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Environmental Science Course Description
Instructor Information: Carla Schmitt
e-mail
Phone: 626-8427 ext. 4157
Textbooks: Global Science, 6th ed. **These will be used as in-class resources
Holt Environmental Science
Course Description: Environmental science is the study of the environment and how humans interact with it. It is an interdisciplinary science combining biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, and social studies.
Course Structure: Most learning will take place in class. Therefore students are expected to participate in all activities. Learning activities in class will include labs, activities, discussions, videos, etc.
We will be using Moodle to complete many activities in class. You should get into the habit of checking the Moodle site daily.
There will also be some independent project work and oral presentations required for this course. One of the independent projects includes environmental service hours or an independent field trip.
Topics:
Resource Use and Human Population
o Interpret human population data
o Describe effects of human population on the environment
o Predict future human population trends
Energy
o Compare uses and effects of different energy sources
o Analyze individual energy use
o Describe and evaluate alternative energies
Air
o Assess indoor and outdoor air quality
o Describe ways to improve air quality
Water
o Assess water quality
o Describe ways to improve water quality
Waste
o Compare different waste disposal methods
Biodiversity
o Describe effects of Wisconsin invasive species
o Identify threats to biodiversity
Environmentalism
o Describe important people and events in environmental science
o Discuss and analyze current environmental issues
Classroom Guidelines:
1. Supplies – Bring these to class everyday!
Ø 1” 3-ring binder
Ø Folder that is 3-hole punched
Ø Loose-leaf paper (about 50 sheets)
2. Conduct and Class Participation – students and parents are expected to be familiar with the policies in the Student Handbook
· Be Prepared For Class – have your materials with you; be on time; have a good attitude
· Respect – be polite and nice to others; no negative comments toward others; take good care of all equipment; help others learn; don’t disrupt the class; take pride in your work
· Be Productive –use class time wisely; stay organized; ask questions; stay on task
· Attend!! – attendance is the number one reason for poor grades in this course; if you are absent make –up your work promptly
3. Grading –
· The grade for this course will be determined by what the student has actually demonstrated that he/she has learned
· Examples of things that will demonstrate learning are: tests/quizzes, lab reports, independent projects, service/independent field trips, and Moodle discussions Note: ALL assessments MUST be completed in order to receive a grade for this course.
· Classroom behaviors will be included in the report card. The rubric used for evaluating student behaviors is shown on the next page:
Behavior Rubric
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Behaviors
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4
Consistently
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3
Frequently
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2
Sometimes
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1
Rarely
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0
Never
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Effort
Strives for excellence
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§ Continually tries to improve
§ Completes work
§ Demonstrates perseverance
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Participation
Works in a positive manner
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§ Meaningfully participates in class
§ Demonstrates active listening
§ Cooperates in the classroom
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Respect
Treats others the way they would want to be treated
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§ Demonstrates self-discipline
§ Respects property
§ Demonstrates honesty and integrity
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Responsibility
Does what needs to be done
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§ Meets deadlines
§ Is prepared for class (attitude and materials)
§ Fulfills expectations
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4. Tardiness – per each 9 week semester:
· 1st tardy – warning
· 2nd tardy – 1 minute after class & phone call home
· 3rd tardy + – detention and office referral for possible truancy
5. Miscellaneous
· Food, Beverages, Gum – Food is allowed in the classroom ONLY before class. All garbage must be disposed of properly. Plain water is the ONLY beverage allowed. Gum is allowed as long as it stays in the mouth and is disposed of properly.
· Hall Passes – You will be given 3 hall passes for each 9-week semester. Once you use these, no more passes will be given
· Substitute Teachers – class continues when a substitute is here; all classroom rules apply; behavior and cooperation are expected to be excellent
· Written Work – must be on loose-leaf paper (no fringes); must be legible
· Absences – it is the student’s responsibility to find out what has been missed, turn in assignments, and make arrangements to make-up tests, labs, etc. in a timely manner (Hint-Check Moodle, the homework page on my web-site, AND the Environmental Science make-up folder frequently!)
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