Biology 105: Environmental Biology/ College /AP Environmental Science (C/APES) Dual Credit with Chandler Gilbert Community College and Highland High School 2012-13 Course Syllabus/ Lecture Concepts Instructor: Sheila Scanlan, M.S., M.Re, NBCT Sheila_Scanlan@Gilbertschools.net Room 1225 *Welcome to C/APES!! Thank you for choosing to make this class a part of your 2012-2013 schedule. *How you get college credit: College/AP Environmental Science is an upper level lab science class with a pre-requisite of 2 years of high school science. Students may earn college credit in one of 2 ways; *Advanced Placement Environmental Science; Earning college credit depends solely on a good score on the AP Environmental Science exam on the morning of Monday May 6, 2013. *College Environmental Science (Dual Credit); Upon a single fall payment to Chandler-Gilbert Community College, (CGCC), the student will be enrolled in Environmental Biology 105 for 4 credits. The average of both semesters grades will constitute the grade they receive on their CGCC transcript. That grade can then be transferred to any Arizona college or university and most universities in the U.S. Please contact the out-of-state university s registrar to confirm the transfer. *Fees: The May AP test costs $88 dollars* (*2011 rate). The cost for the dual credit option is $71 per credit hour plus a $15 registration fee totaling $299. Access www.cgc.edu/dual for more information. 2 Important Dates August Registration Packet with signatures due to Ms. Scanlan September : Last day for payment and to Drop or Add the class. This is handled directly with Chandler-Gilbert Community College. You pay the college directly, not through me. About me: This year will be my 20 th year teaching High School Science. I ve taught in Gilbert Public Schools for 10 years. Before that, I taught high school in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. I started my career as an agricultural entomologist working as a field scientist & an Area Integrated Pest Management Adviser for the University of Illinois. I have 2 Masters; one is in entomology (bugs!) from Mississippi State University & the other is a degree in Youth Ministry from Loyola University in Chicago. I was National Board Certified in 2006. I have 2 college kids & an awesome petite yellow lab- Sierra. I love teaching, kids & EARTH!! I can t wait to get to know you & share my love for the environment with you! *About the Class: Text: Living in the Environment/ Fifteenth Edition/ G. Tyler Miller, Jr. Please cover your book to minimize wear and tear with use this year. TX Suggested Supplies: A planner to record work due, One large spiral notebook, a composition book with graph paper, folders for class handouts, graph paper, calculator, pens, pencils, access to a home computer for word processing and Web access.
Topics, Goals, Themes; College/APES Environmental Science (Biology 105) is a college level, interdisciplinary course involving the fields of ecology, biology, ocean and atmospheric sciences, climatology, chemistry, geology, physics, toxicology, geography, economics, politics, and ethics to name a few. The 4 goals of this class are to; 1. Provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships in the natural world 2. To identify and analyze both natural and human-made environmental problems or challenges 3. To evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems 4. To examine alternative solutions for resolving and /or preventing them **In pursuing these goals, the following 6 themes permeate our topics; a. Interconnectedness; the Earth is one huge interconnected system b. Sustainability; the environment functioning continuously without decline from overuse c. Energy conversions; energy underlies all ecological processes d. Environmental challenges problems exist within a social & cultural context e. Human beings affect and alter natural systems f. Environmental Science as a Process: Experimental Design. General Outline I. Introduction to Environmental Science A. Overview of Human Impact B. Sustainability C. Solving environmental problems using the Scientific Method D. Exploration of Values, Ethics and Priorities E. U. S. Environmental Protections; II. The Living World; Ecosystems, Energy, Endangered Species and Matter A. Ecosystem Structure B. Energy Flow C. Biomes D. Evolution, Biodiversity and Endangered Species E. Biogeochemical Cycles III. The Non-Living World A. Geology B. Earth Resources\ V. Population A. Population Dynamics B. Human Populations V. Land and Water Use A. Food, Agriculture and Aquaculture B. Forests and Public Lands C. Water Supply D. Urbanization VI. Nonrenewable and renewable Energy A. Energy Concepts B. Nonrenewable Fossil Fuels; C. Problems associated with extraction and use of fuel D. Global Climate Change C. Nuclear Power- D. Hydroelectric Power E. Alternative Renewable Energies; VII. Pollution A. Health, Risk, and Toxicology B. Water Pollution C. Air Quality
