Fort Lauderdale High School
AP Environmental Science Syllabus for 2017/2018
Ms. Godfrey
Building 21, Room 2134
Email:
Objective One:
This course “is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science.” Its goal is “to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.”
Objective Two: Pass AP exam with a 3 or higher. Exam is usually the first week in May.
Course Description
For detailed course information you must go to the following website: apcentral.collegeboard.com click the tab AP Courses and Exams, choose Overview then Environmental Science from the list. Choose AP Environmental Science Course Description then go to Topic Outline this will tell you exactly what you are expected to know (pages 6-9).
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
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.
Lab / field work 15 - 30 pts.
Certain classwork assignments, lab work, tests and quizzes will receive a grade in the gradebook only if the work is started and completed during class time. You will not receive a grade if you take it home to finish.
Use the resources available, including your IFC to know due dates and recommended websites.
Students and parents may check grades anytime using Pinnacle which is found through BCPS Single Sign-On Launch Padavailable athttps://broward.identitynow.com/ui/main#launch:pad. In order to access your instructional and digital materials on the Launch Pad you will need to download a program/plug in. Instructions on how to do this can be found athttp://browardschools.com/sso.
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 (media center)
v Online Textbook available at https://broward.identitynow.com/ui/main#launch:pad.
v Others: Film/video for specific areas of study
Media center, local Library, Internet Resources
v Mrs. Godfrey’s website: http://pre-aicebiology.yolasite.com
Required Materials
1 binder to keep all your notes in (you may leave this in the classroom in a crate at the back of the room)
Black or blue ink pens, pencil, highlighters
Supplies you may want to keep at home: Color pencils, scissors, glue
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.
Certain classwork assignments, lab work, tests and quizzes will receive a grade in the gradebook only if the work is started and completed during class time. You will not receive a grade if you take it home to finish. Absences must be excused, a maximum of 50% can be earned for work that is a result of an unexcused 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.
Homework /Assignment policy
Homework is assigned on a regular basis. Homework assignments may include: textbook readings and notes, 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. If the assignment was given before the absence then it must be turned in on that first day back to class after the absence for credit. If assignments were assigned during the absence then the usual two days make up time applies providing the absence is excused. Absences must be excused, a maximum of 50% can be earned for work that is a result of an unexcused absence.
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. Do not waste time. Be in your seat prepared and ready to work when the bell goes.
2. Listen while others are speaking.
3. Raise your hand to address the class or me, answer a question. (Do not ask to go to the bathroom during a lecture)
4. Being on task is your job. Stay off the cell phones.
5. We work bell to bell do not pack away early, it is rude.
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 http://www.fortlauderdalehigh.org
For a copy of my syllabus which has lots of important information please go to my website
http://pre-aicebiology.yolasite.com
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 two weeks 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 your student does not show up for the exam you will have a financial obligation for that exam.
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.
Ms. Godfrey
Cut here and return below section only:------
Ms. Godfrey
AP Environmental Science 2017/2018
I have received and read the syllabus and I understand that we will be following the Course description as described on the AP College Board website. I also understand that classroom procedures and rules are necessary to maintain a safe and successful learning environment.
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