| This course will use nature as a laboratory, combining principles of ecology, environmental science and wildlife survival. Study topics include the natural history of the Hudson Valley and New York State. Field work will include wildlife identification, assessment of air, water and soil quality, analysis of matter and energy flow, and the human impact on the environment. Students will conduct original research on the evolution and diversity of organisms and how interactions between organisms form and maintain biotic communities. Field biology follows the core curriculum learning standards. |
Text
There is no textbook for this class but we will be reading selected articles from the Economist, Earth Journal and Science magazines. The internet will also be a valuable information gathering tool.
Materials Needed
A 3-Ring Binder, composition or journal book, pencil, pen, assignment organizer and a simple calculator must be brought to class every day.
Course Expectations
1. Be on time to class. No excuses, no exceptions. Three latenesses will equal a detention.
2. Respect should be shown in all communication.
3. A positive attitude is important for your success in this class.
4. Safe behavior is required. This is especially important while doing labs. (We’ll do many labs!)
5. Homework is assigned every night. It may be in the form of taking chapter notes, finishing a lab or a worksheet. Late homework will be severly marked down. Stay on top of your work!
6. If you have been absent, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to find out what homework you missed. When you return to class you will be expected to hand in the homework that was due the day that you were absent. No excuses. Any new homework assigned while you were absent will be due the class period following your return to school. Stay on top of your work! Remember that you must make up class time if you miss more than 10 classes otherwise you will be denied course credit.
7. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. If you are caught copying someone else’s work, you and the person you copied from will receive a zero for that assignment. There will be some exceptions made for lab partners.
8. It is very important that you respect nature when working in her laboratory! We will be spending a considerable amount of time outdoors. Please do NOT leave any trace of your presence!
Extra Help
I am available for extra help almost every day after school from 2:20- 2:45 pm. If you are planning to stay after, first check with me in case I have another meeting to attend. I also am available to meet with you during my free blocks and lunch breaks. Please check with me to see if our schedules coincide.
Grading
Final: 20%
Tests: 43%
Quizzes: 22%
Labs: 20%
Homework: 10%
Participation: 5%
Communication
My phone number at school is 256-4175 x 61814. My e-mail address is cathy_law@yahoo.com. Please feel free to contact me when problems arise.
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