• Spartan Image
    Michael W. Williams
     
    Department: Science
    Planning:
    A Day: 2nd Block
    B Day: 6th Block
    Phoenix    Google Classroom
                                                Blocks      Google code
                                                 1              brq4k8
                                                 3              3sqela
                                                 5              brq4k8
                                                 7              old0wba
                                                 8              guxsqk    
    In order to sign up for google classroom, first search google classroom. Then, click on the link and then log in using your own studentID@lcps.org and your password for your account. It should be the same login and password you use to get into your chromebook. Once logged in, go to the plus sign at the top right hand corner and click on it. From there, write the class clode corresponding to your block (shown above). Then, hit join and you'll be in!
     
    Parents, do not sign in using the google codes. this is for students only. I will send a invite to you for assignments  and due dates. All you have to do is except the invite. Thanks you.
     
     
     

     

    Education:
     

    ACADEMIC EARTH SCIENCE

    This course is desized to provide general information about Earth Science which includes the following areas:  Scientific Method, Geology, Astronomy, Meteorology and Oceanography. Students will be engaged in numerious hands on project which will follow lectures over the material. There will be grade on tests, quize, labs and small projecct through out the year.  This class is the first SOL science requirement, and by the end of the year if they have applied themselves, should be capable of passing the State SOL test.  I look forward to instilling a love for science to all my students.

    RESEARCH EARTH SCIENCE

    Research Earth Science is a course that studies the following areas: Scientific Method, Geology, Astronomy, Meteorology and Oceanography. The course will open up new areas for students to explore and hopefully get excited about. If it is green and or wiggles we leave that for Biology. If it bubbles, stinks and explodes that would be the realm of Chemistry. That leaves one year to cover the world and the Universe. NO PROBLEM!

     This is a 9th grade research course for high school science students. It is also the first science SOL requirement. To get credit for this class they must pass the Earth Science SOL.

    Being that this is a Research Class, more is expected of your student. This is a step above a regular Honors Class. There will be times where they will have to come early or stay after school to work on their research work. They will have four major projects to complete (one each quarter) this year. My classes will be working on Sedimentology (sand analysis) the entire year. There will be outside reading assignments that they must complete. I have samples that cover from Lubec Maine down to the Florida Keys and around to western Florida and Texas. There are also samples from the Hawaii, Caribbean, Australia and Ireland. The students will be involved in weighting, sorting, sieving, weighting again, completing various graphs and histograms, and finding ways to determine the source of the sediments making up their clastic beach material. They will be working with a teammate to gather the data, but the graphs, and papers will be their own responsibility.

     

    Personal Note

    Each year I get the opportunity to explore science with new and eager students.  I look forward to guiding and mentoring your student this coming year.  I personally have a passion for Earth Science, and hope to pass that excitement on to your student. 

     Not everyone learns in the same way or at the same speed.  Many different methods will be used in this class to provide your student with the opportunity to enjoy and learn the material.  I tell the students that all education is self-educated, that the teacher is only a guide, and they have a responsibility for their own education. All I ask is that parents support my efforts and help keep them focused.

     I am certified in Biology, Earth and Space Science, and General Science. I have 29 years of teaching experience in the states of Virginia and Oklahoma, in subjects ranging from Physical Science, Biology, Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries, Geosystems, and Earth Science. Currently I am the Head Cross Country Coach and Head Girls Track Coach for Broad Run. I have also coached Wrestling, Cross Country, and Track and Field in Oklahoma. I worked as a geologist in the Oil and Gas Industry for many years.

     

    I look forward to hearing from you with any concerns you might have.  I have a habit of calling parents about progress reports when I feel there is a need.  If you wish to contact me. you can reach me through the office here at BRHS or by e-mail at michael.w.williams@lcps.org. 

    Grading System for Earth Science

    Test = 100 to 300 pts (depends on how many chapters are involved)

    Quizzes = 10 to 50 points

    Boardwork = 5 points per day

    Labs = vary with difficulty

    Worksheet = varies with difficulty

    Academic Earth Science Projects  will vary. Most will be able to complete in class, some may need to be additional time and will be allow to complete at home.

    Research Earth Science Projects will vary, but the major project for research is 25% of the total grade each quarter.

     

    Work is generally turned in on Google Classroom. Students will need to install an app to their phone to save all work turned as a PDF (this makes the work readable).  I expect your student’s work to be done neatly and on time.  There will be due dates and the work must be turned in by the due date. 

     

    Supplies Needed

    • 1 composition book
    • Number 2 pencils
    • 1 package of color pencils       
    • Pencils
    • Pens (no red) black or blue only
    • 1 package of graph paper
    • They will be required for various project to have poster boards, and other items to complete assignments.
    • 1 notebook of focus notes (Cornell Note paper), they may need additional notebooks throughout the year.
    • 300 index cards to begin with.  They will need more as we go throught the year.
    • Large Ring to attach the index cards to.
    • Glue stick
    • Highlighters
    • Earbuds or headphones

     

    Teacher Schedule

    Block 1 -  Research Earth Science

    Block 2 - Planning

    Block 3 - Research Earth Science

    Block 4 - Study Hall

    Block 5 -  Research Earth Science

    Block 6 - Planning

    Block 7 - Academic Earth Science

    Block 8 - Research Earth Science