Name: Block: Lab Schedule: Environmental Science Ms Mendenhall Welcome to the interdisciplinary world of environmental science. In this course we will be combining our knowledge of science with that of history, political science, math, economics, sociology, psychology, the arts and life in general. This an applied science course that focuses on problem solving. We will examine the natural environment and consider how human activity is changing it. I am looking forward to a challenging and rewarding year with you. My door is always open if you have any questions or concerns. I. CONTACT INFORMATION & OFFICE HOURS lmendenhall@bhpsnj.org (908) 464 3100 x 2367 7:30 7:45 daily and by appointment during lunch or after school II. COURSE OUTLINE Unit 1 Introduction Unit 2 Earth Systems and Resources Unit 3 The Living World Unit 4 Population Unit 5 Land and Water Use Unit 6 Energy Resources and Consumption Unit 7 Pollution Unit 8 Global Change III. PROCEDURES TO ENSURE SUCCESS Demonstrate respect for yourself and others. Do your best work and help others to do the same. Arrive on time to class and be prepared to work until the bell rings. Always help others to be safe. Take care of your property and the property of others. 1 / 6
IV. CLASS SUPPLIES The following items are required for class everyday: Organized 3 ring binder or folder Pencil or pen Charged ipad Textbook: Environmental Science, Miller & Spoolman (will remain in the classroom) V. GRADING A total points system is used to calculate your grades: Participation Homework Labs Tests & Quizzes Projects & Presentations Extra Credit Challenges Each marking period grade will count for 20% of the course average. The midterm and final are each worth 10% of the course average. VI. LATE WORK POLICY If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from meeting a deadline, please let me know. Unless otherwise specified, work is due at the beginning of the class period. Each day an assignment is late 20% will be deducted from the total possible points. VII. ABSENCES Please make arrangements to make up your work in a timely manner. For each day you are absent, you are allowed two school days to complete the missed work. Exchange contact information with your desk partner or a friend in class to inquire about missed work. All notes, assignments, and reminders will be posted in First Class. VIII. CURRICULUM Governor Livingston: http://www.bhpsnj.org/page/821 Berkeley Heights Schools Progression of Science Courses: http://www.bhpsnj.org/domain/127 New Jersey Department of Education: http://www.state.nj.us/education/aps/cccs/science/ 2 / 6
Laboratory Safety Contract I agree to: Act responsibly at all times in the laboratory. Follow all instructions given orally or in writing by my teacher. Perform only those activities assigned and approved by my teacher. Protect my eyes, face hands, and body by wearing proper clothing and using protective equipment provided by my school. Carry out good housekeeping practices as instructed by my teacher. Know the location of safety and first aid equipment in the laboratory. Notify my teacher immediately of an emergency. Never work alone in the laboratory. Never eat or drink in the laboratory unless instructed to do so by my teacher. Handle living organisms or preserved specimens only when authorized by my teacher, and then, with respect. Never enter or work in a supply area unless instructed to do so and supervised by my teacher. I, (print name), have read each of the statements in the Student Science Laboratory Safety Contract and understand these safety rules. I agree to abide by the safety regulations and any additional written or verbal instructions provided by the school district or my teacher. I further agree to follow all other written and verbal instructions given in class. Student Signature: Date: Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: 3 / 6
Parent/Guardian Contact Sheet Please give this to your parent/guardian to fill in and sign. Return to Ms Mendenhall on the next day of class. Student Name: Block: Parent/Guardian name(s): Parent/Guardian email address: Parent/Guardian phone number: Best way to contact you: Best time during the school day to contact you: Please note that email is the best way to get in touch with me and the fastest way for me to contact you. If you prefer phone communication, please indicate by checking this line:. By signing below you certify that you have read the course overview. Student Signature: Date: Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: 4 / 6
Name: Block: Getting to Know You 1. What are two interesting facts about you? 2. What is your dream career? How do you know? 3. What is your favorite book? Movie? TV show? Food? 4. How do you learn best? 5. Is there anything else that I should know? 5 / 6
Name: Block: Please re write the following big idea in a way that it makes sense to you. You may use complete sentences (or not), sketches, diagrams, or anything that helps you understand what it means. Organisms are linked to one another in an ecosystem by the flow of energy and the cycling of materials. Humans are an integral part of the natural system and human activities can alter the stability of ecosystems. 6 / 6