Course title

Pre-requisite

Course description

CLASSROOM PRIDE PLAN (9/10) NAME__________________________
SCIENCE RESEARCH:
A NATURAL HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA PERIOD_________
MR. SULLIVAN BUDDY#1_______________________
PHONE_________________
BUDDY #2______________________
PHONE_________________

COURSE DESCRIPTION: California is argueably the most physically diverse state in the union. Bordered on the west by the Pacific and its cold ocean currents; and latitudinally spanning nearly 900 miles north to south; it stretches across regional climatic zones that are effected locally by the state?s numerous mountain ranges (some towering over 14;000 feet) and equally plentiful valleys (some dipping well below sea level). Join these; and other factors; and an incredibly abundant and diverse array of life forms results. Within the confines of the boundaries that define California; you will find examples of what exists; abiotically and biotically; around the globe. Understanding how California ?works? creates a conceptual link to understanding much of the world.
This year-long course; designed as a college-prep. elective life and physical science course; will give the student a hands-on; practical education of the ecology and natural history of California. Areas of study will include California?s weather patterns and factors effecting climate; astronomical features and phenomena; California?s human history; physical geography; minerals; rocks; fossils; geologic phenomena and features; plant ecology; plant communities; mammals; reptiles; amphibians; insects and other arthropods; birds; and fish; as well as the variations of abiotic factors (climate; soil; water; sunlight; etc.) that effect them. Emphasis will be placed on the inter-relationships between all of the above factors (ecology) as opposed to learning each as a separate entity. Creative craft-like projects; field collections; field research; and field studies will be used to increase student understanding.

In addition; this course was designed in order to develop and maintain; the DHHS Environmental Education Center; an on site outdoor classroom here at Dana Hills. It offers students an opportunity for hands-on; field research experiences while stewarding gardens representing California?s native plant communities.

As a college prep course; more weight is placed on tests and quizzes; therefore; we will also stress and reinforce organization; study skills; and time management.

TEXT: EARTH SCIENCE - Holt
Textbooks are class sets. You are responsible for the loss or any damage done to any book while in your possession. In Addition; a variety of field oriented books and guides will be used as reference (these; also; will not be taken home).

HOMEWORK: Formal homework is not always assigned but you always have homework! Each day new concepts are introduced and it is important that you study the information each night in order to understand it better and to avoid ?cramming? prior to an exam. If you want to receive full credit on anything you have done; all of your work must be turned in on time - ALL LATE WORK WILL RECEIVE NO MORE THAN 50% CREDIT! If in the case of an excused absence; you will be given the same number of days equal to your excused absence to complete and turn in your work. It will be your responsibility; not mine; to make sure your work is picked up; completed; and turned in (even after an excused absence). Call a ?Buddy? or me in my classroom (496-6666 x2810) to get any missed assignments when you are absent and/or follow the procedure I demonstrated regarding where to get missed homework and assignments - Do not fall behind and stay organized!!!
Absence procedure: 1. Call Buddy on the day you missed school
2. Check the note I will attempt to write daily on the Loop
-double ?click? on Science Research? on your e-mail report
3. When you return; check the file shelf next to the entry door for work.
(*work of any kind; including tests; will not be accepted late if the assignment has already been passed back to the class.)

GRADING: The percentages may vary somewhat; though approximately 50% of your grade will be based on tests and quizzes and 50 % on labs and other activities.
Tests - There will be a test following the completion of each subject unit.
These tests will consist of matching; fill-in; multiple choice; T/F; and short-answer essay questions.
Quizzes - A short quiz will be given at least weekly. It will reflect the unit objectives to that point in time. I also reserve the right to issue ?pop-quizzes?; so keep current with all the material. Unless prior arrangements are made; ALL Make-up exams and quizzes will be
given at the first class meeting following the absence that caused you to miss the original test.
Labs; Projects; and Activities - Will vary in value as to difficulty and timerequired to complete them. This also includes your field grades when participating in the stewardship of the EEC (Environmental Education Center).

*No late work will be accepted; or make-ups given; for unexcused
absences! Remain responsible and keep your future goals in mind!

Extra Credit: Limited to unused Hall Passes and Visitation Projects.

Notebook - Paramount in importance is that you be organized. When you are
organized; it will take you far less time to find and store items necessary for your success - not only in this class; but also in others and with life in general. For this reason; a step in the right direction is that you will be required to keep an organized Notebook (exclusive to this class).

Keep this notebook neat; complete; and organized in the manner I demonstrate in class. Do not
throw any of your work away as this is your
1) proof if there are any questions regarding your grade and
2) best study guide available for quizzes; tests; and your final

In addition: a 9-1/2? x 6?; spirally bound; three section notebook; pens; pencils; colored pencils; and a California road map will also be required.

Participation - If you do not attend class; you will not learn and it is my intention that you learn. Very little of the information can be learned outside of the class; therefore; your attendance and participation are crucial. I will expect that you be:
1) present and on time
2) prepared (this includes bringing your notebook; textbook; and at least two writing utinsels);
3) showing your best effort; and
4) not disruptive to the learning process at any time during the class period.

