Biology Honors/Cambridge Syllabus
Fort Lauderdale High School
AICE Environmental Management Syllabus for 2013/2014
Mrs. Godfrey
Building 3, Room 137
email:
Academic Success
A Cambridge International AS Level is recognised around the world by schools, universities and employers. The qualifications are accepted as proof of academic ability for entry to universities worldwide. The following key concepts will be the foundation of this course: 1. A knowledge of environmental processes and the impacts of societies on the environment. 2. The scientific principles that underpin issues of sustainability and environmental management. 3. The causes of key issues affecting the environment as well as possible ways of managing these. 4. The pressures which impact on the environment and potential solutions to these. The syllabus is designed to encourage learning through suitable case studies, both local and global.
PLEASE NOTE that students will be going out on the FLHS campus often. Students will be working in soil and in the water (up to their shins ONLY). Therefore, getting dirty or wet is a real possibility. Students will need to dress appropriately or bring appropriate apparel for those days. These events will ALWAYS be listed on the IFC and announced at least one - two days ahead of time in class.
Course Description
For detailed course information you must go to the following website: www.cie.org.uk. locate the red tab Cambridge Advanced, click on Cambridge International AS and A level. Then click on the subjects tab and choose Environmental Management (AS only) from the list. You need to look at 2014 syllabus (important pages 5, 8, and the tables of content) Coursework is an essential part of AICE, you will be responsible for conducting and writing a 2000 word research report.
Grading Profile and Assignments
Work completed in this course will be graded using a points system. At any time you can calculate your average by dividing the number of points you have earned by the total number of possible points.
A=100-90 B= 80-89 C=70-79 D=60-69 F=0-59
Work completed in this course will be graded using a point system. Points will accrue in the following way:
Homework: 10 - 20 pts. Quizzes 5 - 10 pts.
Classwork: 10 - 20 pts. Tests: 80 - 100 pts.
Projects: 50 - 100 pts. Binder: 20-30 pts.
Lab / field work 15 - 30 pts. AICE Exam Coursework 100 pts.
Scientists and environmental professionals are expected to present their work products in a timely, neat, accurate and well-organized fashion, and you are expected to do the same in this course. Make an honest EFFORT. The most important thing is to ASK, ASK, ASK when you don’t understand the concept or the assignment and you need help *NEVER sit in class without TAKING NOTES! Even before or during lab or fieldwork you should write what is being said about the point of the assignment. When given a handout, highlighting information or adding your own notes is EXPECTED. Use the resources available, including your IFC to know due dates and recommended websites.
Students and parents may check grades at anytime using Pinnacle Fort Lauderdale High Schools electronic grade book, go to http://gradebook.browardschools.com/piv enter students ID number (found on their schedule), PIN code is students birth date
Resources
v Miller, Living in the Environment (16th Edition), Brooks/Cole 2011
v Other reading materials will be provided as needed.
v It is the students responsibility to Checkout the text book from the book room and bring it to class everyday
v Online Textbook available at http://beep.browardschools.com/ssoPortal/index.html
Ø Students login under Student Portal
Ø Requires Student number & birthday date
v Others: Film/video for specific areas of study
Media center (morning STAR 6:50am and After school)
Local Library
Internet Resources
v Mrs. Godfrey’s website: http://pre-aicebiology.yolasite.com
Required Materials
1 binder to keep all your notes in (Binder check Midterm and Finals)
1 Composition book (for lab notes and write ups)
Paper
Black or blue ink pens
Pencil
Highlighters
Supplies you may want to keep at home: Color pencils, scissors, glue
It is imperative that each student be in attendance and prepared for class on a daily basis. Each student is required to have these materials in their possession upon entering the classroom each day. Periodic materials checks will be conducted to ensure that all students are adequately prepared to complete the work assigned for the day.
Attendance
Academic success in any course is directly related to the amount of time and effort given to the subject matter being studied. In order to be truly successful, regular daily attendance is required. In the event an absence from class is necessary, it is the sole responsibility of the student to make up all work missed during his/her absence.
Tardy Policy
If the tardy is unexcused the student will receive a 0 for any work missed (daily quiz). The student is responsible for making up any missed work if it is an excused tardy. It is your responsibility to look at the IFC and complete the day’s work.
