Environmental Science

Syllabus

James Clemens High School / Teacher: / Mrs. Lynn Owens
11306 County Line Road
Madison, AL 35756 / Email: /
Room: / D202
I. / Course Description: / This class will look at many topics in Environmental Science. We will cover major environmental topics such as biodiversity, global warming, energy, the atmosphere, water, soil, human populations and waste.
II. / Course Objectives: / Upon completion of the course, students will:
•  Develop an understanding and appreciation for the earth’s environment and the interrelationships of the natural world;
•  Identify and analyze environmental problems, and examine multiple solutions for resolving and/or preventing them;
•  Demonstrate the ability to apply scientific skills and follow scientific processes;
•  Develop collaborative relationships with other students
III. / Classroom Expectations: / 1. Always show respect to yourself, your classmates, and your teacher.
2. All gum, candy, drinks, music players, etc. should be put away during class. Cell phones should always be on silent and put away unless you have permission to use them for class assignments.
3. The use of a cell phone during a test, group work, lecture, etc., when not given permission, will result in a zero on that assignment.
4. Be on time. Tardy means that you are not totally in the room when the bell rings. JCHS policy governs the consequences for tardiness.
5. Come prepared for class – mentally and with all proper materials.
6. Listen carefully and follow ALL directions.
7. All JCHS rules and policies will be enforced.
*Choosing not to follow these classroom guidelines will result in the following: warning, student conference, parent notification/conference, school detention, or office referral.
I have high expectations for you, both academically and behaviorally. The more you put into this class the more you’ll get out of it. J
IV. / Grading Policy: / Test grades will account for 70% of the 9-weeks grade, with the remaining 30% being determined by quiz/daily grades. The grading scale is as follows: A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (65-69), and F (below 65). Grades will be a reflection of mastery of the standards. Make sure all absences are excused as class work can be made up and graded for excused absences only. The Final Exam counts for 1/5 of final grade.
V. / Make-up Test
Policy: / Tests & quizzes that are missed can be made up on Wednesdays during my Refuel office hours.
VI. / Text : / ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, Holt
VII. / Materials and Supplies Needed: / Notebook, colored pencils, pens and pencils

Course Outline: 18 weeks

** Please note- These are NOT in order

Topic / Duration
Terrestrial Ecology
·  Population dynamics
·  Communities and niches
·  Terrestrial biomes
·  Energy flow and pyramids
·  Biogeochemical cycles
·  Energy concepts / 1.5 weeks
Third Rock from the Sun
·  Geologic time scale
·  Plate tectonics
·  Earthquakes & volcanoes
·  Rock cycle / 1 week
Aquatic Ecology
·  Eutrophication
·  Freshwater biomes
·  Surface and groundwater issues
·  Conservation / 1 week
Human Populations
·  Human population sizes & distribution
·  Distribution and fertility rates
·  Growth rate and doubling times
·  Demographic transitions
·  Age structure diagrams / 2 weeks
Biodiversity
·  Species diversity
·  Preservation, remediation, mitigation, restoration
·  Habitat loss
·  Exotic species
·  Endangered and extinct species
·  Deforestation
·  Economic impacts and decisions / 1 week
Nonrenewable Resources and Energy
·  Energy forms, units and conversions
·  History and global energy use
·  Mining
·  Fossil fuel resources and use
·  Nuclear energy
·  Renewable energy
·  Energy conservation
·  Economic impacts and decisions / 1.5 weeks
Soil
·  Formation and composition
·  Physical and chemical properties
·  Soil types
·  Erosion and other soil problems
·  Conservation
·  Forestry and Rangeland / 1 week
Water
·  Pollution
·  Sources, causes and effects
·  Surface and groundwater issues
·  Cultural Eutrophication
·  Water purification
·  Sewage treatment
·  Human health risks
·  Clean Water Act and other laws / 1 week
Air
·  Air pollution
·  Smog
·  Acid deposition
·  Indoor air pollutants
·  Clean Air Act and other laws
·  Human health risks
·  Stratospheric ozone and ozone depletion
·  Global warming
·  Economic impacts / 2 weeks
Pesticides
·  Types of pesticides
·  Cost and benefits of pesticide use
·  Integrated Pest Management
·  Relevant Laws / 2 weeks
Meteorology
·  Seasons
·  Solar intensity and latitude
·  ENSO
·  Weather and climate
·  Atmospheric circulation and the Coriolis Effect / 1 week
Marine Ecology
·  Saltwater
·  Ocean circulation
·  Global problems
·  Fishing techniques
·  Overfishing
·  Relevant laws and treaties / 1 week
Waste Management
·  Solid waste disposal and reduction
·  Hazard chemicals and wastes / 1 week

* The syllabus serves as a guide for both the teacher and student; however, during the term it may become necessary to make additions, deletions, or substitutions. Adequate notice will be provided to students of any necessary changes.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

I look forward to having a great year! I feel fortunate to have your son/daughter in my class this semester and hope that you will contact me should you have any concerns about the progress of your son/daughter or any aspect of the instruction. With your son/daughter, please read the attached policies, then sign and date this signature page and have your son/daughter return this form. Please provide a current email address and phone number at which I can contact you should the need arise. Please contact me at school with any concerns.

If you would like to donate to my classroom, some of the supplies that I need are:

Hand sanitizer, hand soap, cleaning wipes, dry erase markers and board cleaner, colored pencils, glue, paper: graph, lined, and computer, and klenex. .

Thank you,

Cy Ellis

Signature Page – Please Return

My child and I have read and discussed the classroom syllabus.

Student Name (Print) ______Date______

Student Signature______Date______

Parent/Guardian Name (Print)______Date______

Parent/Guardian Signature______Date______

In order to foster good communication,. I would also like to please have an Email and daytime phone number may you may be reached. (PLEASE PRINT)

PARENT Email address______

BEST Parent/Guardian Phone number ______

I incorporate the Internet with teaching. Students are expected to Homework from SCHOOLOGY for each unit and complete the assignment as required. Is there any reason your child cannot access the internet outside of school hours to complete the assignments?

______YES My child will be able to access the internet outside school hours to complete online assignments

______NO My child cannot access the internet outside of school hours to complete online assignments.

Students are encouraged to bring their own laptop to school

Concerning laptop utilization:

1. Student laptops should not be hard wired to the network or have print capabilities.

2. Use of discs, flash drives, jump drives, or other USB devices will not be allowed on Madison City computers.

3. Neither the teacher, nor the school is responsible for broken, stolen, or lost laptops, smartphones, tablets, kindles, etc.

4. Laptops and other electronic devices will be used at the individual discretion of the teacher.

TURN IN THIS PAGE ONLY TO THE TEACHER. KEEP SYLLABUS FOR YOUR RECORDS

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