C/APES POLICIES; HOW I RUN THE CLASS; First and foremost realize this is a COLLEGE class. Beyond the goal of environmental education, the goal of this class is to help students successfully transition to working independently at a college level. With that goal then, students are expected to operate independently. They will be expected to do the work and turn in assignments ON TIME. Students are expected to be proactive on their own behalf. If they have concerns, they should discuss them with me first to resolve their problems just like they would at a University. If I have concerns about a students work, I will initiate a discussion with them. If after a discussion, the problem is not resolved, I will then contact parents, or other campus personnel. If at any time, parents have concerns, they are free to contact me. Email is best. Grading Policy; You will be evaluated through performance on the following; Chapter/Topic Exams, Quizzes, Question-Sets, Laboratory and Field Reports, Written and Oral Reports, Projects and other written work. Grades will be updated as often as possible. ***Please keep in mind the grading cycle varies depending on the size of the assignment. Grading takes time. Some grades can be entered the same week. Lab grades can take up to2-3 weeks to be graded, recorded and entered. Tests (Exams) 100 or more points Labs 20-100+ points Quizzes 40-100 points Activities/Homework Points vary Semester Exams 20% of Semester Grade CGCC Grade- The unrounded average of 1 st & 2 nd Semester Course Letter Grades 90% and above A 80%-90% B 70%-80% C 60%-70% D <60% F 1. Exams will comprise 55-70% of the total points in the course. Testing will be over 1 or 2 chapters. They will consist of 40-65 Multiple-Choice, True/False questions. You may also see fill-in-the-blank questions on exams. Testing perks ; Taking the test on the day it s given may also include the option to exclude a designated number of questions or may include a class curve for that day. Free-Response Questions (FRQ s), may also be given periodically throughout the school year. Please note: **Make-up tests may not be the same as the original test. If you know you will be absent for the test, please notify me ahead of time to schedule a testing time. If you miss the day of the exam, be prepared to test the day you get back. Be sure to schedule your make-up test, date and period with me ASAP to avoid a zero for a grade. * Semester Exams are 20% of your semester grade. *Pre-AP Practice Exam; AP Students are expected to complete a practice test prior to the APES exam, work independently on test preparation per class instructions and will be expected to complete FRQ s when assigned in lieu or other College assignments in order to build test-taking skills for the exam. AP Exam Wednesday 8 a.m. 12 a.m. May 7 2012 2. Quizzes: announced and unannounced; Typically quizzes are 1-20 questions worth 10-50 points given once a week over the current reading assignment. (Keep up with the reading assignment!) The process for making up a quiz is similar to making up a test. See the above comments. 3. Laboratory and Field Work; typically about 100+ points each. It s best to try to be present on lab days. Please be aware that due to the nature of some labs, it may not be possible to re-create those labs on a different day. See me to discuss missed lab work upon your return Reports/Write-ups; You will receive a lab write-up format. We will discuss data and the write-up in class. All lab reports should be typed and submitted on paper (no e-copies). Because 2-4 days are given for completion of major lab write-ups, ALL write-ups will be due on the announced date not after. If you are unable to attend class on the due date, complete the lab early or email me your completed work before or on the due date.
4. Chapter Reading Question Sets; typically 20-25 points. Assigned at the beginning of the unit and usually due on the day of the chapter exam 5. Article/ Essay/ Reading questions/ Summaries, and Responses, Special reports & presentations - Points will vary 6. Service Learning Opportunities each student will choose from a list of service opportunities we sponsor here at Highland to meet the CGCC requirement. Students must perform a minimum of 2 service opportunities (approximately 2 hours) each semester. Because our class oversees the recycling program, each student should sign up for this service work once each semester. This service can also count for GC105 or Extra Mile Club hours. 7. Bonus Point Opportunities: Bathroom passes are worth 20 homework points each semester as long as there are no referrals, behavioral problems, excessive absences or tardies. 5 points are deducted each time the pass is used. College & AP students can earn a homework pass for completing registration on the assigned day. This pass can be used once as an excuse for missing homework. No major extra credit will be available to replace other missing work. Minimal bonus points may be available from time to time. RULES OF THE ROAD - BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT ETC. 1. ATTENDANCE: If students drop the class for absences or any other reason, the college does not offer refunds. Please follow up with the college to withdraw from the class to avoid a permanent F on your college transcript. Since absences influence the student s success, you are encouraged to exchange telephone numbers and emails with other students in the event you miss a day and need to catch up. Because of the fast pace of the class, it may not be possible to recreate learning opportunities. Try not to miss class so it doesn t affect your grade. 2. ABSENCES AND WORK DUE; A. Work due the day of an absence must be turned in the day you return. B. Assignments given the day of an absence will be due the same number of days that the student was absent. C. Major projects assigned in advance are due on the scheduled due date whether or not the student is present. Please email or arrange for your work to be turned in on time. 3. Late Assignments: Assignments will be accepted at the beginning of class on the due date. Assignments submitted after the beginning of the class are considered late. Late work will not be accepted and will result in a zero. You may use the homework pass to replace one missing homework assignment. The pass must be turned in at the time the assignment is due. DESIRED STUDENT BEHAVIOR 4. Taking Notes is highly recommended and sometimes graded. By taking notes on text readings, class lectures and discussions, videos and other sources, you will be creating what should be a very valuable STUDY GUIDE to prepare for all exams and quizzes, including the International May AP Exam on Wednesday May 7, 2012. 