PUTNAM COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

Environmental Syllabus 2013-2014 INSTRUCTORSNAME: Mrs. Andrea Bivins PCHS E-MAIL: andrea_bivins@putnam.k12.ga.us PHONE NUMBER: 706-485-9971 ROOM NUMBER: 306
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Science consists of a way of thinking and investigating, and includes a growing body of knowledge about the natural world. To become literate in science, therefore, students need to acquire understandings of both the characteristics of science and its content. The Chemistry curriculum is designed to continue student investigations of the physical sciences that began in grades K-8 and provide students the necessary skills to be proficient in chemistry. This curriculum includes more abstract concepts such as the structure of atoms, structure and properties of matter, and the conservation and interaction of energy and matter. Students investigate chemistry concepts through experience in laboratories and field work using the processes of inquiry.

MAJOR CONCEPTS AND SKILLS Flow of energy & cycling of matter Interconnection of all life The stability and change in an ecosystem Conservation and resource allocation Evaluation of human activity and technology Records investigations clearly and accurately Uses scientific tools Organizes/interprets graphs, tables and charts Writes clearly

Uses proper units Analyzes scientific data via calculations and inference Uses models Asks quality questions Uses technology Uses safety techniques Recognizes the importance of explaining data with precision and accuracy

** For more information: https://www.georgiastandards.org/standards/Georgia%20Performance%20Standards/EnvironmentalScienceStan dards-Approved2006.pdf MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES

1 3-Ring Binder 2 Composition Books Red Ink Pen

Blue or Black Ink Pens Pencils

GRADE DETERMINATION
Grading Scale: The following grade equivalences are used for all classes school wide: 90-100 equals A 80-89 equals B 70-79 equals C Below 70 equals F Gradable Content: The following grading distribution is utilized through all classes in the science department: Classwork = 10% Homework = 5% 35% of Class Grade Labs = 20% Quizzes = 15% 65% of Class Grade Tests = 50%

ON-GOING ASSIGNMENTS

Lab Notebook For each lab conducted throughout this course, students will need to submit their lab notebook as the graded assignment for that lab. Their notebook submission will determine their individual grade for each lab. This lab book will be the composition book required for class. Formal Lab Reports Students will be required to submit two formal lab reports during the semester. The first will be due before midterm and the second will be due before the final exam. Students will have the option to choose which lab they will formally write-up. It can be turned in on or before the due date, but a total of two have to be submitted by each individual student. Assessments (Tests and Quizzes) A formal assessment (test) will be given at the end of each unit of study. Quizzes will be given throughout each unit of study and will vary in format and content. Quizzes will be used to determine students mastery of knowledge based upon classroom learning as well as information found in assigned readings.

TUTORIAL
The science department offers after-school tutorial every Wednesday from 3:00pm 4:00pm. Extra tutorial may be occasionally offered throughout the semester. Students will be given sufficient notice to make the appropriate arrangements, if necessary, to attend those extra afternoons. Also, morning tutorials will be available by request and can be meeting with Mrs. Bivins to schedule them.

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

Unit # 0 1 2 3 4 Standard Standard Scientific Processes Ecosystems: species, interactions, biosphere, adaption, Biodiversity and Populations Finding Balance: conservation & resource allocation: water, air Finding Balance II: resource allocation & conservation: atmosphere, land, &mineral Pollution and Energy Sources Course Review and Final Exam th th (December 16 and 17 ) Textbook Resources Chapter 1, 2 4, 5, 6, 7 8, 9, 10 3, 11, 12 13, 14, 15, 16 Timeline 1 Week (Aug 8-Aug 16) 4 Weeks (Aug 19-Sep 6) 3 weeks (Sep 9-Sep 27) 3 weeks (Sep 30- Oct 25) 3 weeks (Oct 28- Nov 15) 2 weeks (Nov 18- Dec 6) 1 week (Dec 9-Dec 17)

SEV1a,b,d,e; SEV2a- d; SEV3a-e SEV1a,d,e; SEV3e; SEV4f; SEV5a-f SEV1d,b; SEV3a; SEV4a,b,f; SEV5a-e SEV1c; SEV3a; SEV4a-f; SEV5a-c,e SEV4a,c-f; SEV5e

17, 18, 19

STAY CONNECTED
There are numerous ways for students and parents/guardians to stay in the know about the happenings of our classroom and this course. Students will be given a tutorial within the first few days of school on how to access, login, and navigate each of the following outlets. These internet-based resources will be updated as frequently as possible in order for students and parents/guardians to have access to schedules, calendars, assignments, and other similar items. http://bivinsscienceclassroom.weebly.com This will be the main site for this course. Basic information can be found here, as well as links to the remaining resources. There is a phone app available for this site. www.edmodo.com This site contains a calendar with assignment due dates, worksheets, quizzes, polls, notes, etc. It also features a news feed where students can interact with one another about the course. There is a phone app available for this site. www.remind101.com This is a text messaging service that functions though the internet. Reminders, announcements and messages can be send straight to students and/or parents/guardians. Information on how to sign up for this service for your particular course is available on the main site the first one listed above.