COURSE DESCRIPTION: Environmental Science is the study of ecological principles and their application to the human condition. Students will learn how and become proficient at Stream Quality testing, Soil Analysis, Climatic Data taking, and Forest Surveys. Most of this data will be uploaded to the internet for use by NASSA scientists and other students in 54 countries around the world. This kind of hands on work requires some after school and weekend work. Environmental Science is a science elective designed for students that are interested in science, the environment, or education. This class is not required for any student.STUDENTS WILL PARTICIPATE IN:
Stream Team A Missouri citizen effort to monitor local stream quality (www.mostreamteam.org)
GLOBE Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (www.globe.gov)
Forest Keepers A Missouri citizen effort to monitor forested areas (www.forestkeepers.org)
TEXT: Environmental Science: The Way the World Works 3rd edition, Bernard J. Nebel, Prentice Hall, 1990
SUPPLIES: A folder with pockets and three rings and a spiral notebook, pen or pencil. All students need to bring in a one gallon clear plastic container with a lid. Third Hour students should bring in a box of colored pencils. Fourth Hour students should bring in scissors they would not complain about having to use. The colored pencils and scissors will be used by everyone; do not get the best available. Supplies are due for credit. 10 points if in 8-18; 9 if 8-21, 7 if 8-20, etc. AN EXTRA 5 POINTS if you also bring in an empty, clear, 2 or 3 liter bottle by 8-20.HOMEWORK: Assignments will include unfinished classroom activities, newspaper and magazine article readings, and study skills work. Students should spend about 15 minutes each night reviewing the days activities if no specific assignment is given. Assignments over weekly article readings will be due on the last school day of each week.
GRADING SCALE: A 90 - 100 B 80 - 89 C 70 - 79
D 60 - 69 F below 60
GRADE COMPONENTS: Students are required to keep everything done in class, in dated order. This must be with them in class, everyday. Occasional open notebook "POP" quizzes will be given. A semester portfolio (alternative assessment) will be required. This will count as half of the final exam. Semester grades are determined as follows:
First/ Third Quarter = 40%
Second/ Fourth Quarter = 40%
Comprehensive Final Exam = 20% (50% semester project and
50% traditional final or stream test)EXTRA CREDIT: Very little extra credit will be available. Most unit tests will include extra credit questions.
MAKEUP POLICY: Late work is accepted for excused absences only. Students are required (and expected) to pick up any missed handouts. Students may have one day for each day absent to turn in their assignments. TESTS, QUIZZES, and laboratory activities MUST be made up before or after school or during a study hall. POP Quizzes cannot be made up. Absent students will be excused. Students that miss a quiz due to an unexcused tardy will earn a zero on that quiz.PLANNING PERIOD: I am available 6th hour (12:30-1:10). The school phone is 636-441-2707. My voice mail box is 7294. The best way to reach me is by email.
E-MAIL ADDRESS: THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO REACH ME! Parents and students are welcome to contact me via my home e-mail : [email protected].
HOME PAGE: I have a home page set up with study guides, research links, etc. The page is located at: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hall/3904. As this is the first time I have taught this class at this school, I am currently in the process of making a WebPage for this class. I hope to have weekly reading assignment options available online as well. This is intended as an option for students with internet access. Assignments will always be available in class. All public libraries provide internet access.
Page maintained by: Ms. L. Montgomery
Last Update: August 5, 2000
You may contact me at: [email protected]