Instructor: Dr. Sherman Office: 2329 Room: 2326
E-mail: phone:867-6945
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will expose students to a variety of environmental issues which affect their lives every day. Some of these topics include air, water, energy, recycling, hazardous waste, biodiversity, sustainability, endangered species, and population growth. The ultimate outcome of this course will be to produce an environmentally aware citizen who is capable of applying the knowledge and skills learned in this class to real world situations, as well as preparing each student for the required AP Exam in the spring.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Textbook: Living in the Environment. Miller/Spoolman (17th Ed.) Three-ring binder or Folder – no papers in your book!!
Calculator (bring every day just in case)
Laptop (or something similar) with a way to word process
Review Book: Cracking the AP Environmental Science Exam (when they come out)
BYOT: If this is your fist BYOT class you will want to make sure you are familiar with the policies on technology in the classroom. I will provide most notes, assignments, labs, etc. on Moodle. You will need to be able to access these in class and most will be submitted via Moodle. It is your responsibility to make sure things are submitted on time. Due to this being a college level class and my weekly plans being on Moodle, I will not typically remind you of due dates. This isn’t to be mean but to prepare you for what you will experience in college. Your technology should only be used for classwork. If you are using it for other reasons (facebook, games, etc.) you will be asked to turn it off and will then have to complete all work outside of class. Repeat offenses will result in disciplinary action which could include detention, office referral, parent contact, etc.
NOTES: I will provide you with information in a number of ways (overhead, lecture, demonstrations, video, etc.). Most of my notes can be found on Moodle. I encourage you to open them and add to/highlight them as you see fit during discussion/lecture. I will expect you to be familiar with all material even if we don’t specifically discuss it in class. I pull many of your test/quiz questions from these notes so be sure to study them!
HOMEWORK: There will be a variety of assignments that might include worksheets, reading, writing, creative projects, etc. There are times when you will be given the opportunity to work on these in class, however, if you don’t finish they will need to be completed at home and turned in the next day at the beginning of class unless I tell you otherwise. There is a direct correlation between incompletes and bad grades! COPYING SOMEONE ELSE’S WORK WILL RESULT IN A ZERO! LATE HOMEWORK IS NOT ACCEPTED!
LABS: During any lab or group activity you will be expected to follow rules. If you do not I will be forced to take disciplinary measures which could include any of the class rule consequences and loss of lab privileges. Any horseplay will result in you sitting down and taking a zero for that assignment & possible loss of future lab opportunities resulting in additional zeros. Endangering others can & probably will get you removed from the class!
TESTS & QUIZZES: There will be tests after most chapters and they will vary in format. These could include true/false, multiple choice, matching, short answer, fill-in, or essay. I will let you know the format in advance and will generally have a study session. Quizzes could be announced or unannounced so be prepared. If you do the reading and homework assignments you should have no trouble getting high scores on these. (If you miss the day before the test you must still take it the same day!)
· No technology (I-pods, phones, etc.) on tests – if seen with these out/on your lap, etc. it will result in a zero on the test!!!
CLASS DISCUSSIONS: There will be many opportunities in this class for discussion over different topics. Sometimes this may be over a reading assignment, a lab, a controversial topic, or just something in the news related to the class. The only way these can take place is with the cooperation and maturity of all students. These require each person to be patient and allow other students to speak and voice their thoughts without interruption. These are great learning opportunities if everyone cooperates. You will be expected to take part in the discussions so be sure you are familiar with the topic before class.
NOTEBOOKS: It is encouraged that you keep a notebook with all of your materials in it. You should keep all materials in this including those I have handed back. These should be kept in order with the earlier chapters first. They should contain only your AP Environmental materials. These are for your benefit. They will help you stay organized and help prepare for tests. You will also know where to look if there is a conflict with a grade. If you cannot find these materials, you are out of luck.
MAKE-UP WORK: It is the responsibility of the student to get any missed assignments. Get these from Moodle, a classmate or from myself (during passing periods, bonus period, or at the end of class if time permits). You will be allowed the same number of days missed to make up these assignments. This goes for tests and labs also. Tests and labs will need to be completed during bonus period (you cannot do these in class!). Your make-up tests need to be completed within the number of days you were out or you will risk losing the opportunity to take the test! AFTER 3 WEEKS IT WILL BECOME A ZERO!!
CHEATING: This is unacceptable! If you are caught cheating on any quiz, test, lab, or homework assignment I will follow the school policy which will be a zero for the assignment and a second offense would result in removal from class with a failing grade! Letting someone cheat is the same consequence!
CLASSROOM RULESThe purpose of this class is for every student to learn important concepts of science. In order for each student to have an equal opportunity to learn these concepts, there are some basic rules you are expected to follow. These are the basic rules:
1. PLEASE BE IN YOUR ASSIGNED SEAT WHEN THE BELL RINGS & REMAIN THERE DURING CLASS. (BEING IN THE WRONG SEAT WILL RESULT IN A TARDY OR DETENTION).
2. PLEASE BRING ALL MATERIALS WITH YOU TO CLASS. (YOU WILL
NOT BE ALLOWED TO RETURN TO YOUR LOCKER AFTER THE BELL!)
3. PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND BEFORE SPEAKING.
4. PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH LAB EQUIPMENT OR THINGS ON MY DESK. (DO NOT ENTER THE LAB OR TEACHER AREA WITHOUT PERMISSION!)
5. PLEASE RESPECT YOUR CLASSMATES (INCLUDES LANGUAGE). (I CAN
NOT ALLOW YOU TO DISRUPT THE OPPORTUNITY FOR OTHERS TO LEARN!)
6. No cell phones, ipod’s, or other electronic devices (other than laptops) are allowed in class. if seen they will be confiscated.
· tHE EXCEPTION TO THIS IS FOR CLASSROOM USE AND SHARING COOL THINGS WE DO IN CLASS. i HAVE MANY STUDENTS THAT LIKE TO TAKE PICTURES, SELFIES, ETC. AND SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. i DON’T MIND THIS AS LONG AS THEY ARE APPROPRIATE AND RELATED TO WHAT WE ARE DOING IN CLASS.
7. No food or drink in the classroom. (water bottles acceptable)
8. NO SLEEPING IN CLASS. YOU MAY BE SENT TO THE DEAN.
*I am here to help! It is my wish for every student to receive an “A” in my class. I will do everything I can to help but you must also help yourself! Please don’t be afraid to ask for assistance if you have questions or if you are getting a lower grade than you wish! Take advantage of bonus period if you want to do better! Remember, if you have questions, you are probably not alone!*