain public message boards or chat-room areas. However, employees may allow two-way communication on blogs or private message boards as a part of the classroom curriculum as long as the employee previews (moderates) and approves all blog comments before they are posted on the Internet. b. Allow the display of unsolicited comments from the general public. Any solicited public feedback should be reviewed by the employee before posting. Any questionable or inappropriate content will immediately be removed by the employee, the School Web Publisher or by the District Web Publisher (Web Master) with no notification. E. DEFINITIONS: As used in this Rule, the terms and definitions contained in CIPA are expressly incorporated herein by reference and the following additional definitions shall also apply: Blogs (short for Web Logs) means dynamic web sites consisting of regularly updated entries displayed in reverse chronological order. They read like a diary or journal, but with the most recent entry at the top. Blogs can allow for open comments meaning other individuals can respond to a posted entry. Open comments is an optional feature for most blog Web sites. Chat Rooms means a Web site, part of a Web site, or part of an online service, that provides a venue for communities of users with a common interest to communicate in real time. "Educational purposes" means it relates to curriculum and instruction, research, career or professional development, or administrative purposes. "E-mail" means an electronic message generated using the District's e-mail and/or Web
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based e-mail. It is also used generically to mean either the District's e-mail system or a Web based e-mail system. "External site" means Web sites and materials not hosted on the District's Web server. "Inappropriate material" means material that does not serve an instructional or educational purpose and that includes, but is not limited, to material that: (i) is profane, vulgar, lewd, obscene, offensive, indecent, sexually explicit, or threatening; (ii) advocates illegal or dangerous acts; (iii) causes disruption to Cobb County School District, its employees or students; (iv) advocates violence; or (v) contains knowingly false, recklessly false, or defamatory information. Instructional activity means a classroom activity that focuses on appropriate and specific learning goals and objectives. Social networking means the use of Web sites or other online technologies to communicate with people and share information, resources, etc. Teacher directed means that the teacher gives to the students specific instructions for activities and assignments. Teacher supervised means that a staff member will oversee the activities of the students. Technology means but is not limited to electronic media systems such as computers, computing devices, peripheral devices, telecommunication equipment, electronic networks, messaging, and Web site publishing, and the associated hardware and software programs used for purposes such as, but not limited to, developing, retrieving, storing, disseminating, and accessing instructional, educational, and administrative information. "Users" means District students, certain employees, including school and Central Office staff, and other authorized persons who use the District's technology. Web Page means a single document or file on the Web, identified by a unique URL. Web Site means a collection of "pages" or files on the Web that are linked together and maintained by a company, organization, or individual.

Student Right to Privacy: Personally identifiable information from the student educational records will not be disclosed without a written release from the appropriate parties, except as allowed by FERPA or other applicable laws. Outline Communication Guidelines: Below are some guidelines for you to follow when communicating with your teacher and peers online:

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Emails o o o o o o o o o o o Include your full name and the name of the course in the subject line of all emails. Include your full and contact information in your email signature. Check spelling and review punctuation and grammar before sending messages. Be direct and to the point. Use an easy to read font. Avoid SMS abbreviations, acronyms, and language in messages. Do not post an email sent to you in private without the authors permission. Cite sources when sending copyrighted information. Do not expect instant responses to your emails. Close your email account when you leave your computer. Avoid sending large attachments. If replying to a message with an attachment, do not include the attachment. o Use BCC (blind carbon copy) if you send a message to many people. o Emails are not secure. Do not include any information you wish to remain private. o Do not flame! Writing Standards o Use APA, 6th edition, formatting in all documents and discussions. o Spell-check and review all documents for punctuation and grammar before submitting. o Do not use texting abbreviations in discussions, emails, or documents. o Do not use abbreviations unless they are common in the course subject. Communicating Problems o Be as descriptive as possible when communicating problems or asking a question. The answer is delayed if the instructor has to request clarification or more details. o Please allow 24 hours for your instructor to respond before resending an email. Do not type in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS! o Typing in all caps is the same as yelling on the internet.

Communication o Refer to the syllabus for instructors office hours and communication policies. o Respond to all emails from the instructor and fellow students within 48 hours.

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Follow the Nettiquette for Kids Rules, excerpted from the Netiquette for Kids, created 2001 by Boston Public Library. o o o o o o o o Avoid hurting someones feelings with e-mail. Respect other peoples online rights. Avoid insulting someone unless you want to start a flame war. If someone insults you, be calm. Avoid crashing discussion groups or forums. Respect the privacy of other people. Be responsible online. Help other people learn more about the Net.

Keep back-up copies of all assignment submissions.

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California State University at Hayward EDUI 6707 Assessing Effectiveness of Student Participation in Online Discussions Discussion Rubric for Online Postings

0 points Promptness and Initiative Does not respond to most postings; rarely participates freely

1-2 points Responds to most postings several days after initial discussion; limited initiative

3-4 points Responds to most postings within a 24 hour period; requires occasional prompting to post

5 points Consistently responds to postings in less than 24 hours; demonstrates good self-initiative

Delivery of Post

Utilizes poor spelling and grammar in most posts; posts appear hasty

Errors in spelling and grammar evidenced in several posts

Few grammatical or spelling errors are noted in posts

Consistently uses grammatically correct posts with rare misspellings

Relevance of Post

Posts topics which do not relate to the discussion content; makes short or irrelevant remarks

Occasionally posts off topic; most posts are short in length and offer no further insight into the topic

