Crossland High School

Science Department
Course Title: High School Environmental Science
Syllabus
Instructor: Dr. Eba A. Ongele
e-mail:eba.ongele@pgcps.org
Room 115
Course Description: This is a one credit High School course designed
to endow students with the necessary knowledge and skills that will
enable them to apply scientific skills and processes on major
environmental science concepts. Upon successful completion of this
course, students should be able to use the scientific skills and
processes and major environmental science concepts to understand
interrelationships of the natural world and to analyze environmental
issues and their solutions. Ownership of knowledge acquired in the
environmental science course will be demonstrated by successful
completion of the course, and will contribute to success on the
Maryland High school Assessment for Biology which is administered by
the tenth grade and thereafter if students do not achieve a passing
score. Passing the Maryland High School Assessment for Biology is a
requirement for graduation.
Your course grade is based on:
Homework: 15%
Class Work: 40%
Assessment: 45%
Proposed Outline: High School Environmental science will be covered
in units. Unit lessons are in-depth studies of environmental topics that
help students develop conceptual knowledge of biological concepts
rather than memorization of unrelated facts. Units are designed to
encourage imagination, creativity, and analytical thinking. In addition,
the lessons meet ETM (Education that is Multicultural) guidelines,
especially at the end of each quarter. After completion of each quarter,
students can choose many different projects that will allow evaluation
of mastery of concepts and connections taught.

The units that will be taught in Environmental science are as follows:

First Quarter
Unit 1 Introduction to Environmental Science
Science and the Environment
Tools of Environmental Science
The Dynamic Earth
Second Quarter
Unit 2 Ecology
The Organization of Life
How Ecosystems Work
Biomes
Aquatic Ecosystems
Unit 3 Populations
Understanding Populations
The Human Population
Biodiversity
Third Quarter
Unit 4 Water, Air and Land
Water
Air
Atmosphere and Climate Change
Land
Food and Agriculture
Fourth Quarter
Unit 5 Mineral and Energy Resources
Mining and Mineral Resources
Nonrenewable Energy
Renewable Energy
Waste
Service - Learning
All students in Prince Georges County Public Schools are required to
complete seven curriculum-infused service learning hours through

their science class. This is a requirement for high school graduation.

Therefore, I will ensure that the Service-Learning Project included in
this course is completed. Also, I will fill out a Student Service Learning
Verification Form to verify that each student has completed the
curriculum-infused hours.
STEM Project
Each quarter of Environmental Science will culminate with a S.T.E.M.
(Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) project. S.T.E.M.
project are an opportunity to allow students the ability to display their
knowledge and application of content from that quarter. The S.T.E.M.
idea is important to get students to further integrate their learning into
technology, engineering and mathematics.
Homework
Homework will generally be given every class period. Homework will
be due at the beginning of the next assigned class meeting. An on
going assignment will be to turn in a current event article summarized
and relevant to the study of sciences. You may work together on the
homework, but you must turn in your own work. Homework must be
handed in on time. I will not accept late homework submission.
Classwork
Students will compile a science notebook containing class notes,
vocabulary, and lab reports. The purpose of the lab book is to help the
students prepare for the quizzes and tests and will be submitted on
the day of each test. A format will be given for setting up the science
notebook.
Exams/Quizzes
Quizzes will be given to assess student understanding of the material.
The science notebook will be graded as part of the semester
assessment. A chapter challenge will be completed and presented by
the student groups and will count as the unit assessment. A rubric will
be given to guide the students in completing the unit challenge.
Students may use their science notebooks on all quizzes.

Environmental Science Classroom and Laboratory Rules

Respect Yourself
Respect Others
Respect this Place
Observe all Crossland High School rules
Materials Required
Blue or Black Pens
#2 Pencils
3 Ring Binder
Loose-leaf paper 3 hole punch, college rule
Calculator (TI Calculator is preferred)
Colored pens and pencils
1 bound composition book for Labs
2 Notebooks (one as Vocabulary Log and a second one for course
notes, assignments, labs, etc.).

Syllabus Signing Sheet

Dr. Eba Ongele
Science Teacher
Student Name (Please print):
________________________________________________________
Student Signature:
________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (Please print):
______________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:
________________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________
Daytime Phone Number:
_______________________________________________________
Night Phone Number:
________________________________________________________
Email Address:
________________________________________________________
Please detach this form and return it to Dr. Ongele no later than
Tuesday, August 30, 2011.

