ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

We will be undertaking the study of environmental science! We will be learning a

great deal, and I plan to have a great year! You will be expected to work hard. We
will do as many labs as possible.

Classroom Rules
1. Be respectful of your fellow classmates and teacher
~
~
~

LISTEN when you should be listening

SPEAK when it is appropriate
PARTICIPATE actively in discussions, activities, and work time

2. Bring the appropriate materials to class and have them ready at the
bell
~ Calculator - yes, a separate scientific calculator - not the one on your
phone or computer
~ Writing utensils
~ Note-taking materials
3. Be in your seat at the bell and ready to begin class
~ Please come in, place your phones in the cell phone holder, and take your
seat before the bell rings.

Grading Scale and Point Values

A

93-100%

73-76%

TESTS

60 PTS

A-

90-92%

C-

70-72%

LABS

20 PTS

B+

87-89%

D+

67-69%

HOMEWORK

B
B-

83-86%
80-82%

D
D-

63-66%
60-62%

QUIZZES
FINAL/MIDTERMS

C+

77-79%

0-59%

5 PTS
10 PTS
TBD

Retakes
You may retake any test or quiz throughout the class. Before the retake you must
come in for reteaching on your own time (before/after school, study hall, planning
period, or other approved time). Only after reteaching are you able to retake the
quiz or test. The higher of the two scores will be the one that is entered into the
grade book. You will have one week to retake any quiz and until the next test to
retake the previous test. After these cut offs pass the original score will be
recorded.

Homework
Homework will the checked for completion on Fridays. Keys are provided for you to
CHECK your work but not to copy. If you miss a day any missing work can be found
in the purple basket. You have as much time to make up your work as you were
absent plus one day

Labs
We will try to do as many labs as we can.
Due to the safety issues of some of the chemicals we will be handling in lab, I hold
a zero tolerance
policy for any roughhousing or messing around in the lab. It is simply too
dangerous, and I will not
risk your or my health.
Lab tasks will be done in small groups; however, the lab write-ups will be done
individually unless otherwise instructed. Listen carefully for which portions of
written lab work may be done together and which portions need to be done
individually. If in doubt, ask. Copied papers will be recorded as zero no option to
make up points. All students involved will receive a zero.
Lab quizzes and practicals fall into this category.

Cell Phones and Computers

There is a zero tolerance cell phone use policy in the classroom. Cell phones are to
remain out of sight unless directed otherwise by me. More about this in the cell
phone policy handout.
Computer use needs to remain focused on Chemistry lectures, labs, research, or
homework.

Comments
It is extremely important that you never get behind during the year! When you
have a question, ask me. When you need extra help, let me know. I am available
before and after school for extra help. It is absolutely critical that you be in class
to participate.
I have tremendously high expectations for all my students and refuse to accept
sub-par work. The standards will be set and remain high all year long. I want to

provide an enjoyable class for all students and any motivations contrary to this
goal will not be tolerated.
If you are absent on test day, you will take the test the day you come back, unless
there are extenuating circumstances. If you are present at school on a test day,
but for some reason leave school before our science class time, you are
responsible for taking the test before you leave school, unless there are
extenuating circumstances in which case you will have one week to make up the
missed test.
I am really looking forward to this year and having you in class! Glad youre here!
Ms. Devan Walker
Contact Me:
walkerd@prairievalley.k12.ia.us
Website:
www.mswalkersvhs.weebly.com