Frequently posts topics that are related to discussion content; prompts further discussion of topic

Consistently posts topics related to discussion topic; cites additional references related to topic

Expression Within the Post

Does not express opinions or ideas clearly; no connection to topic

Unclear connection to topic evidenced in minimal expression of opinions or ideas

Opinions and ideas are stately clearly with occasional lack of connection to topic

Expresses opinions and ideas in a clear and concise manner with obvious connection to topic

Contribution to the Learning Community

Does not make effort to participate in learning community as it develops; seems indifferent

Occasionally makes meaningful reflection on groups efforts; marginal effort to become involved with group

Frequently attempts to direct the discussion and to present relevant viewpoints for consideration by group; interacts freely

Aware of needs of community; frequently attempts to motivate the group discussion; presents creative approaches to topic

TOTAL =

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Technology Requirements: You will need regular access to a computer and Internet service. See the specific technical requirements below.

Technical Requirements
*Click Here To See Special Computer Requirements for the Personal Fitness Course

Component
Operating System

Requirements
Microsoft Windows XP (32-bit), Vista (32 & 64-bit), 7(32 & 64-bit), 8 (32 & 64-bit) Mac OS OS 10.6 and up Mobile devices are not supported

Browser

PC - Firefox (Final Release Channel), Firefox ESR, Internet Explorer 8, 9, 10 , Chrome (Stable Channel) Mac - Firefox (Final Release Channel), Firefox ESR, Safari 4.0 - 6.0.3, Chrome (Stable Channel) *Preferred Broadband Microsoft Word or compatible (OpenOffice is a free alternative to MS Word). If a Microsoft Office alternative is used, all documents must be saved in a MS Office compatible format. The email account must accept attachments and blind copied emails. Latest version of Java (very important so that everything in the system works properly!) Microsoft Office Viewers (for viewing and printing Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Visio files) Adobe Acrobat Reader (for viewing and printing PDF files) Flash Player (for viewing animations or using interactive content) QuickTime (for viewing QuickTime video) Shockwave Player (for viewing animations or using interactive content) Windows Media Player (for viewing streaming video or listening to streaming audio clips) Windows Media Player Plugin for Firefox (for vieweing WMV files in firefox) Flip4Mac (for viewing windows media files on your mac) Real Player (for viewing streaming video or listening to streaming audio clips) Blackboard Collaborate and Voice Tools work best with a headset/microphone combination (approx $15). During the student tutorial, students will complete a wizard that checks their computer for all the components needed to participate in Collaborate Sessions and use Voice Tools. Click HERE to check your setup now. CVA uses Collaborate version 12.5

Internet Speed Word Processor Email Address

Software (free downloads)

Peripherals

Meeting technical requirements is just part of what you need to be successful in an online course. Additionally, you will need basic computer skills, such as locating web sites, sending and receiving emails and attachments, and using word processing, and presentation software. Online learning is different from classroom learning in that you have so much more responsibility for your own learning. You must be organized, self-motivated, and willing to challenge yourself.

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Characteristics of Successful Cobb Virtual Academy Students Research and experience indicates students taking online courses need regular computer and Internet access; basic technology skills; good study skills and habits, including a willingness to communicate regularly with instructors and classmates; high motivation to succeed; good writing skills; and strong time management skills. Students must also be willing to spend more time to complete requirements of online courses, as they are not easier than face to face courses. The University of Georgia's SORT, the Student Online Readiness Tool (http://www.alt.usg.edu/sort/), addresses areas that research has found relate to student success in the online environment. Students and parents are encouraged to use SORT to assess student readiness, goals, and learning preferences. Student responses to SORT questions and the feedback provided on the personal readiness profile will assist students in making the right decision about enrolling in an online course. A successful Cobb Virtual Academy student is: Self-disciplined. You do not need to rely on your parents or teachers to keep you on-task and involved in the class. Able to communicate through the computer. Remember that all your communication takes place through a written format. Well organized. Willing to ask questions immediately if a problem occurs with either technology or the course content. Comfortable reading information. Remember that you must read all coursework and communications from your instructor. Willing and able to work in their Cobb Virtual Academy course for 5 to 7 hours per week for each .5 unit course and 10 to 15 hours a week for each 1.0 unit course during Fall and Spring Terms. Willing and able to work in their Cobb Virtual Academy course 10 to 15 hours a week for each .5 unit course and 20 to 30 hours a week for each 1.0 unit course during Summer Term. Prepared to participate in their Cobb Virtual Academy course at least four days a week Fall and Spring Terms and daily during Summer Term. Be able to complete assignments on time.

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Aware that an online course is not easier than a traditional course. In fact, many students say it requires more time and commitment. The successful student views online courses as a convenient way to learn - not an easier way. Comfortable working alone without daily teacher and student interaction.

Tech Support:

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Blended Learning:

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Copyright Statement: Unless otherwise indicated, the materials (Materials) displayed on the Cobb County School District Web site and individual school Web pages are the property of Cobb County School District (District) and are protected by United States and international copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, the compilation, selection, arrangement and presentation of all Materials (including information in the public domain), the overall design of District Web site, and the computer programs that create the Web page displays. Any visitor to the District Web site is hereby granted permission to access and print Materials from this Web site for personal, non-commercial purposes only. Any other copying, distribution, modification, transmission or dissemination of the Materials displayed at the Districts site by means now known or hereafter developed, is strictly prohibited without the express prior written permission of the District.

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