Garces Memorial High School

Syllabus: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (ES)

Instructor: Mr. Jerry Kelly

Email: jkelly@garces.org

Introduction

Welcome to ES, a one-year, introductory course in environmental science. The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to:

(1) Understand the interrelationships/interdependencies of the natural world.

(2) Consider differing perspectives and worldviews.

(3) Identify and analyze environmental problems.

(4) Examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.

(5) Consider your personal role as a steward of the planet.

The environmental science curriculum embraces a wide variety of topics from different natural and social science fields. Disciplines represented include geology, chemistry, physics, biology, ecology, geography, anthropology, political science, and economics. Nevertheless, there are several major unifying constructs or themes that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science. For example:

(1) Science is a process.

(2) Energy and matter conservation underlie all ecological processes.

(3) The Earth itself is one interconnected system.

(4) Humans are a part of, and therefore, alter natural systems.

(5) Environmental problems have a cultural, social, and economic context.

(6) Human survival depends upon developing practices leading to sustainability.

Skills Development

(1) Problem solving

(2) Ability to critically analyze, integrate, evaluate, and apply information

(3) Competency with and application of the scientific method

(4) Laboratory skills including the use of scientific technology to collect data

(5) Computer skills to collect, manage, manipulate and present data

(6) Oral presentations

(6) Environmental literacy and awareness

(7) Conceptualization of how YOU affect and are affected by the environment

Course Content:

I. HUMANS AND SUSTAINABILITY: AN OVERVIEW

a. Environmental Problems, Their Causes, and Sustainability

II. SCIENCE AND ECOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES

a. Science, Matter, Energy, and Ecosystems: Connections in Nature

b. Evolution and Biodiversity

c. Community Ecology, Population Ecology, and Sustainability

d. Applying Population Ecology: The Human Population

III. SUSTAINING BIODIVERSITY

a. The Ecosystem Approach

b. The Species Approach

IV. SUSTAINING KEY RESOURCES

a. Food, Soil, and Pest Management

b. Water Resources and Water Pollution

c. Energy

V. SUSTAINING ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

a. Risk, Toxicology, and Human Health

b. Climate Change, Ozone Depletion, and Air Pollution

c. Solid and Hazardous Waste

VI. SUSTAINING HYMAN SOCIETIES

a. Economics, Politics, Worldviews, and the Environment

Course Information

Prerequisites

It is required that students participating in this class must have already completed two years of high school laboratory science—one year of life science and one year of physical science (for example, a year of biology and a year of chemistry).

Required Materials

· Sustaining the Earth, G. Tyler Miller. Thompson Advantage Books, 8th Edition (2007)

· Laboratory Investigations AP Environmental Science, William Molnar, Peoples Education, Inc., 2005.

· Environment Annual Editions, John L. Allen ed., McGraw Hill, Contemporary Learning Series, current annual edition

· Scientific calculator

· Easy access to a computer/printer/internet

Policy

Homework and Makeup Work

1. Homework is due at the bell signaling the beginning of class. Late homework will be graded at a reduced percentage of the original value. All assignments (on-time or late) must be submitted to the designated in-box located in the classroom.

2. If a student is absent from class for any reason, the student is responsible for obtaining class notes, getting homework assignments and learning information missed. This should be done prior to the next class meeting. In addition, you will be expected to take any quiz or test scheduled for the day you return to class.

3. Make-up work will be done during collaboration.

4. If a student is present at school on the day of a test/quiz but is absent from class, the student’s make-up grade will be lowered by ten percent. This does not apply to students who have made prior arrangements.

5. Students who are absent from class due to extracurricular activities (including family trips, doctor appointments, etc.) will be expected to turn in all assignments on time and take all tests/quizzes as scheduled. Students should meet with the teacher prior to the absence to get assignments and make arrangements for make-up work. Full credit will not be given if the student fails to meet with the teacher or does not complete homework/tests/quizzes/labs/projects at the mutually agreed upon time.

6. Students who are absent from class (for any reason) the day their PowerPoint project is due will be docked ten percent for each late class day unless they have previously turned in the hard and soft copies of their project materials. Do not procrastinate on your special project.

7. If you know you will be absent for a test or quiz (e.g. scheduled extracurricular activities and family commitments), you must make arrangements to take the test or quiz prior to your known absence.

Academic Integrity

See Student Handbook pages 68-72. Any student possessing or using a Teacher’s Edition textbook or workbook will be considered in violation of academic honesty policy.

Collaboration and Evaluation

Scheduled collaboration sessions will be used for educational support purposes. If you are absent from a test, quiz, or lab, you must do the makeup at the next collaboration period. Lab setups will be available for makeup for only one week after the class lab. It is your responsibility to make timely arrangements for special circumstances. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in a zero grade.

The standard Garces grading scale will be used. Homework is 15% of the semester grade; Lab work is 15%; Tests are 20%; PPT Project is 10%; Quizzes are 15%; Preparation is 5%; and the final exam is 20%.