Course Syllabus

Wellesley High School Course Overview and Expectations

AP Environmental Science, Mr. Bateman

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to AP Environmental Science!  I hope this year will be exciting, fun, and challenging.  In this course, we will explore the major concepts in environmental science, emphasizing problem solving, laboratory exercises, and application of environmental science to everyday life. This is a college level course and you are expected to sit for the AP exam on May 3, 2022 at 8:00am. The cost for the exam is $96.

Science is loaded with many facts.  Knowing and understanding these facts is a key to being successful in any science course, including Environmental Science.  Being a GOOD, active listener AND being able to take notes in class are critical skills that MUST be developed; these skills will serve you well in college.

It is important that you ask questions about material that you don’t understand at the time the material is being discussed or well before an exam or quiz.  Periodically reviewing your notes will enable you to identify questions you have as well as learn the material as it is being covered.  I am generally here before school in my office, Room 358.  You may also find me during a free block. Of course, if you would like to meet with me on a specific day, please ask me during class or send me an email. In fact, in this day and age, you should definitely send me an email first!

Policies and Procedures:
(Remember that at all times the policies and rules outlined in the WHS Student Handbook apply to you in this class)

  1. Materials you will need:
    1. MASK! 2. Your laptop! 3. Three Ring Binder 4. Loose Leaf Paper 5. Pens/Pencils (often many colors are useful)
    6. AP Environmental Science Review Book (many students find this to be a helpful review tool) 
  2. How you will be graded:
    Grades are determined by averaging all work assigned during the school year.  The categories, and the approximate weights, are:
  • Tests and Quizzes: 60% 
  • Labs/Homework/Class work/Preparation: 40%. Labs are generally completed in groups. When you submit your labs on Canvas, you need to make sure EVERYONE’S name is on the lab that you submit. Additionally, EVERYONE needs to submit the lab on Canvas, even if you completed it in a group. The labs are due on the date designated. If you hand in your lab late, you will receive a zero for that assignment. Homework is due on the assigned date. Any homework handed in late will receive a zero. I need to hold to this. I will not accept ANY late assignments. Basically, I am asking you to get your work done in a timely fashion, as you will need to if we expect to finish the curriculum by May. 

 

Attendance
Students are responsible for any material or assignments missed during an excused absence from school.  If it is known ahead of time that you will be absent, please inform me so that we can make arrangements.  An unexcused absence will result in a 0 for any quizzes, tests, or labs.   

Unexcused tardies will result in a lower class participation grade at the end of each term.  As always, class participation will be calculated with respect to how well you participate in class discussions, lab activities, homework, and general appropriate behavior while in class.  For each three unexcused tardies to class, instead of submitting them to the main office for detentions, it will be noted in your grades. Please be on time, especially for labs!

Website

I will be posting important information on Canvas. There, you will find links to documents, which will include homework assignments, PowerPoints from class, etc.  I will use announcements and the calendar, which will include DUE DATES for assignments, tests, etc. So if you are not in class on a given day, or if you forget to write down any assignments in class, you can check to see what was assigned and what was due on the day you missed!!! Additionally, you should check Canvas nightly for announcements, in case I need to relay important information to you. 

We will also be using AP Classroom this year. This is a resource being provided by the College Board to allow you to practice with AP style questions. This will be graded as a homework assignment and will help to ensure proper preparation and success for the test in May.

Make-ups

Please do not procrastinate on work you have missed.  I expect you to follow along in Canvas and see what you have missed online, but I also want you to see me about make-up work the day you return to school, even if we don’t meet the day you return.  Students who come into school tardy after environmental science class are expected to take the quiz/test that day. 
SNOW DAYS: If a snow day is called the day of a quiz or test, the quiz or test will be given the next school day.  If a snow day is called the day before a quiz or a test, the quiz or test will be given on the assigned day, as students are expected to have their notes at home to review nightly. If there are extenuating circumstances, I will send an announcement on Canvas during the snow day, so make sure you check your email and Canvas on a snow day.

Academic Honesty/Integrity

Please be clear that cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will NOT BE TOLERATED.  If they should occur, a failing grade for that particular activity will be assessed.  The appropriate grade Assistant Principal will be contacted as well as parents/guardians.

I look forward to working with you this year.  Don’t forget that I am here to help you succeed in environmental science.  I hope this will be a rewarding year for all of us. 

Parents/Guardians: please feel free to contact me via email (batemank@wellesleyps.org ).  Email is the best way to get in touch with me.  I will reply to your email as soon as possible.  I look forward to meeting you during the year.

If you would like to watch my parent night video, it is below.

APES Parent Night Video

Sincerely,

Ken Bateman

Course Summary:

Date Details Due