COURSE DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS
The purpose of this class is to investigate, by using the physical, chemical and earth sciences, how the world works. We learn how the environment generates and recycles natural resources, and then explore how this generative capacity is being affected by human activities. By understanding these interactions, we can help to make the future of our planet a sustainable one.
This is a survey course: the amount of information to be covered is enormous, and you are required to read the textbook thoroughly. Because this is only a one-hour class, we cover most topics broadly, instead of in depth, as in the two-hour science classes. You will do most of the reading and research required outside of class hours.
CLASS REQUIREMENTS Two research papers on environmental topics - choose from two (2) of the following eight (8) topic areas:
Marine Ecology
Climate Change/Atmospheric Studies
Biodiversity
Alternative Fuels and Energy
Health, Population and Agriculture
Clean Air
Clean Water
Waste Management/Recycling
Three (3) book reports from the list of recommended books. The first book report will be on Silent Spring
by Rachel Carson and is due at the beginning of the school year (summer reading assignment).
Posterboard projects
Open-ended experiments and formal lab reports
In-class discussions, debates, and projects
End-of-year project
Chapters are to be outlined and the outline brought to class for use on the multiple choice chapter tests.
The first set of outlines will be graded; the rest of the outlines may be handed in for extra credit at the
end of each semester. Blank outline forms are located here. More information on chapter outlines is below.
Field Trips: October (Eno River), April (beach - overnight)
MATERIALS NEEDED The following materials are required every day:
paper
pencils
pens
lab composition notebook
calculator
3-ring binder dedicated to APES class only
(also recommended: packet of posterboard)
GRADING PROCEDURE Grading is done via total points method .
(percentages are approximate)
Papers 20%
Labs and Projects 40%
Classwork and Homework 20%
Tests and Exams 20%
Semester Exam 20%
THE INTERNET & E-MAIL You will be required to have your laptop with you every day. Papers, presentations and reports should be saved in your Google Drive and will be submitted to me via a combination of hard copy, Google Docs, and in email as a pdf attachment.
The internet can be a powerful tool for enhancing the learning process. I encourage you to use it for research on environmental science topics as well as for communication with myself and your peers.
E-mail Address:
[email protected]
Web Page:
http://rissbergersrealm.weebly.com
CLASS PREPARATION Be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings (that means be on time!). Pencils should be sharpened and materials ready before we begin. Lots of time can be wasted if students are not prepared! Make sure you have your notebook, paper, pens & pencils, lab notebooks, calculators, homework assignments, etc..
LATE WORK This is a college-course, so late work is accepted only on a limited basis. A late assignment receives only 50% credit on the day after the assignment is due. Late work will only be accepted for three days after the due date. Work that is late due to an excused absence will of course be given an equal amount of extra time to complete.
TESTING Tests throughout the semester will be multiple choice and short answer. Vocabulary quizzes will be given along with the multiple choice tests. Nine-weeks tests and semester exams may consist of multiple choice and full essays. Tests must be completed and handed in within the allotted class period. If a student has an IEP or 504 Plan that allows for extra time on tests, then the extra time will be granted as long as it is arranged for ahead of time . A student who misses a test due to an excused absence must schedule a time with me to take a makeup; the makeup must be completed within 5 days of the student’s return.
Chapter outlines will be allowed on the tests (with the exception of the 9-weeks tests and semester exams). Chapter outlines must be hand-written; typed outlines or photocopied outlines will not be allowed.
LAB NOTEBOOKS You will need a bound quad-ruled composition book to serve as your lab notebook. Please have this for the third day of class.
Please be prepared before a lab; when possible, read the lab over the night before we conduct it. Any student who misses a lab due to an excused absence must schedule a time with me to take a makeup; the makeup must be completed within 5 days of the student’s return.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES Cell phones and mp3 players are disruptive and reduce time on task. They must be turned off and put away while in this class. Students found talking on phones, text messaging, or listening to music will have their devices confiscated.
SAFETY Do not handle the materials in the classroom without permission from the teacher. There are chemicals and equipment in the classroom that require respect when handling them, and of course we don’t want any accidents. Please adhere to the safety rules which were handed out to you.
BATHROOM POLICY Bathroom privileges will be given according to whatever the current CHHS hall pass policies are. Do not ask to go to the restroom during lecture and note taking. Do not ask to go to the restroom when the bell rings at the start of class – please take care of your needs during the class changes.
SAFE ZONE POLICY Our classroom is a “Safe Zone.” Students shall refrain from making discriminatory statements or actions toward other students; our classroom must be safe, welcoming and accepting of all people, regardless of race, culture, beliefs, ethnicity and sexual orientation.
