Environmental Systems

  •  Environmental

    Course Description:

    Environmental Systems is a year-long course for junior and senior level students designed to show thematic connections between a variety of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, and physics. It gives students a coherent and realistic picture of the applications of a variety of scientific concepts as they manifest in our ever-changing environment. During this year of environmental systems, students will focus on natural resources, ecosystem dynamics, human population growth, and health concerns. The aim of this course to increase student’s knowledge of the environmental challenges of today, while continuing to cultivate scientific critical thinking skills.

    Course Content Skills and Standards

    Science Skills

    Students will:

    • Use science process skills in laboratory or field investigations, including observation, classification, communication, metric measurement, prediction, inference and, collecting and analyzing data.
    • Use traditional reference materials to explore background and historical information regarding a scientific concept.
    • Learn and use, on a regular basis, standard safety practices for laboratory or field investigations.
    • Identify the significance of accurate, precise, and subjective/objective measurements, use of reliable tools, safety measure, and career training in environmental monitoring.

    Course Content Standards

    Students will:

    • Investigate the flow of energy and cycling of matter within an ecosystem and relate these phenomena to human society.
    • Demonstrate an understanding that the Earth is one interconnected system.
    • Describe stability and change in ecosystems.
    • Understand and describe availability, allocation and conservation of energy and other resources
    • Recognize that human beings are part of the global ecosystem and will evaluate the effects of human activities and technology on ecosystems

    Classroom Format, Requirements, and Evaluation:

    This course uses a variety of classroom methods, including lectures, class discussions, group work, individual work, labs, field studies, student written and oral projects, and active student participation. Students are expected to participate in, and complete all aspects of required work to the best of their ability.  Student achievement will be evaluated in a holistic manner, taking into account all aspects performance.

    Tests and quizzes will be given regularly throughout the semester, with a comprehensive final exam the conclusion of the semester.

    Grading System:

    Student grades will be recorded in the district on-line portal, Skyward   

    Grades will be weighted as follows:

    • Tests/Quizzes 60%
    • Labs & Research 30%
    • Class Work/Participation 10%
    • Late work will be accepted up to one week (three class days) after the original due date. Timeliness of the late work collected during this time cannot count for more than 30% of the assignment.

    ALL student grades finalize at the end of each grading term and will not be changed. All late assignments must be received prior to the end of each grading term in order to receive credit.

    Major projects will not be accepted late when an extended time period has been provided to complete the assignment. However, milestones in the major project will ensure that students are making reasonable progress to the completion of the assignment. Those milestones may be recorded as daily grades.

    Student Success:

    I am very interested in the success of every student. If you are having trouble with a particular assignment or concept, do not hesitate to seek help from me. I am available for extra help during tutorial hours, and also before and after school by appointment. Students and parents are encouraged to also use email in order to contact me at gracer@pearlandisd.org

     

    Syllabus: Environmental Systems Syllabus 2019

    Year at A Glance: ES Year at a Glance

     

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