Environmental Systems 2013-2014

Kendra Davis Conference: 10:00AM-10:45AM & 2:50PM-3:30PM Email: kdavis@ipcisd.net

Textbook: Jay Withgott. Environmental Science: Your World, Your Turn (2011). Course Description: Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical and biological sciences, (including but not limited to Ecology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Soil Science, Geology, Atmospheric Science and Geography) to the study of the environment, and the solution of environmental problems. Environmental science provides an integrated, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental systems. 1st Six Weeks: Earths Systems 2nd Six Weeks: 3rd Six Weeks: 4th Six Weeks: 5th Six Weeks: 6th Six Weeks: Energy Flow Through Earths Systems Managing Resources Population Dynamics Environmental Changes Human Impact on the Environment

Instructional Philosophy: Environmental systems will be very hands on course. There will be several labs and activities done each six weeks that correlate with the topics we discuss during class. Students will be expected to participate in these labs and activities so that they can make connections about topics and objectives and relate them to the world around them. In addition to participation with labs, activities and hands on learning, students will be expected to work with others. There will be several group projects and assignments assigned throughout the year, and every student will be expected to participate and do their part. This class is designed to be fun, interesting, and incorporate as many different activities as possible into the learning experience. Course Standards: Subject matter in the class is correlated to the state mandated TEKS objectives. Mastery of these objectives is essential for success. There are also basic math and linear algebra skills used in the exploration of scientific concepts. The student for at least 40% of instruction time, conduct field and lab investigations using safe, environmentally appropriate, and ethical practices. The student uses scientific methods during field and lab investigations. The student uses critical thinking and scientific problem solving to make informed decisions. The student knows concepts of force and motion evident in everyday life. The student knows the effects of waves on everyday life. The student knows the impact of energy transformations in everyday life. Major Course Projects and Assignments: Projects will range from Internet assignments to researching concepts to building various structures. Students will be given ample notice and time to complete projects: All projects become the property of the science department and will be returned to students a portion of the time. Students will be given as many choices as possible. Most projects require the use of common, junk materials.

Authenticity and originality is required on all projects. Turning in projects of siblings or a friend, or duplicating the ideas of another person (past or present) is considered cheating. This type of violation is considered to be no different than plagiarizing the written work of another person.

Materials Needed: 1 box of 200 count Kleenex, 1 tube of 35 count disinfecting wipes, 1 composition notebook; pen (blue or black); pencil; 2 hard-back three ring binder.
Assessment and Grading Plan: Because grading can be very subjective, every effort is made in Environmental Systems to keep grading objective, consistent, and fair. However, the task of assigning grades is always open to flaws, no matter what attempts are made. Putting a number value on what the teacher perceives the student has learned is very difficult. For this reason, a number of assessment forms are used in Environmental Systems. By assessing students through hands-on activities, homework, projects and exams, hopefully, I can successfully measure what the student has learned. Nevertheless, grades will be assigned as follows: 60% Tests/Labs 40% Daily Work Grading Scale: A=90-100 B=80-89 C=70-79 Failing/Incomplete=69 or lower A policy for re-doing work: If you have any late or missing work it will be accepted and graded as follows: 1 Day late will result in a grade no higher than a 70. 2 Days late will result in a grade no higher than a 50 3 Days or more late will result in a zero.

Opportunities for extra help: Extra help or tutorials will be available in the mornings from 7:40AM to 8:00AM or in the afternoons from 3:30PM to 4:00PM. I am willing to stay any other times I might need to that will work around students extra-curricular activities. Just make sure you let me know so we can work around these, and also so I can make sure I am here. Missed Work/Labs: If you are absent, please check with the teacher to find out what all needs to be made up. If you miss a lab you will have 1 week (5 school days) to make up the lab during tutorials. Cheating Policy: Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. If you are caught cheating on any assignment you will be given a zero for that particular assignment, lab or test. Zeros given as a result of cheating cannot be made up. Parents will be notified and further disciplinary action may be taken.

