Environmental Science

Miss Dodds, Room 320

sdodds@nncsk12.org

Course Requirements and Information

EXPECTATIONS

• Remember the four “P”s. Be Prompt, Prepared, Polite and Positive.
• Arrive to class BEFORE the bell rings.
• Bring the following with you EVERY day: COVERED textbook, binder, class folder, blue or black pen/pencil, highlighter, colored pencils.
• Read the Daily Agenda on the side board and be ready to get to work when the bell rings.
• Do not bring food (including candy) or drinks to class. The ONLY exception is WATER. Staying hydrated is important to proper brain function. I keep a cooler of water in the back of the room, you may help yourself at appropriate times.
• Remember that we are all here for a very important purpose…to learn!
• Be respectful of others with your actions and words.
• Raise your hand to be acknowledged to speak.
• DO NOT DISRUPT CLASS in any manner. There are consequences for any inappropriate behaviors. (This applies when we are in class, in the library, outside, anywhere we may find ourselves during class time.)
• Please do not wear a hat in my room.

CLASS MATERIALS (bring them EVERYDAY!)

• Notebook binder – you will need a 2 or 3 inch three ring binder for note sheets.
• Blue or black pens and pencils – you do need something to write with, correct?
• Class pocket folder – to keep homework and class work organized.
• Textbook – Our books are now three years old. You will need to have a cover on your book by Wednesday of the second week of school.
• Colored pencils and highlighters – useful to color diagrams in notes and to emphasize important points.
• Portfolio binder – you only need to have this when we are working on the portfolio. You will be assigned a cubby, later in the year, where you can keep your portfolio binder so it won’t get lost.

GRADING AND ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION

• Your 10-week average will be made up of the following:

40% Tests (2x) and Quizzes (1x)

30% Portfolio

20% Labs and Projects

10% Homework, Class work

• Tests given in class must be made up within 5 school days (of your return) after it is given or you will receive a zero. I reserve the right to give a different version of the test.
• It is YOUR responsibility to arrange a make-up time.
• Portfolio requirements will be discussed on a separate sheet. We will work on portfolios at the end of each marking period, dates will be announced. We usually take 3-4 class days to work on your portfolio.
• Labs and Projects will involve in-class work and work to be done on your own. Most labs and projects will be done with a partner or in a group. I reserve the right to select partners/groups.
• HOMEWORK: Name and Date on ALL assignments. Assignments are due at the BEGINNING of the period. You may turn in assignments early if you will not be in class the day the assignment is due. If you are in school for any part of the day, it is your responsibility to find out, from me, what you will miss in class and turn in work that is due. LATE WORK IS NOT ACCEPTABLE except for certain extenuating circumstances.
• Keep in mind that homework is given to reinforce the concepts we talk about in class. Doing homework when assigned helps prepare you for tests. Also, you will need to have all of your assignments for your portfolio…don’t throw anything away!
• Missed work due to absence: It is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed, make up notes, turn in assignments, etc. I keep extra sheets from class in the tray for Environmental Science, in the back of the room.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Daily Agenda will be written on the side white board.
• Please, politely dispose of (do not throw or “chuck”) all trash in the trash can or recycling bin at the end of the period. Thank you. Please put paper ONLY in the recycling bin!
• After school help: I stay after school almost every day until at least 3:00. Please see me ahead of time if you want to stay after for help or to make up work.
• Low grades: The material we cover in this course is meant to fulfill a general science education credit. All work needs to be completed and turned in on time in order to be successful. If you find that you are having trouble keeping up with the work, please come to see me ASAP. Don't wait until April to ask me what you can do to improve your grade in this course.
• Keep this information handy in the front of your binder.
• Any other questions or comments?