Environmental Science Course Overview

THEODOREROOSEVELTHIGH SCHOOL

2017 – 2018

******************************************************************************

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE COURSE OVERVIEW

******************************************************************************

Teacher: Mrs. DeAnna MeyerOffice Hours @ RHS

Phone: 314-776-6040 8:00am-3:30pm

Email:vailable after school by request

******************************************************************************

Course Description: Environmental Science is the study of the environment around us and the problems that threaten to destroy our environment. In our classroom, we will work hard as scientists and professionals to learn how we impact our environment and what we can do to help save our planet. This course is focused upon giving students a better understanding of environmental science, the nature and interactions of science, and scientific habits necessary to solve problems. Throughout the school year, students will be learning essential reading, writing, and critical thinking skills to help them succeed in future education and their future careers.

******************************************************************************

3230 Hartford Street St. Louis, MO63118 Phone: (314) 776-6040 Fax: (314) 776-0152 or (314) 244-1861

Materials used in the course:

3230 Hartford Street St. Louis, MO63118 Phone: (314) 776-6040 Fax: (314) 776-0152 or (314) 244-1861

Environmental ScienceTextbook
Conservation Magazines
Extension Handouts/Guides
Teacher Web Page

3230 Hartford Street St. Louis, MO63118 Phone: (314) 776-6040 Fax: (314) 776-0152 or (314) 244-1861

******************************************************************************

Materials needed for the course:

3230 Hartford Street St. Louis, MO63118 Phone: (314) 776-6040 Fax: (314) 776-0152 or (314) 244-1861

Writing utensil(s)
Paper
Spiral Notebook
3-Ring Binder

3230 Hartford Street St. Louis, MO63118 Phone: (314) 776-6040 Fax: (314) 776-0152 or (314) 244-1861

******************************************************************************

Instructional Methods:

3230 Hartford Street St. Louis, MO63118 Phone: (314) 776-6040 Fax: (314) 776-0152 or (314) 244-1861

Lecture (Traditional and PowerPoint)
Group Assignments
Projects (Presentations, Writings, etc.)
Experiments

3230 Hartford Street St. Louis, MO63118 Phone: (314) 776-6040 Fax: (314) 776-0152 or (314) 244-1861

******************************************************************************

Means of Evaluation: The list below generally describes the assignments that each student will be expected to complete during the course. Guidelines for each assignment will be distributed individually. Any late assignment will be penalized one full letter grade per day late.

Quizzes and Tests (30%)Homework(30%)

Laboratory Experiments/Projects (15%)In-class assignments(25%)

Grading Scale:

3230 Hartford Street St. Louis, MO63118 Phone: (314) 776-6040 Fax: (314) 776-0152 or (314) 244-1861

90-100% = A

80-89% = B

70-79% = C

60-69% = D

0 - 59% = F

3230 Hartford Street St. Louis, MO63118 Phone: (314) 776-6040 Fax: (314) 776-0152 or (314) 244-1861

Class Procedures:

Expectations:

Be in your seat/area ready to work when the bell finishes ringing.
Have paper, pencils/pens, books and all needed supplies every day.
Keep hands, feet, books, and objects to yourself.
No profanity, rude gestures, teasing, or put-downs.
Follow directions of the Student Discipline Handbook and all school adults unless the request is illegal, immoral, or unsafe.

***I dismiss you, not the bell. I believe in bell-to-bell instruction. Please do not pack up belongings or line up at the door unless otherwise instructed.

***ABSENCES- If you are absent, all work from the previous day or days that you missed will be located in your file folder contained in the bin by the teacher’s station. BEFORE class starts you must pick up any work you missed. Assignments will only remain available for two weeks from the time they are assigned. No late work will be accepted after that point.

Learning Objectives: (additional may be included as time allows)

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Formulate testable questions and hypotheses

Analyze whether evidence (data) and scientific principles support proposed explanations (laws/principles, theories/models)

Analyze and evaluate the drawbacks (e.g., design constraints, unintended consequences, risks), benefits, and factors (i.e., social, political, economic, ethical, and environmental) affecting progress toward meeting major scientific and technological challenges (e.g., use of alternative energies to reduce the use of carbon fuels, use of satellite communications to gather information, nuclear energy, computer technology)

Determine what factors affect the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Distinguish between asexual and sexual reproduction.

Explain the nature of interactions between organisms in predator/prey relationships and different symbiotic relationships.

Predict and explain how natural or human caused changes (biological, chemical and/or physical) in one ecosystem may affect other ecosystems due to natural mechanisms.

Predict the impact (beneficial or harmful) a natural or human caused environmental even may have on the diversity of different species.

Identify examples of adaptations that may have resulted from variations favored by natural selection and describe how that variation may have provided population an advantage for survival.

Explain how environmental factors can be agents of natural selection.

Evaluate the design of an experiment and make suggestions for reasonable improvements.

**All learning objectives and goals are aligned and follow MO State Standards and GLE’s**

Academic Honesty, Enrichment, misc.

Academic Honesty:

Plagiarism and Cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating on any assignment will result in a zero grade for that assignment. Examples of plagiarism include copying from an internet sites, copying a classmate’s homework, looking at a neighbor’s test, texting answers, etc. All parties involved in cheating or plagiarism will receive the consequence of a failing grade.

Enrichment time:

When you are finished with independent classwork, I fully expect you to be able to occupy yourself with academic work. One thing you might do is begin your homework due the next class session (if you know it ahead of time). Another activity you might do is read independently. There are some books, scientific magazines, and scientific articles available to you in the classroom. I hope to have class planned such that there is as little down time as possible.

Class Bucks:

“Class Bucks” are awarded at the teacher’s discretion for the completion of tasks, correct answers, class assistance, etc. These rewards are allowed to be spent at the end of class (if time allows) on a variety of items, activities, or may be applied as extra credit.

*****************************************************************************

2017 – 2018

******************************************************************************

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE COURSE OVERVIEW

******************************************************************************

Your choices in this class will determine the consequences you will receive. Working hard and following class expectations will result in positive consequences and success in Mrs. Meyer’s class.

Please return this page to Mrs. Meyer by the end of the week. (You will receive a homework grade for returning the completed, signed form.)

I have read and understand the guidelines and procedures for Mrs. Meyer’s class. I agree to adhere to the rules and procedures established. I understand that I may contact Mrs. Meyer at any time should I have a question or concern.

Student’s Name: ______Period: ______

(Please print)

Student’s Signature: ______

Does the student have access to:

3230 Hartford Street St. Louis, MO63118 Phone: (314) 776-6040 Fax: (314) 776-0152 or (314) 244-1861

Printer: ______

Computer: ______

Internet: ______

3230 Hartford Street St. Louis, MO63118 Phone: (314) 776-6040 Fax: (314) 776-0152 or (314) 244-1861

Parent’s/Guardian’s Name: ______

(Please print)

Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature: ______

Home phone #: ______Other Phone #: ______

Parent’s email address: ______

Thank you! I am looking forward to a fun and successful class.

3230 Hartford Street St. Louis, MO63118 Phone: (314) 776-6040 Fax: (314) 776-0152 or (314) 244-1861