Syllabus

** __Environmental Science__ ** ** QCSD Freshman Center - Room 131 ** Mrs. Cari Matthaei //2010-2011 Course Syllabus//

This course is focused on making students better citizens of our environmental world so that we can become better care takers of earth. Students will focus on the potential and realistic possibilities of the human environmental impact, analyzing and interpreting specific environmental solutions, and researching individual applications of environmental problems and solutions.
 * Course Description:**

1. How are we as a society, community, and individual dependent on the environment? 2. What is the impact of our past, current, and future actions on the world we live in? 3. Should preservation/conservation of the environment be more important than the individual’s right to consume? 4. What can we do to protect our environment?
 * Essential Questions:**

Behavior in and out of the classroom will revolve around RESPECT and RESPONSIBILITY. As a class, we will develop classroom expectations and will hold each other accountable. These expectations will be displayed in the classroom for the entire course and will be handed out to all students, as well.
 * Class Expectations:**

You will demonstrate mastery of the 9th grade Environmental Science learning targets through an assortment of exercises (“evidence”) including (but not limited to): Laboratory Activities, Group Projects, Online Activities, Quick Checks, Tests, and Quizzes. Assignments will be graded using a four point rubric.
 * (Standard-Based) Grading Policy:**


 * **4 – Advanced** || I know (can do) it well enough to make connections that weren’t taught. ||
 * **3 – Proficient** || I know (can do) everything that was taught without making mistakes. ||
 * **2 – Developing** || I know (can do) all the easy parts but I don’t know (can’t do) the harder parts. ||
 * **1 – Beginning** || With help, I know (can do) some of what was taught. ||

Each student will keep a portfolio of their “evidence” related to the Learning Targets. Portfolios will be shared with parents at conference time. Your final grade is based on the level of mastery of all of the combined Learning Targets.

To view Mrs. Matthaei's QCSD website: [] or email her.