Honors Geography Spring 2002

Honors Geography Spring 2004

Welcome to the 9^th grade Honors Geography course. We hope the following information can answer some of your questions.

General Information: This is a fast-paced course covering a wide variety of themes dealing with human geography. This is a completely revamped course, with a new text, that incorporates technology with traditional learning situations.

Grading: This course is designed around units with specific standards for each unit. Grades are divided into weighted categories. It is through the weighted categories that letter grades are assigned.

Categories: Grade Scale

Tests/Quizzes - 30% 100 – 90% = A’s

Written Assessments - 30% 89 - 80% = B’s

Classwork/Homework - 25% 79 - 68% = C’s

Speeches/Projects - 15% 67 - 0% = F

Work Ethic Expectation: A high level of dedication to academics is expected of all students. Students are expected to complete all coursework. All coursework will have specific due dates. Late work is accepted for half credit (if completed by the day after the unit exam) All unit standards must be met in order to complete the class.*

· Unit assessments must be resubmitted if the score is below the standard. A student may redo these assessments until a minimum passing score is accomplished. Failure to complete ALL unit assessments with a passing grade will result in a failing or incomplete grade. Quizzes may not be retaken, however, teacher will drop the lowest quiz grade.

Homework/Classwork: Daily classwork and homework assignments may be viewed by using the Internet at home or school. To access classwork and homework assignments go to www.helixcharter.net (follow department link to Honors Geography)

Attendance: There is generally a correlation between regular attendance and success in academics. Missing school is not a wise idea, especially on the “quarter system.” Make-up work is the responsibility of the student. Make-up tests are held during Wednesday tutorial from 8:15 – 8:55. According to Helix Charter High School attendance policy, more than five absences will result in failing the course. Excused absences can be made up in Saturday school.

Text/Supplies

An Introduction to Human Geography – 7^th Edition - Rubenstein

Colored Pens/pencils/highlighter

Writing utensils

Paper

Binder

Calculator

Optional:

Study Guide (An Introduction to Human Geography-7^th Edition – Rubenstein

ISBN 0-13-091398-2)

For A.P. Students “How To Prepare for the AP Human Geography Advanced Placement Examination by Alagona and Marsh; ISBN 0-7641-2094-8

Personal earphones (we use the computers with sound – some students may prefer to bring their own earphones compared to wearing the “bulky” school earphones)

We are looking forward to a challenging learning experience. We know that through hard work, integrity, and dedication, we all will learn from each other. We hope to see both students and parents at the “Back to School Night” on January 21st. Through parent, teacher and student partnerships, we can all experience a greater level of achievement.

Sincerely,

Julie Damschen Paula Ann Trevino Garry Wilcox Julie Younghee

Jdamsch@helixcharter.net PATrevi@helixcharter.net gwilcox@helixcharter.net jyoungh@helixcharter.net

644-1940 x334 644-1940 x394 644-1940 x453 644-1940 x334

Room 1415 Room 40 Room 20 Room 1415

Advanced Placement Human Geography

For the first year, Helix Charter High School is offering students the opportunity to take Human Geography for AP credit. Read below to learn more about Advanced Placement Human Geography.

What is a description and purpose of the AP Human Geography Exam?

The AP Human Geography Exam covers Human Geography content from a college-level course. The AP Human Geography Exam is an exam administered on May 5^th to determine how well a student has mastered the content. Students who pass the exam with a score of “ 3 or better” earn 3 semester units of college credit (from most colleges/universities).

What is the difference between Geography 1H and AP Human Geography?

In the classroom instruction, there is essentially no difference. All students are taking an Honors level course using a college text as has been the norm for over 20 years at Helix. Honors students will complete approximately 60-70 percent of the textbook instruction during the term. AP Human Geography students will attend additional evening and Intersession tutorials to learn the reminder of the curriculum in order to better prepare for the AP Human Geography Exam. Therefore, AP Human Geography students will be learning additional geography curriculum that is not covered during regular class time. In addition, students who attend the AP Human Geography tutorials and take the exam will have their official school transcript modified to read AP Human Geography instead of Geography 1H/2H. Students who have taken an AP exam, typically, have more experience and preparation for future AP exams.