Crossland High School 2001/2012

High School Environmental Science Course

Classroom Expectations
Welcome to Environmental Science Class! Our hope is that this
document will help each and every one of you to have a positive and
productive year in your Environmental Science class. Please read and
adhere to the following classroom expectations to ensure success in
your science class.
Required Materials: The following materials should be brought with
you to class every session:

1 - 2-inch three ring binder with pockets

2 bound composition books for Vocabulary Log and Labs
Loose leaf paper
Pack of five dividers
#2 Pencils and a blue, black and red pen (Assignments that are
turned in for a grade, are to be done blue or black ink or pencil.
Assignments turned in using any other medium will be returned
un-graded.)
Scientific calculator (with the log or EE function)
Textbook
Post-it Notes (optional item)

Classroom expectations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Observe and follow all school rules and procedures.

Be respectful (Respect others, their space and personal property).
Be an active and positive participant in class.
Be present, prepared, and punctual (Respect the 3 Ps).
No eating, drinking or chewing gum in class.
No electronic materials (cell phones, cameras, etc.) in class.

Uniforms and IDs: Proper uniform attire is expected to be worn

everyday. Your school ID should be worn and visible at all times.
Discipline Procedure* All students are expected to follow the rules set
by PGCPS, Crossland High School, and the classroom teacher at all
times.
1st infraction: Warning (Verbal or Non-verbal)
2nd infraction: Teacher/Student Conference
3rd infraction: Parent Contact/Parent Conference
4th infraction: Written Referral
*Based on the severity of the infraction, steps may be skipped

Attendance Policy: Attendance is mandatory for success in class. Due

to the amount of material we cover and the fact that labs are set up
and done one time, attendance is critical. Parent contact and referrals
will be made for excessive absences.
Tardy Policy: Students are expected to be in their seats by the time
the bell rings. If you are late to class, please bring a pass to be
excused. Students will receive a zero on their warm-up exercise for
each unexcused tardy. Parent contact and referrals will be made for
excessive tardiness.
Passes Out Of Class: There will be no passes issued the first ten
minutes or the last ten minutes of class. Passes out of class will be
issued at the teachers discretion. You are allowed no more than three
(3) hall passes per Quarter. A hall pass Log will be filled in each time
you use the services. Please note: you will not be allowed to leave
class to go to your locker at any time during the class period.
Late Work: All assignments are due on their designated due date.
You will lose 20 points per scheduled class period for every day that an
assignment is late.
Make-Up Work: Students with unexcused absences will NOT BE
ALLOWED TO MAKE UP WORK MISSED.

It is the responsibility of the student to get any assignments

missed due to an excused absence. Those students with an
excused absence, who miss labs, will be given an alternative
assignment to complete. Make-up work is due on the next class
day that you meet.

Make up tests must be scheduled. Only those students with an

excused absence may schedule an appointment to make-up any
missed tests.
Laboratory Safety: You must know and follow all laboratory safety
rules when performing a lab in science. Any student who is seen using
unsafe lab practices will not be able to participate in the lab and will
receive a zero for that assignment.
Homework: Homework will be given on a regular basis and will be
due during your next scheduled class meeting. Science homework or
any other subject is NOT to be done during class.
Classroom Dismissal Policy: You are not allowed to leave the
classroom without permission. You will be dismissed at the end of
each class period by your teacher, not the bell. When everyone is

sitting quietly in their seat, with their materials put neatly away, you
will be dismissed.
If you leave the classroom before the bell rings:
I will have a teacher student conference with you (1st offense);
I will call your parents to report your conduct (2nd offense);
I will request a teacher parent conference (3rd offense); and
I will report you to the disciplinary office for suspension (4th offense).
It is imperative you do not leave the classroom before the bell rings
each day of the school year.
Lets have a great and successful year!!!!
Dr. Ongele

Science Instructor

Crossland High School 2009/2010

8

Science Department Classroom Expectations Signing Sheet:

I have read the science department classroom expectations. I
understand the above rules and procedures and promise to abide by
them.
Student Name:
Student signature:

Date:

I have read and reviewed the above rules and procedures with my
child.
Parent/Guardian Name:
Parent / Guardian signature:
Date:
Parent / Guardian Phone Number:
Parent / Guardian Email: