COURSE EXPECT A TIONS Environmental Science

1 C O U R S E E X P E C T A T I O N S. Environmental Science 2015-2016 ~ Ms. Erin Ruesler E-mail: COURSE Materials: Assessments: Be prepared for class EVERY DAY!! Make sure you have completed your reading and homework Textbook: Pearson Environmental Science : Your World, Your Turn. (ONLINE: assignments before due dates noted on the website. In ) order for you to assess your own progress in the class, 100+ page, single subject spiral binder you will be given immediate feed back on quizzes. This means you MUST make arrangements ahead of time to 3-ring binder for handouts take quizzes if you will be absent for sports or other Earbuds/headphones for video lectures, in class activities.

2 Assessment MUST be made up at lunch within computer activities a week from the absence. Pens, pencils, and scissors Tests: This end of each unit consist of level multiple COURSE Description: choice, math, critical thinking, and writing questions . Environmental Science is a project- and laboratory-based Material will be based on text readings, lecture, in-class COURSE that develops student knowledge of scientific activities, and labs. principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world Semester Final: Approximately 15% percent of the and prepare students college level Science courses.

3 I will points for the semester grade. act as your guide to exploring Environmental problems, Make up Work/ Late Work: Late work is not accepted. both natural and human-made, evaluate the relative risks If students are absent for assessments, activities, and labs associated with these problems, and examine alternative may be made up. The student must speak to Ms. Ruesler solutions for resolving and/or preventing these problems. to arrange a makeup assignment and time. COURSE Procedures: Grading: Environmental Science Interactive Notebook: The grading scale is that specified by New West Charter.

4 Students will bring this notebook to class every day and use it Class grades are determined by points, not categories, for note taking, journal writing, and practice problems. Please meaning the grade is equal to the points earned/point see the directions for setup of the notebook found on the COURSE possible. website for more detail. Labs: There are a variety of labs that will be performed General Classroom Rules : throughout the COURSE . Students will be provided with Be respectful to yourself and others. scientific guidelines for formal lab reports.

5 Formal labs Use lab materials safely and correctly . must be typed and submitted electronically. Actively engage in your learning. Projects: This COURSE often incorporates projects such as field studies, multimedia projects, and critical thinking activities. "1. C O U R S E E X P E C T A T I O N S. Environmental Science Curriculum Guide Unit Key Concepts Major Unit Activities Unit 1: Introduction to Environmental topics Tragedy of the Commons Simulation Introduction To Environmental Scientific methods Scientific Lab Design Science Economics of Environmental use Cap and Trade Economic Simulation Chapters 1 - 3.

6 Environmental policy Biogeochemical Cycles Project Review of chemistry Biogeochemical cycle Unit 2: Ecology Components of an ecosystem Population studies lab Chapters 4 - 7. Influences on and types of population Using mathematical models to describe growth populations Species interactions Building food webs Biomes Aquarium or park field trip Biodiversity- economics and human Biome project influences Invasive/Endangered species brochures Unit 3: Humans Human population growth Age structure graphing and the Environment Population impact of environment Population math Chapters 8 - 10 Infectious diseases and Environmental LD-50 lab toxins and their impact on humans Infection disease fact sheet project Urbanization and sustainable cities Environmental design project Fall Semester Final Unit 4.

7 Earth's Forest resources and management Recycled paper project Resources Chapter 11 - 15 Soil properties Physical and chemical properties of soil Agriculture- modes and issues Agriculture Debate Mining Cookie Mining Water use and pollution Field testing of water sources Atmosphere structure and pollution Sewage treatment field trip Air pollution lab Unit 5: Toward a Climate and climate change Greenhouse gases lab Sustainable Future Nonrenewable energy resources Energy use math Chapters 16 -19 Renewable energy sources Nuclear simulation Managing solid waste Solar car project Wind turbine lab Home hazardous waste audit Spring Semester Final "2.