When and where will AP Human Geography Tutorials occur?

In order to best prepare for the exam, additional time out of the classroom is needed to prepare students for the exam.

· AP Human Geography tutorials will occur on Monday’s from 5 – 8pm in Room 20 (beginning on February 2^nd).

· In addition, other tutorials will be offered on March 18, 19 (Intersession – time/TBD);

· (There may be tutorials offered on April 8,9,12,13) – unknown at this time

· AP Human Geography Review sessions will be held April 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and May 3 – from 5 – 8pm (dinner will be provided each evening by teachers)

How much additional time is needed for students wishing to take AP Human Geography?

Although no tutorial work counts towards a student’s classroom grade, students wishing to earn AP Human Geography credit will need to complete assignments in order to adequately prepare for tutorials and the AP Human Geography Exam. In addition to the tutorials stated above, it can be expected that AP Human Geography students will average an additional 5 hours of studying per week. As part of the tutorials, the teachers plan to organize students into study groups to help them with the additional content. The week before the actual AP Human Geography Exam, students will be working many more hours preparing for the exam, however, Honors Geography homework will be modified.

Is there a cost for taking AP Human Geography?

The fee for taking the AP Human Geography Exam is $82 and is due sometime in March. Students seeking a “fee waiver” should complete the form at the AP meeting. A “fee waiver” lowers the fee to $15.

Teachers have the two optional books in the library for checkout, however, students may wish to obtain their own copy. See page 2 of syllabus for more information.

For more information about AP Human Geography, attend parent/student meeting on Monday, February 2^nd 5pm in Room 20.

Honors Geography and Technology

In the Spring of 2003, Honors Geography was funded to revamp the Honors Geography curriculum. As a part of the funding the following changes are taking place:

· New textbooks aligned with course standards

· Laptop Cart (25 ibooks, airport, and supplemental materials) to implement an interactive course to supplement the standards of the course

· Development of an Advanced Placement Human Geography Course for interested students.

As part of the technology components, students will be using classtime and ExL time to work on homework and lessons. Students will participate in “threaded discussions” which will allow them to respond to specific questions about the content. Students will also be able to view reflect on various responses from other students. In addition, students will be asked to draw from information in the text and evaluate information from specific websites.

In order to use the laptops, Honors Geography teachers have created a list of additional requirements for the use of technology. (Helix already has a technology agreement form that students have agreed to, however, these computers are only for the use of Honors Geography students while in class). These requirements are intended to ensure longevity and positive interaction between curriculum and students. In order to use a laptop, the following agreement must be signed by a parent and student. If no agreement is received or violation of agreement occurs, the Honors Geography student will be assigned to a Citrix computer for completing coursework.

· Student may only check out their assigned computer #

· Student is responsible for correctly replacing and plugging in laptop upon completion of use

· Student is responsible for bringing their own earphones or checking out a pair of earphones for activity work

· Student is responsible for the care of their laptop while it is in their possession

· Student is responsible for checking out a mouse for the computer and properly returning when completed

· Student is responsible for keeping computer away from food and drink

· Student is responsible for checking out cleaning kit (if needed) to tidy up computer

· Students who are negligent with computers are responsible for the damage.

I agree to abide by the additional technology requirements for Honors Geography.

I do not agree to abide by the additional technology requirements for Honors Geography and wish to be assigned a Citrix computer terminal while in Honors Geography

Student Signature Date

I allow my son/daughter to be responsible for use of a laptop in Honors Geography, and I understand the conditions for student use.

I do not allow my son/daughter to be responsible for use of a laptop in Honors Geography. Please assign him/her to a Citrix computer terminal while in Honors Geography.

Parent Signature Date