Environmental Science

(6 customer reviews)

From: $92.00 / month for 8 months

Grades:  9th–12th (8th graders with instructor approval.)

Class:  Tue 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET

Dates:  Aug 21–May 3

Price:  $649

Instructor: Lisa Duckworth

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Enrollment in this class is currently closed.

Course Description

Environmental Science is a year-long inquiry, and hands-on-laboratory-based science course designed to show thematic connections between a variety of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, geology, botany, ecology, math, toxicology, climatology, astronomy, meteorology, and physics. It gives students a coherent and realistic picture of the applications of a variety of scientific concepts as they manifest in our environment. The aim of this course to increase students’ knowledge of the environmental challenges of today, while continuing to cultivate scientific critical thinking skills, and encourage problem solving.

Course Structure

This course will cover 5 thematic units covering the 4 spheres of the planet: The Lithosphere, The Atmosphere, The Biosphere and The Hydrosphere. Each sphere of the earth will be explored and investigated, including humans’ impact on each, using a variety of instructional methods, including a flipped classroom where students will use the textbook, digital notebooks, videos, video lectures, and web links to learn about the topics. Live classes will be for demos, labs and mini-labs, and discussion sessions. Outside of class, work will consist of case studies, video questions (using Edpuzzle), notes from video lectures, online labs, and readings from the textbook. Students should expect to do 5-7 hours on assignments per week. Most assignments will be due weekly, with some having longer dues dates. Quizzes will be weekly, and tests will be given at the end of each unit. Students will complete most assessments on Canvas or Quizziz. Students are expected to participate in and complete all aspects of required work to the best of their ability. Student achievement will be evaluated in a holistic manner, considering all aspects performance.

Who should enroll?

This class is for students in grades 9th-12th, 8th graders with prior permission from the instructor.

Technology Requirements

  • High speed, broadband Internet
  • Sound card and microphone (for live sessions)
  • Streaming video capabilities to watch video lectures and other videos as assigned
  • Computer Access
  • Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint or Google Docs, Sheets and Slides Access
  • Printer
  • Scanner/Ability to scan with phone or tablet

Supply List

  • Scientific Calculator (does NOT need to be a graphing calculator)
  • A 100-sheet graph paper notebook
  • Pen/pencils
  • Colored Pencils/Markers
  • Tape – double-sided as well as clear tape
  • Scissors
  • Index Cards
  • Post-it Notes

Evaluation and Feedback

All grades will be available in Canvas for students and parents. Assignments will be graded within one week of submission. Students will be evaluated through performance on quizzes & tests, mini-laboratory investigations, formal lab reports, homework, and independent projects. A progress report will be given mid-semester and at the end of a semester. Parent conferences are available upon request. Quizzes & Tests will comprise 30% of the total points, Labs & Mini-Labs 30%, Homework 30%, and Projects 10%.

Communication

Parents and students may contact me through Canvas. I will respond within 48 hours to all communications. Please do not hesitate to contact me or ask questions.

Required Texts

 

  • Environmental Science, 2013 Edition, Holt McDougal, ISBN 9780547904016

Note: An interactive version of this book is available through iBooks and may be purchased instead of the physical book if that is preferred.

  • A lab equipment list will be sent after enrollment.

6 reviews for Environmental Science

  1. Debra

    I highly recommend Kristen Lauria’s environmental science class for interested students. This course is extremely thorough. The labs are interesting and further enhance a student’s knowledge of environmental science. Nature walks are incorporated into the labs so students are able to connect with their environment and learn about the many issues affecting our environment today. A student who enjoys engaging with nature while learning about the environment will really enjoy this class.

  2. Emily Crawford

    Mrs. Lauria is an excellent teacher. My daughter, a Senior in high school, has gained a rich understanding of environmental issues from a balanced perspective. This well-designed class has engaging discussions, purposeful assignments, thought-provoking projects, and stimulating labs. In addition, homeschooling high school science can be challenging, and Mrs. Lauria understands this. She listens well to her students’ needs and works hard to help them. As a parent, I have been grateful for a solid presentation of the material and her quick response to all my questions. For these reasons, I would highly recommend her class.

  3. Parent

    Mrs. Lauria is very knowledgeable in Environmental Science topics. My son looked forward to her class every week. He had since developed an acute sense of awareness in environmental issues and constantly shared his newfound knowledge about biomes, water cycles, tectonic planes, biodiversities, invasive species and the like with us. He even did a science project and presentation on eutrophication at the district’s school on two occasions!

  4. Jann (verified owner)

    Ms. Lauria is a fantastic teacher who never fails to motivate and pique the curiosity of her students. Her class is very engaging with the right amount of assignments and lab work. My son highly recommends this course to anyone who would like to broaden their experience and knowledge in environmental science.

  5. Rebecca Klabunde (verified owner)

    My son very much enjoys this new class! Mrs. Lauria is prompt in all communication, organized in her assignments, and makes her students feel comfortable in class discussion – making her a great teacher. We both highly recommend this course!

  6. Hollyn Martin (verified owner)

    We were so excited about the addition of this class for my high school son. He has been very engaged in the material and finds it to be very relevant for life and for his educational goals. It has challenged him and I have seen wonderful growth since it began in the Fall.

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Instructor Bio

Lisa Duckworth

A former AAO parent, Lisa is joining the Aim Academy Online faculty for the 2022-23 school year. Welcome, Lisa!

Hi! I am Lisa Duckworth, and I am super excited to teach science with Aim Academy! I have been an educator for 30 years. I have a Bachelor of Science in Science Education from North Carolina State University (Go Wolfpack!) and have taught science to all ages of students. I started teaching public high school science in NC – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and AP Biology and then took time off to be a homeschooling mom to 4 fabulous kids. Over the last 20 years, I have been teaching in our homeschool coop, and my teaching repertoire has expanded to math, history, English, art, and science classes for all ages, you name a topic, and I have probably taught a course in it over the years. For the last seven years, I have been teaching science summer camp classes to kids ages 7-16 and teaching science classes at our local community college. But, as you can probably tell, I love science!

In addition to my passion for all things science, I am an animal lover. I live on a horse farm with my four horses, two dogs, four cats, lots of fish, snails, and our tortoise, Tessa! My other passions include reading, cooking, scrapbooking, watching musicals, and collecting plastic ducks. I love traveling and visiting new places, where I always try to visit a science museum! I am a very hands-on interactive type of learner and teacher. I think students learn science best when they are doing science. So my classes are fun and filled with lots of layers of learning. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know you as we learn together!

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Email: lduckworth[at]aimacademy.online

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