Have you ever wondered why the earth is round? Why the stars shine at night? Perhaps you noticed how the continents look like a jigsaw puzzle. Perhaps you always wanted to design your own planet? In that case, Welcome to Astronomy & Geology. This year we will study the and study basic geology and the fundamentals of astronomy. as our final project we will design a planet, complete with teh begginnings of life.

• Materials: Students will be responsible to bring the following materials to class every day: Textbook (covered), notebooks, paper, two pencils, scientific calculator, protractor and metric ruler.
• Homework: Students should expect homework almost every day of the week (including over the weekends). Homework is an integral part of the learning process. Students failing to complete their homework will receive Notices of Failure and the instructor may notify parents directly. Every day that homework is due, the instructor will date stamp it. The class will then review the problems assigned and the students are expected to correct their errors. Completed homework will be kept in the student's notebook and collect and recorded periodically as the instructor directs. Late homework will not be accepted.
• Absences: Every student in this class has expressed the intention to attend college. As such, they are responsible to see that work assigned is handed in on time. However, if a student is unable to turn work in or misses a test because of an excused absence, they will be given an opportunity to hand the work in late. For short absences (less than 3 days), the work shall be completed within 2 days of the student's return. For longer absences, the instructor and student will work out a mutually convenient schedule. A student who misses a test will be expected to take a make up test as soon as possible at a place and time designated by the instructor. These policies apply only to excused absences. Any work due on a day where the student has an unexcused absence will be considered late and will not be accepted.
• Grades: For the school year 2000/2001 the grading policy will be as follows:

• Classroom Behavior: Behavior in this class shall be governed by RESPECT. The instructor is entitled to the respect by virtue of his position, students are entitled to respect by reason of their accomplishments and intelligence. Everyone needs to respect school property to preserve it for future students. Any behavior showing disrespect will be punished. Examples of disrespectful behavior include: speaking when others are speaking, coming into class late, use of inappropriate language and behavior which disrupts the learning process. Punishment may range from a warning to sending a student out of class with a referral.
• Labs: Students are expected to prepare lab reports in conformity with the standards set forth by the instructor. Prior to each lab, a student shall complete a prelab report detailing the purpose, hypothesis, procedure and materials to be used. All lab report should be typed or neatly printed. A portion of the grade for each lab report will be for appearance.
• Cheating: Cheating is not tolerated in any form. Cheating consists of copying someone else's homework, lab reports, tests answers or anyone helping some one else cheat. Also, the use of any material written by another person (plagiarism) without attribution is a form of cheating. Anyone caught cheating will receive a zero on the assignment or test, a referral and a parent contact will be made. Two incidents of cheating will result in a grade of "no credit" for the course.
• Extra Credit: Occasionally there may be an extra credit assignment. Also, an extra credit or bonus problem or question may be included in a test.
• Office Hours: I am here to teach. I chose to be a teacher. If you do not understand something, please see me after school or arrange to meet me during lunch.
• Contacting the teacher: The teacher maybe contacted by dialing 657-3600 x 3655 and leaving a message or by e-mail at jfendell@fremont.k12.ca.us.