Environmental Science
2015-16
Instructor: Mr. Ryan De Koch
Email: ryan.dekoch@nbexcellence.org
Phone: (262) 789-6460
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology
Course Description:
The successful Environmental Science student will be able to adequately demonstrate a working knowledge of
physics, chemistry, biology, ecosystems, biodiversity, natural resources, populations, pollution, land use, energy
flow, conservation, and current issues. Students will complete labs and activities that develop critical thinking skills
based on the scientific method. This course is recommended for students considering a career in environmental
engineering, natural resources, public health, conservation, safety, city planning, or education. Human interaction
and effects on the environment are highly stressed throughout each unit. The underlying goal of the course is to
increase awareness and appreciation of the importance of the environment on all living things, especially humans.
General Expectations
Students in this class are expected to:
- Respect yourself, one another, each other’s
property, and instructor at all times
- Keep the classroom a place of learning
- Come to class prepared to learn
- Participate daily in class discussions, labs,
activities, etc.
Textbook/Resource Needed
Environmental Science, Karen Arms
My daily schedule:
7:30-8:30
A
8:34 - 9:34
B
9:38 - 10:38 C
10:38 - 11:52
Day 1
AP Environmental
Science
AP Environmental
Science
11:52 - 12:52 D
Environmental Science
12:56 - 1:56 E
Anatomy & Physiology
2:00 - 3:00
Anatomy & Physiology
F
Dropped Classes
Anatomy & Physiology
Day 2
Day 3
AP Environmental
Science
AP Environmental
AP Environmental
Science
Science
FLEX / LUNCH
Anatomy &
Anatomy & Physiology
Physiology
Anatomy &
Environmental Science
Physiology
Environmental
Anatomy & Physiology
Science
AP Environmental
Science
Anatomy &
Anatomy & Physiology
Physiology
Day 4
AP Environmental
Science
Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology
AP Environmental
Science
Environmental Science
Topics to be covered throughout the year:
Unit 1: Introduction to Environmental Science
Unit 2: Ecology
Unit 3: Populations
Unit 4: Water & Air
Unit 5: Minerals & Natural Resources
Unit 6: Energy & Our Future
Grading Scale:
Grade
Scale
Breakdown of Quarter Grades
A+
100-97
Projects / Presentations / In Class Work
A
96-93
Tests / Quizzes / Labs
A-
92-90
B+
89-87
Semester Grades:
B
86-83
Quarter 1
45%
B-
82-80
Quarter 2
45%
C+
79-77
Semester I Final Exam
10%
C
76-73
C-
72-70
Quarter 3
45%
D+
69-67
Quarter 4
45%
D
66-63
Semester II Final Exam
10%
D-
62-60

I am always willing to discuss any assignment, project, and/or test grade with you before or after school
or by appointment. My grade book is always open to you.
Assessment Methods
Students will be assessed by in-class writing assignments; out-of-class prepared writing assignments; tests and
quizzes to determine knowledge of material; practical exams to determine students’ ability to apply processes,
knowledge, and thinking skills in new situations; observations and analysis of observations; reading and analysis of
reading and lab practicals to test the students’ ability to work safely and skillfully in the lab; projects that
determine students’ ability to apply learned skills across all areas of the curriculum.
Labs/Projects
Labs are a major component of our science class, as they allow students to apply what they have learned to reallife situations and simulations. We will have many opportunities for hands-on exploration throughout the course of
the year. Students will be expected to follow all class and lab safety rules. Project directions, along with rubrics and
timelines, will be handed out before beginning them.
There are a variety of assessments that involve student presentations – both individually and in groups. You will
be presenting to the class often, which are major requirements for numerous assessments. If you have issues with
this process you will need to see me personally to discuss your options.