Students are responsible for making up any missed test. According to the Broward County School Board Policy, missed tests are to be made up within three days. Make-up tests may be different from those given during class.
Homework /Assignment policy
Homework is assigned on a regular basis. Homework assignments may include: textbook readings, study guide worksheets, problems, laboratory reports, and special projects. No late assignments will be accepted. If the work assignment is not submitted at the beginning of the class on the day it is due no credit will be given for the assignment. Exception to this policy will include only cases that involve an excused absence from class. If the assignment was given before the absence then it must be turned in on that first day back to class after the excused absence for credit. If assignments were assigned during the excused absence then the usual three days make up time applies. Skipping class or any unexcused absence will result in a 0 for any work given that day or collected that day.
In the case of an excused absence a Z will be entered for any missed assignment or test, it is then your responsibility to get the missed work from me and make it up. If the work is not made up within the allotted time the Z is turned to a zero (0).
In some cases if an absence is excused an X may be entered, this does not hurt or help your grade either way, for example if you miss a lab, these are difficult to make up so an X will be entered
Cheating
Cheating is obtaining any information from sources other than those prescribed by the teacher for the specific assignment. Some examples of cheating are: having a cheat sheet, copying from someone else’s paper during an exam or homework assignment, talking during a test, allowing others to cheat by giving information or answers. Having a cell phone out during a test or exam.
Plagiarism (presenting someone else’s words or ideas as your own) will not be tolerated, for example cut and paste material from the web, quoting or paraphrasing material without citing the source of that material. Copying or using another student’s work.
If a student is found to be cheating a parent will be notified, and the student will be given a zero for the assignment. A possible referral to administration may follow.
Discipline Guidelines
Appropriate classroom conduct in accordance with the Broward County Public schools code of conduct book is expected of all students. In addition, proper respect for everyone is required to ensure a pleasant and efficient learning environment in the classroom.
The following discipline plan for category I offenses will be used in the event of inappropriate conduct on the part of the student:
First Offense: Verbal warning to student from teacher
Second Offense: Student/teacher Conference: teacher intervention: parent notified
Third Offense: Administrative referral (Administration contacts parents)
Insubordination, verbal or physical fighting, and other severe offenses (Category II) will result in an automatic referral to administration.
Confiscated cell phones will be turned into the parent resource center where it will be the responsibility of your parents to come and collect them.
Classroom Rules:
1. Be in your seat prepared and ready to work when the bell goes.
2. Listen while others are speaking, you will want them to do the same for you when it’s your turn.
3. Raise your hand to address the class or me, answer a question, or ask permission to leave your seat. (Do not ask to go to the bathroom during a lecture)
4. Being on task is your job.
5. We work bell to bell you may pack away only when I tell you to.
Dear Parents
For lots of useful information about academic programs, extra curricular activities and announcements at Fort Lauderdale High School please visit our school website www.broward.k12.fl.us/fortlauderdalehigh
You may access your child’s grades on Pinnacle (see grading profile for directions) to keep track of how they are doing. If you do not have access to a computer or the Internet we have a parent resource center in school, which you may use.
Every week an Instructional Focus Calendar (IFC) will be posted on my website, this informs students day by day what we will be doing in class. What homework they have and any deadlines they need to meet. Please refer to this so you know what deadlines your child has to meet with regards to academic work. (See resource section for address)
If at anytime you want to discuss your child’s progress the best way to reach me is via email
If you were willing and able to make a donation of supplies for my classroom it would be greatly appreciated. The following items are always needed: Dish soap, all purpose cleaner, tissues, construction paper, glue sticks, colored pencils and markers, tape, scissors, pencils, pens, and paper. Thank you so much.
I look forward to working with you and your child to ensure that they are successful in biology.
Mrs. Godfrey
Cut here and return below section only:------
Mrs. Godfrey
AICE Environmental Management 2013/2014
I have received and read the syllabus and I understand that we will be following the Course description as described on the Cambridge International Examinations website. I also understand that classroom procedures and rules are necessary to maintain a safe and successful learning environment.
Student Name______Student Signature______Date______
Parent Name______Parent Signature______Date______
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