Course Syllabus

Course Title: Environmental Science Level: ACP and Honors Instructors: Mr. Boody and Mrs. Hoge Instructors Welcome Office Hours: Office Hours:  Mr. Boody (Monday's 2:30 pm - 3:05 pm in room 436) Mrs. Hoge (Wednesday's 2:30 pm - 3:05 pm in room 338)

Course Description:

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary study of many disciplines that will examine the role of humans in the ecosystem. This course will be offered as a semester-long course. Its goal is to provide students with the scientific background to critically analyze the intricacies of the natural world, to identify key environmental problems, and subsequently provide viable solutions to resolve and/or prevent these problems. Topics shall include toxins in our environment, air and water pollution, population growth, energy consumption, and climate change. Students will participate in field trips to locations around town to demonstrate topics within the curriculum.

Course Sequence:

Grading and Assessment:

Students will be asked to participate in daily activities.  These may include class discussions, notes, lab work, as well as field work.  It is expected that all students follow up with your instructor should they be absent.  Please check the Daily Agenda carefully to see what you missed!  Each major unit will consist of a capstone assignment addressing the essential questions shown above in the course sequence.  Please read the directions for all Assignments carefully.  Students seeking accommodations for assessments must speak with their instructor in advance of the assessment to arrange the details.   

“District accommodations (DCAP) are available to all students, and in the 26-27 school year, WHS is committed to moving this forward with fidelity.  While some accommodations can be offered at the moment, others require advanced notice. For example: Extended time on an in-class assessment is a collaborative decision made by the teacher, student, and family to meet individual student needs.  The WHS guideline is up to 25% extra time.  This accommodation relies on proactive student communication prior to the date of the assessment.  The student and teacher must establish how the accommodation will be provided.”

Attendance and Late Work:

While it is imperative that students are in class and on time everyday, they will sometimes need to miss a lesson.  Students are expected to check the Daily Agenda when out and follow up with their teacher over email if they missed items.  Any missed assignments for a Unit due to an absence must be completed before the Unit Assessment to earn credit.  Assignments will not be counted if they are turned in after the Unit Assessment is given. 

In the event of a teacher absence, Mr. Boody will email you to communicate the assignment for that day with a clear due date.  If you have questions on the assignment, please email Mr. Boody while you are working on the assignment that day.  He will either get back to you via email or answer your questions at the start of the next class.   

Course Levels:

This course is offers as Advanced College Prep (ACP) and Honors (H).  To earn ACP credit students must successfully complete all assignments marked (ACP).  To earn Honors credit for this course students must complete all ACP AND Honors assignments by the deadline for each Unit.  Important Note: Assignments will not be accepted after each Unit Deadline.

Required Course Materials:

Students are asked to bring the following to class every day:

• • • • A pen or a pencil
      • A notebook or lined paper for notes
      • A binder or folder for any handouts
      • A charged laptop with headphones (earbuds) for independent work

Electronic Devices Policy:

Electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, smart watches, earbuds, and tablets can support learning when used appropriately. This policy is designed to ensure that technology enhances instruction, minimizes distractions, and promotes a respectful and academically focused classroom environment.

Permitted Use:

• Devices may be used for academic purposes only when explicitly authorized by the teacher.
• Acceptable uses include research, data collection, simulations, note-taking, and educational apps related to class activities.
• Students may use devices during designated times for assignments, labs, or collaborative work.

Prohibited Use:

• Use of devices for social media, gaming, messaging, or unrelated browsing during instructional time is not allowed.
• Recording (audio, video, or photos) without teacher permission is strictly prohibited.
• Sharing or accessing inappropriate or non-academic content is not permitted.
• Devices must not disrupt instruction (e.g., notifications, sounds, or off-task behavior).

Classroom Expectations:

• Cell phones should be silenced and placed in the appropriate classroom storage area.
• Computers and other devices must be in the student's bag until explicitly told otherwise.
• Charging devices should be done outside of class time unless permission is granted.

• Failure to comply may result in the device being confiscated by the teacher and submitted to the house office.  Please see the WHS Student Handbook for details and related consequences.

Teacher Discretion:

• The teacher reserves the right to modify device use expectations based on specific lessons, assessments, or classroom needs.