Environmental Issues Syllabus

http://amybiehlenvironmentalissues.weebly.com/
Class Description:
Environmental Issues is for credit. It is a discussion and reflection based class. This
class provides an opportunity to explore many environmental issues (both good and bad) through
lecture, current events, documentaries, podcasts, and discussions. The topics will reflect student
interest and current events, but large ongoing topics will be discussed such as climate change,
water shortages, and habitat destruction.
***Students will help analyze recycling habits at Amy Biehl High School!***

Class Expectations:
Class will start and end on time. Please be in your seat and ready to start at the beginning of
class.
Attendance Policy
If you missed a class or part of a class, it is up to you to speak to me, the teacher, about what you
missed. This may mean reading an article on your own or watching a video online on your own
time. However, class discussions and class participation cannot made up. Good attendance is an
important part of this class.
Any assignments that were due or assigned must be turned in within a week of your absence. If
your absence was excused you may ask for an extension on deadlines.
Absences may make it difficult to earn credit for this class..
Tardy Policy (5 minutes late = absent)
Place your slip on my desk no need to speak to me about it since we will have started class.
Jump in seamlessly to whatever the rest of the class is doing, with minimal disruption.
Cell Phone Policy
Please keep your cell phone in your bag and not on your desk.
If you are texting or otherwise being distracted by your cell phone, I will ask you to put it away
once.
If I have to ask again, I will take your phone and keep it until the end of class.
Bathroom policy

 There is a 4 minute pass on the door - you do not need to ask to use the bathroom, just take the
pass and go.
If the pass is not there, wait until it comes back!
You can use the pass to fill up your water bottle as well.
Please limit your use of the bathroom pass to once per class or less in general!

Grading Policy:
Your grade in Environmental Issues is based on turning in assignments, participation in
discussions, and the recycling project. The breakdown of your grade is approximately as follows:
Classwork and homework 50% of grade
Participation 10% of grade
Recycling project (participation and ownership) 30% of grade
Final essay 10%
Grading Scale:
97-100: A+
87-89: B+
77-79: C+

93-96: A
83-86: B
75-76: C

90-92: A80-82: BBelow 75: F

Standards:
Strand II: The Content of Science Standard II (Life Science): Understand the properties,
structures, and processes of living things and the interdependence of living things and their
environments.
Strand III: Science and Society Standard I: Understand how scientific discoveries,
inventions, practices, and knowledge influence, and are influenced by, individuals and societies.