Environmental Science
General Course Outline
Mr. Ferro
Environmental Science is an elective course intended for seniors who want to learn more
about the interworkings of the environment. It will provide a solid base for the student to
formulate their own thoughts concerning environmental issues. Students who wish to pursuit a
career in environmental consulting, ecology, or other related disciplines will find Environmental
Science essential. This course utilizes a multidisciplanary approach to study the biological
world. Students will experience numerous topics related to environmental science. Potential
topics that will be studied, but are not limited to, include:
1. Ecological Principles
Food Relationships
Succession
Biomes
5. Oceanography
6. Bird Biology
7. Field Sampling Techniques
2. Wetlands
Soil Biology
8. Exotic Species Introduction
3. Acid Rain
9. Population Studies
4. Limnology
Lakes
Streams
10. Pollution Biology
Laboratory experiences and collection trips are also a large part of Environmental Science.
Each student is expected to participate and contribute in all laboratory experiences and
collections. Laboratory experiences will coincide with class topics and may include the following:
1. Writing a lab report
2. Algae Identification
Collections to be made include:
1. Tree Samples 10 – 25 samples,
identified and pressed
3. Soil Sampling
2. Fall Foliage Color Change
4. Lake Stratification Model
3. Zooplankton - 3 different types
5. Water Quality Testing
4. Aquatic Invertebrates
6. Field Studies & Collections
5. Aquatic Plants
7. Plankton Identification
8. Seneca Lake Limnology Expedition
Students are expected to participate in any field trips associated with this course.
Grades
Grades will be determined by calculating the average, that is:
Ave =
Points Accumulated
Total Points
X 100
For example, if you accumulated 215 points out of a total of 250, your grade will be 86%.
Examples of the types of assignments you can expect will include:
Homework
Laboratory Reports
Tests
Journal Entries
Several Typewritten Papers Quizzes
Class Participation Current Event Summaries
Oral Presentations (~ 15 mins)
Materials Needed
You are required to have:
Notebook - any type you feel comfortable with
Journal (hard covered composition book)
Pens, pencils
Folder with pockets
Classroom Policy
* Come to class everyday prepared and on time
* Pay attention and be actively involved
* Complete all class and lab work conscientiously and on time
* Maintain a positive attitude
In turn, I will attempt to:
* Provide each student with the information and materials or direction required
* Give the students a reasonable amount of time to complete each assignment
* Be available to work with any student who has difficulty understanding the
material
******************************************************************************
Please sign and return this section.
Parental Signing
I have read the Environmental Science course outline
Signature of Parent(s)
Signature of Student
HAMBURG SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
EXTENDED LABORATORY AND FIELD EXPERIENCE PERMIT
Mr. Ferro,
I give my permission for my son/daughter ______________________________ to attend and
participate in any of the Environmental Science extended laboratory and field experiences as
approved by the Administration of Hamburg High School. This permission is effective only as
long as he/she is enrolled in the Environmental Science curriculum during the 2006 - 2007 school
year.
I understand that it is necessary that my son/daughter must conscientiously follow all
instructions and procedures and conduct himself/herself in an appropriate manner in order to
ensure a safe and rewarding learning experience.
Signature of Parent (s)
Name of Student
___________________________________________
________________________________________________
Date: ________________________
Parent,
Please record below any conditions or restrictions concerning your son or daughter that might
affect his/her health or safety while participating in the field activities.