Environmental Science Syllabus 2007-2008

Ms. Kathleen Kach

 Mission Statement: At Sutton High School, we are committed to providing a foundation on which all students have the opportunity to pursue academic excellence and personal development in a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment.

 Science Department Learning Expectations: The Sutton High School student….

                                                                             …is a problem solver

                                                                                       …is a critical thinker

                                                                             …effectively uses technology

 Course Description: This full year course will include the study of how humans interact with the environment. All students will be involved in lab exercises, journal reflections, projects and interactive lessons to illustrate and reinforce major environmental science concepts. Cooperative learning activities will stress social interaction, while encouraging the student to verbalize and discuss science terms and ideas. Critical thinking and technology exercises will be used to introduce vocabulary, reinforce concepts, and challenge students to use their problem-solving abilities. Homework will be textbook centered.

 Textbook: Arms, Karen. Environmental Science. New York: Holt, 2004.

 Content: The following topics will be discussed in this class: Ecology, Populations, Water, Air, and Land, Mineral and Energy Resources, Our Health and Our Future.

 Objectives: Students will be able to…                    

Student Expectations:

• 3 ring binder
• Covered textbook
• Courtesy and respect towards all
• Promptness to class
• Homework to be completed in a timely fashion

Grading: Quarter Grades will be calculated using the following distribution.

• 20% Exams
• Advanced notice will always be given.
• 20% Quizzes
• Advanced notice will always be given.
• 20% Homework
• Homework will be reviewed daily, collected and graded occasionally, but expected always.
• Homework will be graded on a scale of a+, a, a-, a- - equating to the grades of 95, 85, 75, and 60 respectively.
• 25% Projects/Labs/Classwork
• 15% Class Participation/Journal
• Journals will be collected once a week.

 All make-ups will be expected within one week of return to class. 

 Final Average:

• 90% Quarter Averages: The average of 4 quarter grades.
• 10% Final Exam Grade: The final exam will be given the last week of the school year and will include material from the entire school year.

Extra Help: If at any time you feel as though you do not understanding a concept in the class do not hesitate to ask for extra help. My door is always open and I am willing to help when needed.

 Contact Information: e-mail: KachK@suttonschools.net

                                      Phone: 508-581-1640 x

                                      Room: C7

Signing below indicates that the terms and expectations above have been fully understood by the student as well as their parent/guardian and the student will fully participate in the class according to these guidelines.

Student Signature:_______________________________                          Date:________

Parent/Guardian Signature:_______________________                        Date:________