Classroom Discipline Rules and Procedures

Teacher: Mrs. Davis

Classroom Rules: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Be on time with all supplies Be respectful Keep all objects to yourself Leave all of the lab equipment alone unless told otherwise No food or drink in the lab No cell phones

The following are examples of student disciplinary action; Step 1 Verbal Warning Failure to follow classroom rules Failing to bring materials to class Minor disruption in class Contact the parent Repeated level 1 offense Cheating/copying work of other students Minor disruption in class Written referral turned in after class Repeated level 2 offense Using profanity or obscene gestures Leaving class/school/activity w/o permission Refusing to accept discipline management techniques assigned by a teacher Electronic discipline referral sent to the office immediately

Step 2

Step 3 Step 4

Disrespect toward school personnel Possession of tobacco Threats, oral or written, or fighting Sexual misconduct, bullying/harassment

CLASS RULES AND PROCEDURES:

1. All campus rules apply in this class. See student handbook. Students will be developing the classroom rules in class. The following are general guidelines for effective use of our time. 2. Respect for school personnel, visitors, parents, and fellow students is expected. Anything less will not be tolerated. This should be extended to school property and the property of other individuals as well. 3. Keep your textbook covered properlyedges and bindings too. The textbooks are new and you will be charged for obvious damage or lack of care. 4. Bring materials and homework to class. You WILL NOT be allowed to return to your locker once the bell has rung and you cannot perform well in class if you are unprepared. Failure to plan is planning to fail. 5. Be on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late to class you must obtain a tardy slip from the office, otherwise you will be counted absent. 6. Food, candy, and gum are not permitted in the classroom unless approved by the teacher. This is school policy as well. 7. I expect you to take care of restroom visits before class. Failure to take responsibility for your personal needs ahead of time will result in lower conduct grades. Emergencies will arise from time to time, but should not become a habit. 8. Students should wait patiently and quietly to be called upon. Class discussion is welcomed and expected, but in an orderly manner. We cannot meet our daily objectives if we are continually being disrupted by rude behavior. Excessive talking and noise disrupts the class and will not be tolerated. When I am talking to the class, I expect to have your undivided attention. 9. The teacher dismisses the class, not the bell. Please remain in your seats until I signal you to leave. 10. Upon entering the classroom, take your seat and begin working on the assignment posted in the Focus activity. 11. Take care of all equipment and facilities. Lab equipment is very expensive and must be cared for properly. Students should not handle equipment without permission. Additionally, lab cabinets and closets are off limits to students unless specific permission is given. 12. Lab activities are a privilege. Failure to follow rules and procedures in the lab is dangerous and will result in the loss of such privileges. Horseplay of any kind is not permitted in the lab. 13. When you are absent, you are responsible to get your missed assignments. See school handbook for absence policy.

14. Clean up after yourself.

Student Information Sheet

Please print. Student: ____________________________________________________________ Class period: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Yes No

1. Does your child require seating near the front / teacher?

2. Does your child wear glasses, contacts, and hearing devices? Yes No Explain: ____________________________________________________________ 3. Please explain any other needs or concerns you have regarding your childs performance: ____________________________________________________________ 4. Please circle your childs extracurricular school activities: Football basketball cross country baseball softball volleyball track golf Ag band choir academic UIL OAP cheerleading other: ______________________________________________________ Names of Parents or Guardians (please print): ____________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ Email Address (Parents email) ____________________________________________________________ Home phone #: __________________ Cell phone #: ________________

Parents place of employment: _____________________________________________________________ Work or daytime phone #: __________________________ Ext. # ______ Please initial if it is acceptable to contact you at your place of employment. ________ Please do not contact me at work. _________ I may be contacted at work. What is the best time to contact you regarding your child? Morning Afternoon Evening What is the best way to get in touch with you? Home phone Work phone Cell phone Email

I have read the classroom rules and policy sheet and am aware of what is expected of students, as well as how performance will be graded. Parent or Guardian signature: ________________________________________Date: _______________ Student signature: ________________________________________Date: _______________

Please Return by Friday August 30, 2013