Honors Env Science Syllabus


Covenant Day School
Honors Environmental Science
Syllabus:  2012-2013
Miss O’Quinn – Room 204



Welcome to Honors ES!  Everything we do, from drinking a cup of coffee to driving our cars, has an environmental impact.  This course will take an in-depth look at how you as a citizen of planet earth have rights and responsibilities to the world resources.  It is my hope that you leave this class a changed person.  We will use scientific principles to understand the interrelations of the natural world and the impact of humans on natural systems. We will evaluate the risks and economic realities associated with environmental problems while working towards analysis of potential solutions.
                 

Course Philosophy:
Environmental science (ES) is an interdisciplinary field, encompassing both natural and social sciences.  Specifically, ES is the study of how humans affect and interact with the living and nonliving environment.  Major themes throughout the year will be God’s omnipotence and creativity as Creator and Sustainer of Life, as well as man’s responsibility to be stewards of God’s creation.  The topics covered in the first semester include population dynamics, energy flow, nutrient cycles, major ecosystems, and natural resource use and sustainability.  In the second semester, the course focuses on major environmental issues such as water resources and management, water and air pollution, fossil fuel use and global warming, biodiversity, and habitat destruction.  The course is designed in order that the student will develop a better understanding of the ecological principles that govern our planet, and be able to make informed decisions concerning its resources. 


Class Verse:

“He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him.  He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”                                                                                                   Colossians 1:15-17



Major content areas:
ü  Matter and energy
ü  Ecology (ecosystems and food webs)
ü  Climate, weather, biomes
ü  Geology (non-renewable resources)
ü  Creationism, evolution, and biodiversity
ü  Population dynamics
ü  The human population
ü  Sustainable cities
ü  Agriculture and food production
ü  Energy resources (renewable and non-renewable)
ü  Air and water pollution
ü  Solid and hazardous wastes
ü  Climate change and ozone loss
ü  Environmental societal issues


 

Grading:

Your grade will be broken down as follows:

                Tests and projects: 45%                                     
                Quizzes, current events, and labs: 35%
                Homework and classwork: 20%       
                                **Note – Weightier homework assignments may be counted as quizzes from time to time.


Tests, Current Event Articles, Labs, and Special Projects
Tests:  Two to three tests will be given each quarter.  A cumulative exam will also be given at the end of each semester.
Current Events: You will be compiling a Current Events Scrapbook throughout the year.  Your scrapbook will be collected and graded approximately twice per quarter.  Your articles must be either newspaper articles or magazine articles, and they must be HARDCOPIES.  No Internet articles!  We will be using the CE’s from time to time for class discussions.  (More information to follow – this will be on the SERVER)
Labs:  Typically you will be in groups of three to four for each lab, depending on available materials and work load.  Selected labs will require a formal lab write-up to be turned in. (Lab write-up guidelines to follow – this will also be on the SERVER)
Special Projects: One special project will be assigned each quarter.  You will be given several weeks notice on special projects. 
Notebooks:  You will be required to keep a notebook (1 inch 3-RING binder) in environmental science this year.  I will collect and check notebooks once per quarter.  (More information to follow)


Expectations:
ü  Be on time, ready for class.  Come prepared with binder, book, and laptop. 
o    Participation expected in all aspects of class – discussion, lecture, lab
o    ****Class begins when the bell rings.  Be in your seat and ready to get started at that time. 
o    ****Class ends when I dismiss you; do not jump up when the bells rings!
ü  No food or drink (water is ok)
ü  Disruptions will not be tolerated
ü  Be respectful of other people and their opinions

Policies:
ü  Do NOT turn on your laptop until I have given you permission to do so.
ü  Absences: It is YOUR responsibility to find out about and turn in any assignments missed due to absences.  You have two school days for each one missed to turn in any missed work.  Be sure to request handouts that may have been issued the day(s) you were absent, and ask a classmate for any notes taken.
ü  Daily Homework assignments are due at the beginning of class.  Late work will receive a 10 point deduction per day.  After 3 days, late work will receive and F.
ü  Lab write-ups/Long-term assignments/Projects may be accepted after the due date with a 10 point penalty for each school day it is late.  (Up to 5 days)
ü  If you have difficulties with any particular topic being covered, please let me know so that we can schedule a time to go back over the material.
ü  When working in groups it is imperative that all group members are actively involved in completing the assignment.  On activities that last longer than a single class period, it is important that each member comes prepared with necessary material needed for that day.

Supplies
ü  1 inch binder
ü  3 dividers.  (Handouts; Test/Quizzes; Current Events)
ü  College-ruled notebook paper

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