Environmental Science Syllabus 2015 2f5t5m

Environmental Science 2015-2016 Instructor: Erin Simons E-mail: Phone: Class Website: http://simonssaysscience.weebly.com/ Course description: The goal of the Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/ or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Related areas of study include the social sciences for understanding human relationships, perceptions and policies toward the environment, engineering focuses on design and technology for improving environmental quality. It integrates physical and biological sciences, which includes Ecology, Physics, Chemistry, Social Science, Geology, Atmospheric Science, and Geography. Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science. The following themes provide the foundation for the structure of the Environmental Science course: 1. Science is a process a. Science is a method of learning about the natural world. b. Science is constantly changes the way we understand the world. 2. Energy a. Energy cannot be created; it must come from somewhere b. As energy flows through systems, at each step more of it becomes unstable. 3. The Earth itself is one interconnected system a. Natural system change over time and space. b. Biogeochemical systems vary in ability to recover from disturbances. 4. Humans alter natural systems a. Humans have had an impact on the environment for millions of years b. Technology and population growth 5. Environment problems have a cultural and social context a. Understanding the role of cultural, social, and economic factors is vital to the development of solutions. 6. Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems. a. A suitable combination of conservation and development is required. b. Management of common resources is essential. Resources:  Environmental Science 8th edition. Raven et al, 2008 Materials:  120 page spiral bound notebook, writing utensils, colored pencils, scissors, paste (glue)

Expectations:  BE RESPECTFUL to instructor, substitutes, classmates, supplies, etc.  BE SAFE. Follow all lab safety procedures and rules for labs and field work activities.  BE PREPARED! Complete all assignments and assigned readings on time. Bring materials to class. Bring your 120 page notebook everyday to class.  PARTICIPATE! Ask questions, be a part of discussions and provide input.  All Dixon High School rules apply (dress code, cell phones, etc.)  ATTENDANCE. Come to school and be on time. School attendance policy applies to all students. Course Structure: Reading, writing, laboratory work, fieldwork, projects, presentations, research, discussions, and videos Grades: Tests/Quizzes – 25% Labs/Field Work/Activities – 25%

Class Work/Homework – 40% Final Exam – 10%

Tests/Quizzes: Quizzes will cover material gone over in class and assigned reading material. There will be a test for each unit that will cover assigned class assignments, readings, and notes. Late Work: Late work will NOT be accepted except on Pardon Days. On Pardon Days, students may turn in any late work within the same semester. Work turned in on Pardon Day will 50% credit for the worth of the assignment (ex. A homework assignment that earned a score of 20pts will be given 10 pts if it is turned in on Pardon Day). Dates for Pardon day will be posted in the classroom. Absent Work: If you, the student, are absent, you are responsible for asking the teacher what assignments were missed.  All tests and quizzes: may only be made up within a week from the day of absence. Notebook Please keep all completed work in your binder in chronologically (in page and date order). Occasionally a college or university will ask to see your class work before giving credit for the course. Keep all your work-in-progress in your notebook so you do not lose it. They will be useful for studying for tests and quizzes. Course Outline (Order of topics may change through the semester) Semester one: Semester Two:  Introduction  Soil  Energy  Land  Ecology  Water  Population  Geology  Atmosphere  Pollution  Atmospheric pollution  Sustainability/ Environment and Society  Climate Change