Hello and Welcome to A.P. Environmental Science at Hawbridge
The goal of AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles and methodologies required for understanding the interrelationships of the natural world. The course is intended to promote the development of citizens who can make informed decisions concerning environmental issues. The APES course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester college course in environmental science. Students are expected to be self-motivated and willing to consistently follow the course reading and engage in classroom discussion.
WEB SITE: greenscapes4you.weebly.com
APES CENTRAL - COLLEGE BOARD SITE
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/teachers_corner/2128.html
SYLLABUS AND THE TEXTBOOK
Our textbook, Environment: The Science Behind the Stories (4th edition), is THE MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCE in this course. Please be mindful that there will be a copious amount of reading. Having a new or used copy of the textbook at home is highly recommended. The syllabus (directly below) is directly tied in to chapters in the textbook.
ISBN # 978-0-321-71534-0
TEXTBOOK POWERPOINTS
All of the powerpoints for the textbook I use can be found online at this link:
sites.google.com/a/bvsd.org/nathan-hobbs/a-p-environmental-science/withgott-powerpoints
Here’s another link for textbook powerpoints:
http://www.slideserve.com/rhian/lecture-outlines-chapter-1-environment-the-science-behind-the-stories-4th-edition
GOOGLE CLASSROOM
Students will set up an account and invite parents. Many throughout the year will be done electronically using this assignments will be electronic and uploaded to Google Classroom. The code for joining Google Classroom for this class: 8x3w6w7
TEXTBOOK
Environment: The Science Behind the Stories by Jay Withgott and Scott Brennan
Be aware that this course involves a large amount of reading, mostly the textbook. Assignments will be made from your textbook, the Web, and supplementary materials. Please keep up with the textbook reading as it will help your participation in class and you will not feel as stressed.
OTHER READING ASSIGNMENTS
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn must be read prior to our first field trip. This classic is fairly short book and very enjoyable to read. We will have a discussion on this book.
Water 4.0 by David Sedlak must be completed before we reconvene after winter break
GRADING AND TESTING
Your grade will be based on chapter tests, quizzes, class activities and labs, and projects. I assign points for each PowerSchool entry and your grade is what you earn out of the total points. I do not use weighted grades. A multiple-choice test will be given after each chapter or group of related chapters
POWERSCHOOL
I try my best to keep PowerSchool updated. There are times I record assignments into PowerSchool before students begin working on them. If you see a blank on any assignment, it means it was either not graded - or not yet assigned. If you see a zero, it can mean one of a few things: the assignment was not handed in - or - the assignment was handed in without a name. (I do maintain a "no name" folder where students can search). Students will have to ask me to see this folder. The last reason for a zero is due to my error in not entering the assignment. I will always enter the points once this error is uncovered.
FREE-RESPONSE QUESTIONS (FRQS)
Since there will be open-ended essay prompts on the A.P. exam, students will get plenty of practice - both in writing essays as well as using the rubric to grade essays. There is a specific way that essays should be written for the exam.
COMPOSITION NOTEBOOK
Students will maintain a composition notebook for copying critical concepts related to the course. By the time of our exam prep, you will have written each and every content goal and objective for the course. You will do this note taking at home copying a photograph of a page (or pages) from a composition notebook that I keep updated. You will also use this notebook for reflections on things we read and watch, as well as practice FRQs.
PLEASE PUT A DATE ON THE TOP OF EACH ENTRY. This notebook will be in chronological order. When the first notebook is filled, move on to composition notebook #2
THREE-RING BINDER
Maintain a three-ring binder for materials handed out in class. As with the composition notebook, print the date in upper case letters on top MONTH, DAY. These notebooks will be used for a variety of things: 1) syllabus 2) handouts 3) labs and activities 4) tests and quizzes. After each unit, you may remove your notes and clamp or paper clip together. I will keep a folder for you and these notes will go in there. You will get all of your notes back when we begin review for the end of grade exam. If you are well organized, you have the option of keeping your notes in a safe place at home. In this way, your three-ring binder will not get too full and you will have the needed notes for the topic we are currently investigating.
