CALCULATE YOUR GRADE
Updated 07/02/2009

Download and print this table, then fill in the cells as your grades for each item are posted.  This will enable you to keep track of your own progress.  N/A identifies cells that will not be filled as there will be no quiz or no assignment.

90 points and up = A
80 to 90 = B
70 to 80 = C
60 to 70 = D
Below 59 = F

Quiz scores = 20%, Hazard City = 25%, short essays = 20%, Bulletin Board (participation) = 15%, midterm = 10%, final exam = 10%.  Extra credit adds to points.  There are usually 3 or 4 extra credit opportunities, doing 3 well can raise your grade one full letter.  Students have earned 107 points (would have received and "A" without the extra credit) but "A" is the highest grade available. 

Extra credit projects are NOT trivial!  You have to follow the tutorial and follow instructions for the Virtual Seismologist and Virtual Hydrologist projects, and submit both a screen image capture and discussion for the soils map project.

For Quiz scores, I curve each quiz and post an equation that permits you to convert your score into my 100-pt scale.  I use your top 4 scores to calculate the semester composite for this category (20% of final grade).

For Hazard City, there are 7 projects and I assign a grade based on your best 6.  You get one point for each correct answer and double points for a perfect worksheet (all answers correct).  This category is not linear!  2 or more of your best 6 perfect and the rest only 2 points short of perfect rates an A for this category.  6 projects, each with 60% or more responses correct rates a B.  Miss 2 projects with average work on the 5 submitted rates a C.  2 perfect scores while not submitting the remaining projects rates 40%, 2 mediocre submissions (and failure to submit the rest) rates 20% .  MOST FAILURES IN THIS CLASS OCCUR BECAUSE STUDENTS DO NOT SUBMIT THEIR HAZARD CITY PROJECTS!  There is one Hazard City project for each open cell in that column.  Missing one project is forgiven.

Word to the wise: do not attempt to begin Hazard City an hour before the deadline.  You need to go through several steps and examine the 'evidence' and guidelines in order to properly complete the worksheet.  I note that those who send in their projects early usually do better than those that arrive at the last minute.  I have been told that 'a word to the wise is usually superfluous'.

Short Essay: Mostly "E" with a couple of "O" scores rates an A.  All "E" scores is a B.  All "A" scores is a C.  Miss a couple and you could get into trouble.  There will be one short essay for each open cell in that column.

Bulletin Board: 0 is score for not participating from the opening of that bulletin board until the topic closes. 1 is for showing up but failing to contribute a substantive comment, insight or experience.  All '1' scores still rates a "C" unless the typical response is nothing more than 'me too' or 'I agree'.  "3" is for unique or particularly interesting contributions (discovering and sharing useful links or relevant news stories, discussion and debate in depth).  1 or 2 good comments can rate a '2', and consistent scores of '2' or '3' rates a high B or better in this category.

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