Environmental Field Study (Mr. Horner)

Mr Ben Horner  (he/him/his) | bhorner@ecfs.org (718)329-7300 ext.3637

field science:

scientific observations conducted outside of a lab and in a natural setting

Description

I am excited to get to work with you this quarter! This class will include lots of exploration and work around the Fieldston campus, as well as work in the classroom/lab. We will make observations and ask questions about the local environment. We will do some work in the lab to explore issues impacting the world beyond NYC. We will explore the concept of environmental justice and how it relates to our studies. I am here to support you as you learn science this quarter. Please let me know at any point if you have a question or need support about a concept, assignment or other class matter.

Safety Plan and Expectations

When we conduct field investigations around the campus, please remember that it is class time and all behavior expectations remain the same. Students should always be within sight of the teacher and should remain with the group. Students should wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Bring a jacket, hat, etc if needed. If any potentially dangerous circumstances are encountered or observed, students should immediately notify the teacher and should move away from the area. Any cut, scrape or other injury should be reported immediately to the teacher. Climbing trees, rock surfaces, etc is not allowed. Students are not permitted to interact with wildlife. Nothing is permitted to be eaten during class. Students should always wash hands after returning from class. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to class. If there is anything that might prevent you from being able to walk around campus, please provide info here:

Essential Questions

• How can our observations of the local environment help us to learn about environmental issues affecting Earth?

• How do our interactions impact the living and nonliving parts of ecosystems?

• How can an understanding of sustainability help us to promote environmental justice?

Class Expectations

Please do the following:

• Arrive to class on time and ready to work. Bring pencil, folder, planner, notebook and assignment (if one is due).

• Respectfully engage in class discussions by asking meaningful questions and/or actively listening.

• Remain focused and complete all classroom tasks. 

• When working in a group, actively contribute and stay on task.

• Take care of equipment, materials and classroom/lab/studio space.

*If a student’s behavior falls below expectations, parent(s)/caregiver(s) will be contacted.

Materials (to be brought to class daily)

• Notebook, binder, planner and pencil

*We will be going outside a handful of times this quarter. You should generally plan to wear comfortable clothes and shoes to school that you can easily move around in. When the weather calls for it, please wear a warm jacket. We may go out in light rain as well. You may also choose to wear a hat when we go out.

Homework/Google Classroom

Homework will be given several nights a week. Homework assignments will be meaningful and will support your understanding of class content. Homework will be announced at the beginning of class; students are expected to record assignments in their planner. All assignments and related materials will be posted on Google Classroom by the end of the school day. 

*Please include the following information at the top of your work: name, date and band.

Progress

Your personal and academic growth is very important. Your progress will be assessed through your participation during class, written work, notebook and binder organization, lab work, check-ins/quizzes and projects. You will receive feedback on your assignments to support your growth and progress, with formal grades starting midway through the year. Throughout the quarter you will receive valuable comments and suggestions. It is important that you take them into consideration in order to learn and improve upon your work. You should be aware of your assignments--it is expected that you complete and hand in all work on time.

Academic Integrity 

Academic dishonesty WILL NOT be tolerated. Students may discuss concepts and ideas with classmates, though it is expected that they complete assignments on their own unless otherwise specified. It is expected that all work will be one’s own work, in one's own words. Work that is copied (without the use of references) from texts, web pages, and/or classmates will be considered plagiarism and will be disciplined according to Fieldston School policy. If students receive additional support from a tutor, parent/caregiver or learning specialist on an assignment, please include a note at the top of the assignment stating so.