Living Environment Syllabus 2017-2018
Adirondack High School
Ms. Schubert
C Wing room 139
Email:
Course Website: http://www.adirondackcsd.org/Page/1575
Parents and guardians: please do not hesitate to contact me if you have concerns about your child. Please read over this syllabus with your child and sign the last page to return as a homework grade. I am looking forward to a great year!
Course Description ______
Living Environment is a NYS Regents class based on the study of life and the natural environment, including cells, evolution, ecology, genetics, and human body systems. Students will conduct experiments and hands-on labs, read science texts and articles, watch videos, and do computer simulations, among other activities. Course content is based on the NY Living Environment Standards and students will take the Regents at the end of the year. Regents practice and preparation for the Regents will be incorporated into instruction and daily assignments throughout the year.
Lab Requirements ______
In order to take the Regents, New York State requires that each student complete a minimum of 1200 lab minutes (about 30 class periods), including four state labs, by June 1st. Students who have not met this requirement will NOT be allowed to take the Living Environment Regents, will receive an Incomplete for this course, and will have to retake the class. All labs must have a passing grade in order to count towards the required 1200 minutes. Unfortunately, lab papers may not be taken home—they must stay in the classroom for future review by NYS. Due to this reason and equipment/space constraints, if a student is absent for a lab or fails a lab, they must make up the lab that week during 10th period. If a student is removed from a lab due to misbehavior, they will receive a 0 on the lab, detention, and will not be allowed to make up that lab.
Required Materials ______
2-3” Three Ring Binder Tabbed dividers Pens and Pencils
Grade Weights ______
Tests/Projects 40% *Always announced at least a week in advance.
Quizzes 20% *May or may not be announced! Lowest quiz grade per marking period is dropped
Labs 25%
Homework/classwork 15%
**Students will be given progress reports every 1-2 weeks and before the end of a marking period. These progress reports will occasionally need to be signed by a parent and returned as a HW grade**
Homework ______
Assignments are to be submitted for full credit on the assigned due date. Students are expected to complete homework and projects individually unless otherwise directed. Even when no homework is assigned, you should study your notes and vocabulary daily.
**Homework and notes can be found on my website: http://www.adirondackcsd.org/Page/1575**
Late Work/Absence Policy______
It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements to make up missed work due to absences. Tests missed due to absence must be taken either before the absence or as soon as possible once back. Late homework assignments will be accepted for partial credit.
Expectations:
In this class, I expect all students to follow the rules in the Student Handbook as it applies to conduct, electronics use, academic honesty, and all other regulations. Any individual that does not uphold these standards will meet with consequences consistent with those outlined in the handbook. One warning is given, followed by a teacher detention if the behavior continues. Severe or repeated misconduct will result in a referral to the principal. A referral will also be given after 3 class tardies, for skipping detentions, and for cellphone use in class (phone will also be confiscated). Food is prohibited in the science classroom but students may bring clear bottles of water.
Accommodations______
I will follow all recommendations in IEP and 504 plans, and work closely with Special Education faculty to ensure I am able to meet all students’ needs through differentiation and accommodations. Please contact me if you have specific concerns.
Tips for Success ______
¶ There is unavoidably a lot of vocabulary in science. I highly recommend you make flash cards and go through them every day to learn important terms.
¶ Come to class on time and prepared to learn, with all materials and homework ready.
¶ Study early and often for all assessments and the Regents.
¶ Keep your binder and papers organized to make studying more efficient and reduce the chance of losing something. Review your notes each day.
¶ Do your best work and be honest.
¶ Make goals and reflect on your own learning and progress.
¶ Respect yourself, your classmates, your instructor, and everything in the classroom.
¶ Ask questions when you don’t understand something.
¶ Come in for help during 10th period and attend all review sessions.
Keep the rest of the syllabus and return just this sheet for a homework grade!
Please sign that you have received and read Ms. Schubert’s Living Environment syllabus.
Student name (print): ______Period: ___
Student signature: ______
Parent/guardian name (print): ______
Parent/guardian signature: ______
What is the best way for me to contact you?
Phone ______
Email ______
Do you have any comments or concerns at this time?
______
Thank you!