Course Information Sheet

 

COURSE INFORMATION SHEET

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: A/B

INSTRUCTOR: JULIA HARVEY


OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE

The goal of Environmental Science is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world.  Environmental Science promotes the development of citizens who could make informed, knowledgeable decisions concerning environmental issues.

It is the expectation that students will explore the content of Environmental Science through inquiry. This science course will utilize group lab and field experiences to meet these expectations. Particular emphasis will be placed on local environments. Students will develop a basic understanding of ecology as a basis for making ethical decisions and career choices.

Fall semester will emphasize the air around us and the impact humans have on the atmosphere.  Topics covered in this semester will include air pollution, global climate change, ozone depletion, as well as water, environmental health/toxicology, waste and populations.  Spring semester will emphasize how living things interact with chemical systems on land and how humans are influencing those systems.  Topics covered in this semester will include biodiversity/extinctions, soil, food and agriculture, invasive species, energy and sustainability.  Either or both semesters may be taken.

There is no textbook for this course.  We will utilize lectures, discussions, on-line readings, articles, videos, case studies, laboratory experiments, nonfiction nonfiction books, field trips, field studies and interactive internet simulations.  The class will have a website that will list weekly agendas, assignments and links.


LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Learn to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made. 


2.Evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for

resolving and/or preventing them.


COLLEGE NOW

Students who meet the requirements, will earn 4 college science credits each semester through LCC.


STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Appropriate modifications and accommodations will be made for identified special needs.


GRADING

1.You will be evaluated on daily assignments, laboratory write ups, reports, on-line activities, research

projects, and tests.


2.The final grade is based on percentages from various categories as follows:


Lab work/Projects = 40%Assignments = 25%Tests/Quizzes = 35%


3.The final grade is determined from the following scale:


A90-100%C70-79%

B80-89%D60-69%F59% or below


4.After the first few weeks of the term and periodically thereafter a printout of grades will be sent

through e-mail to students and parents.


5.Cheating on tests or quizzes will result in a zero for that test or quiz.


ASSIGNMENTS

1.All assignments should be done neatly, completely, and understandably.


  1. 2.     Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a zero for that assignment


3.Papers are due at the beginning of class unless other instructions are given. 


4.Late papers will be accepted but with a deduction of points.  No late papers will be accepted after the

final deadline.


LABORATORIES

1.Labs are important part of this course.  They are difficult to make up and some can’t be made up.   If

you miss a lab and it can’t be made up, you may obtain the results from others in the class but you will

not receive full credit for the lab or a lab makeup assignment may be available.


2.You will be working together in small groups for many activities and labs.  I encourage you to discuss

your work with each other and to study together.  This is different from copying.  Blatant copying

will result in NO CREDIT for either paper.


3.Safety is the top priority in the lab.


4.The Science Department will be charging a fee of $5.00 to help cover the costs of supplies.


5.You are responsible for any laboratory equipment that you damage or break.


ATTENDANCE

1.If you are absent and it is excused, you are responsible for getting caught up.  If you know you will

be absent then it is your responsibility to complete the work before the absence.


2.5 unexcused absences will result in partial credit.


3.You must be on time to class.  You are tardy if you are not inside the classroom when the bell rings

and you do not have a written excuse from a staff member.  Each tardy will result in the loss of an

extra credit point.


CLASS BEHAVIOR

1.No student has the right to disrupt another student’s education.  Students are expected to be

respectful to others.


2.Students who choose to copy other students work repeatedly will face consequences that may include

community service, detention and/or a different grading protocol.


3.Bring your own pencils, colored pencils, paper and your notebook to class each day. 


4.You are not allowed to leave the room without permission.


5.Food, drinks, radios, and headphones are not allowed in the classroom. 


6.Cells phones used during class will be taken away and will result in the loss of extra credit points.


QUESTIONS

1.My office is 419B, located in the science wing.  I will have office hours during 2nd period.  I also

can be available after school by appointment only.


2.I can be reached by phone: 790-8077; or by e-mail: harvey@4j.lane.edu


3.My website is at http://staff.4j.lane.edu/~harvey/Julia_Harvey/Harveys_Main_Page.html


It is important that each of you does well in this course.  If you maintain a positive attitude and give a sincere effort, you likely will be successful.  I look forward to an exciting year.