AP Environmental Science Instructor: Dr. Woodward
Unit Topic: It’s all about water!
Tentative Course Schedule for the fall of 2011
Performance Objectives: / Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to do the following:ü / Describe the components and interrelationships of the ecosystem including the concepts of sustainability.
ü / Explain the impact of the human population and the environment.
ü / Discuss renewable resources and determine how humans will deal with the increased demand for water, soil and food.
ü / Explore the issues of biodiversity and its relationship with the ecosystem.
ü / Discuss ecosystem restoration.
ü / Describe global warming.
ü / Explore the topics of waste and pollution and how to prevent pollution.
ü / Discuss the future of the environment.
Topic: Water
-September 7, 2011: Homework – Purchase a bound Composition Book Tonight!!!
Homework: Diagram - The Water Cycle
Homework: Water and its Properties
Water Lab I: Investigating the Properties of Water
Journal Article: “Water” Write all of your responses in your composition book
Water Lab II: Testing Water Quality (Coliform Count, Ph, Etc.)
Homework Reading: Water Pollution
Journal Article: “Water Pollution” Your reflection to this article should be written in composition book.
Homework: Aquatic Ecology
Lecture: “Waste Water Treatment”
Journal Article: Aquatic Environments & Ecosystems.
Films: Searching for the Fountain of Youth (Groundwater)
Wet Climate
First Meeting for AP Environmental Readiness Seminar at UCLA
I heard they provided snacks… So, show up!
Next Topic: Atmosphere
· Climate
· Air Pollution
· Global Warming
Some Helpful Resources:
When doing an Internet search, type in the key word into your search engine and you should get several hundred hits!
Some helpful key words:
National Climate Data Center
National Geographic
US Forest Service
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
i.e. http://yosemite.epa.gov/oar/globalwarming.nsf/content/climate.html
http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/chapter13.html (Content: Energy)
http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/coal/page/special/feature.html -Content: Coal
http://web.mit.edu/nuclearpower/
http://www.umich.edu/-gs265/society/waterpollution.htm
Dr. Woodward’s Class Rules: I only have three rules so you better not break any of them!
Attention: Parents of AP Environmental Science Students
1. Your child must receive an “A” on all exams and turn in all of their assignments in order to receive an “A” in my AP Environmental Science class.
· There is no extra credit in this course.
2. It is also recommended that you purchase the Barron’s SAT Subject Test Book for AP Environmental Science, if your child is planning on taking this subject matter test in the spring. (Cost at Amazon $16.99)
· Your child should be reviewing this material on a continual basis as it correlates with our class and it also provides an excellent additional reference source.
3. You should always be checking your child’s bound composition book for all assignments and grades.
4. My TeacherWeb site is also an excellent source of relevant updated information. Always Be Proactive.
5. I will also use Teleparent to remind both parents and students of important assignment due dates and exam dates.
Dr. Woodward’s Classroom Policies (Fall 2011)
Right vs. Wrong
Ask yourself: Was it Safe? Was it thoughtful?
I am asking that all of my students read the following information. I believe that it is important that you have a clear understanding of what I expect in class, and that I will make no exceptions to these policies during the course of the year. You will find that if you meet these expectations, you should be a successful science student.
Class Behavior
1. Students should take care of all personal needs outside of class time. Students will not be excused from class unless it is absolutely necessary, and only with a hall pass. You are only allowed to use the hall pass three times per semester. You will lose ten points every time you the pass. If you choose not to use the hall pass you will receive some extra credit added to your final course grade.
2. Students are not allowed to bring gum, food, or beverages into the classroom. (-5 points per infraction). Bottled water is okay.
3. No electronic devices of any kind are allowed in class. If these devices are used they will be confiscated and given to the Dean. (-5 points per infraction and detention will be assigned)
4. Students are not to write on the desks.
5. Students are not to throw or leave anything on the floor. (I am sharing this classroom with other teachers)
6. When the tardy bell rings, students must be in their seats, quiet, and beginning the day’s work.
7. Students shall remain quiet and do not to interrupt class to sharpen your pencil during lectures.
8. If you have something to say, raise your hand and wait to be called on. Do not interrupt the teacher!
9. You are responsible for having the necessary materials in class every day. These items include a bound composition book, binder, textbook, paper, pencils, and erasers.
Expectations
· I will come to class prepared to learn with a positive attitude and respectful attitude.
This is a safe classroom: Don’t be rude! If you disagree with someone be polite and respectful.
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
· Disruptive or inappropriate conduct will result in a deduction of points and possible referral.
· I will bring the appropriate materials with me to class every day: Course Binder, Textbook, etc.
· I will write lecture notes, laboratory notes, film notes and complete all homework assignments.
All of my hand-written lecture notes and class notes will be kept together, appropriately organized, in my course binder.
· I will respect my classroom by keeping it clean and unmarked.
· Any project or assignment which is plagiarized will receive no credit and appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken.
Attendance
1. Every attempt must be made to schedule appointments at times that will enable you to miss as little as possible and to help you fulfill your responsibilities. According to the State Education Code, vacations (including ski trips, college visitations, and trips with parents) are not legitimate reasons for absence.
2. If you know in advance that you will be missing an exam or quiz, let me know. If you are on campus at the time of the exam, but you do not take the exam, you will receive a “0.”
3. Fifteen minute rule: If you are more than fifteen minutes late you must check in at the attendance office. (Three tardies = One absence). You are only allowed six absences and then you will receive an automatic “F” in the course.
