The Environmental Science curriculum is designed to extend student investigations that began in grades K-8. This curriculum is extensively performance, lab and field based. It integrates the study of many components of our environment, including the human impact on our planet. Instruction should focus on student data collection and analysis. Some concepts are global; in those cases, interpretation of global data sets from scientific sources is strongly recommended. It would be appropriate to utilize resources on the Internet for global data sets and interactive models. Chemistry, physics, mathematical, and technological concepts should be integrated throughout the course. Whenever possible, careers related to environmental science should be emphasized.

Course Outline/Curriculum Overview

Unit 1  Human Impact  Couse and Effect

Unit 2  Ecology

Unit 3  Population 

Unit 4  Water. Air, Land

Unit 5  Minterals & Energy

Unit 6  Our Heaoth and Our Future

Materials and Supplies

Pencils, 2 packs of loose leaf notebook paper, 3 ring binder, 5 divider tabs

Primary Text(s)

Holt Environmental Science - Available on Google Classroom

Grading Policy:

Grading scale A: 90-100B: 80-89C: 70-79D 60 69 F 59 below

Grading Systems-Grading Expectations

Students shall receive report cards after the end of the 9th, 18th, 27th and 36th weeks of the school year. The report cards received after the semester midpoints (9th and 27th weeks) will be considered progress reports for all students.

For grades 6-12, evaluation of student mastery shall be cumulative for the semester.

All students shall receive interim progress reports at least four (4) times per year—4.5 weeks into the school year and midway between report card issuance dates.

Assessment Calendar

Unit/Benchmark Assessments

At the beginning of each unit students will be given a benchmark assessment.

An assessment will be given at the end of each unit to determine if the student has mastered the standards.

Final Exam (December/May)

The last week of school during semester 1 & during semester 2 students will be given a final exam.

Classroom Expectations:

Come to class prepared to focus only with the before mentioned material. Be on time and be prepared to learn. At all times everyone in this classroom will conduct himself or herself in a professional manner. ANY deviation from acceptable behavior shall require immediate attention up to and including referral to an administrator. Any student receiving a grade of 70% or below on any graded work is expected to see me for assistance. Come prepared to discuss how to improve your performance.

Class Rules:

Be respectful, Be prepared, Be kind, Be safe, Be punctual, Work hard

Notebooks/Note-taking:

There are notes associated with each unit in this class. We will give you guided notes (or fill-in-the-blank notes) as needed. If you ever lose a copy or miss a day of class, you are responsible for taking your notes with the book, your lab partner, and/or Google classroom.

Quizzes/Labs:

Quizzes will be given periodically throughout the year. Some will be announced beforehand and some will be “pop”. They are often done as ticket-in-the-doors or ticket-out-the-doors. In this class we will do labs as frequently as possible. Students will be expected to comply with all lab safety procedures. If you miss a lab and/or test, you will be expected to do make-up to replace the missing work as required within 5 working days.

Make-up Policy

MAKING UP MISSED ASSIGNMENTS OR TESTS It is the student’s and parent’s responsibility to make arrangements for make-up work. Students should ask their teacher for any missed assignments on the first day they return to school by referring to the Google Classroom. If you score 70% or less, you have 3 schools days to arrange to retake for a better grade of 80% regardless of the passing grade on the second test.

Deficiency Notices and Progress Reports

The student will periodically receive from the teacher GRADE PROGRESS reports and DEFICIENCY NOTICES. You should review with your parent(s) or guardian(s) AND they must sign and return both the GRADE PROGRESS REPORT and DEFICIENCY NOTICE on or before the assigned due date.

Expectations for Technology:

There may be times when the teacher will ask you to utilize your own technology during a class. This technology can include a smart phone or/and Chromebook. When personal technology is not required by the teacher, the electronic device should be OFF and AWAY.

Academic Integrity

NO CHEATING will be tolerated on any assignment. If you are caught cheating, you will receive a zero for the given assignment. Please ask for any assistance if you need help.

Parent Expectations

Parental communication and involvement is essential to the success of all students. We fully welcome your involvement. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher for updates and concerns. If a parent requests a conference, one will be scheduled as soon as possible.