Earth Science Syllabus Contract
Secondary Science
EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE
An Interactive Exploration of Our Dynamic Planet & Universe
Room 402 • Science Lab
Syllabus & Guide
Academic Year 2026-2027
Instructor
Mason Hermges
Email Address
mhermges@ecsli.org
Preferred Contact
Weekdays: 10am - 7:30pm
The Core Mission
Earth is a complex, beautiful, and interconnected machine. In this course, we step out of the classroom and act as field scientists. We will investigate the colossal forces shaping our mountain ranges, trace the journey of a water molecule through the atmosphere, and peer into deep space to map our place in the cosmic neighborhood. Get ready to observe, question, and discover!
Class Remind Hub
Join via the Remind app with your code, or text your code to 81010:
Class 7A @mhermg
Class 7B @mhermge
Class 7C @mhermges
Class 7D @e4abf9e
Class 7E @2dk6kb
Grade Formula
Assessments & Labs 40%
Classwork 25%
Homework 25%
Participation 10%
Essential Classroom Policies
Late Work Penalty
Assignments turned in past the deadline will lose 10 points per day it is late. No assignments will be accepted more than 5 days late.
Missed Days & Absences
If you miss class, you are expected to actively obtain and complete the work from the missed days. Check the class bin immediately upon return or consult with teammates.
Safety First
Laboratory equipment must be handled with utmost care. Failure to follow safety protocols or inappropriate behavior during lab work will result in immediate removal from lab and a zero.
Earth & Space Science Syllabus Page 1 of 3 Hermges Class of '27
Learning Roadmap
THE ROADMAP OF DISCOVERY
An overview of the topics, frameworks, and scientific principles we will investigate together.
1. Earth & Earth's Systems
Interaction of Earth's four spheres (geo, hydro, bio, atmos) and the cycling of energy & matter.
2. Space & The Solar System
Sun-Moon-Earth system interactions (seasons, moon phases, tides, eclipses, gravity, and cosmic exploration).
3. Earth's History
Fossils, stratigraphy, geologic time scales, and scientific methods to reconstruct and date historical events.
4. Minerals, Rocks & The Rock Cycle
Mineral physical properties/identification, formation of igneous, sedimentary, & metamorphic rocks.
5. Plate Tectonics & Earth's Interior
Earth's internal layers, plate boundary movements, and resulting earthquakes, volcanic arcs, and mountain belts.
6. Water & Earth's Surface
Water cycle dynamics, local watersheds, groundwater, glaciers, and landscape reshaping via erosion & weathering.
7. Weather & The Atmosphere
Composition of atmosphere, air masses, frontal systems, reading weather maps, and meteorology basics.
8. Climate & Climate Change
Global ocean/atmospheric circulation, distinctions between weather and climate, and global shift metrics.
9. Natural Hazards
Analysis of volcanic events, seismic hazards, massive flooding, hurricanes, and hazard prediction systems.
10. Humans & Earth's Resources
Analysis of renewable & non-renewable natural resources, patterns of global consumption, and impact modeling.
11. Environmental Sustainability
Engineering mitigation structures, examining sustainable technologies, researching water/soil protection schemes, and proposing structural community improvements.
"The Earth does not belong to us: we belong to the Earth. What we do to the web of life, we do to ourselves."
— Chief Seattle
Earth & Space Science Syllabus Page 2 of 3 Hermges Class of '27
Course Compact
THE COLLABORATIVE COMPACT
Please read carefully, answer the reflections, and sign below to officially join the research team.
Student Commitment
- • I will respect safety rules during all lab and outdoor explorations.
- • I understand that late assignments are subject to the 10-point per day penalty.
- • I will actively retrieve my missed work immediately after an absence.
Parent/Guardian Partner
- • I will support regular class attendance and monitor missing tasks.
- • I will encourage safe lab work and review grading rules with my child.
- • I will contact the teacher if my child faces learning obstacles.
Field Journal Entry #0 (Student Reflection)
1. Based on the study roadmap on Page 2, which specific unit topic or concept are you most excited to explore? Why?
2. Setting a trajectory: What is one concrete personal or academic goal you have for this scientific school year?
Formal Agreements
By signing below, we acknowledge that we have read the Earth & Space Science course syllabus, fully understand the course expectations, late work standards (-10 pts/day), lab protocols, and agree to cooperate dynamically to ensure safety and success.
Student Name (Printed)
Student Signature & Date
Parent/Guardian Name (Printed)
Parent/Guardian Signature & Date
Earth & Space Science Syllabus Page 3 of 3 Hermges Class of '27
Syllabus Contract Spanish Copy
Ciencias Secundarias
CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA
Una exploración interactiva de nuestro planeta dinámico y del universo
Aula 402 • Lab de Ciencias
Prontuario y Guía
Año Académico 2026-2027
Instructor
Mason Hermges
Correo Electrónico
mhermges@ecsli.org
Contacto Preferido
Días de semana: 10am - 7:30pm
La Misión Principal
La Tierra es una máquina compleja, hermosa e interconectada. En este curso, saldremos del aula y actuaremos como científicos de campo. Investigaremos las fuerzas colosales que dan forma a nuestras cordilleras, seguiremos el viaje de una molécula de agua a través de la atmósfera e investigaremos el espacio profundo para trazar nuestro lugar en el vecindario cósmico. ¡Prepárate para observar, cuestionar y descubrir!
Centro de Remind
Recibe avisos de clase. Únete por la app de Remind con tu código, o envía el código de texto al 81010:
Clase 7A @mhermg
Clase 7B @mhermge
Clase 7C @mhermges
Clase 7D @e4abf9e
Clase 7E @2dk6kb
Calificaciones
Evaluaciones y Labs 40%
Trabajo en Clase 25%
Tareas 25%
Participación 10%
Políticas del Aula
Penalización por Atraso
Las tareas entregadas después de la fecha límite perderán 10 puntos por día de retraso. No se aceptarán tareas con más de 5 días de retraso.
Días Perdidos y Ausencias
Si faltas a clase, se espera que busques y completes activamente el trabajo de los días perdidos. Revisa el buzón de la clase inmediatamente al regresar o consulta con tus compañeros.
La Seguridad Primero
El equipo de laboratorio debe manejarse con el mayor cuidado. El incumplimiento de los protocolos de seguridad o el comportamiento inadecuado durante el trabajo de laboratorio resultará en la expulsión inmediata y una calificación de cero.
Prontuario de Ciencias de la Tierra y el Espacio Página 1 de 3 Hermges Clase del '27
Mapa de Aprendizaje
EL MAPA DEL DESCUBRIMIENTO
Una visión general de los temas, marcos de trabajo y principios científicos que investigaremos juntos.
1. La Tierra y sus Sistemas
Interacción de las cuatro esferas de la Tierra (geo, hidro, bio, atmós) y el ciclo de la energía y la materia.
2. El Espacio y el Sistema Solar
