Duke Ellington School of the Arts
Environmental Science Syllabus
SY 2015-2016
Instructor: Beverly Clavon (preferred contact: Engrade)
Course Description: Environmental Science is a course designed to develop students’ knowledge of the basic concepts and skills associated with Earth’s ecosystems and the impact of humans on the environment. Throughout this course, students will explore the organization of and relationships between these systems and their many parts. This class features learning activities that emphasizes reading, writing, and communicating scientific concepts. Throughout the school year, the following main ideas will be addressed: Ecology, Atmosphere and Climate, Resource Distribution and Use, and Environmental Policy
Course Textbook: Environmental Science, 2008. Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Course Supplies: • Composition (preferred) or Spiral Notebook • Pencils and Pens (blue or black) • 2 Pocket Folder or 3-­‐ring Binder -­‐ 1 Pack (12 colors) of Colored Pencils [recommended] Personal Electronics: Throughout the school year, this course will entail use of various online resources. Students MUST have internet access at least once each week. Should a student have difficulty obtaining weekly internet access outside of school, please contact me to discuss possible in-­‐
school accommodations for the student.
Classroom Expectations: In order to maximize their productivity in the classroom, students are expected to do the following:
-­‐ Show respect to themselves, the school, other people, and the property and ideas of others. -­‐ During instruction, be attentive, follow directions, stay focused, and apply effort. -­‐ Come to class prepared and on time, and be willing to participate in class discussions. Academic Integrity and Plagiarism: Any substantiated case of plagiarism whether intentional or unintentional may result in loss of course credit. Collaboration with other students during assessments is strictly prohibited. Violation of this rule will result in failure for the assignment. Attendance and Grading Policy: Grading and retention decisions related to student absences shall follow the guidelines explained in DCMR Title 5, Chapters 21 and 22, and as described in DESA’s Attendance Policy:
-­‐ Students with five (5) of more absences in any class during a single advisory shall receive a grade reduction in that subject. -­‐ Students with ten (10) or more unexcused absences in any class during a single advisory shall receive a grade of “FA” (failure due to absences) in that subject. -­‐ Secondary students accumulating thirty (30) or more unexcused absences in a course within a full school year shall receive a failing final grade in that course with a resulting lass of course credit. Course Grading: Student achievement will be measured using multiple assessment tools including but not limited to mid-­‐
term exam and a non-­‐cumulative final exam, weekly quizzes, weekly homework, classwork, labs, and projects. Assessments (exams, quizzes, projects) -­‐ 40% Practice and Application (classwork, homework, labs, research assignments) -­‐ 50% Participation (warm-­‐ups, behavioral engagement) -­‐10% Students and parents will have access to EngradePro (www.engradepro.com) allowing the monitoring of students’ progress. Behavioral Engagement: A student’s daily in-­‐class behavior will directly impact the student’s grade. Examples of grade-­‐boosting behaviors Examples of grade-­‐reducing behaviors Keeping cell phones in off position in class Unauthorized personal electronic use Completing warm-­‐ups promptly Participating in off-­‐task conversations Submitting homework on time or early Tardiness Late/ Make-up Work: Students will have advance notice of tests, quizzes, and upcoming due dates for assignments. In addition, the majority of class materials (including notes) will be accessible online. For these reasons, the general expectation is that even if a student misses class (due to an excused or unexcused absence) they still are able to submit online work on time. For this reason late work is not accepted. Warm ups (assignments at the beginning of class) are not able to be made up, therefore tardies will affect your grade. If a student misses an in-­‐class exam or lab, it is the student’s responsibility to make an appointment to come during lunch to make up the missed work for full credit within one week of returning to school.
Office Hours: I am available to meet with students before school and/or during lunch. Please schedule an appointment ahead of time via an Engrade request. How to get credit for reading this syllabus: Go to the link and complete the survey WITH YOUR PARENT(S) http://bit.ly/1L15EG2 Here’s to your Health!
Ms. Clavon