FIRE DRILLS During a fire drill, students will proceed out the classroom door to the right, out the west end of the “A” building, and to the field in front of the school. You will meet me out there where I will take attendance. Anyone not reporting to the designated location will be considered to be skipping. Make sure to bring some work with you.
This is a survey course: the amount of information to be covered is enormous, and you are required to read the textbook thoroughly. Because this is only a one-hour class, we cover most topics broadly, instead of in depth, as in the two-hour science classes. You will do most of the reading and research required outside of class hours.
CLASS REQUIREMENTS Two research papers on environmental topics - choose from two (2) of the following eight (8) topic areas:
Marine Ecology
Climate Change/Atmospheric Studies
Biodiversity
Alternative Fuels and Energy
Health, Population and Agriculture
Clean Air
Clean Water
Waste Management/Recycling
Three (3) book reports from the list of recommended books. The first book report will be on Silent Spring
by Rachel Carson and is due at the beginning of the school year (summer reading assignment).
Posterboard projects
Open-ended experiments and formal lab reports
In-class discussions, debates, and projects
End-of-year project
Chapters are to be outlined and the outline brought to class for use on the multiple choice chapter tests.
The first set of outlines will be graded; the rest of the outlines may be handed in for extra credit at the
end of each semester. Blank outline forms are located here. More information on chapter outlines is below.
Field Trips: October (Eno River), April (beach - overnight)
MATERIALS NEEDED The following materials are required every day:
paper
pencils
pens
lab composition notebook
calculator
3-ring binder dedicated to APES class only
(also recommended: packet of posterboard)
GRADING PROCEDURE Grading is done via total points method .
(percentages are approximate)
Papers 20%
Labs and Projects 40%
Classwork and Homework 20%
Tests and Exams 20%
Semester Exam 20%
THE INTERNET & E-MAIL You will be required to have your laptop with you every day. Papers, presentations and reports should be saved in your Google Drive and will be submitted to me via a combination of hard copy, Google Docs, and in email as a pdf attachment.
The internet can be a powerful tool for enhancing the learning process. I encourage you to use it for research on environmental science topics as well as for communication with myself and your peers.
E-mail Address:
[email protected]
Web Page:
http://rissbergersrealm.weebly.com
CLASS PREPARATION Be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings (that means be on time!). Pencils should be sharpened and materials ready before we begin. Lots of time can be wasted if students are not prepared! Make sure you have your notebook, paper, pens & pencils, lab notebooks, calculators, homework assignments, etc..
LATE WORK This is a college-course, so late work is accepted only on a limited basis. A late assignment receives only 50% credit on the day after the assignment is due. Late work will only be accepted for three days after the due date. Work that is late due to an excused absence will of course be given an equal amount of extra time to complete.
TESTING Tests throughout the semester will be multiple choice and short answer. Vocabulary quizzes will be given along with the multiple choice tests. Nine-weeks tests and semester exams may consist of multiple choice and full essays. Tests must be completed and handed in within the allotted class period. If a student has an IEP or 504 Plan that allows for extra time on tests, then the extra time will be granted as long as it is arranged for ahead of time . A student who misses a test due to an excused absence must schedule a time with me to take a makeup; the makeup must be completed within 5 days of the student’s return.
Chapter outlines will be allowed on the tests (with the exception of the 9-weeks tests and semester exams). Chapter outlines must be hand-written; typed outlines or photocopied outlines will not be allowed.
LAB NOTEBOOKS You will need a bound quad-ruled composition book to serve as your lab notebook. Please have this for the third day of class.
Please be prepared before a lab; when possible, read the lab over the night before we conduct it. Any student who misses a lab due to an excused absence must schedule a time with me to take a makeup; the makeup must be completed within 5 days of the student’s return.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES Cell phones and mp3 players are disruptive and reduce time on task. They must be turned off and put away while in this class. Students found talking on phones, text messaging, or listening to music will have their devices confiscated.
SAFETY Do not handle the materials in the classroom without permission from the teacher. There are chemicals and equipment in the classroom that require respect when handling them, and of course we don’t want any accidents. Please adhere to the safety rules which were handed out to you.
BATHROOM POLICY Bathroom privileges will be given according to whatever the current CHHS hall pass policies are. Do not ask to go to the restroom during lecture and note taking. Do not ask to go to the restroom when the bell rings at the start of class – please take care of your needs during the class changes.
SAFE ZONE POLICY Our classroom is a “Safe Zone.” Students shall refrain from making discriminatory statements or actions toward other students; our classroom must be safe, welcoming and accepting of all people, regardless of race, culture, beliefs, ethnicity and sexual orientation.
FIRE DRILLS During a fire drill, students will proceed out the classroom door to the right, out the west end of the “A” building, and to the field in front of the school. You will meet me out there where I will take attendance. Anyone not reporting to the designated location will be considered to be skipping. Make sure to bring some work with you.