Advanced Placement Environmental Science Mrs

Advanced Placement Environmental Science Mrs. Donna Coonan

Course Expectation Guide –YEAR 2007-2008 (pending updates)

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT:

The Science Department encourages students to understand the process as well as the product of science. Through problem solving, critical thinking and the effective use of technology, students are expected to develop an awareness of the inquiry approach as a tool to gathering information. The ultimate goal of science and technology is to apply knowledge of both the living and nonliving world and to develop solutions and methods that enhance the world in which we live.

SHS EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT LEARNING (Science department focus)

The Sutton High School student…

is a problem solver
is a critical thinker
effectively uses technology

Course: Advanced Placement Environmental Science

Teacher: Mrs. Donna Coonan

Textbook: Holt, Environmental Science

Course Overview: Welcome to the environmental science classroom.

This course will provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies necessary to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Additionally, students will learn how to identify and analyze environmental issues, both natural and man-made. The course will focus on the real science behind environmental issues and will include both laboratory and field studies. The curriculum is based on the Advanced Placement Environmental standards, directed by the College Board. Hands-on laboratory and field activities are content tailored to help students successfully answer questions on the APES Exam. Summer work will be required prior to the start of class. Homework will be textbook centered. Please be respectful, work hard and enjoy the year!

Course Objectives: Students will…

Develop problem solving and analytical skills in safe lab situations.
Use technology and the internet to act as lab assistants in solving real-world environmental problems while developing inquiry, analysis, and decision-making skills.
Apply the scientific method to inquiry and traditional laboratory situations.
Work in teams to solve scientific problems.
Begin to understand the role of environmental science as a career and its importance in society.
Develop a year long project and record findings as a group portfolio.

Student Behavior Expectations:

Students will enter the class prior to the late bell, prepared to work with a pencil (pen), 1-1/2 inch three-ring notebook (with section dividers), covered science text, and with completed homework assignments.
Students missing a class, quiz, or homework assignment will report after school for one after session/extra help session to complete the missing assignment.
Textbooks must be covered and homework needs to be presented at the start of class.
Students are expected to sit in assigned seats or stay in lab area during class time (Budgets for furniture and lab equipment is limited, please sit on the chairs only).
Students will keep the classroom free from any defacement of walls, desks, and floors (food and drinks are not allowed in the science class, except water in seat area).
Attendance and tardy guidelines will follow the Sutton High School Handbook in policy and consequences. The bell will symbolize the start of class.

Science Teacher Behavior Expectations:

1. The science teacher is expected to assist all students in learning of specific topics related to the National Standards or Sutton High School Curriculum. The approach will be hands on with one major project per quarter. Homework will be assigned weekly with emphasis on readings from the science text and term projects. Located on homeworknow.com. http://www.homeworknow.com/hwnow/gethw.php?id=54364

2. The teacher will support students in daily completion of journals, notebook organization, and test preparation. Students who choose not to complete assignments or students who request extra help will receive teacher assistance by appointment after school hours.

3. The teacher will demand respect in the science classroom and set consequences for students who choose not to follow behavior guidelines in the lab. Behavior guidelines are outlined in the SHS Student Handbook.

4. The teacher is expected to return quizzes and chapter tests within two days and encourage all students to use their Student Grading Sheet. Failure to complete homework, poor quiz/grades and inappropriate behavior will be discussed by phone calls or meetings. To promote improved communication to parent’s positive issues may also warrant a phone call home.

Grade Organization:

PROJECTS/LABS: 25% of term grade-The laboratory grade is based on lab report, attendance, cleanliness and proper lab safety skills. Labs will not be made up due to an unexcused absence and must be made-up the day returning from an excused absence. Students will receive a zero if more than ten minutes late-safety comes first in the classroom! Appropriate behavior is expected in lab; therefore inappropriate behavior will be severely dealt with. Some projects are graded as group work-if a student is unsatisfied with a grade please speak to me privately.

HOMEWORK: 10% of term grade-Homework must be presented on assigned day at start of class. The grade is 100% for completed assignment completed in sentence form. All questions must be attempted and notes taken if confused on the answer. Homework can not be made up on an unexcused absence from class. All assignments must be recorded on the student grading sheet.

CHAPTER TESTS: 45% of term grade-No makeup exams are given for unexcused absences a zero will be scored. Makeup exams will not include extra credit questions. A weeks notice will be given for chapter tests.

QUIZZES: 10% of term grade and will vary in composition. Policies are the same as chapter tests.

JOURNAL /CLASSWORK/PARTICIPATION: 10% of term grade-Journals are an important part of the science classroom students are encouraged to organize and grade them daily. They will be collected once a quarter and graded with a rubric. All grades should be recorded on the student grading sheet.

Areas of Study:

· Interdependence of the Earth’s Systems: Fundamental Principles and Concepts (25%)

· Human Populations and Dynamics (10%)

· Renewable and nonrenewable Resources: Distribution, Ownership, Use, Degradation (15%)

· Environmental Quality (20-25%)

· Global Changes and Their Consequences (15-20%)

· Environment and Society: Trade-Offs and Decision Making (10%)

Signatures:

· Student signature indicates that he/she understands the terms of the expectation guide and will participate according to these guidelines.

· The parent’s role is to read and discuss the expectation guidelines with their child. I thank you in advance for your support. Please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail coonand@suttonschools.net or at 508-581-1640 extension 4488.

Teacher Signature ________________________ Student Signature________________________

Parent Signature ________________________ DC/06