How to do well in Dr. Ricketts’ APES Class
Expectations:
1. YOU are responsible for YOUR learning
2. Show respect to everyone and everything
Evaluation and Grading Policy:
Your earned grade for each marking period will be based on:
Tests (50%) Quizzes (20%) Labs & Projects (20%)
Homework (5%) Participation (5%)
TESTS:
Tests will be announced at least three days in advance, and will include multiple choice and free response questions.
LABS:
Lab grades will be based on lab reports, conduct during labs, and lab quizzes. Guidelines for lab reports will be provided with each lab. Lab work is integral to this course, and test/exam questions may be based on lab procedures.
QUIZZES:
A short quiz will generally be given each Monday (unless a test is scheduled).
Quizzes will be based on assigned work, the prior week’s work and/or lab.
HOMEWORK:
Homework is given to afford an opportunity to preview material or to review material. Homework will generally be assigned on a Monday and be due on the Thursday/Friday the same week. Homework must be neat and complete and seen at the start of class to earn credit. Homework assignments may be collected and graded. Class-work assignments will also contribute to homework grades.
PROJECTS:
There will be both individual (news reports) and group projects.
PARTICIPATION:
The participation grade includes readiness for class, ability to follow instructions, respect for and contribution to a safe and pleasant environment, and general cooperation.
EXAMS:
The final examination (in June) will count 20% of the final year grade. Exemption options are being explored.
FINAL GRADE:
Final Grade = 20% MP1 + 20% MP2 + 20% MP3 + 20% MP4 + 20% Final Exam.
Note that according to Board Policy the minimum passing grade is a 65.
Text book: Miller & Spoolman, Living in the Environment, 18th edition
We will also study and discuss articles from Science, Chemical and Engineering News, The Economist, and other journals to illustrate the global significance of what we are learning in current news and events.
Dr. M. Ricketts, September, 2016 ()
C:\Users\Michael\Documents\Academy\Apes_2016\Lessons\How to do well in APES 2016-17.doc
Environmental Science COURSE OUTLINE
Unit / Title / Reference Chapters / Pacing / Labs, Demos, Activities1 / Environmental Science Introduction,
Earth Systems / 1, 2, 7.1, 7.2, 14.1, Suppl. 5 / MP1 / Solar system activity, specific heat investigation, arctic sea ice, United nations environmental issues project initiated.
2 / Evolution, Ecosystems, Energy flow & Biodiversity / 3, 4, 5.1, 5.2, 7.3, 8, 9, 10, 11 / MP1 / Cover-board forest research project, soil & leaf litter biodiversity study. Parking lot Ecology, net primary productivity.
3 / Population dynamics / 5.3, 6 / MP1 / Population clock demo, student UN country projects,
LAB: Population estimation
4 / Geology (Mineral Resources, Land & Water Use) / 12, 13, 14.2-14.5 / MP2 / NOVA “Dust Bowl” video,
Soil analysis lab
5 / Energy (Fossil fuels, Nuclear, Renewable) / 15, 16, / MP2 / Current journal articles, Fukushima video
6 / Toxicology, Pollution, Climate, Waste generation, Health / 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 / MP3 / Water purification lab, Mung bean toxicology, ongoing stream health project.
7 / Urbanization, Societies, Conservation & Sustainability / 22, 23, 24, 25 / MP3 / Composting, local government reports.
8 / Review, APES Exam,
Final Project report, UN meeting. / May 1, 2017 & beyond / MP4 / Test practice, Post-exam:
Stream health class projects finalized and published, UN debate (world environmental issues).
C:\Users\Michael\Documents\Academy\Apes_2016\Lessons\How to do well in APES 2016-17.doc