3. Ask questions and then ask even more questions! I guarantee you will help many more students by speaking up. Share your perspective. Listen to opposite points of view. Get in on the discussion. Be courteous. Actively contribute to our activities in class. PLEASE respect other people s opinions and space. The world will be a better place if we all worked together to understand each other. Besides that, please comply with these common sense rules of order. 4. Be in your seat when the bell rings. 6 Tardies = 1 Referral 5. Please DO be quiet and attentive or DO actively participate during class. 6. Turn off your phone, pager, CD player, radio, IPOD, palm pilot, portable computer, laser, game boy, fax machine and/or any other electrical device. Put it away and keep all purses and packs on the floor. Phones must not be OUT. After one warning, cell phones may be confiscated and retrieved from your
administrator. A referral will be issued and parents will be contacted. YIKES!!! What a waste of class time! I m a teacher not a cell phone cop! 7. STAY in your seat till the bell rings. Don t interrupt class to sharpen your pencil, toss garbage or wander. Courtesy is essential!!! 8. Complete readings and assignments on time for maximum points!! 9. Thank you for NOT chewing gum, eating in class, putting on make-up or any personal grooming. It s not appropriate. 10. Food is prohibited except for medical reasons or special occassions. 11. Safety First: Lab Activities require cooperation and order. NO monkey business or Horseplay. I m a safety freak! I don t want my kids hurt from broken glass, slipping, or you name it! Follow the rules!!! Or you will be asked to leave the class and won t be able to finish the activity for credit 12. Please be in class. You have enrolled in a fast-paced college class. Honor your commitment and your desire to do well by doing your work and getting to class each day. 13. Please be in class especially on the day of the exam. I would HATE to assume you prefer a zero on your test so that you could be elsewhere on campus. 14. Don t work on other subjects during C/APES. If you aren t clear about what we are doing, I would be happy to explain if necessary. 15. All Highland High School policies will be enforced in my classroom. 16. Follow the Golden Rule! Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I expect that we all treat each other with respect so that we can create a fun, safe learning environment. This class is a microcosm of values and ethics on our planet. Let s do our best to practice what it takes to change the world for the better! A final note from your teacher; I consider myself to be reasonable and open-minded. I do my best to offer you respect and courtesy. I hope you ll do the same. If you have concerns, I have an open door. Let s talk, work it out and solve the problem between us first. I will do my best to address issues by being wise and fair, staying within the guidelines I have outlined above. I also have a big heart and am very concerned about my students. If something is going on in your personal life you think I should know about, let s chat. Knowing some basic info will help me discern the best course of action for your success. I m a teacher because I love kids and I love Nature. I hope that comes through to you this year. Chandler Gilbert Community College Requirements Requirements: The Arizona Board of Regents has established as a general guideline that each course should require a student to spend a minimum of two hours in preparation outside of class for every hour spent in class. This time should be devoted to reading, taking chapter notes, writing papers, study for tests and quizzes. All students are required to participate in a Service Learning project. Statement regarding outcomes and assessment: The faculty and programs at CGCC are dedicated to effective teaching and successful learning with emphasis in the following areas: reading, speaking, listening, writing, mathematics, science, computer application skills, humanities, problem-solving, information literacy, critical thinking, and personal development. Periodically, students will participate in formal and informal assessment activities that will help faculty improve programs and teaching strategies. These activities are designed to facilitate student growth in whatever combination of the above outcomes applies to a course. Statement concerning plagiarism: Plagiarism is defined as presenting the work of another as one s own. More than four consecutive words from a source other than the writer constitute plagiarism when the source is not clearly identified in appropriate documentation format From the CGCC Student Handbook: Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the use of paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials. Transfer Information: Biology 105 transfers direct into the three state universities. You can check the transfer status of this course with the current Course Equivalency Guide online at Http://az.transfer.org/cas/CEG/ATF/index.html
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Please sign & return this by the first Friday for your first graded homework assignment. Remember there is NO LATE WORK! I have read and understood the policies that are Print student name described in the syllabus. I agree to cooperate with these policies and procedures so that I will successfully earn the grade I want in AP/College Environmental Science. Student signature Parent signature DUE RETURNED AND SIGNED THE FIRST FRIDAY!!