CoosaHigh School

Environmental Science

Class Syllabus

Textbook: Environmental Science - Holt

How to Contact Me

  • Email:
  • Phone: 706-236-1870 – Planning 4th block
  • RAPS – Study Session – Tuesday afternoons 3:30 – 4:30

Course Description

Environmental Science is a one semester course designed to introduce students to the various aspects of our environment. A major focus is the interdependence of life on earth and how humans impact their environment. Environmental Science is an integrated course that involves areas of science including biology, ecology, earth science, and the social sciences. Units are designed to meet the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) of science.

Course Content

Flow of energy & cycling of matter Characteristics of Science

Interconnection of all life Records investigations clearly and accurately

The stability and change in an ecosystem Use of scientific tools

Conservation and resource allocation

Evaluation of human activity and technology

Grading System: 9th/10th 11/12th

  • Unit Assessments, tests, projects, formal lab reports 55% 60%
  • Quizzes, journal readings, homework, class work, lab reports 25% 20%
  • Final Exam 20% 15%

Checking Progress in the Class

Grades are updated weekly in I-Parent. Please use this to keep track of your own grades so you always know how you are doing in class.

Course Requirements:

  • Notebook: Large 3-ring binder with paper and 4-5 dividers
  • Pens (blue or black ink only), pencils, note-book paper, erasers
  • Optional: Colored pencils, calculator

Projects will be assigned several weeks in advance and may require work and/or completion outside of the classroom. All projects will be graded using a rubric or grading scale. *Points are deducted for late projects

Academic Integrity

Plagiarism is using someone else’s work or ideas without their permission, without their knowledge, or without giving them credit. Cheating is getting or giving someone else answers. During many in-class assignments you will work with other students but are responsible for recording your own ideas and work. If you do research for an assignment, you must put what you learn into your own words. All students who are caught cheating or plagiarizing will receive a zero on that assignment.

Behavior / Classroom Expectations:

  • No food or drinks are allowed or the lab.
  • Keep the room clean
  • Be on time and prepared for class.
  • Be respectful of everyone in the classroom.
  • No horseplay
  • Listen and follow directions
  • Solve problems, don’t make them!

Lab Safety Rules: When we conduct labs, follow lab safety rules. We will discuss lab rules before conducting any lab activities. A Student who behaves recklessly in lab activities will be assigned alternate assignments until he/she can prove he/she has changed his/her behavior. Missed labs will be made up with an alternative assignment.

Laboratory Fees:

A $5 lab fee is requested to assist in the replacement of broken glassware or other lab items. This donation is purely voluntary and non-payment will not result in denial credit or participation. However, if a student breaks a lab item, he or she is required to pay the replacement cost.

Consequences: I reserve the right to use a wide variety of consequences for students who choose to not follow rules and procedures, depending on the circumstance and prior discipline. I recommend that you read the handbook to understand the consequences for breaking school rules.Consequences may include moving a student’s seat, a student-written action plan, after school meetings or detentions, contacting parents, removal of privileges, a team meeting with student, parent and principal, or an office referral. My goal is to help you succeed in school and make learning and participating productively in class much more fun than getting in trouble.

I have read and understand the course expectations and requirements:

Student Signature: ______

Parent Signature: ______

Parent Email: ______

Parent Contact Number: ______

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