Downstream

Syllabus and Course Description: Fall Semester 2015

Instructor: Summer Davidson
www.mrsdvdsn.weebly.com
Thursdays, 10:15 - ?

Riverside Learning Center

sdavidson@mydehesa.org

Haiku Link: https://www.myhaikuclass.com/mrsdvdsn01/downstream/signup

Code: RCLR4
Course Description: Welcome to Downstream! This year we will be conducting an in-depth study of our
local Santa Ana River Watershed. The total length of the river and its tributaries is over 700 miles long
making it one of the largest river systems in our state! The watershed is home to the largest wetlands in
the California, providing critical habitat for thousands of birds, plants, and animals. Come with us as we
discover what makes living in this watershed so special. This class will count toward your Environmental
Science (Physical Science) graduation credit.
Some Things to Consider:

The class involves lengthy, weekly field trips and some hiking
You may need to be picked up from school in the late afternoon/early evening.
You may need to pack a lunch and/or dinner
This class will involve weekly reading and writing assignments

Student Learning Targets:

Understand, use, and define terminology frequently used in the field of Environmental Science
State and understand common human relationships with biotic and abiotic environments, and
suggest sustainable solutions to mitigate those human impacts.
Read and critically evaluate presented information and data using scientific principles and
concepts.
Create quality work that has lasting, informative impact in our community
Become a complete and total expert on the Santa Ana River Watershed and use that information to
inform your relationship with the world and community in which you live.

I am completely committed to the success of every student. If you find yourself having trouble with any
particular assignment or topic, please get in touch with me as soon as possible so we can work it out
together.
Homework: There will be weekly homework assignments.

Each Field Lab will require a typed Lab Report (instructions attached). Take detailed notes as we
go and this will not be a difficult task.
Reading-Im not a fan of textbooks; however, the context of this class requires us to have
immediate familiarity with terminology and schema of the subject. Therefore, I have provided

concise, simple, weekly text readings for you on Haiku. There will also be a short reading check to
provide accountability.
QQC: you will pull one quotation from your text, ask one original, thoughtful question, and make
one comment or observation. You will post your QQC each week in our online forum on Haiku.
Mini-Project-We will complete one mini project for each learning period. The details will be
posted on Haiku along with the due date.
Various optional resources have been provided for you as well in the form of videos and articles. If
you have time, I encourage you to check them out. Your commitment to content will be apparent
in your work.

Digital Portfolio: Every student will create a digital portfolio of their work. If you have not yet created a
DP, please meet with me during lunch on Monday September 21st in room B-1 and I will help you do so.
You will be expected to update your portfolio on a regular basis with your Lab Reports and photos.
Supplies: Please come on time and prepared to class with your lab notebook, a writing implement, and
appropriate clothing for field trips. You should wear closed toe shoes and bring water. The details for
each Field Lab is included on the Haiku page each week. Please preview before attending class to make
sure you have the appropriate items. I will not be responsible for providing food, water, or clothing items.
If you are not prepared, you will be asked to remain behind.
If youre early, youre on time. If youre on time, youre late. If youre late, youre left.
Required Texts:
1. Holt, Environmental Science Note: An online copy of the text is linked for you each week on our class Haiku page.

However, if you do not like reading online, please let me know ASAP and I will obtain a paper copy of a textbook for you.

2. Various articles provided by instructor

Grading: You, your parent, and your EF have access to your grade on Haiku.
Expectations: Dehesa Charter School has a stellar reputation because our students are inquisitive,
prepared, polite, and well behaved. Lets remember that when we are out on our field trips. Come
prepared, ask questions, respect the professionals we will be working with, and demonstrate a positive,
curious attitude. I promise you will be rewarded with unprecedented access and learning opportunities
you never thought possible.
Fall Semester Topical Syllabus Subject to change without notice, depending on availability
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

Topic
Introduction
The Nature of Science
Earth Systems
Water Use and Management
Water Resources
Biomes
Ecosystems
Energy Flow
Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus Cycles
Land Use
Populations
Biodiversity
Intersession
Intersession

Field Trip
Ecosystem Project
SAR Headwaters
7 Oaks Dam
Riv. Co. Flood Control
Hidden Valley Nature Center
Prado Dam
Prado Wetlands
OC Spreading Grounds
Santiago Creek
TBA
TBA