Click here to download the pdf file of the curriculum guide.

Introduction

This course is designed to aid those students who wish to expand their knowledge of their role and impact on earth. Those students that choose this course should be ready to learn about a wide array of topics relating to Environmental Science which include but are not limited to ecosystem structure, population growth, pollution, and resource management. Evaluation of the student will be a comprehensive assessment of higher ordered thinking skills. The concept of a portfolio assessment is an activity that will enhance the students’ critical and analytical thinking skills.

An outline of the course curriculum, nine weeks outline, scope and sequence, and a list of suggested activities and lab experiments are located within this document. The 6-12 Science Safety Manual guidelines must be adhered to whenever anyone performs a demonstration or a laboratory exercise. This information is intended to be a guide for the topics, themes, and laboratory activities to be covered each six weeks.

The Philosophy of Environmental Science

Environmental Science is designed to introduce the world of environmental sciences and engage each student in learning so that the student can fully appreciate the field of science and develop to his/her maximum potential. The course work is designed to utilize and establish a strong foundation of environmental understanding by laboratory experiences, hands-on activities, and cooperative learning skill that make emphasize problem solving, information gathering, and decision making.

Rationale

This is a semester course designed to be a basic, introductory environmental science course that focuses on the basic concepts. The evaluation of this course will be based on the assessment strategies stated within this handbook.

Modifications for IEP

The students within Shelby County Schools who require modifications due to their Individualized Education Program (IEP) are legally entitled to curriculum adjustment. An IEP is a legal document which must be followed in accordance with the laws set forth by the federal government, state statutes and Shelby County Schools’ policy.

All educators must examinee the student’s IEP to determine exactly what modification are necessary to meet the student’s educational needs. For example, many IEPs require extended time for student reading, writing, test taking, and other assignments. However, it is not a question of whether the IIEP should be followed, rather, it is a question of how best to effectively implement the required modifications of the IEP to benefit the student. Educators should read each student’s IEP and review curriculum plans. Interviewing the students individually provides and excellent means of finding techniques to maximize the student’s educational progress. School resource departments are also invaluable resources.