Vaughn Next Century Learning Center

13330 Vaughn St. San Fernando, CA 91340

818-896-7461

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SYLLABUS

Teachers:
Mrs. May P. Penarroyo Room 231

Mr. Jon Lee Room 228

Course Description/Overview
Environmental Science is the study of the environment around us and the problems that threaten to
destroy our environment. We will learn how we impact our environment and what we can do to help save
our planet. This course is focused upon giving students a better understanding of environmental science,
the nature and interactions of science, and scientific habits necessary to solve problems. Throughout the
school year, students will be learning essential reading, writing, and critical thinking skills to help them
succeed in future education and their future careers. This is a g elective course.

Course Outline:
Semester A
Ecosystem Structure and Function
Earth systems, biochemical cycles, ecosystems, relationships between organisms,
biomes, ecosystems, and succession
The Human Factor
Human population growth, industrial revolution, conservation,
chemical hazards, natural disasters, urbanization, and land use
Semester B
Resources and Pollution
Land Resources Minerals, Soils, Solid and Hazardous Wastes
Water Use, Pollution and Treatment
Air Global Air Pollution Problems
Climate Change and Alternative Energy
Greenhouse effect, climate change, nonrenewable energy, renewable energy, mining, waste management

Course Materials

Environmental Science Textbook

Pens and pencils
Notebook
3 ring binder with 5 Dividers and loose leaf notebook paper
Documentary films at least 5 per semester

Course Policies
In all facets of the course we will be working to develop the following 21st century skills:

Professionalism: Students will display a high degree of honor and integrity, citizenship and
responsibility. These qualities may be evidenced by proper dress, work ethic, promptness,
attendance, respect and leadership.

Technology Literacy: Students will be able to use digital technology, communication tools, and/or
networks appropriately to solve information problems in order to function in an information
society.

Collaborative Skills: Students will be able to work with staff, faculty, community members, and
peers. Team members should discuss and work toward what they hope to accomplish to meet
individual and group goals.

Critical and Inventive Thinking: Students will display flexible, creative, and critical thinking in order
to produce innovative works. Thinking must demonstrate resourcefulness, persistence, curiosity,
and risk taking.

Content Knowledge and Application: Students will be able to demonstrate proper use of the
content as directed by Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to apply the knowledge
gained from the class and the projects assigned.

Communication: Students will be able to speak and write with an awareness of audience and
purpose.

Grading and Evaluation Methods:

Each grading period will carry the same types of grades:
Classwork/Homework 20%
Tests (quiz, unit test, final exam) 20%
Projects/Laboratory activities & Lab report 60%
Grade Scale
A+ = 97.50-100.00
A = 92.50-97.49
A- = 89.50-91.49
B+ = 87.50-89.49
B = 82.50- 86.49

B- = 79.50-81.49
C+ = 77.50-79.49
C = 72.50-76.49
C- = 69.50-71.49
D+ = 67.50-69.49

D = 61.50-67.49
D- =59.50-61.49
F = 0.00-59.49

Attendance/Late Work:
The materials for this course will be available online. Only excused absences will be accepted as reason
for missing a deadline. A doctors note is needed.
Any assignment that is not turned in by its deadline will be given a zero credit.
Cheating:
Giving or receiving answers and copying (from a student, internet source, or text) are considered
cheating. Cheating results in an automatic 0 on the assignment. In addition, the parent/guardian will be
notified and the student(s) will receive a detention.

Course Procedures:
Labs: We will do labs as much as possible. Students must pass the lab safety test and return their safety
contract signed by a parent or guardian to be able to participate in lab activities. Failure to follow safety
procedures (i.e. wearing safety goggles at all times) will result in a student losing their lab privileges.
Notebook and Binder: All notes (in Cornell format) will be written and kept in a notebook. All other
handouts, homework, and class work can be hole-punched and organized neatly with dividers in a 3 ring
binder.
Chapter/Unit Tests: Most Units will take place over the course of 4 weeks (give or take 1 week). Unit
Tests will be given at the end of a unit.
Homework: Students should expect to have homework most nights. Homework is the time for practice.
Therefore, THERE IS NO REASON TO COPY. COPIED WORK will be given a grade of 0.
Course Calendar:

Date

Activity

IntroductiontoEnvironmentalScience
Chapter1Worksheet
QualityoflifeGlobalissues
VocabularyAssignment
0307Aug.
TheLorax
EcologicalFootprintWebquest
EcologicalFootprintproject

1014Aug.

ShrinkingourFootprintsProject
PresentationofFootprintproject
Tragedyofthecommons

1721Aug.

HappyFishingLab

2428Aug

EnvironmentalIssueInvestigation
HistoryofEnvironmentalMovementintheUSlecture
PreparationofSurvey
EnvironmentalProphetslecture
Survey&Resultsdue
Startwithlettertoeditor
LaborDay
LettertoEditordue
LettertoRepresentativedue
LaborDayDinnerActivity
InformationalPublicService
Classpresentation
PresentationtoGradeschoolclass
EvolutionWebquest
BasicsofEcology
Foodchain/foodweb
Carryingcapacity
Population
EcocolumnIntroduction
FallBreak
EcocolumnConstructionObservation
NutrientCyclesandpollutioncasestudy
BiodiversityWebquest
BiodiversityHotSpotProject
BugBiodiversityLab

31Aug04Sep
07Sep
811Sep

1418Sep
2125Sep
28Sep02Oct
0509Oct
1216Oct
1923Oct
2630Oct
0206Nov
0910Nov
11Nov
1213Nov
1620Nov
2325Nov
2527Nov
30Nov4Dec
0711Dec
Dec.17

ServiceLearningProject
MoringaPropagation

EndangeredSpeciesNewsletterProject
BuildABiomeProject
VeteransDay
BuildABiomeProjectcontinuation
PresentationofBuildABiome
ThanksgivingBreak
TheDreamEcosystemProject
Review
FinalExam

OfficeHoursPolicy:
Incollege,yourprofessorswilltypicallyholdlimiteddropinofficehoursanditwillbeupto
youtoarrangetimetomeet.Therefore,in12thgradePhysiologyitisyourresponsibilitytoemail
yourinstructorstosetupanappointment.Noshowstoanappointmentyouscheduledwillresult
in2demerits
I expect you to behave as young adults and professional scientists.
The consequences above result from your CHOICE not to follow the
rules. You are in control of your behavior & education.
Additional Information:
May P. Penarroyo mpenarroyo@myvaughncharter.com
Tel. # 818-896-7461 loc. 7923

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