Rappahannock High School
Environmental Science Syllabus 2014-2015
Ms. Carolyn Reiner
Red: Pd. 3, 4
Gray: Pd. 3
This course explores the diversity and interactions of organisms on earth as well as the impact of
humans and environmental concerns that have arisen in the past 40 years.
Course Textbook:
Lapinski, A. H., Schoch, R. M., & Tweed, A. (2003). Environmental science. Menlo Park,
California: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc.
NEEDS AND RESOURCES
Important Skills
To successfully complete this course, you must comfortable with:
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Algebra
Graphing
Reading
Required Materials
To successfully complete this course, you will need:
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A pencil or a pen (black or blue ink only, please)
A binder with multiple tabs for warm ups, notes, classwork, labs, and homework
Lined paper
An open mind
Additional Materials
Students may find it useful to bring the following materials to class for use during note-taking:
 Colored markers or colored pencils
 Highlighters
COURSE SCHEDULE
The following content will be covered during the course of the school year. Chapters and units will
be covered for various lengths of time depending on student need. Lesson plans are subject to
change/extension depending on student need. All lesson plans will be posted on my teacher
website every two weeks.
Chapter 1: Studying Earth
Chapter 3: Change in the Biosphere
Chapter 4: Matter and Energy in the Ecosystem
Chapter 5: Interactions in the Ecosystem
Chapter 6: Ecosystem Balance
Chapter 7: Desert and Tundra Biomes
Chapter 8: Grassland Biomes
Chapter 9: Forest Biomes
Chapter 10: Freshwater Biomes
Chapter 11: The Marine Biome
Chapter 12: People and Their Needs
Chapter 13: Human Population
Chapter 14: Feeding the World
Chapter 18: Minerals and Soils
Chapter 19: Land Pollution
Chapter 20: Uses for Water
Chapter 21: Water Pollution
Chapter 22: The Air Pollution Problem
Chapter 23: Habitat Destruction
Chapter 15: Energy from Organic Fuels
Chapter 16: Nuclear Energy
Chapter 17: Alternative Energy Sources
Chapter 24: Toward a Sustainable Future
Chapter 25: Protecting the Environment
In addition to the content presented by the textbook, there will be a strong emphasis on the
Chesapeake Bay and Rappahannock River.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
General Rules:
Students are expected to adhere to school policy as well as the policies set forth in this
classroom. Such classroom rules include:
 No chewing gum
 Academic use of cell phones only
 Arriving to class on time
 Respect for the learning of one’s self and peers
Lab Rules:
Students will have the opportunity to engage in inquiry based activities as well as laboratory
activities involving various levels of hazardous chemicals. For the safety of the students, it is
imperative that all classroom policies are followed regularly, including:
 No gum in lab
 SAFETY GOGGLES AT ALL TIMES
 Closed-toe shoes and long pants worn while working in the laboratory
 No cell phone use during lab except when specified by the instructor
 No admittance of students to the chemical storage room
 No admittance of students to the laboratory without instructor supervision
 No food or drink in lab
A safety contract will be sent home for perusal by both parents and students. A safety
demonstration and quiz will be given at the start of the semester. Students must pass the safety
quiz with 90% accuracy to be allowed to work in the lab. Retakes are available if the first attempt
does not yield a passing score.
Grading Policies:
Academic honesty is expected of students at all times. Failure to produce original work and/or
assist others in dishonest academic behavior will result in no credit for the assignment. Students
will not be able to make up work that has been completed through dishonest means.
If a student has an excused absence, they will have one (1) week to make up missed work.
Extensions on late assignments will be discussed on an individual basis. Students with
unexcused absences will have two (2) school days to make up and turn in missed work.
Student work that is turned in late automatically receives a 50% before grading. Additional points
can be lost based on completeness and correctness.
Grading Scale:
Learning and progress will be evaluated through the completion of various activities and
assignments. A student’s final grade will be determined by the following assignments
 Classwork/Labs: 50%
 Exams: 25%
 Participation: 15%
 Homework: 10%
Extra Help:
The science department offers tutoring every Thursday after school. Additional tutoring days can
be scheduled as needed per student.
CONTACT INFORMATION
During school hours, feel free to leave a message on my school or cell phone voicemail. I am
unable to check messages until my scheduled planning periods or after dismissal, but I will do my
best to return your call as soon as possible. My syllabus and lesson plans will be posted to my
website.
 School: 804-333-6255
 Cell: 443-867-2200
 Email: creiner@richmond-county.k12.va.us or cjreiner@smcm.edu
I have read the syllabus and understand the expectations of the teacher and students for this
academic year.
Student Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ______
Parent Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ______