IB Environmental Systems and

Societies

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Students develop a coherent perspective on the environment using a systems approach

together with scientific, economic, historical, cultural, and socio-political viewpoints. Topics
include structure and function of ecosystems, global cycles and physical systems, human
population dynamics, resource use and impacts of humans on the environment, conservation
and biodiversity, pollution management and climate change. Questions related to knowledge
acquisition, interpretation and evaluation are also explored.

In the laboratory component students learn a variety of experimental methods, develop

experimental design skills, and apply these methods and skills to the study of ecosystems.
Students also learn and use descriptive statistical tools in the collection, processing and
presentation of data. Students are expected to develop and independently apply laboratory
skills and report writing. Fieldwork and off-site field trips are scheduled as appropriate.

KEY COURSE AIMS:

1. Promote understanding of environmental processes at a variety of scales, from local to

global.
2. Provide a body of knowledge, methodologies and skills that can be used in the analysis of
environmental issues at local and global levels.
3. Enable students to apply the knowledge, methodologies and skills gained.
4. Promote critical awareness of a diversity of cultural perspectives.
5. Recognize the extent to which technology plays a role in both causing and solving
environmental problems.
6. Appreciate the value of local as well as international collaboration in resolving
environmental problems.
7. Appreciate that environmental issues may be controversial, and may provoke a variety or
responses.
8. Appreciate that human society is both directly and indirectly linked to the environment at a
number of levels and at a variety of scales.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dylan Norvell
Email: dylannorvell@trinityes.org

Class meets in S-5. Tutorial help should be requested in advance.

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IB ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of information, terminology, concepts, methodologies and

skills with regard to environmental issues.
2. Apply and use information, terminology, concepts, methodologies and skills with regard to
environmental issues.
3. Synthesize, analyze and evaluate research questions, hypotheses, methods and scientific
explanations with regard to environmental issues.
4. Using a holistic approach, make reasoned and balanced judgments using appropriate
economic, historical, cultural, socio-political and scientific sources.
5. Articulate and justify a personal viewpoint on environmental issues with reasoned
argument while appreciating alternative viewpoints, including the perceptions of different
cultures.
6. Demonstrate the personal skills of cooperation and responsibility appropriate for effective
investigation and problem solving.
7. Select and demonstrate the appropriate practical and research skills necessary to carry out
investigations with due regard to precision.

IB ASSESSMENT

IB Assessment IB Assessment % of IB Form of Practice (may vary)

Objectives Component Score Assessment
1-3 Paper 1 30 SA and DBQ quizzes and tests using
command terms and IB-style
questions, graded practice
DBQs
1-5 Paper 2 50 Case Study, creation of a portfolio of case
2 Structured Essays studies, IB-style questions
(choice of 4)
1-7 Internal 20 Practical Work frequent, simple
Assessment investigations followed by
(IA) lengthier ones that assess
multiple criteria (pp 319-320)

ALL specific content and skills to learn are identified in the course
textbook as assessment statements.

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TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS:

Required-
Environmental Systems and Societies, Andrew Davis & Garrett Nagle, Pearson
Baccalaureate, 2010
Scientific Calculator
Rite-in-the-rain field journal (provided)
Recommended-
Three ring binder and notebook paper
Colored Pencils

TRINITY GRADE DETERMINATION:

1. Each student’s quarter grade will be based on homework, labs, tests, and quizzes. Tests will
be 35%, Labs 25%, Quizzes 20%, and Homework 20%.
2. Students will have an alternative assessment in place of the traditional Fall Semester Exam.
This alternative assessment will be a component of the IB Internal Assessment. All students
are expected to take the external IB Environmental Systems and Societies TSL exam in place
of a Spring Semester final exam (Friday and Monday, May 5th and 8th). Students take the
external IB exam as either a diploma candidate or a course candidate.
3. Students meet for all period 4 classes. On Day 5, students have periods 5 and 4
consecutively. During this time, students will be participating in the lab portion of the
coursework
4. Each student generates a portfolio of laboratory work that serves as a part of the lab grade
for the laboratory portion of the course. Laboratory reports will be evaluated using the IB
Internal Assessment Criteria. This Internal Assessment score makes up 20% of the score for
the Final IB exam taken in May. The remaining 80% of the score is derived from the two-
part IB examination taken in May.

POLICIES AND PRACTICES:

Expectations for Students-

1. The aim of the IB curriculum is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing
their common humanity and shared guardianship of the plant, help to create a better and
more peaceful world. Students are expected to share this aim and to strive to develop the
attributes given in the IB Learner Profile.
2. Students are expected to fully understand and uphold Trinity’s Honor Code and the pledge
should be written in full on all student work.
3. Students are expected to read, sign and adhere to the Trinity Episcopal School Safety
Contract.
4. Students are expected to follow the Trinity Code of Conduct and the Personal Electronic
Device Policy found in the Student Handbook. Cell phones and other PEDs will be collected
prior to tests and quizzes and students may not use PEDs as substitutes for the required
scientific calculator on tests, quizzes, or exams. Students may use personal computers for
class related tasks. Permission must be granted for any other use of PEDs.
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Homework and Make-up Policy-
It is the student’s responsibility to follow-up on all missed classroom and lab work,
homework, tests and quizzes. Absences for part of a day do not excuse a student from
turning in work on time or taking a quiz or test on that date. If absent from school for an
entire day students are allowed one day to make up any homework given but are expected
to take a quiz or test or turn in previously assigned work the very next day. Tests and
quizzes must be made up within one week of a student’s return to school for an absence
longer than one day.
If school is cancelled due to weather or other related events, it is the student’s
responsibility to check Mr. Norvell’s teacher web page.

Special Accommodations-
1. Students are responsible for requesting accommodations as needed.
2. Students receiving extra time on tests or quizzes must make arrangements to complete
them on the same day given or other arrangements must be made in advance.
3. Any student seeking accommodations on the final IB Environmental Systems and Societies
exam must notify Ms. Truman as soon as possible.

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