AP Env Syllabus 2014 MDavis.docmscookes.weebly.com › uploads › 4 › 8 › 0 › 6 › 48069381...

Lithia Springs High School Teacher: Ms. Cooke

School Phone: 770-651-6700 Date: August 19, 2015

Email: [email protected] www.mscookes.weebly.com

Course: AP Environmental Science (Rm S206)

Course Syllabus

Honors/AP Statement Honors & AP experiences often involve some risk-taking on the part of both students and teachers because the experiences are at the collegiate level and are much more demanding than the standard classroom experience. In addition, they are fast-paced since one year of course work must be completed on the A/B block schedule. Students may have to devote additional time and effort to Honors/AP work and, in turn, they will have greater opportunities for learning. Regardless of Honors/AP performance, taking this level class is by far the best preparation for college. Note: students are Expected to take the AP Exam in order to earn “AP” designation on their transcript. Course Profile The AP® Environmental Science course is a full-year course designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. Unlike most other introductory-level college science courses, environmental science is offered from a wide variety of departments, including geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. The AP Environmental Science course has been developed to be like a rigorous science course that stresses scientific principles and analysis and includes a laboratory component; as such, it is intended to enable students to undertake, as first-year college students, a more advanced study of topics in environmental science or, alternatively, to fulfill a basic requirement for a laboratory science and thus free time for taking other courses. [SC11] In both breadth and level of detail, the content of the course reflects what is found in many introductory college courses in environmental science. The goal of the course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them, and to develop and focus their own political perspective. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science. The following themes provide a foundation for the structure of the AP Environmental Science course:

• Science is a process. • Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes. • The Earth itself is one interconnected system. • Humans alter natural systems. • Environmental problems have a cultural and social context. • Human survival depends

At Lithia Springs High School classes are 90 minutes long and meet 3 times per on A week and 2 times on B week. The class consists of lecture, discussion, group work, independent work, laboratory activities and field studies. Students will spend an average of one complete class period a week in the collection of field or laboratory data, but on some occasions students will spend more than two periods per week working on labs. [SC17] The school is surrounded by a wooded plot of land. This area contains many mature deciduous trees and conifers which students will be required to identify and study. The area around the school also contains a creek and nature trail which will also be utilized for several topics we will be investigating throughout the year, including water quality testing.

Textbooks Miller, G. Tyler. Living in the Environment: Principles, Connections, and Solutions. 15th edition. Belmont, Calif.: Brooks/Cole, 2007.





Course Syllabus

In addition to the textbook, we will draw information from supplemental environmental science textbooks, lab manuals, periodicals, readings/case studies, and the Internet. Suggested Books for the Student

● Kaplan AP Environmental Science 2008 Edition.

● Barron’s AP Environmental Science, 2nd edition

● The Princeton Review, Cracking the AP Environmental Science Exam, 2008 edition

● Hong and Lionberger’s Fast Track to a 5 – Preparing for the AP* Environmental Science Examination, 2012, (to accompany Miller and Spoolman’s Living in the Environment, 16th and 17th editions).

Expectation for Students:

To be successful in honors biology, students should be self-motivated, inquisitive, and conscientious learners. In addition, students

should always be on time for class, prepared for instruction, complete assignments by required due dates, be courteous of others, ask

questions to clarify learning, remain on task, adhere to all safety requirements, and obtain and complete makeup work when absent.

Essential Policy Information:

Tardy Policy: We follow the LSHS Tardy Policy. 1st -Offense-Detention

Discipline Protocol:

1. Department Detention and Parental Contact

2. Department Detention, Behavioral Analysis Assignment and Parental Contact

3. Department Detention, Behavioral Analysis Assignment and Parental Conference

4. Administrative Referral

LSHS DETENTION:

In an effort to create a learning-focused classroom environment, the LSHS has devised a system for addressing inappropriate and/or

disruptive classroom behaviors. Detention is held Monday - Thursdays from 3:55 – 4:55 in room A209

Transfer of Students’ Averages and Report Card Nine week Averages: The teacher will assign each grade in the grade book with

the students’ transfer average.

Policy for Make-up Work (Excused Absences): Students will be given 1 day for each day absent to complete and turn in make-up

work. Students shall be expected to contact his or her teachers to obtain make up assignments. Students shall receive a zero for any

assignment or test not made up in the allotted time. Within this framework, the maximum time allowed shall be determined at the

discretion of the teacher and building level administrator according to individual circumstances.

Extra Credit: PARENTS AND STUDENTS: EXTRA CREDIT WILL NOT BE OFFERED!!!! PLEASE DO

NOT ASK!!!!

Appeals: A student/parent has 5 business days from the date report cards are issued to appeal the final grade. The building principal’s

ruling is final.





