A Guide to HPHS AP Environmental Science
Mr. Fay
Room G115
Phone (224)765-2265
By far the best way to reach me:
AFay@dist113.org
First place to look for information
(which could include class targets and
description of formative assessments):
http://class.dist113.org/HPHS/Science/fay
What is AP Environmental Science?
A university level class designed to build a
sense of environmental perspective and
appreciation of the environment though
examination of the world around you. This
class will prepare you for the Advance Placement Environmental Exam offered by College Board which
may be accepted by colleges and university for credit.
Materials Needed:
 Textbook:
o Living in the Environment by Miller is the primary (but not exclusive) resource. Please
bring to class when indicated.
o A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
 Field Journal: One component of this class will be developing a field journal which involves
writing notes, sketches, observations and possibly assignments outside of the classroom. I will
provide loose paper to build this journal but if you may wish to start a personal field journal – I
suggest high quality sketch paper or a bound book.
 Writing instruments: pens, pencils, colored pencils, and a ruler are recommended. You may use a
calculator for daily assignments and on tests.
 Materials for taking notes and organizing materials and information handed out in class.
Completed work will be filed in class to form a portfolio.
How will I be graded in class?
HPHS Grading Scale
A
93% - 100%
A90% 92%
B+
87% 89%
B
83% 86%
B80% 82%
C+
77% 79%
C
73% 76%
C70% 72%
D+
67% 69%
D
63% 66%
D60% 62%
E
59% or Below
The best way to be successful in this class is to stay organized and
participate enthusiastically! All points will have an equal value so effort is
important. It is my policy that I do not round scores; if you would like to
achieve a particular grade – earn enough points to accomplish that grade.
The following school-wide grading scheme will be followed.
Note: All point breakdowns are approximate.
 45% Tests and Quizzes
 50% Homework, Labs, Reports (individual and group), notebook
checks, etc.
 Up to 10% Class Participation - which can include class discussion
(quality and quantity) and bringing materials when needed
 Optional Assignments may be available
What are optional assignments?
You are not required to complete optional assignments! But if you would like an opportunity to earn
more points – I occasionally offer optional assignments. Optional assignments will be graded with the
same rigor (i.e. quality work will earn higher grades) and these points are added to your total points. I do
not normally offer extra credit – if you request it to change your grade, I expect that you have completed
most optional assignment that have been offered throughout the semester.
A quick discussion about academic honesty.
I believe that working with other students, in class and out, provide many benefits and I realize that
studying together is an excellent learning tool when used properly. Be sure, when working with others,
that you really are helping each other to understand the material. It is NOT all right to copy each
other's answers and students who are found doing this will receive a zero for the assignment. This
is also true of lab reports, even though you will be working in partners. Your data section should be
identical, and you may work together to analyze the laboratory results, but your write-up should be your
own. In the case of any labs being turned in with identical or nearly identical work, all participants will
receive zeros and may be required to re-submit the work.
How long do I have complete assignments, what happens if it is late?
I notify students of all work via my website. Most homework is due a couple of days after it is assigned.
Longer assignments will require more time and those due dates will be clearly posted on my website.
Please see me, before the due date, if you know there is going to be a problem completing an assignment.
Extensions may be allowed under special circumstances. If you are absent the day work is due – I will
expect it to be turned in the day that you return. If you are absent for a long period as an assignment is
set, come see me and negotiate a schedule to complete the work in a timely manner. Assignments will be
due at the beginning of class although I do allow late work. Late work will be subject to the following
penalties:
2 minutes after I collect work:
-1 pt or 10%
The day after I collect work:
-2 pts or 20%
2 days after I collect work:
Half Credit
3 or more days after I collect work:
Zero Credit but I will mark for correctness
Note: You will earn my respect and admiration if you identify work as late as you turn it in – be
cool to me.
Attendance and Tardiness:
My experience is that the best way to learn content is to be present for class, be fair to your teammates
and attend class. If you are absent – it will be your responsibility to recover notes and assignments
(usually listed on website) for the time missed. If you are absent on test day – once again it is your
responsibility to schedule make-up test. Being absent the class before a test or major assignment will not
excuse you from the event. I consider unwarranted tardiness as disrespectful to your colleagues in the
class. If circumstances make getting to class difficult (ex. prior class is across campus), please come talk
to me so we can negotiate a solution.
If you have a special consideration…
If you are in any special programs, including Special Education, adjustments can be made to help you
succeed. Communicate your needs with me. If special circumstances arise, including extended illness, an
illness or death in the family, or any other circumstance that may affect you, please see me so
arrangements can be made to help you succeed.