Grades - Grades will be based on the following scale: (grades are not curved and totals are not rounded!!!)
A - 90.00-100%
B - 80.00-89.99%
C - 65.00-79.99%
D - 55.00-64.99%
F - below 55%

PROGRESS/REPORT CARDS and SCHOOL LOOP: Two progress reports are issued each
semester: one at six weeks and another at twelve weeks. The semester report is sent home approx. one week following the end of the semester. Check the School Loop nightly for accuracy in grade reporting; for nightly messages and homework; and current grades.

EXPECTED BEHAVIOR: The conduct of this class is defined in its rules. These rules are basic to the success of your educational experience in this class and in the EEC.
1) Attend Class: There is a direct correlation to number of absences and success in any class ?
those who attend will do better than those who do not. If you know that you will be absent; submit an ?Extended Absence Form? to me at least three days in advance.
2) Be On Time And Prepared For Class: Be in your assigned seat before the
tardy bell rings (the school tardy policy will be enforced). Have necessary materials on hand and be attentive and ready to participate. All assigned work must be turned in on time as NO late work will be accepted for full credit. A clean room is the norm; do not
deface/destroy/graffiti any part of the room. Clean your area. Trash must be thrown away and please use the recycle bins as necessary. This also applies also to your presence in the EEC.
3) Actively and Appropriately Participate In Class and in the EEC: You will learn more
through experiencing what you are to learn.
4) Substitute Teachers: Disciplinary action and a?U? in citizenship will result from a ?Subs?
negative report of your behavior.
5) Know the Dos and Dont?s of Dana Hills High School: I will enforce all school rules
regarding dress code; harassment (sexual and otherwise); profanity; fighting; cheating; et. al. While not intended to stifle creativity and expression; these guidelines have
been adopted in order to provide a safe and comfortable learning environment for you and all others fortunate enough to be educated at this school. Know our rules regarding student discipline and conduct!
6) Electronic Devises (ie. Cell Phones; Walkmans; etc.) Due to their distractive
Qualities in the classroom and their increasing use as cheating tools; ALL
electronic devises will be turned off and placed out of view and touch when in the classroom. All others will be confiscated and given to the school administration where they will need to be picked up by you or your parents at a later time. If seen in use; the assumption will be that cheating is or has occurred. You may not use these in class!!!
7) RESPECT EVERYONE ELSES RIGHT TO LEARN: Support others in class to successfully
accomplish their greatest level of achievement.

Web Access to Grades
Students and parents: I will make a concerted effort to update grades on the internet as often as my schedule will allow. This will also include a daily attempt to publish a note on the ?Loop? that will explain events of the day and to list homework. Please utilize this tool in order to check progress; not as a substitute for an assignment sheet or organizer; but as a means to check the accuracy of your grades and assignments.

SPECIAL NOTE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS: My philosophy of education is that in order for a student to succeed totally; there are three players: the student; the teacher; and the parent(s). All players are responsible for the education of the student. In order to be successful; it needs to be understood by all parties that learning does not end when the student leaves Dana Hills in the afternoon. It is often what goes on outside of school and a positive support system at home that leads to the greatest conceptual understanding of the subject matter taught in the classroom.
Thank You!
Michael Sullivan
I can be reached at Dana Hills High School at 496-6666 or e-mail me from the loop on dhhs.net or [email protected]; Please leave a message and I will reach you ASAP!

Objectives of the DHHS EEC:
1. To develop an on-site field location for DHHS science teachers and students to study the diverse ecology of California via its native
plant communities.
2. To promote cross-curricular / inter-disciplinary learning at DHHS.
3. To offer an intra-district field destination to local elementary and middle school students while DHHS students/docents will teach
grade-level concepts.

Mission Statement
While providing an on-site; practical; outdoor living classroom and field study destination for local students and their teachers; the Dana Hills High School Environmental Education Center will seek to enhance human understanding of; and appreciation for; California?s diverse ecology. Respect for the relationships and interdependence of animals; plants; and the physical environment is essential in preserving an environment fit for people.

Adopted May 15; 1999
DHHS Science Research

Roles and Responsibilities: (for all individuals and groups)
1. Be present and on time
2. Keep a well organized field notebook that records all daily activities and wildlife sightings.
You are ambassadors for our outdoor field program and as such you are in plain view of teachers; the administration; other students; and the general public. Your demeanor and actions are being watched and are continually scrutinized by those listed above. This course; this type of program; exists because others before you realized this and performed accordingly in order to assure the perpetuation of this program. Foul language; derogatory statements; sexual harassment; and general bad attitude will not be tolearated. Behavior to the contrary would result in disciplinary action and consideration for reassignment to another course to satisfy your science requirements.

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I have read and understand all of the above regarding the Science Research course.

____________________________________ ____________________________
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Requested competency code

Date submitted

Approved

Approved competency code

• LINT
• Integrated science

Approved date

Online / Virtual