Park View High School: Environmental Science
Syllabus 2016 – 2017
Instructor Information
Anna Nuñez [email protected]
Eric Hooper [email protected]
1.
Course Description (Non SOL) Virginia Guidelines.
Environmental science provides opportunity to synthesize the disparate pieces of physics,
chemistry, earth science and biology while developing the naturalist intelligence. Students
will gain an understanding of ecological concepts including air, water, soil, biological
diversity and human impacts. Inquiry skills will be developed through fieldwork, service
projects, and collaborative investigation while using appropriate technology. Because of the
interdisciplinary focus, students are challenged with diverse topics, rigorous reading
requirements, and opportunity for written and oral presentation.
Note: Students enrolled in this course may participate in animal dissection. Students who decline to
participate will be offered alternatives to dissection. A student’s objection to participating in an
animal dissection should be substantiated by a signed note from his or her parent or legal guardian.
2.
Curriculum objectives to be covered.
Students will be able to:
1. investigate questions using the scientific method throughout the school year.
2. make informed decisions regarding contemporary environmental issues, taking into
account the following: public policy and legislation; economic costs and benefits;
valid scientific data as published from primary resources.
3. apply scientific concepts, skills, and processes to everyday experiences.
4. experience a meaningful Bay or stream outdoor experience through investigative or
projected–oriented work.
5. investigate questions using research skills and performing web quests online
3.
Course outline by Quarter.
Quarter 1: * Review of scientific process * ID outdoor flower species * Tragedy of
Commons lab * Monarch butterfly rearing and tagging * Chesapeake Bay watershed
intro * Who Polluted the Potomac lab * Physical, chemical, and biological
measurements of water quality at Claude Moore Park with lab report * Soil analysis
*Trout-in-the Classroom (TIC)
Quarter 2: * Continue with TIC and stream analysis * Waste water treatment *
Storm drain survey * Invasive species study, research and report * Removal of
Autumn Olive at Claude Moore Park * Bird watching: What makes a bird a bird
* Tree study: Identification of leaves and twigs in journals * Intro to plants
Quarter 3: * Atmosphere and Climate Change * Calculating air quality lab * Smog
City lab * Montreal, Kyoto and COP protocols * The Two degree factor * What we
do with our trash * Renewable and non-renewable energy * Nuclear energy *
Alternative energy resources * Ways to save energy at home * Endangered species *
Zoo trip
4.
5.
Quarter 4: * Release of Brook trout field trip * Vernal pools: Visits at Claude
Moore Park * Dichotomous key using salamanders * Biodiversity at Claude Moore
park * Population dynamics * Farming and GMO’s
Grading.
Grades are based on a total point scale and include assignments such as: field journal,
field work, lab work, class work, quizzes, quarterly projects, homework, worksheets,
and exit tickets. Maintaining and keeping a field journal current is paramount for
succeeding in this class. These are collected twice per quarter and worth many points.
Grades will be updated weekly and can be viewed on the PHOENIX parent or
student portal. Grade concerns or questions can be discussed in the morning before
school starts or afterschool.
LCPS Grading scale.
A+
A
AB+
B
B-
6.
98-100
93-97
90-92
87-89
83-86
80-82
C+ 77-79
C
73-76
C- 70-72
D+ 67-69
D
63-66
D- 60-62
F
59 and below
Classroom and Outdoor Procedures and Expectations.
Class Room Procedures and Expectations:
The P5 rule: Polite and respectful, Positive attitude, Prompt to class, Prepared to go
outdoors, Participate in discussions
Outdoor Procedures: Weather will be considered before going outside, but
ground conditions can vary even on nice weather days.
 P5 rule
 Enroll in REMIND so students will know ahead of time the day we are
going outside. Also, look for a green “flag” on top of the classroom
doorway (room 311) indicating we are going out on that day.
 Responsible behavior will be expected from all students to ensure
safety on our trips. We must stay as a group.
 On trips to Claude Moore Park (CMP), nothing may be removed
from the park (except trash)
 Bug spray is highly encouraged but cannot be provided by teacher.
 Cell phones may be used for instructional purposes only.
 Be prepared to wear a poncho (provided) if it is slightly raining
outside.
 Wear closed toed shoes and socks
7.
8.
Materials needed for class.
 One spiral notebook for classroom notes, one composition book for field
journal, pencils
Communication:
The best way to reach us is by email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Check our school websites for more information and student access to Vison for class
resources.
9.
After School Help.
After school and morning help is available. Mrs. Nuñez can meet with students after
school if given at least one-day notice. She is available any morning between 8:008:30. Mr. Hooper is available any day after school. Activity buses are available
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
11. Late Work Policy.
Work should be turned in on time and on due dates! Students will lose 10% of the
total points for each class period the work is late. This drops the grade by one letter
grade.
12. Make-up Work Policy.
Whenever a student is absent, whether an excused or unexcused absence or a
suspension absence, makeup work must be turned in within two class periods or
subjected to a 10% loss starting after the second class period. Extensions may be
considered for family emergencies or grave illness. Student must speak directly
with the teacher for this consideration.
Quizzes: If a quiz is missed, make up is allowed within two days upon return,
otherwise a zero is recorded in the grade book.
13. ACADEMIC HONOR CODE.
Park View’s goal is to promote a community of trust that will enhance student
achievement and learning. Students who accept responsibility for their own
academic integrity learn and take pride in genuine achievement. As members of
the Park View community, we are dedicated to honesty, integrity, and doing the
right thing, even when no one is watching. The Park View Honor Code represents
expectations of behavior that are aligned with effectively preparing community
members for success in a global society.
The Park View Honor Council oversees all Honor Code violations. Students have
the right to appeal any violations, as long as their appeal is submitted to the Honor
Council within seven calendar days of violation notification.
The entirety of the Honor Code can be found on the PVHS homepage under
Site Shortcuts and/or Our School at: http://www.lcps.org/pvhs.