Syllabus for Environmental Engineering & AP/Prep Environmental Science

Dr. Gibson & Mrs. Mein-Johnson

Contact Information
Email: jgibson6@houstonisd.org
ameinjoh@houstonisd.org
School Phone: 713-802-4620
Tutorials: By appointment only; during lunch or after school on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
Course Description for Environmental Engineering (EE): Environmental engineering is an 11th grade course;
as such, it is assumed that students enrolled will have a solid background in biology, chemistry, and algebra. This
course is part of the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) engineering track, where it is called Environmental
Sustainability, a title that captures accurately the scope and focus of the content. Specifically, we cover three
broad topics: water, food, and energy. In each of these topics, we will explore current problems and solutions to
sustainability, as well as design our own, unique solutions for potential problems in the future.
Course Description for AP/Prep Environmental Science (ES): Explore and investigate the interrelationships of
the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, evaluate the
relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing
them. Participate in hands-on, laboratory and field investigations to apply scientific principles, concepts, and
methodologies in order to better understand our natural systems and to critically think about environmental issues
and potential solutions.
Course Outline for EE (not covered sequentially):
1.1 Introduction to Environmental Sustainability
2.1 Global Water Crisis
2.2 Water Supply
2.3 Water Remediation
2.4 Disaster Area Water Treatment Design Challenge
3.1 World Food Security
3.2 Introduction to DNA
3.3 Genetic Engineering
3.4 Designing a Genetically Modified Food

4.1 Challenges of Renewable Energy

4.2 Biofuels from Algae
4.3 Ethanol Biofuels
4.4 Designing a Commercial Scale Biofuels
Manufacturing Plant

Course Outline for ES: http://media.collegeboard.com/digitalServices/pdf/ap/ap-environmental-science-coursedescription.pdf

Please note that all AP Environmental Science exams will be timed according to the College Boards exam timing
to prepare you for the AP exam in May.
Required Supplies: Students are always expected to bring basic supplies such as pencils, erasers, and paper.
In addition to those, students must purchase the following supplies:
-Blue or black ink pens
-Engineering notebook (this is a composition notebook without spiral binding; 100+ pages; no perforations)
-Science journal (this is a composition notebook or a spiral notebook)
-School issued laptop
$10 Science ($5 if free/reduced lunch) and $5 Engineering Supply Fee - cash only
~ These fees allow us to purchase all of the classroom and lab supplies in order to run really fun, really
cool labs all year long! Thank you! If this is an issue, please discuss with your teacher!
Wish List: paper towels, Expo markers

, Hand sanitizers, Clorox wipes, Kleenex

Course Resources: No textbooks are required for EE. We will use PLTW resources, as well as various online
resources. Students will use individual login accounts to access materials posted on HISDs Hub. Online access

to an Environmental Science textbook will be provided in class. We will also use this resource:
http://www.bozemanscience.com/ap-environmental-science
Energys Attendance/Tardy Policy: Attendance and punctuality are necessary for success in this course. If you
are absent, missed assignments must be completed within one week to receive credit; this includes major
assignments, such as tests (see below for test retake policy). Please refer to the student code of conduct for a list
of consequences related to unexcused absences and tardies. Finally, remember that the contract for Energy
includes maintaining good attendance.
ID Policy: Students are expected to wear their ID visibly and at all times. If a student forgets his or her ID, a
temporary ID must be purchased and worn.
Electronics Policy: As part of our school culture and theme, technology will be integrated into the classroom on
a regular basis. It is crucial that students show maturity and are able to handle this appropriately. Students who
are unable to do so will be addressed on an individual basis. We will address the behavior, not the phone.
Grading Policy
100-90=A

89-80=B

79-70=C

Grades will be weighted as follows

Major Assignments (tests, presentations, papers)
Minor Assignments (quizzes, daily assignments)

69-below=F
60%
40%

Please remember that the contract for Energy includes maintaining good grades: students should maintain at
least a 75 average in all classes. Be proactive and attend tutorials before your average is below 75. Schedule
retakes (major assessments below a score of 80) within a week of the original assessment, after attending
tutorials and/or completing alternative assignments to reinforce learning. Only two major assessment retakes are
allowed per nine weeks, and the maximum score allowed is 80.
Project Based Learning (PBL): Energy is a project based learning campus. This means that students will learn
by doing, investigating, and solving problems. At the beginning of a multi-week project, students will be introduced
to the standard-based objectives through an engaging introduction that hooks students into the learning.
Students will collaborate with their peers and will take an active role in their education during the process.
Students immediately decipher what they know and what they need to know as a group and class to be
successful on the project.
As the project progresses, students will request workshops, which are mini-lessons or labs that focus on specific
standards within the project. Each project culminates with a professional presentation.
This method of learning has proven successful around the nation and develops a unique type of learner. It allows
students to develop 21st century skills that will set them apart from their peers and make them more marketable
to colleges and corporations.

Google link to electronic signature for parent/guardian and student:

https://docs.google.com/a/houstonisd.org/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1et1ccdybaOOZOnVWGV2I0nPKOJsgHt9tZAdnN
ZLmXDanEQ/viewform