Course Syllabus

LSHS House Rules:

Always be on time and prepared to learn. Passes will not be issued during the first 10 minutes of class or the last 10 minutes of class.

Hats, hoods, headbands, and/or head garments of any kind are not to be worn in the school building. Electronic devices, including

phones, iPods, ear buds, etc., are not permitted during the school day. All electronic devices must remain turned off and out of sight or

they may be confiscated. Confiscated items will only be returned to legal parent/guardian. Please stay in your class and in your seat

until the bell rings. Please assist in keeping our high school clean by picking up around your area and throwing your trash away. This

is particularly vital in the cafeteria area.

Classroom Procedures: Occurs every day, you should always be on Task!!!

Entering the classroom:

1. Enter the classroom quickly and quietly and go to your assigned seats

2. Be in your seat when the bell rings.

3. Begin working on the Bell ringer/Warm up activity

4. When you are finished with the “Activator/Warm-Up” write your homework down.

Dismissal of class Procedure:

1. Check your surroundings. Discard unwanted materials as you exit room.

2. Gather your belongings.

3. Wait for teacher dismissal. The bell does not dismiss you, Teachers do.

4. When dismissed push your chair under the table.

Hall / Bathroom Procedure:

1. No passes allowed the first 10min or last 10min of class.

2. Make sure the pass is hanging up before you signal to use the restroom

3. Hold up your pinky finger until you have been acknowledged

4. Retrieve the hall / bathroom pass

While you are working Procedure:

1. Stay in your seat unless you are given permission to be up

2. Only authorized movement allowed around the class

3. Do not disturb others or the learning process

4. Listen closely to all directions

5. Follow school and classroom rules at all times.

If you need help Procedure:

1. Re-read the directions

2. Ask a classmate – during work time, not instruction time

3. Raise your hand and wait for the teacher to come to your seat

4. Do not get out of your seat to get teachers attention

5. Ask Teacher, but make sure you have a specific question. Do not ask “What are we doing?”

Attention Procedure:

1. When I need your undivided attention I will hold up my hand and count down from five

2. When you see my hand, or hear the bell the procedure is a follows:

A. Freeze





Course Syllabus

B. Turn and face Teacher, pay attention

C. Be ready for instruction and questions related to assignment

Classroom Rules: Occurs every day and result in consequences if broken

Classroom Rules:

1. Do not talk while the teacher is talking or giving instructions

2. Be in your seat during instruction

3. No food or electronic devices inside the classroom. NOTE: Teachers will inform you when to use your electronic

devices

4. Follow instructions first time given

Technology Rules:

1. Students take full responsibility for their electronic devices. The school is not responsible for the security of the electronic

devices.

2. Devices must be in silent mode while on school campus

3. Devices may not be used to cheat on assignments or tests, or for non-instructional purposes (such as making personal phone

calls and text/instant messaging).

4. Devices may not be used to record, transmit or post photographic images or video of a person, or persons on campus during

school activities and/or hours.

5. Students will be allowed to access only files or Internet sites on the device which are relevant to the classroom curriculum.

Games are not permitted.

Classroom Expectations:

1. Be seated and prepared to work upon the ringing of the tardy bell

2. Do not talk while the teacher or other students are talking

3. Stay in your assigned seat

4. Do not talk loud or use outside voices in the classroom

5. Complete all assignments

6. Stay on task

7. Follow rules at all times

8. Be Respectful

Anticipated Teaching methods:

Instruction will include several different modalities including the following: lecture, laboratory inquiries, group discussions, computer

investigations and cooperative learning. Students will be required to takes notes and maintain an organized notebook.

Assessment/Evaluation:

All grades taken on assignments, tests, and/or projects shall be recorded in the Student Information System (electronic grade book).

Douglas County Grading Scale (100-90 A; 89-80 B; 71-79 C; 70 D; below 70 F)

Summative Grades: Will comprise of 50% of the 36 week average. These categories or grades could include, but not be limited to

examinations/tests, projects, labs, term papers, compositions, benchmarks, common district assessments, quizzes, midterms, and other

similar assignments.

Formative Grades: Will comprise of 30% of the 36 week average. These categories or grades could include, but not be limited to

class work, notebooks, labs, quizzes, homework, and other similar assignments.

EOCT/Final Exam: End of course tests or SLO courses will count 20% of the 36 week average. Non EOCT/SLO courses can use a

culminating project or final which also count 20%.





Course Syllabus

Incomplete Grades: Incompletes are awarded to students who did not complete their End of Course Test upon finishing the course,

did not complete their final exam, and/or have major grades missing due to an unexpected absence or illness. For EOCTs,

incompletes will be converted to a numeric grade once the EOCT is completed by the student or the student is given numerous

opportunities to take the test and a zero is awarded for the EOCT score. For missing exams or major grades, students have ten days to

complete the missing items.

