1. Student Expectations Punctual: Productive: Prepared: 1 folder for each marking period and something to write with (pens/pencils) Polite:

Transcription

1 Welcome to Environmental Science Mrs. Emily Robinson Leadership Academy for Young Men Rooms 210, 223, 227 Website: This course is related to the field of science known as Environmental Science. In this course you will be studying the different processes, relationships, mechanisms, and concepts that help us interpret our planet Earth. This course is based on the Living Environment and the Physical Setting / Earth Science Core Curriculums. 1. Student Expectations As a student taking this course, you are expected to work at a higher quality level, namely a Regents level. This is NOT negotiable but is easy to accomplish by following the 5 P s: - Punctual: Attend class on-time everyday, sit in your assigned seat, and start your Do Now. Late? Please sign in your name AND the time in the late notebook and quietly join the class. - Productive: Correctly complete all assigned classwork, homework, labs (*independently*), journaling/feedback, weekly review sheets, reading assignments, quizzes, and tests. Submit all work on-time. - Prepared: To be prepared, you must have: 1 folder for each marking period and something to write with (pens/pencils). Maintain your science folder (a folder ONLY used in Environmental Science). Bring your OWN materials with you EVERYDAY to class! - Polite: As scholars in a Leadership Academy, our interactions are held to a higher standard. At minimum I expect that you to be respectful and tolerant of others; ideally I expect you to be both positive and constructive with one another. Follow the Golden Rule: treat others as you want to be treated. Anything less is unacceptable and will have consequences. - Pertinent: We are here to learn and grow together, not only as scientists but also as productive citizens in our world. Environmental Science affects every one of our lives; it is to our benefit to understand it, not only as students but as human beings. Thus when we are in Environmental Science, our focus and discussions will be about Environmental Science-related topics. PHONES, FOOD, and random conversations with FRIENDS are distracting! Please do NOT bring, use, or do anything in class that will distract you; any distractions will be quickly addressed.

2 2. Absences and Make-up Policy It is YOUR responsibility to make up any work you ve missed due to an absence. You may check the class website, talk with a peer, or SEE ME before/after class or during a mutuallyagreed upon time to determine what work you missed. *During class is NOT an appropriate time to see me for this information* All classwork/homework must be made up within 1 week of returning to school or will receive a 0. Make-up quizzes and/or tests will be given only if the student missed the original because of an illness or another excused absence. Make-ups must be completed within 1 week of returning to school or will receive a Extra Help If you miss school or have questions, it is strongly urged that you see me for help. I will be available every day during lunch and at other times (as needed). 4. Grading You start with an A and it is your job to keep that A! This is very easy if you are willing to work hard and try your best. Each student s grade will be calculated on a percentage basis as follows: A 90% and above C 70-74% B % D 65-69% B 80-84% F 64% and below C % These percentages are set by the Rochester City School District and will be calculated as follows: Tests and Quizzes 40% Classwork 30% Participation 20% Homework 10% 5. Laboratory Activities For a student to have a satisfactory lab report, they must: o Correctly complete all parts of the lab (which may include, but are not limited to, vocabulary, procedures, calculations, conclusion questions, and exam practice questions) INDEPENDENTLY o If a student earns an unsatisfactory grade (64% or less) or is legally absent on the day of the lab, he has one week to make-up the lab to be eligible to receive full credit. o If a student does not resubmit the unsatisfactory lab report or does not make up the laboratory activity within one week, the lab will receive a 0.

3 Finally, this is a science room! In this room, it is expected that everyone behave like a scientist. Such mature behavior will earn you rewards (for example, homework passes and studentselected treats). However if you choose not to act like a scientist, the following consequences will be implemented: 1. Verbal Warning 2. Lunch detention and a call home 3. Parent-teacher conference 4. Referral *** If, at any point, someone s health, safety or ability to focus and learn is at risk, you will be removed from the room ***

4 Environmental Science Course Topics This course emphasizes an in-depth understanding of major science concepts rather than the memorization of science facts. Key topics to be covered include: Ecology and Ecosystems; Populations; Environmental Changes and Evolution; Air, Land and Water; Pollution; Biodiversity and Food; Energy Resources; and Technology. The course is designed to be a rigorous, hands-on, science course that will prepare students for Regents-level courses. This course culminates with a Local exam. There is no NYSED laboratory requirement to sit for the final exam but the course must include significant laboratory activities that incorporate scientific inquiry as part of your course grade. A passing grade of 65 or above in the course earns 1 credit towards the RCSD and NY State graduation requirements for science.

5 Please take this information home and share it with your parents or guardians. Please return this completed sheet by Friday, September 11, 2015 for a homework grade. I have read this document and understand the requirements set forth for this year completely. Student name (please print) Student Signature Parent/Guardian Name(s) (please print) Parent/Guardian Signature(s) Parent/Guardian Contact Information Phone (home) Phone (work) Phone (cell) Best time to reach Best time to reach Best time to reach Please feel free to share any questions, comments, or concerns in the space below. Thank you, and I look forward to working with you this school year!

6 Getting to Know You with Mrs. Robinson This information will help me get to know you better; this can help me to plan activities and lessons that involve your interests so that we all can have fun learning this semester! 1. Name 2. Any Siblings? Ages? Do They Live with You? 3. Who Would You Like Me to Tell When You do Something Especially Well? 4. What Language(s) Do You Speak at Home? 5. Are You Involved in Any After-school Activities or Clubs? If So, Which Ones? 6. Do You Have a Job? If So, What Hours Do You Work? Activities and Interests Two Words that Best Describe You: Favorite Thing to Do When You re Not in School: Favorite Food: Favorite Subject(s) in School: Favorite Way(s) to Learn (for example, seeing, listening, or doing): Past Science Classes Taken: Do You Like Science? Why or Why Not? What Can I Do to Help You Succeed in this Class? The Thing that You Would Want Me to Know that would Help Me to Understand Who You are as a Person (examples: you have a full-time job, you have a child at home that requires a lot of attention, your mother died when you were 7 and you now live with your Aunt)