1. Who can take this course ? Students who will be rising ninth graders at Summit next year are eligible to take this course. Those who leave Summit after the eighth grade are not eligible.
2. Do you have to own a home computer with Internet access to take the course ? No, students may use school computers during school hours (8:20AM until 3:45PM) to make use of the Internet. Several computers in Mr. Wood's room will be available between 7:30AM and 4:00PM.
3. Do students ever have classes in a classroom ? Yes, students meet occasionally to do activities that can not be done in an independent study environment. Also, some time will be set aside during the activity period for this class to meet.
4. How will students be graded in this course ? Mr. Wood will use a point system very similar to what is used in IPS.
5. Can students take this course instead of Biology ? No, ninth graders must take Biology with Mr. Seaver. Earth Science is an optional sixth subject for those who have enough time in their schedules for an extra academic course.
6. Is this a high school course with "honors" credit ? Yes, in public high schools. In non-public high schools where ninth graders can not earn honors level credit, our graduates are given regular credit.
7. Is there a textbook ? Yes, the virtual text can be found at http://summitschool.com/escience/lsns.html . Our set of lessons is frequently updated and the course is frequently changed to fit our students better. Special software for the course can be loaded on home computers.
8. Will this course meet the high school graduation curriculum standards of the N.C. Department of Public Instruction ? Yes, and it will also prepare students for the new state competency test that students need to pass for graduation.
9. What will be the major difference in this course and 7th grade Science ? Since 9th graders are more proficient in math and in using computers, they will find the course more quantitative and dependent on computer literacy.
10. How will students turn in assignments ? Lesson results may be given to Mr. Wood either by email or directly at school.
11. What is the advantage of taking an additional honors level course before graduating from Summit ? Summit graduates in the local public high schools will have an opportunity to enhance their quality point averages and class ranks which are important to being accepted in honor societies and colleges. Graduates should have more flexibility in scheduling their high school courses having completed two sciences courses at Summit. This course is offered at no extra cost and is covered by ninth grade tuition.
12. Do you have to take this course at Summit ? No, this is an option that rising ninth graders can elect. Earth/Environmental Science will be offered in each of the public high schools and must be taken prior to graduation. Although this course was designed to help our graduates attending public high schools, a large number of our former students have gone to non-public high schools where this science course has been useful in completing graduation requirements.
13. Is this a full year course ? Yes. However, some have started the course in July and finished it by the time school starts in August.
14. When would students take the final exam? Most students take the exam online after finishing Lesson 54, usually by the end of April.
15. How will taking six courses affect earning honor roll at Summit and Class Rank in a public high school? One will need to earn at least three A's and no grades below B in all courses as the handbook now indicates for five core academic courses. See Class Rank
16. Will there be daily assignments ? Frequency of lesson completions will depend on one's schedule. Most lessons are completed during the special activity periods and after most ninth graders have completed their term papers and speeches.
17. Will private high schools offer this course ? Those that meet the graduation standards of the state of North Carolina will offer Earth/Environmental Science.
18. What is the latest withdrawal date if one discovers that dropping the course is necessary ? If one drops the course by the day before the first parent conference (October , 2008), nothing will go on the student's permanent record.
19. Is it possible to begin some of the lessons during the summer to make the workload more manageable when school starts ? Yes. Students are encouraged to begin before school starts officially. Some lessons are more easily done at home on days off when students have extended time to focus on their investigations. See Mr. Wood for more information about starting after the first Monday in July.
20. How does one sign up for the course ? Parents may call the Junior High Office, email Mr. Wood or Mrs. Crotty, or bring a note to the Junior High Office indicating the desire to be in the course.
21. So far, who has expressed
their intention to enroll in this course for 2008-2009?
* Course Software
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Dana B. *
Lasley C. *
Caroline C. *
Austin C.
Imran C.
Mimi D. *
Carolyn E.
Mariah E. *
Gray E. *
Sam F. *
Megan F.
Zada G. *
Jordan H.
Catherine H. *
Trent H. *
Savannah J.
Briana L. *
Maya L. *
Miranda L. *
Hannah L. *
Bethany M.
John M. *
Jack McC. *
Haley M. *
Mary T.P. *
Leslie R. *
Evan S. *
Lauren S. *
Annie W. *
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