Course Description
The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Students will identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, as well as evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems. Students will also examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing these problems. Fieldwork may be included in this course.
Community Service
As part of this class, students are expected to complete some community service. Students will be required to complete 30 minutes of service to the school’s recycling program, once a quarter. This participation will be for a grade. Students may complete this service before school, after school, during CCR or during their lunch period. This is an excellent opportunity for students to contribute to their school community and experience the reality of trying to solve an environmental problem.
Grading
Grades in this class are a direct result of participation, attendance, and effort. Regular attendance and an honest effort make it very hard to fail. This is an active class and we will do a wide variety of labs, projects, activities, tests, and assignments. We will follow the standard grading scale.
Unified Classroom
Unified Classroom will be upgraded 1x a week. Unified Classroom may be checked anytime to view grades, missing assignments and upcoming assignments.
Grade Weights- Grade Scale-
Tests- 20% A 90-100 D 69-60
Quizzes- 10% B 89-80 F 59 and below
Labs/Activities/Projects- 30% C 79-70
Classwork- 40%
Your final semester grade will be calculated as follows- 20% semester test and 40% for each of the quarters.
Absences and Late Work
Missed work is the responsibility of the student when absent. After returning from an absence, students should refer to the calendar and boxes in the back of the room for missing work. Make up work should be addressed before or after class, not during class time. If students have questions they should use before/after school, passing periods or CCR to speak with me.
Students have the number of days absent plus one to turn in missed work for full credit, that includes tests and quizzes, as outlined in the student handbook. As for late work, 10% of the total credit available is subtracted from the earned grade for each day the assignment is late (including weekend days) up to 50%. Late work will be accepted for half credit up until the end of each quarter. You will be given one-week notice before the end of the quarter.
Student Success
I am very interested in the success of every student. If any student feels as though they are having trouble with a particular assignment or concept, do not hesitate to seek help from me! I am available during College and Career Readiness time (CCR) on Tuesdays and Fridays, or can be contacted on Google Classroom or by email. Please ask, I’m happy to help!
Classroom Rules and Regulations
Electronic devices in the classroom- the general policy is “out of sight, out of mind”. There is a blue chart, named the cell phone parking lot. Students have the option of charging their phones during class but may not visit them from beginning to end of class. Students may also choose to place their device in the chart if they do not trust themselves. Students are expected to follow the policies outlined in the RSHS student handbook. Failure to follow these policies may result in administrative action.
Safety- Students are expected to follow all science safety procedures.
Classroom Conduct
It is necessary for all students to present themselves in a mature and appropriate manner that creates the best learning environment for everybody. Students need to maintain respect for themselves, other students, the instructor, and our community/ environment at all times. Inappropriate behavior may result in the involvement of the student’s parent/ guardian and the school administration to aid in both correction and disciplinary action. I also believe in rewarding positive behavior, positive consequences may include assignment passes, positive phone calls home, extra credit and free time in class.
Here’s to an exciting and productive school year!