TUTORING AND STUDY SESSIONS – EXTRA HELP
Approach a student who has completed the course successfully with regard to possible tutoring. I am open to assisting with study sessions as the exam date approaches. My planning period is during FOURTH.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
If plagiarism is suspected, it will be checked. Quotes or passages must be cited.
A.P. EXAM
The AP exam will be administered:
Ideally, we will complete the textbook chapters and topics around the time of the beginning of the fourth quarter. Much of the fourth quarter leading up to the exam will be a time of review.
FIELD TRIPS
Will occur on Fridays
OCTOBER - Eco Institute at Pickards Mountain and OWASA (Orange Water and Sewer Authority)
DECEMBER – Northside Elementary School, Chapel Hill (LEED-certified silver rating), UNC Cameron Power Facility and UNC Botanical Garden
FEBRUARY – To be determined
APRIL – To be determined
CLASSROOM POLICIES
REFLECTION FORM
Students will become familiar with the 16 Habits of Mind (on my web site: dropdown menu under “other.” In most cases, disruption, tardy and not following rules will be followed by a reflection form, which will be thoughtfully completed during an assigned lunch detention. More serious infractions will call for an administration referral and/or contacting a parent/guardian.
CELL PHONES/ELECTRONICS
Unless I announce that a smart phone or other device will be used as a tool in class, they are to be put away in backpacks and not left out. After one warning, the device will be taken away and not handed back until the end of the school day. The consequence for using electronics is lunch detention. As a reward for productive time together, I may announce that phones can be used during the last few minutes of class. Phones may be used when I announce they may be taken out for a classroom activity. If you need to get a message to your son/daughter, please DO NOT TEXT. Call the school. Nancy will call my classroom with your message.
HEADPHONES AND EARBUDS
Keep these items OUT OF SIGHT until I announce that they may be used to listen to music during seatwork. If they are used in class when I’ve not made that announcement, after one warning, you will be assigned lunch detention. It is best to put them away so this does not become a problem.
DISRUPTION OF CLASS
After one warning you will be assigned lunch detention. Administration referral and parent contact for repeated disruptions. Know when it is time to listen, when it is time to ask questions and contribute, and when it is time for general conversation.
LEAVING CLASS/ BATHROOM BREAK
First ask for permission. Do not leave during instruction time unless it is an emergency. Only ONE person at a time for a bathroom break. When leaving class for bathroom or other reason, please use the sign out sheet on a clipboard that stays on my desk. Sign back in when you return. You cannot take your cell phone with you when leaving the room during class.
ARRIVING TO CLASS LATE
Please take your seat and get out supplies without drawing attention to yourself. You will be marked tardy if not in your seat when class begins. If another teacher sends an email related to your tardiness to class (you were held longer) it will be excused. After five tardies, you will be referred to admin.
TAKING CARE OF CLASSROOM SUPPLIES
Everything has its place. Become familiar with where things are returned. Unless instructed otherwise, no classroom supplies should be left on tables or on floor. Please respect the supplies and understand that someone had to take the time to obtain them.
FOOD AND DRINK
Based on my many years of experience, allowing food and drinks is mostly not a good idea. Not everyone has the same sense of cleaning up personal messes. Only water will be allowed. Exceptions are for students who need access to food for medical reasons, i.e. diabetes
CLASS OUTSIDE
I do enjoy taking students outside for class and have done it consistently while at Hawbridge.
I welcome parent volunteers for outdoor activities. It’s always wise to have a second pair of eyes!
While outside in the community, each student represents Hawbridge. I expect good behavior and following the school rules. A student who does not demonstrate adherence to the rules listed below will be referred to the admin team. He or she will remain inside, supervised, and complete a reading and writing activity while the rest of the class is outside.
In general:
- listen and understand instructions for the outdoor activity
- participate fully in the activity
- no inappropriate language or activity
- shoes or sandals required while in creek or river – no bare feet
- no climbing on walls in amphitheater or walls or trees, in general
- keep out of flower beds
- respect the property of Saxapahaw neighbors
- be alert when crossing road or in parking lot
END OF CLASS
Unless I’ve stated otherwise, do not leave your seats and line up in the hallway waiting for the bell. Stay seated. I will inspect the room for supplies left behind and messes.
