Environmental Science
Eric Conn
econn@queenanne.org
Science & Technology Bldg, Physics Rm
2010-11

Objectives:

• To introduce students to the fundamental cycles and processes of the earth’s atmosphere and oceans
• To study how the Earth’s ecosystems adapt to changes in human practices
• For students to learn how to write policy memos, articulate scientific findings, and discuss pressing issues through an informed framework

 

Supplies:

• Textbook- none-  in its place will be daily articles and class notes
• Notebook (binder with a notes, homework, and project/paper/test section). *This is essential as students will be building their own body of work and textbook.
• Loose-leaf notebook paper for note taking

 

Homework:

• Homework will consists of reading articles, drafting responses, and projects

Typically:

• Several Articles will be handed out over a given week, during which a one page response will be written and turned in
• Every 2-3 weeks a 3-5 page paper will be written, using several articles for source material

*Notes on Homework:

• Remember that No Late Homework Is Accepted in accordance with the science department policy
• All article responses should be typed along with major papers and projects

 

Tests:

• Tests in the class will be given at the end of each major topic. There will be at least one review day prior to every test. Also, please remember that the Honor Code is taken very seriously and it must be written and/or signed at the end of each test. A test will not be graded until this pledge is signed

 

Grading:

• Tests/Projects account for 35% of the quarter grade
• Major papers account for 35% of the quarter grade
• Howework and particpation accounts for 30% of the quarter grade
• Semester grades are based upon two quarter grades (40% each) and a midterm/final grade (20% each)
• *When computing grades at the end of each semester, points may be added to the grade of any student who has demonstrated consistent effort and participation throughout the course. However, points may also be deducted from any student whose behavior/attitude detracts from the education of themselves or others
• Grade Chart:

 

 

 

Extra Help:

• I will always be available to meet with any student who feels they need help. My free periods are 5th and 7th If I’m not able to meet on short notice, we will find a time that works. Please don’t hesitate to ask for help, I expect each student in my class to seek outside help (either from me or from another teacher/parent) at some point during the year. Stop by or send me an email, but do not let your confusions go unresolved. Physics builds on itself; and grasping a topic will be difficult if you are uncertain about the one just before it

 

Absences & Late Policies:

• If you are absent the day that homework is either assigned or corrected, you may still receive full credit if the assignment is turned in no more than one day late. Students are responsible for learning any material from the days that they were absent (again I will be available to help), but please do not ask during regular class time, as this will slow down your classmates
• If you miss the day before a test, please make arrangements to take the test one day later
• If you are absent the day of a test/quiz, you must make arrangements to take the test/quiz as soon as you are able (so that you can complete the assignment while the information is still fresh)
• For each day you are absent you are allowed that number of days to make up missed work. For example, if you miss three days of school, you are allowed three days to make up your work (but only three days)
• Please always try to be on time. If you are late to a class, you will receive a tardy. Three or more tardies will result in a detention and/or a grade-based penalty

 

Class Participation:

• The primary source of information (for homework, quizzes, and tests*) will be notes taken in class
• Please remember to write down everything that is written on the board, all material for test questions and homework will be based entirely on what is said and written in class
• 2-3 days out of the week will be instructor-framed discussion days, where students will engage each other (usually in small discussion groups) about recent articles and issues. A student’s participation grade will be primarily based on quality participation during these classes.

 

Extras:

• Feel free to bring water bottles to class
• However, remember (in accordance with the maintenance crew) that no food or other liquid is allowed in the classroom
• This includes Gum, Candy, Cough Drops, etc
• Please remember that cell phones are not allowed on campus; and, if I see one in the classroom, it will be confiscated

 

Cyber Days:

All Cyber Day work is required; and, per school policy, no late cyber day work will be accepted. Cyber Day work will be graded as the percentage of days they occupied per quarter