Environmental Science is an integrated lab science course that covers many topics that incorporate biological, chemical, physical and earth science concepts. These topics focus on how we, as a human population, impact or experience the effects of our actions on a global scale. Topics include but are not limited to ecosystems, species, chemistry of pollutants in air and water, global energy resources, climate/weather patterns, food supply, health and waste to name some of the topics covered in this very interesting course!
As a lab science, labs will be conducted inside and outside of the classroom setting. Students are challenged to make qualitative and quantitative observations, analyze data, draw conclusions and work independently. Laboratory experiments demonstrate the experimental foundations of the subject matter, reinforce content, and teach laboratory techniques and safety. Skills required to write formal lab reports are developed and strengthened in this course.
Instructor: Mrs. McLoughlin Email: jmcloughlin@westfieldnjk12.org
Prep Room 280P Website: https://sites.google.com/westfieldnjk12.org/jmcloughlin
I look forward to helping each of you learn as much as possible this year. We have fun in this class and develop a family-like relationship when rules are followed. There must be order and rules in order for learning to take place. I consider each of you - my “family” for the year. Let us honor these rules and enjoy the year together! I do not treat everyone the same - each person is an individual with different needs. I do treat everyone fairly however. Please read the following so we can all be successful!
support you in your academic, personal and character growth
help you to appreciate the value of learning and increase your vocabulary skills
provide opportunities to understand the nature of science and in particular the life sciences
increase your confidence in your science skills and challenge your science literacy
…….and show how this area of science affects your life in many ways
The course will explore environmental concepts through a variety of activities that include, but are not limited to, interactive lectures, labs both inside and outside of the classroom setting, homework assignments and group/ individual activities and projects. Major themes that are covered were discussed in the intro to this course.
Abide by safety rules, especially during drills - be silent. Other students watch your example.
Come to class on time, prepared, organized and motivated to learn new material.
Complete all assignments on time with 100% effort
Use any time wisely.
Spend time daily reviewing what was covered in class- connecting to key concepts.
Pay attention -Be an active listener, cooperative team member
Ask questions especially if you need clarification!
Limit absences
Review vocabulary - this has a new language that requires daily practice to master.
Tests and Quests are more heavily weighted with points. If no specific homework is posted, it is expected that you will review the study guide and notes & process the information discussed or taught that day. There is no extra credit. There is “insurance” offered at times - take advantage of it!
timeliness and preparedness for class
cooperation with peers in class and during lab activities
cleanliness in class and during lab activities
cooperation/silence/serving as role models during drills/lockdowns. (essential)
***Lab Grade/Caution: If your lab table has supplies left out or not properly cleaned up or handled, I deduct points from your whole lab group’s grade - so keep each other in check.
Major or Key Issues with Mrs. M: SAFETY, RESPECT, HONESTY, AND CLEANLINESS.
Laboratory (and if applicable field) Safety: Safety is a top priority. I cannot over emphasize that due to the unexpected nature of issues encountered outdoors in the field or in the lab classroom . Therefore, listening, behaving in a safe, orderly manner is essential. The basic laboratory safety contract that you must read is available at the end of this and in Google Classroom. Labs involve chemicals or delicate equipment that require students to act in a safe and responsible manner.
Academic honesty is essential - do your best but copying or plagiarism is unacceptable. Cite sources. Your classmates’ work is not a source - rather it is cheating which earns failing grades.
YOU are responsible to find out what you missed and make up the missed work as quickly as possible. Most assignments will be found on Google Classroom. When you return, ask your seatmate or table mate to allow you to copy missed notes that we filled in during class.
If absent on the due date for an assignment - the assignment should still be submitted to Google Classroom unless you are ill and unable to complete the assignment.
YOU are accountable to make up missed tests/quizzes the day of your return unless a long absence warrants special circumstances. Do not wait for me to tell you that you need to make up work. YOU need to schedule a make-up upon return with me via email. Please indicate 3 time periods you can make-it up within the first 2 days of return.
Late: Assignments, labs, projects are to be completed by either 7:30 AM on the due date OR IF LISTED DIFFERENTLY IN GOOGLE CLASSROOM- USE THE TIMEFRAME IN GOOGLE CLASSROOM. This will give you the potential to earn 100% credit. 10% is deducted daily up to a maximum of 50% for labs, projects and assignments; Homework can go down to 25% within the same time period - 5 days late. If more than 5 days, you may receive a zero.
After a class absence, it is your responsibility to submit work to me- you will see a zero in Genesis if and until, properly handed in work is received.
Unless you have a medical excuse, please use the bathroom before class: cell phones away/parked, be in your seat before the late bell rings and ready to learn. ( documented medical issues with bathroom are exempt- if you have a documented- then I am aware of it and you are free to sign out on the clip board and use the facility)
At times you may be late. If late, record your name, the date, the time you arrived and your reason for being tardy on the Tardy clipboard /Notebook and leave a late pass in the tardy clipboard/notebook after inputting the requested info.
Why? I won’t have time to change it until after class. If you don’t or forget to record your information in the tardy notebook - it is on you. I won’t know when you arrived and your attendance status will stay as absent which means a cut which can be avoided.
Study/Reading guides are required to be successful in this class. These will be available at the beginning of a new unit. They will be assigned for homework. About 95-97% of the answers to reading questions and vocabulary will be in the textbook. At times, some words or information may require you to research a short topic and term. Please do so.
Notes: Guided notes for ppts are on Google Classroom. Print them outa day ahead of class to avoid printer issues.
You are expected to:
Always give 100% effort, take pride in and proof your work to avoid embarrassing errors.
Know how to read and follow instructions for all assignments, assessments, laboratory procedures, etc. These are provided for a reason, use them.
Be proactive in completing assignments.
Conduct yourself in a courteous, honest and professional manner
Provide peers with constructive feedback
Address issues BEFORE they become problems.
Cheat (= automatic failure.)
Turn in work late or at the end of class.
I will not nor will you .... embarrass yourself or this class at WHS or on any field experience. You represent your family name, WHS and our class.
Complain about the amount/ frequency of the work, or a grade you earned or ask to have your grade raised; or complain the class boring, or instructions/expectations for an assignment were not adequately explained.
Complain without purpose or realistic means to fix the problem.
Accept a leader role within various class assignments, labs and activities.
Complete greater than 95% of the classwork assignments & hand them in on time.
Assist with assignments, labs, and serve as a lab leader/helper.
Add materials that may appear more relevant to peers.
a slim 3-ring binder
Pen & pencil
Highlighters- Yellow , green, blue, pink, & orange
Binder hole puncher
1 Pocket Folder: labelled “ To be completed” and “ Completed - Hand in ”
4 Notebook Dividers: 1) PPT Notes & Reading-Study guides 2) Homework 3) Labs 4) Miscellaneous
A pair of strong gloves (like Playtex) full name inside cuffs in black sharpie.
Agenda pad or electronic device that will serve as an agenda
Appreciated items: Tissues, cleaning wipes, paper towels.
At times, you will need to bring in materials like soil, lichens, isopods, sandwich bags, etc.