Environmental Science
Course Syllabus
Piggott High School
Teacher: Stephanie Goode
Classroom: 128
School Phone: (870) 598-3815
E-mail: stephanie.goode@piggottschools.net
Conference period: 10:30-11:15 a.m. (4th pd)
Course Description:
Environmental science examines the physical and biological dynamics of
Earth. Students should analyze the impact of human activities on the environment.
Field studies, as well as the process of collecting and analyzing data, is an integral
part of the course. Instruction and assessment includes both appropriate technology
and the safe use of laboratory equipment. Students will be engaged in hands-on
laboratory experiences at least 20% of the instructional time. (Taken from the
Environmental Science frameworks at arkasased.org).
Materials needed:
 Three-ring binder
*Dividers
 Loose notebook paper
*pens, pencils
 AAA batteries
 Splash Goggles (may be purchased at school for $2.25)
Grades:
 Grades are taken from tests, lab reports and participation, quizzes,
classwork, projects, and homework.
 Any assignment not turned in will be recorded as a zero.
 Late assignments will be accepted but there will 10% taken off for each day
it is turned in late. Ex: a perfect 100 point lab report turned in 2 days will be
recorded as a 80%
Restroom Passes:
Each student will receive 1 restroom pass each 9 weeks. This pass allows the
student one trip to the restroom or water fountain. This cuts down on class
interruptions and keeps the students in class. At the end of the semester, 2
restroom passes may be turned in and Mrs. Goode will drop the lowest test grade.
The following is a general overview of what we will be studying this year. The
topics covered are set forth by the Arkansas Department of Education
frameworks, which may be found at www.arkansased.org. Note that this timeline is
subject to change at the discretion of Mrs. Goode.
Fall 2013
Spring 2014
Lab Safety
Ecosystems
Science & the Environment
Food Chains/Food Webs
Tools of Science
Biomes
Earth’s Components
Understanding Populations
Intro to Geology
Oceanography
Minerals/Rock Cycle
Meteorology
Plate Tectonics
Water Pollution
Erosion
Air Quality
Earthquakes & Volcanoes
Topographic Maps
Intro to Ecology
Lab Activities:
Students must sign a lab safety contract and pass a lab safety quiz with a 100%
before participating in lab activities. The lab safety quiz will be given Friday,
August 23rd. Labs will typically be performed on Tuesdays, so please dress safely
and appropriately (no open-toed shoes or loose clothing, long hair pulled back).
Failure to follow safety rules may result in failure of the lab activity and
completion of a safety violation report.
The following is a list of lab activities for this school year:
Observing corn plant, classifying resources, hypothesizing and predicting, research
lab (Earth’s components), modeling beaches, Pangaea puzzle, relative dating,
mineral identification, rock cycle stages, tectonic plate boundaries model, soil lab,
shake table buildings, different volcano types, construct a topographic map, model
of Arkansas, food webs, owl pellet dissection, carbon cycle fermentation,
research(biomes project), biome maps, moldy jello, salinity & temperature, ocean
floor mapping, weather mapping, barometers, anometers, thermometers, water
quality, air quality
I am looking forward to a great year with you! Let’s work together to make it a
successful school year. Please sign and return the attached page by Friday, August
23, 2013 for a 10 point grade.
Thank you,
Mrs. Goode
Environmental Science
Signed Syllabus
Piggott High School
I/we have read the Environmental Science Syllabus. I/we will do our part in
helping make this year a productive and successful learning year.
I understand this syllabus as we discussed it in class. I understand that
consequences will result if I do not choose to abide by the requirements for this
class, both in grades and in behavior.
*Please sign and date. Please return this page by Friday, August 23rd for a 10 point
grade. Syllabus must also be signed and dated by guardian. This copy will be kept
on file with the lab safety contract for the 2013-2014 school year.
Student __________________________________
Date:_______________
Guardian __________________________________
Date: ______________
Note to parents:
Studies have shown a direct link between student achievement and parental
involvement. Please feel free to contact me about your child’s grades or class
participation. If you would like to be involved in our classroom in some way please
let me know! Involvement might include collecting household items, assisting in the
lab, or visiting the class to share information about a science related job or
experience. During our study on water quality we will be reading the book “Flush”
by Carl Haisaan. If you would like to be a guest reader for any class period please
contact me!
Feel free to leave your e-mail information below. Thanks!
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