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Environmental Systems
Harlingen High School South
Mr. Joel Lopez
Course Description:
Environmental Systems is an upper level, yearlong science course in which students conduct laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: biotic and abiotic factors in habitats, ecosystems and biomes, interrelationships among resources and an environmental system, sources and flow of energy through an environmental system, relationship between carrying capacity and changes in populations and ecosystems, and changes in environments.
Grade Percentages:
Grades will be determined by the following criteria:
Nine Week Average Semester Average
Unit Test/Final 9-Week Average 85%
Project Grades 25% Final Exam 15%
Labs, Quizzes, Daily
Work, and Supplemental
Project grades 75%
Tutoring Schedule
Tutoring will be available by appointment Monday – Thursday after Football Season.
Materials:
· Electronic Device (Computer/Lap Top, Tablet)
· Paper
· Pen and Pencil
Classroom Rules:
Respect and courtesy must be shown to all class members at all time. Any grievances can be brought to my attention in a private manner.
Punctuality and preparedness upon arrival to class is a must. Please let me know ahead of time if you will be late or if you forgot something.
Follow all instructions as they are given.
For your safety, do not eat or drink at lab stations.
Complete all assignments in a timely manner.
Phone use will not be allowed in class. You will be asked to place it in a wall pocket or bag. Pocket it or Bag it, or it will be taken away.
Consequences:
1. 1st infraction: Verbal Warning
2. 2nd infraction: Detention. Possible parent/guardian contact
3. 3rd infraction: Referral to office.
4. Outrageous, extremely inconsiderate, or unsafe behavior results in immediate dismissal from the classroom and a referral to the office.
Phone Consequences:
1. Phone will be picked up and turned into the front office. You and your parents will need to make arrangements with the office to get your phone back.
Absences:
Students will have the same number of days absent to turn in assignments missed because of an excused absence. Students absent only the day before a test must take the test as scheduled. Students are responsible for collecting any and all make-up work from their teacher.
Tardy Policy:
Same as school policy. See Student Handbook for more information.
School phone number: (956) 427-3800
Email: joel.lopez@hcisd.org
TOPICS
Unit 1: Lab Safety and Scientific Method
1. General lab procedures and safety
2. Laboratory equipment
3. Scientific Method
4. Scientific Journal Writing and Communication
Unit 2: Earth Systems and Resources
1. Earth Science Concepts
2. The Atmosphere
3. Global Water Resources and Use
4. Soil and Soil Dynamics
Unit 3: The Living World
1. Ecosystem Structure
2. Energy Flow
3. Ecosystem Diversity
4. Natural Ecosystem Change
5. Natural Biogeochemical Cycles
Unit 4: Water Chemistry and Taxonomy
1. Water Chemistry
2. Ecological Sampling
3. Taxonomy
4. Dichotomous Keys
Unit 5: Population
1. Population Biology Concepts
2. Human Population
a. human population dynamics
b. population size
c. impact of population growth
Unit 6: Land and Water Use
1. Agriculture
2. Forestry
3. Rangelands
4. Other Land Use
5. Mining
6. Fishing
7. Global Economics
Unit 7: Energy Resources and Consumption
1. Energy Concepts
2. Energy Consumption
3. Fossil Fuel Resources and Use
4. Nuclear Energy
5. Hydroelectric Power
6. Energy Conservation
7. Renewable Energy
Unit 8: Pollution
1. Pollution Types
2. Impacts on the Environment and Human Health
3. Economic Impacts
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