Environmental Bioethics Syllabus
Clackamas Middle College
Teacher: Hannah Andrews
Remind App: Text @bioethic to 81010
E-mail: andrewsh@nclack.k12.or.us
Office Hours: Most days before school 7:45-8:45am and after school 2:50-3:45pm.
Course Description
The course will provide students with an overview of Bioethics- a subfield of ethics that explores ethical
questions related to the life science. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to environmental
ethics as a field of inquiry and to enable them to develop ethical reasoning skills so that they can move
beyond “gut reactions” to more nuanced positions. This term we will be focusing on current event
environmental issues as we move through the ethical process towards answers and solutions. This course
will not only serve to teach students about current event issues that have an impact on their lives and
futures, but also will teach students respect for all persons, beliefs, and value system; which is something
that, as an educator, I fell all people must learn and practice.
Course Standards
Students will be able to research and evaluate evidences claims for and against environmental issues.
Students will also be able to evaluate these complex real-world problems and propose a solution to them
which takes into consideration all stakeholders. Students will show proficiency in these outcomes through
the use of measurable daily targets which will be assessed via class work, participation, homework,
projects and essays.
HS-LS4-5. Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result
in: (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over
time, and (3) the extinction of other species.
HS-LS4-6. Create or revise a simulation to test a solution to mitigate adverse impacts of human activity
on biodiversity
HS-ETS1-3 Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and tradeoffs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as
possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts. .
WHST.9-10.1 Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.
WHST.9-12.9 Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research
SL.11-12.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with
relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate
volume, and clear pronunciation
Schedule of Topics
Weeks 1: Introduction to Environmental Ethics
Weeks 2-4: Fracking for Natural Gas (Documentary: Gasland or Frack Nation)
Week 5-7: Genetically Modified Organisms (Documentary: Harvest of Fear or GMO OMG)
Week 8-9: Bottled Water (Documentary: Bottled Life or Tapped)
Week 10: Final Project Workdays
Week 11-12: Final Presentations
Homework Policy and Grading Scale
Formative (40%): Class Work and Participation- 10%, Seminars/Group Discussions- 10%, Homework
20% (Case studies, readings, journals, etc.)
Summative (60%): Projects 40% (Essays, Group Work, Formal Reflections), Final 20%
In an effort to provide quality and efficient feedback to you: Quizzes will be graded and returned
within 3 days and all assignments and tests will be graded and returned within 1 week.
Behavioral Expectations
1. Students will….Keep an open mind and be ready to work hard.
2. Students will….Respect differing opinions.
3. Students will….Be on time!! Come to class ready to learn
4. Students will….Do your own work! Copying a friend or plagiarism is not tolerated. (Everyone will
receive zero points)
5. Students will….Show respect for yourself, your peers, your teacher, and classroom property.
6. Students will….Not interfere with the learning of others or the ability of the teacher to teach.
7. Students will…. Not music/headphones, cell phones, or other electronics used in class, unless ok’d by
the teacher.
Class Policies
Electronics in Class: No music during instruction. Texting/snapchat, Instagram, Facebook (etc.), and
other internet use, is not allowed during class. Be respectful! Don't make me ask you to put it away.
Bioethics Binder- Students are required to keep, use, and maintain a 3 ring binder for this course.
Students will use the binder to keep all handouts, assignments, readings, homework, and journal
reflections. Students should keep their binder organized and come to class with it every day.
Redoing work: If you would like to redo any assignments to get a better grade please indicate where you
made your changes (in a different color) and turn back in. All redone work needs to be completed
within one week of assignments being returned.
Late Work: I expect you to do your homework on time. Due dates for assignments are given on as
assignment basis and written on the calendar in the classroom. Work may be turned in up to one week
late, but is automatically marked down to a C (70%) with no option to correct work for a higher grade.
Attendance Policy/Absences: You will lose credit if you miss more than 10 classes. All absences are
unexcused but you can make them up before/after school. When you are absent, it is your responsibility to
check the calendar in the classroom and/or online for missed work/notes. If you are absent on a test/quiz
day, you need to be ready to take the test immediately when you return.
Subscribe to the (Free Texting) Remind App by texting @bioethic to 81010
Subscribe to the Class Webpage by clicking the “+Subscribe” button on the right of the main class page
Student Contract
I have read through the course syllabus and understand the course expectations. I recognize that it is my
responsibility to come to class on time, be prepared to learn, and have all assignments done on time. I am
aware that if I break this contract at any time, I will be subject to a behavioral meeting with the teacher
and responsible for any subsequent consequences.
Student Signature: ____________________________________
Parent Signature: _____________________________________
Date: _________________
Date: _________________