Course Description

This course will be unlike any that you have taken at Cary Academy!  This is a unique course with unique requirements.  Please see me if you have any questions about this course or how it is administered.  This course will explore the interrelationships between human populations and the natural environment. Some of the issues analyzed from a scientific, economic, political, and ethical basis include human population trends, pollution, natural resource use, and environmental protection. Numerous trips off campus, guest speakers and current scientific literature and research will supplement class discussion of controversial topics and environmental challenges. The lab component of this course will allow students to learn ways in which scientists study and monitor the environment.  Instead of our focus being on global issues, we are going to look at the environmental issues facing Cary Academy, our local area, and North Carolina.

You will not need any materials for this course except a three-ring binder.

Grading:

There will not be traditional tests or a final exam (see note below).  You will earn points for completing the assignments in this course.  The class is very project-based.  Please do not misinterpret the lack of tests to mean a lack of academic responsibility!

Your course grade will be calculated from the percentage of total points earned.  You can expect that points will be based on and come from the following categories:

·        Class activities, labs, class projects

·        Publishable ideas and contributions to web site

·        Final individual project

·        Special Class Meetings (or final test)

There will be several small assignments and some projects that vary in size.  I hope that since this a Junior and Senior level course there will not be a problem completing the assignments.  Please be aware that some of the projects will therefore count a substantial portion of your grade; plan on doing the work you need to for this course to be successful.  Work that is late (not turned in when it is due), will be penalized 10% per day or part of day that it is late.

In addition, there may be some "bonus opportunities" to earn points during the trimester (web searches, video reviews, etc.).  Take advantage of them! (Some possible topics....)

"Final test?  What final test? I didn't think there were any tests!"

There will two “special class meeting” times in this course: A Saturday field trip to Johnston County where we will visit one or two hog farms and a Thursday afternoon where we will “make an environmental difference” on our own campus.  If you attend both of these special class meetings and complete the work following them, you will be exempt from the final test of the trimester.  You may CHOOSE to take it if it will help your grade (you grade will not go down), but it will be optional for you.  If you cannot attend one of the special class meetings, you will have to take the final test (the final test will not be optional!).  If you cannot attend either special class meeting, you will have to take the final test and it will count double.  

Topics and Tentative Course Schedule