The World of Water
N / X / R / E / T / A / W / D / N / U / O / R / G / H / PO / M / W / Q / Z / P / S / W / R / C / Y / X / S / T / T
I / O / Q / V / J / R / S / K / A / Z / Q / I / R / Z / Q
T / T / L / Q / W / E / N / Q / P / X / K / A / W / N / P
A / E / U / U / J / C / U / F / N / C / N / H / J / O / E
L / L / I / T / V / I / C / Q / A / S / I / O / O / I / V
O / N / R / B / F / P / N / R / P / A / O / F / E / T / A
C / R / S / E / D / I / B / I / R / C / O / V / Q / A / P
R / X / R / W / T / T / R / R / J / I / J / U / D / R / O
E / N / O / I / T / A / S / N / E / D / N / O / C / T / R
P / F / C / Y / T / T / W / B / B / I / J / Z / D / L / A
S / A / L / I / N / I / T / Y / J / T / T / I / R / I / T
D / Y / O / C / M / O / N / V / U / Y / L / R / A / F / I
K / N / X / Z / X / N / D / I / B / R / U / T / H / N / O
D / E / S / A / L / I / N / A / T / I / O / N / K / I / N
ACIDITY / AQUIFER / BRACKISH
CONDENSATION / DESALINATION / EVAPORATION
GROUNDWATER / HARD / INFILTRATION
PERCOLATION / PRECIPITATION / SALINITY
TRANSPIRATION / TURBID / WATER
Dear Parent:
I am looking forward to working with you in order to provide your son or daughter with the best AP environmental science education possible. I have taught science at the middle school, high school, and college level for the past fifteen years. Please take a moment to review the following information with your son or daughter.
· Read my “Classroom Policies.” Your child was instructed to show you a copy of this document.
· Encourage your child to follow these guidelines.
· Encourage your child to keep up with the coursework. Every 2-3 weeks a new course syllabus is developed which outlines the course assignments, laboratories, and activity schedule for the class.
· Periodically review your child’s class binder and composition book for completeness. Daily agendas, assignments, homework and your child’s grade are always written within their composition book.
· Encourage your child to get to class on time. Tardies are very disruptive to the educational process and will have a negative impact on the course grade. (-5 points per infraction) Three tardies comprise one absence. –No food or beverages are allowed in class. (-5 points per infraction). Absolutely no electronic devices are allowed in class. (-5 points per infraction and the electronic device will be confiscated and given to the Dean).
· Encourage your child to come to class prepared and with a positive attitude.
I have a lot of fun and exciting activities planned this second semester. As you know, biology is the study of life. It encompasses the world around us. How we interact with our environment ultimately determines the future.
Thank you for your help and support. I am greatly looking forward to a productive and successful first semester!
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Rick Woodward
P.S. Please return the cut-off below.
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Print Student’s Name:______Period: ____
To: Dr. Woodward
I have read and understand Dr. Woodward’s classroom policies and I agree to make every effort to comply with them. I am responsible for monitoring my child’s grade and progress in this class.
Student Signature: ______
I have reviewed Dr. Woodward’s classroom policies with y child.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______
You can be reached at: ( ) ______
Please return by September ______, 2011
September 7, 2011
Annual Movie/Video Permission
For
Dr. Woodward’s AP Environmental Science
Dear Parent/Guardian:
During the course of the 2011/2012 school year we plan to show PG/PG-13/R rated movies in full or as excerpts to enhance the class course curriculum.
Our school requires parental permission for your student/child to view movies that are presented as a support for the curriculum, which are rated PG-13 or R.
We believe that showing your child such movies that discuss bioengineering in agriculture, climate changes, and a host of other relevant environmental films enables students to benefit from another resource and ensure that we are teaching to all essential learning modalities.
Movies in conjunction with the course hands-on activities, reading, in-class discussion groups, and research projects, give students diverse opportunities to discover the curriculum. Movies help bring events “alive.”
Please be assured that we will use proper discretion when showing these movies.
Thank you for taking the time to read and sign this permission form. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Rick Woodward
(AP Environmental Science)
Student Name______Class Period: ______
(Please Print)
___ Yes, I approve my child’s viewing of curriculum and school appropriate movies
rated PG/PG-13/R.
___ No, I do not approve my child’s viewing of curriculum and school appropriate
movies. I understand alternate learning experiences (research projects/textbook
activities) will be provided for my child while the movie is being watched.
Parent Name: ______
Parent Signature: ______Date: ______
The Science Department Chair has been provided with a detailed list of all appropriate movies and their relevance to the biology and the environmental science curriculum.
Welcome to Dr. Woodward’s AP Environmental Science Class Fall 2011
All About You
Please completely fill out all of the information listed below to help me get to know you and contact you or your parents if the need arises. (Exam Dates, Grades, Etc..)
Name:______Age: _____ Birth date: ______
Phone: ______Year in School: ______
E-Mail: ______Parent’s Names: ______
- List the names and ages of your brothers and sisters:
- Circle the names of those who currently live at home with you.
- Does anyone else live in your home? (Grandparents, Uncle, Aunt, etc.)
- What magazines or on-line media sources do you read regularly?
- Have you read a book in the last three weeks or three months?
- What was it?
- What is your all time favorite book?
7. Tell me in a sentence or two about a movie that you recently saw and why you liked or disliked it. ______