Grades are earned based on the number of points accumulated by completing assignments and exams. Students must earn at least 60 points to pass this course. If students have trouble completing the assignments, or preparing for or taking tests, they should contact the instructor for advice.The instructor will assist students in selecting the appropriate mechanisms to help the students successfully earn credit for this course.

Late work is not accepted.

The reading discussions, laboratory exercises, media topics, exams, and presentation are mandatory assignments and should not be missed. Each student can make up one missed exam, whereas, the other mandatory assignments cannot be made up. The points for missed reading discussions and media topics will be added to the next exam. For example, if a reading discussion is missed during a particular exam period, the next exam will be worth 13 points instead of normal 11 points. This way, students have an opportunity to make up points for missed assignments.

The reading discussions are reading comprehension, verbalization of information, and peer teaching exercises.

To receive credit (2.0 points per assignment) for these exercises, students will 1) read the assigned material, 2) write an answer to each question, 3) bring their answers to class the day the assignment is due, and 4) participate in the group discussion.

Reading discussions cannot be made up.

The reading discussion assignments are posted on the Reading Discussions page.

On the day the assignment is due (see syllabus), the instructor will divide the class into groups of three students, where each group member is assigned a task. The leader ensures that all of the questions are answered satisfactorily and that the group stays on task in order to complete the exercise in the time provided. The recorder writes the names of the group members on a sheet paper and, for each question, states whether the group agreed or disagreed on an answer. The recorder’s sheet will help the instructor determine if certain reading discussion questions should be reviewed during lecture. The encourager ensures that all group members participate in the discussion. If a student is not participating, the encourager will ask the student about that student's responses to the reading discussion questions.

The recorder’s answer sheet is handed in at the end of the exercise.

Laboratory exercises are scientific method, observation, measurements, analysis, critical thinking, mathematics, and problem solving exercises.

To receive credit (2.0 points) for each laboratory, students will 1) read the assigned material, if any, 2) attend lab on the day designated in the syllabus, and 3) satisfactorily complete the laboratory assignment. Students can make up two missed labs. The makeup labs' format will vary depending on the lab topic.

Media topics are exercises that encourage students to read articles about Hawaii's environment in local media and relate classroom topics to local environmental issues that affect Hawai'i residents.

Each week students can select an article from a local newspaper, magazine, or Web site about a subject that is related to a topic discussed in class.

To receive full credit for each media topic (0.5 points) students must 1) provide a brief summery of the article (one or two sentences) and 2) use at least five points (facts or processes) learned in class when illustrating a relationship between a classroom topic and the media article. A copy of the media article must be handed in along with the media topic. The due dates are listed in the syllabus. Media topics cannot be turned in late.

Attendance is required and worth up to 4.0 points.

The presentations are research skills, reading comprehension, organization, and presentation skills exercises.

Students will select a presentation topic, research the topic, and prepare a 5-minute PowerPoint or Keynote presentation. The presentations will be scheduled for delivery between June 15 and July 2. The presentation schedule will be posted on June 2.

Students will select a presentation topic by June 1 and inform the instructor in writing.

Exam preparation requires students to practice (and learn new) study skills and encourages students to link information from a variety of lectures, lab exercises, and reading exercises. Written, short answer, and problem questions are used in exams so that students become more proficient at writing, critical thinking, and problem solving.

The exam topics will be posted on the Exam Topics page approximately one week before each exam. Each exam is worth twelve points.

Makeup exams are worth eleven points and must be made up within one week of the date of the missed exam.

To successfully complete the course, students should attend class regularly, participate in class discussions, check the course Web site regularly for information, and satisfactorily complete the mandatory assignments and exams. If students need help, they should contact the instructor. Students are expected follow the Board of Regents’ policy of academic dishonesty as stated on p. 171 of the current LCC catalog.

Students should participate in classroom activities, pay attend during lecture, refrain from conversation that interferes with the learning of others, and respect the rights and dignity of fellow students. Discrimination based on gender, race, ethnic heritage, or sexual orientation will not be tolerated.

Upon successful completion of SCI 103, a student will be able to do the following:

• Apply scientific principles to environmental science.
• Explain the formation and geological characteristics of the Hawaiian Islands.
• Explain the interaction of the ocean and the Hawaiian Islands.
• Discuss the ecology of the coral reefs.
• Discuss the water resources in Hawaii and their management.
• Discuss environmental pollution, degradation, and remediation in Hawaii.
• Discuss the Hawaiian perspective of the natural environment and relate it to the cultural values of malama'aina.