The goal of AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles and methodologies required for understanding the interrelationships of the natural world. The course is intended to promote the development of citizens who can make informed decisions concerning environmental issues. The APES course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester college course in environmental science. Students are expected to be self-motivated and willing to consistently follow the course reading and engage in classroom discussion.
WEB SITE: greenscapes4you.weebly.com
APES CENTRAL - COLLEGE BOARD SITE
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/teachers_corner/2128.html
SYLLABUS AND THE TEXTBOOK
Our textbook, Environment: The Science Behind the Stories (4th edition), is THE MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCE in this course. Please be mindful that there will be a copious amount of reading. Having a new or used copy of the textbook at home is highly recommended. The syllabus (directly below) is directly tied in to chapters in the textbook.
ISBN # 978-0-321-71534-0
TEXTBOOK POWERPOINTS
All of the powerpoints for the textbook I use can be found online at this link:
sites.google.com/a/bvsd.org/nathan-hobbs/a-p-environmental-science/withgott-powerpoints
Here’s another link for textbook powerpoints:
http://www.slideserve.com/rhian/lecture-outlines-chapter-1-environment-the-science-behind-the-stories-4th-edition
GOOGLE CLASSROOM
Students will set up an account and invite parents. Many throughout the year will be done electronically using this assignments will be electronic and uploaded to Google Classroom. The code for joining Google Classroom for this class: 8x3w6w7
TEXTBOOK
Environment: The Science Behind the Stories by Jay Withgott and Scott Brennan
Be aware that this course involves a large amount of reading, mostly the textbook. Assignments will be made from your textbook, the Web, and supplementary materials. Please keep up with the textbook reading as it will help your participation in class and you will not feel as stressed.
OTHER READING ASSIGNMENTS
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn must be read prior to our first field trip. This classic is fairly short book and very enjoyable to read. We will have a discussion on this book.
Water 4.0 by David Sedlak must be completed before we reconvene after winter break
GRADING AND TESTING
Your grade will be based on chapter tests, quizzes, class activities and labs, and projects. I assign points for each PowerSchool entry and your grade is what you earn out of the total points. I do not use weighted grades. A multiple-choice test will be given after each chapter or group of related chapters
POWERSCHOOL
I try my best to keep PowerSchool updated. There are times I record assignments into PowerSchool before students begin working on them. If you see a blank on any assignment, it means it was either not graded - or not yet assigned. If you see a zero, it can mean one of a few things: the assignment was not handed in - or - the assignment was handed in without a name. (I do maintain a "no name" folder where students can search). Students will have to ask me to see this folder. The last reason for a zero is due to my error in not entering the assignment. I will always enter the points once this error is uncovered.
FREE-RESPONSE QUESTIONS (FRQS)
Since there will be open-ended essay prompts on the A.P. exam, students will get plenty of practice - both in writing essays as well as using the rubric to grade essays. There is a specific way that essays should be written for the exam.
COMPOSITION NOTEBOOK
Students will maintain a composition notebook for copying critical concepts related to the course. By the time of our exam prep, you will have written each and every content goal and objective for the course. You will do this note taking at home copying a photograph of a page (or pages) from a composition notebook that I keep updated. You will also use this notebook for reflections on things we read and watch, as well as practice FRQs.
PLEASE PUT A DATE ON THE TOP OF EACH ENTRY. This notebook will be in chronological order. When the first notebook is filled, move on to composition notebook #2
THREE-RING BINDER
Maintain a three-ring binder for materials handed out in class. As with the composition notebook, print the date in upper case letters on top MONTH, DAY. These notebooks will be used for a variety of things: 1) syllabus 2) handouts 3) labs and activities 4) tests and quizzes. After each unit, you may remove your notes and clamp or paper clip together. I will keep a folder for you and these notes will go in there. You will get all of your notes back when we begin review for the end of grade exam. If you are well organized, you have the option of keeping your notes in a safe place at home. In this way, your three-ring binder will not get too full and you will have the needed notes for the topic we are currently investigating.
