Course Description
Environmental
science studies the intricate balance of the environment and the role that
humans play in this balance. This course is designed to combine previous
science experiences with new material to investigate and discuss mechanisms and
concerns dealing with our environment. Topics include environmental history and
philosophy, ecosystem structure and processes, biodiversity, pollution
chemistry, natural resource use, and climate change. This course emphasizes laboratory
techniques, fieldwork investigations, analysis of current issues, and literacy
skills.
Course Requirements
Come to class
prepared with the following:
·
Pencil
(preferred) or pen
·
Three-ring
binder used exclusively for this class (recommended: 1 ½”)
·
Notebook
(college-ruled, 200 pages minimum)
·
Your
textbook covered (and treated kindly)
·
Focus,
attention, positive attitude and curiosity
Classroom Policies and Expectations
This classroom
is a safe space. While here, you are expected to act responsibly and
respectfully at all times. Disrupting class and/or disrespecting classmates,
the teacher, or school property will not be tolerated. Maintaining a safe
classroom environment, particularly during laboratory investigations, is everyone’s
shared responsibility.
Academic Integrity
As a student in
this class you are expected to exhibit academic integrity and honesty. Any
instance of plagiarism and/or cheating will result in a zero on that
assignment, in addition to severe disciplinary actions.
Classroom Behavior
It is my
expectation that you will conduct yourself appropriately at all times in this
class. Depending on frequency and severity, inappropriate behavior can result
in a warning, reduction in participation points, detention, office detention
with referral, and/or suspension from school.
Cell Phones / Mobile Devices
·
Cells
phones can be a significant distraction to learning in the classroom
·
Cell
phone use is not permitted during class, unless otherwise instructed
·
You
will be required to place your cell phone in an assigned pocket upon entering
the classroom
·
Students
who refuse to comply with this rule risk having their phone confiscated by the
office
Classroom Procedures
Students must
use the Sign-Out Sheet each time they leave and reenter the classroom
Attendance
·
Regular
attendance is expected
·
Refer
to your student handbook for the policy regarding tardiness
·
If
you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to obtain the notes and/or material
that were covered while you were out
Laboratory Investigations
·
Laboratory
investigations will be conducted throughout the semester
·
Proper
dress is required (pants and close-toed shoes) for all labs unless
told otherwise
·
You
cannot make up a laboratory experiment for not wearing proper clothing
·
Safety
is the most important factor during all labs and any unsafe behavior will not
be tolerated
Homework
·
Homework
will be posted on the whiteboard and is due the next time we meet at the start
of class (unless otherwise specified)
·
Missing
homework can be turned in late for a reduction in points
·
You
can email me your homework in the case of an absence and you will not be
penalized
Exams and Quizzes
·
Quizzes
will be both scheduled and unscheduled (“pop”)
·
Exams
will occur at the end of every unit to assess your knowledge of the topics
covered
·
After
reviewing corrected quizzes and exams during class, they will be collected. If
you wish to view an assessment again, you must make an appointment with me
before or after school. Due to departmental policy, quizzes and exams may not
leave the classroom at any time
·
The
final exam will cover all of the material over the course of the semester
·
Being
well organized and taking detailed notes will help you succeed
Class Participation & Interpersonal
Skills
·
You
will begin each quarter with 50 participation points (maximum)
·
Points
can be deducted and gained
·
Scoring
is based off the Interpersonal Skills school-wide rubric (see next page)
·
Disciplinary
issues will count against your participation score
Grading Policy
Grading will be
done on a point scale. Each
assignment given is worth a certain number of points based on the type and
content of assignment. The point value of the assignment will always be made
known. Typical point values are as follows:
- ·
Homework:
usually 5-30 pts.
- ·
Tests:
usually 50-100 pts.
- ·
Quizzes:
usually 10-30 pts.
- ·
Labs:
usually 20-50 pts., depending on length
- ·
In
Class Activities: points depend on activity (e.g., minilab, webquest, etc.)
Overall Grade:
- ·
40% First Quarter
- ·
40% Second Quarter
- ·
20% Final Exam
Course Materials
Course
materials can be accessed from my Staff Page on the THS website Click here