Class Syllabus

Ecology/Environmental Science

Mrs. Klingaman/Mr. Ginder

1st Semester –Ecology:

Class Description:

  • Ecology is one semester in length; Environmental Science is also one semester in length. Students are required to complete both courses.
  • Ecology is the study of the interactions between living and nonliving things.
  • A discussion of the effects of past and present environmental practices on future populations.

Class Objectives:

Students will:

  1. Identify and examine how organisms interact with their ever-changing environment.
  2. Describe the different biomes of the Earth.
  3. Define the importance of water in human society and the problems that arise from overuse and pollution.

Topics:

  • Methods of Science
  • Changes in the Biosphere
  • Matter and Energy in the Ecosystem
  • Interactions in the Ecosystem
  • Ecosystem Balance
  • Desert and Tundra Biomes
  • Grassland Biomes
  • Forest Biomes
  • Freshwater Biomes
  • The Marine Biomes
  • Water and Water Pollution

Grading:

There will be 10-11 exams for this portion of the course. There will also be 1-2 projects. Participation, quizzes, homework assignments and the final exam are also considered when determining the student’s grade. The following is an approximate breakdown of the grading:

Points Earned/Possible Points

3 Tests260/300

Quizzes80/100

Project85/100

Homework55/60

Participation15/15

Laboratory130/150

Total:625/725 (86%)

2nd Semester-Environmental Science:

Class Description:

  • Environmental Science is a half year course. Students are required to successfully complete Ecology and Environmental Science for graduation.
  • It is designed to provide a foundation in the concepts involved in the interaction between humans and their natural environment. In addition it introduces many of the modern techniques used to investigate environmental issues.

Class Objectives:

Students will:

  1. Identify and examine current environmental issues that are affecting our present and future societies.
  2. Discuss and debate the actions needed to sustain a healthy environment.
  3. Evaluate the impact and importance of selected environmental issues on individuals and groups.

Topics:

  • Alternative Energy Sources
  • Fossil Fuels
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
  • Agriculture and Society
  • Humans and the Environment
  • Population
  • Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources
  • Related Topics of Student Interest

Grading:

  • Grading will be done the same as Ecology. (See above)

Extra Credit: Students may hand in two extra credit assignments per month. Students will need to find an article from a newspaper or magazine. These articles must be about environmental issues. The student will need to hand in a copy of the article and a brief summary of its content. The extra credit will be worth a maximum of 10 points (2 points per article) towards their Ecology grade.

Late Assignments:

Assignments and projects must be handed in on time. Students are given a due date and are expected to maintain that due date. Projects will not be accepted two weeks from the original due date. Points are deducted for each late day.

Missed Work/Tests:

It is the student’s responsibility to see the teacher for any missed work or assignments. Students are expected to make up tests within three days of their return to school. If the tests are not made up within three days, the test is given a grade of zero. Assignments that are missed are to be handed in the day after the students return.

Extra Help:

Student:

Additional help is available upon request. See me to set up an appointment.

Classroom Environment:

  1. All students in my class are to treat the teacher and each of their fellow students with RESPECT. There are no exceptions to this rule.
  2. Students are to be on time for each class. Students are to be sitting in their seats with their books and work out when the bell rings.
  3. Students are responsible for handing in work and any projects on time.
  4. Students are responsible for coming to class each day prepared. They must have their book, notebook, and a writing utensil everyday.
  5. Students are to raise their hands and wait to be called on during class. Students are to remain seated unless given permission to move about the room.
  6. The teacher and not the bell dismiss students.

I have read the attached syllabus. I understand and agree to all things listed in the syllabus. If I have any questions or concerns I will see Mrs. Klingaman/Mr. Ginder with those issues.

Student’s Signature:Date:

Parent/Guardian:

Should I feel that a student’s work is not meeting the class expectations I will inform a parent/guardian. Together we will determine what must be done to improve the student’s work.

My email: or please feel free to contact me whenever necessary. I can also be reached at the High School number: 668-1901 during school hours. Any comments you have for me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Parent/Guardian’s Signature:Date: