Pickens High School Faculty

Earth Science
   

Text:
            Arms, Karen. Environmental Science. 2008, Holt, Rinehart, Winston.
            Pickens High School Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Manual

Requirements:
            Students will need pencil, paper, and a loose leaf binder or section of a loose leaf binder designated for Environmental Science.

Course Description:
            “Environmental Science is a multidisciplinary field that draws from all the sciences, as well as other fields, to help us better understand the relationship between humans and the world in which we live.  Environmental science is considered an applied science.  It applies the principles of pure sciences, such as chemistry and biology, to help achieve practical goals.  The study of environmental science focuses on three main areas: conservation and protection of natural resources, environmental education and communication, environmental research.” (Arms, 2008)
            Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) stress that Environmental Science be extensively performance, lab and field based.  To help meet that requirement, students enrolled in the course will participate in the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream program.  GPS also encourages an emphasis on careers related to environmental science as well.  Students will participate in a careers project to help satisfy this requirement.             

Units from Environmental Science text to be covered:
            (Approximately three weeks will be spent on each of the units below)
            Introduction to Environmental Science  
            Ecology                                                           
            Populations
            Water, Air, and Land
            Mineral and Energy Resources
            Our Health and Our Future      
           
An average of 1-2 days per week may be spent with the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream program.   
           
Grading Policy:
            Daily Grades (class work, homework, quizzes, labs, participation) –  50%
            Projects (expect 2 projects)– 10%       
            Tests– 40%
Note:  Instruction in this class will be differentiated to meet the needs of all students.  Therefore, assignments may be altered or changed accordingly to meet the needs of specific individuals.

Expectations:
                       
1. Students are expected to act in a mature manner at all times and be respectful, helpful, and supportive of one another.

2. Any behavior or action that is unacceptable will be respectfully addressed and should not be repeated by any student in the class.
           
3. All policies in the PHS Student Handbook and Code of Conduct will be enforced.
           
4. Come to class on time.  You must be in your seat when the bell rings.  Allow sufficient time to get to class and do not rush into the room as the bell is ringing.

5. Attend to personal needs before coming to class. You will be given 3 hall passes to use as needed over each nine weeks.  Any passes not used may be redeemed for extra credit at the end of the nine weeks.

6. Keep the room clean and neat.  I try to provide you with a clean place to study.  Please appreciate and respect that.

7. Do not cheat.  If caught cheating or sharing your work, you will receive a grade of zero.

8. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time.

           
                                               

Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) Study Skills

Assignment to this course, Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) Study Skills, is based on scores from previous standardized tests or by teacher recommendation.  It is necessary that some students receive additional instruction in order to prepare for the upcoming Georgia High School Graduation Test.  It is required that students enrolled in Georgia High Schools pass this test in order to receive their high school diploma.  It is our goal that each student will successfully pas the test.  I will work with you to the best of my ability to meet that goal. 

Students in this class will be reviewing for the math section of the graduation test.  We will be using both American Book Company’s Passing the Mathematics Graduation Test and Contemporary Publishing Company’s Passing The Georgia High School Mathematics Test as well as online tutorials such as USA Test Prep and Cognitive Tutor in order to prepare for the test.  I will also provide you with materials to review for the Language, Writing, Social Studies, and Science sections of the graduation test which you may use to prepare for those sections outside of this class.

Students will receive one-half unit of elective credit for this course if a passing grade is earned.  Sixty percent of the grade will be based on daily work, homework, notebook checks, quizzes and participation.  Forty percent will be based on test grades. 

I am very excited about teaching this class.  It is very important that we work together to insure your success in this class and on the Georgia High School Graduation Test.  If there are any questions or concerns from parents or guardians, please contact me at the school between 1:30 and 3:00 or you may email me at kellymcarthur@pickens.k12.ga.us. 

Expectations:
                  
1. Students are expected to act in a mature manner at all times and be respectful, helpful, and supportive of one another.

2. Any behavior or action that is unacceptable will be respectfully addressed and should not be repeated by any student in the class.
         
3. All policies in the PHS Student Handbook and Code of Conduct will be enforced.
         
4. Come to class on time.  You must be in your seat when the bell rings.  Allow sufficient time to get to class and do not rush into the room as the bell is ringing.

5. Attend to personal needs before coming to class. You will be given 3 hall passes to use as needed over each nine weeks.  Any passes not used may be redeemed for extra credit at the end of the nine weeks.

6. Keep the room clean and neat.  I try to provide you with a clean place to study.  Please appreciate and respect that.

7. Do not cheat.  If caught cheating or sharing your work, you will receive a grade of zero.

8. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time.