TUTORING AND STUDY SESSIONS – EXTRA HELP
Approach a student who has completed the course successfully with regard to possible tutoring. I am open to assisting with study sessions as the exam date approaches. My planning period is during FOURTH.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
If plagiarism is suspected, it will be checked. Quotes or passages must be cited.
A.P. EXAM
The AP exam will be administered:
Ideally, we will complete the textbook chapters and topics around the time of the beginning of the fourth quarter. Much of the fourth quarter leading up to the exam will be a time of review.
FIELD TRIPS
Will occur on Fridays
OCTOBER - Eco Institute at Pickards Mountain and OWASA (Orange Water and Sewer Authority)
DECEMBER – Northside Elementary School, Chapel Hill (LEED-certified silver rating), UNC Cameron Power Facility and UNC Botanical Garden
FEBRUARY – To be determined
APRIL – To be determined
CLASSROOM POLICIES
REFLECTION FORM
Students will become familiar with the 16 Habits of Mind (on my web site: dropdown menu under “other.” In most cases, disruption, tardy and not following rules will be followed by a reflection form, which will be thoughtfully completed during an assigned lunch detention. More serious infractions will call for an administration referral and/or contacting a parent/guardian.
CELL PHONES/ELECTRONICS
Unless I announce that a smart phone or other device will be used as a tool in class, they are to be put away in backpacks and not left out. After one warning, the device will be taken away and not handed back until the end of the school day. The consequence for using electronics is lunch detention. As a reward for productive time together, I may announce that phones can be used during the last few minutes of class. Phones may be used when I announce they may be taken out for a classroom activity. If you need to get a message to your son/daughter, please DO NOT TEXT. Call the school. Nancy will call my classroom with your message.
HEADPHONES AND EARBUDS
Keep these items OUT OF SIGHT until I announce that they may be used to listen to music during seatwork. If they are used in class when I’ve not made that announcement, after one warning, you will be assigned lunch detention. It is best to put them away so this does not become a problem.
DISRUPTION OF CLASS
After one warning you will be assigned lunch detention. Administration referral and parent contact for repeated disruptions. Know when it is time to listen, when it is time to ask questions and contribute, and when it is time for general conversation.
LEAVING CLASS/ BATHROOM BREAK
First ask for permission. Do not leave during instruction time unless it is an emergency. Only ONE person at a time for a bathroom break. When leaving class for bathroom or other reason, please use the sign out sheet on a clipboard that stays on my desk. Sign back in when you return. You cannot take your cell phone with you when leaving the room during class.
ARRIVING TO CLASS LATE
Please take your seat and get out supplies without drawing attention to yourself. You will be marked tardy if not in your seat when class begins. If another teacher sends an email related to your tardiness to class (you were held longer) it will be excused. After five tardies, you will be referred to admin.
TAKING CARE OF CLASSROOM SUPPLIES
Everything has its place. Become familiar with where things are returned. Unless instructed otherwise, no classroom supplies should be left on tables or on floor. Please respect the supplies and understand that someone had to take the time to obtain them.
FOOD AND DRINK
Based on my many years of experience, allowing food and drinks is mostly not a good idea. Not everyone has the same sense of cleaning up personal messes. Only water will be allowed. Exceptions are for students who need access to food for medical reasons, i.e. diabetes
CLASS OUTSIDE
I do enjoy taking students outside for class and have done it consistently while at Hawbridge.
I welcome parent volunteers for outdoor activities. It’s always wise to have a second pair of eyes!
While outside in the community, each student represents Hawbridge. I expect good behavior and following the school rules. A student who does not demonstrate adherence to the rules listed below will be referred to the admin team. He or she will remain inside, supervised, and complete a reading and writing activity while the rest of the class is outside.
In general:
- listen and understand instructions for the outdoor activity
- participate fully in the activity
- no inappropriate language or activity
- shoes or sandals required while in creek or river – no bare feet
- no climbing on walls in amphitheater or walls or trees, in general
- keep out of flower beds
- respect the property of Saxapahaw neighbors
- be alert when crossing road or in parking lot
END OF CLASS
Unless I’ve stated otherwise, do not leave your seats and line up in the hallway waiting for the bell. Stay seated. I will inspect the room for supplies left behind and messes.