Students will be expected to access the internet to complete some assignments. If the student does not have internet access at home,

computer access is available at the local public library. You can use computers at the public library at no charge. (There is a fee for

printing at the public library.) Lack of internet access will not be accepted as an excuse for late or incomplete assignments.

Late Work - Late work must be turned in within 3 days. Approximately a letter grade a day will be deducted for late work. After

five days, the assignment will be accepted with a grade of “F”. If the assignment is not turned in, a zero will be given. On long term

assignments (such as terms papers), the assignment will not be accepted.

Any assignments containing any Plagiarized work will receive 0 points (including any work copied, etc., from another student of

source.) That means that the entire assignment (i.e. test, lab reports, homework, research paper, portfolio, projects) will receive a 0.

Both the giver and receiver of copied work will receive the zero. Failure to adhere to the safe laboratory practices will result in earning

0 points for the lab and the loss of laboratory privileges. Proper class behavior is expected even when a substitute is in the room.

Students should keep all graded material throughout the semester. Remember it is your responsibility to obtain any missed

assignments or notes and return per handbook guidelines! Tests are announced in advance, so each student can prepare. Help

will be available for students as requested. Tutoring will be available after school on Tuesday 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Study every day to

avoid last minute cramming! Make-up test will be given by appointment after school only.

Tutoring: School-wide tutoring is as follows: 7 AM-8 AM or 4 PM-5:30 PM, Monday – English/Language Arts, Tuesday – Science,

Wednesday – Social Studies, Thursday – Math.

Materials Needed:

70 page college rule Spiral notebook

1.5 inch 3 Ring Binder

College Rule Paper

Page Dividers

Blue/Black Ink Pens Only

1 ream of copy paper.

A calendar or small notebook to write down homework assignments and projects.





Course Syllabus

CLASSROOM RULES/EXPECTATIONS/PROCEDURE CLASS PERIOD_________

1. Do not talk while the teacher is talking or giving instructions

2. Be in your seat during instruction

3. No food or electronic devices inside the classroom. NOTE: Teachers will inform you when to use your electronic devices

4. Follow instructions first time given

5. Students will not interfere with the learning process

6. Students will not damage or destroy materials.

7. Students are not to complete any other subject work in class.

8. Students will have no physical contact with other students.

9. Students need to be in their assigned seats, and ready to work. Homework is expected to be out when the bell rings.

10. Any electronic devices such as a cell phone, IPod or MP3 player that are out without permission will result in disciplinary

action. 11. Students are expected to do as they are told, the first time.

12. Students must talk with respect to others, including using an appropriate tone of voice and body language.

13. Students must take care of all personal needs during class changes.

14. Students must not talk while others are talking.

15. Students will not cheat. Cheating on any graded work is defined as giving or receiving information. Cheating results in a zero

for that test or graded work.

16. Plagiarism will result in a zero and is defined as using somebody else's work, even partially.

17. Students will receive a zero on a lab for not following proper procedures, dressing appropriately, or playing in the lab. Labs

that are not 100% complete will be returned to the student.

The result of a student choosing to behave inappropriately, the following protocol will be followed

1. Department Detention and Parental Contact

2. Department Detention, Behavioral Analysis Assignment and Parental Contact

3. Department Detention, Behavioral Analysis Assignment and Parental Conference

4. Administrative Referral

We, the student and caregiver(s), have read and understand the syllabus and classroom rules and agree to abide by all procedures and

policies outlined in this syllabus.

________________________________ ______________________________

Student name (print) Parent name (print)

_______________________________ ______________________________

Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature





Course Syllabus

CONTACT DATA:

Parent/Guardian First Name: ___________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Last Name: ____________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________

Apartment Number: ________

City: _________________________

Zip Code: ________________

Home Phone: ____________________________

Work Phone: _____________________________

Cell Phone: ______________________________

Parent Email address: (print clearly) _________________________________

Student Email address (print clearly)_________________________________

Dear Parents.

Lithia Springs High School will be engaging in a professional learning opportunity with teachers during the 2015-2016 school year

that will include videoing in their classroom in an effort to increase research-based teaching practices. Each video will be used for

professional learning and only viewed by certified school personnel. By signing below you understand that during videoing, your child

may be included in the video and also understand that the video will not be published.

Please sign and return entire page.

I, ______________________________________________ (print student name) agree to the standards and rules set forth by the syllabus for this course and comply with the video statement above. I, ______________________________________________ (print parent/guardian name) agree to the standards and rules set forth by the syllabus for this course and comply with the video statement above. _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _______________________ Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature Date:

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