nvironmental Science Syllabus 2014-2015
Rod Shroufe
Room 606
Phone: 503-353-5810 ex. 38051
Email: shroufer@nclack.k12.or.us
Course Description
This course is designed to further students’ awareness natural environments as well as examining the
role that humans play in ecosystems. Students will learn about the importance of ecosystems and
how they function. Students will explore the concept of biodiversity and examine how it may be best
preserved. Human population and climate change will lead into resource use, environmental issues,
sustainability and conservation.
Course Overview
The following topics will be covered during the year long course:
● Awareness, Ecosystems, Watersheds, Energy flow, Nutrient cycling, Biomes, Native
plants and cultures, Biodiversity, Invasive species, Human population growth, Climate
change,
Resource use, Agriculture, Water/Oceans, Energy, Consumerism, Conservation,
Endangered species, Environmental policy, Mapping and Compass, basic statistics,
and experimental design
● Work Samples: Students are given an opportunity for completing a science work sample
during this course.
Course Text
● Although there is not a particular textbook for this course, many resources will be drawn upon
for readings in class.
Supplies
● Students are required to have a 3-ring binder, composition notebook, writing utensils, and
notebook paper for this class. These should be brought every day.
Course Outline
● This course will contain a variety of assessments including tests, papers, labs, speeches,
projects, and participation. (See Grading Policies below)
● Daily assignments will be given. Attendance is critical to student success.
● Homework may be assigned on a regular basis.
Grading Policies
●
●
Academic Practice (formative): work conducted when a student is still learning the material.
It is an assessment that is designed to provide direction for both students and teachers. For
the students, the adjustment may mean reviewing, additional practice, or confirmation that
they are ready to move forward. For the teachers, it may mean changing instructional
strategies, providing additional practice, or being ready to move forward. (e.g. teacher
observation, quizzes, homework, rough drafts, peer editing, or notebook checks.) This type of
assessment may account for 20% of the grade.
Academic Achievement (summative): work conducted when a student has had adequate
instruction and practice to be responsible for the material. It is designed to provide information
to be used in making a judgment about a student’s achievement at the end of a sequence of
instruction, e.g. final drafts/attempts, tests, exams, assignments, projects, performances, and
labs. This type of assessment may account for up to 80% of the grade.
● Grading Scale: Grades will be determined by a percent of total points accumulated. Cutoffs
for grades will occur at 90%, 80%, 70%, and 60%
● Late work will be penalized by up to one grade and will not be accepted after certain “late work
deadlines” set by the teacher. These will be announced several class periods before the
deadline. After the deadline (usually at the end of a unit), the work will NOT be accepted.
● NO extra credit will be offered or given.
● At the end of each semester, a final exam or culminating activity will be given.
Classroom Policies
● Attend class and always do your best work. Hold yourself to a high standard.
● Science is lab-based and requires participation. Failure to attend class will significantly affect
your grade. Missed work/activities/labs must be discussed with your teacher from ANY
absence.
● You are expected to be on time to class. You may be assigned consequences for tardiness.
● Outdoor safety and behavior expectations will be followed (these will be outlined in class).
Failure to follow these expectations will result in loss of credit for the activity and your ability to
participate in future activities will be questioned. Disciplinary action/consequences will be
assigned as necessary.
● Outdoor activities will be announced in advance by at least one class period. You MUST dress
appropriately for outdoor activities (sensible shoes with closed toes, clothes/shoes you don’t
mind getting a little dirty). If you are not dressed appropriately and you cannot participate, you
will lose credit for the activity.
● Clackamas High School behavior expectations will be followed. Be Respectful, Be
Responsible, Be Safe. If students choose not to not meet behavior expectations,
consequences ranging in severity may be administered (e.g. speaking with student/parents to
referral to Student Management)
● Clackamas High School and North Clackamas School District policies on plagiarism and
electronic devices will be strictly followed. Leave your electronic devices in your cars, lockers,
or at home.
Academic Support
● I expect students to proactively take responsibility for their success in the class. I am available
outside of class for additional help, you need only make an appointment.
● Successful High School Students do ALL of the following:
○ Keep track of assignments using an assignment sheet or planner
○ Devote time to studying outside of class every day
○ Eliminate distractions when studying
○ Get help outside of class
○ Focus on making your work a quality product that reflects your learning
○ Be in class every day. Be in class to work and learn.
○ Practice time-management during class and outside of class
○ Keep yourself organized. Hole punch everything and use a 3-ring binder.
State Academic Standards of Focus
H.3 Scientific Inquiry: Scientific inquiry is the investigation of the natural world by a
systematic process that includes proposing a testable question or hypothesis and
developing procedures for questioning, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting multiple
forms of accurate and relevant data to produce justifiable evidence-based explanations
and new explorations.
H.3S.1 Based on observations and science principles, formulate a question or hypothesis that
can be investigated through the collection and analysis of relevant information.
H.3S.2 Design and conduct a controlled experiment, field study, or other investigation to
make systematic observations about the natural world, including the collection of sufficient
and appropriate data.
H.3S.3 Analyze data and identify uncertainties. Draw a valid conclusion, explain how it is
supported by the evidence, and communicate the findings of a scientific investigation.
H.3S.4 Identify examples from the history of science that illustrate modification of scientific
knowledge in light of challenges to prevailing explanations.
H.3S.5 Explain how technological problems and advances create a demand for new
scientific knowledge and how new knowledge enables the creation of new technologies