Syllabus: AP Environmental Science
2014-2015
Text: Withgott and Brennan. AP* Edition Environment: The Science Behind the Stories, 4th ed.
Course Goal: The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with scientific principles,
concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them (College, Board, Advanced Placement Program).
AP for College Credit: This course is designed to be the equivalent for a college level environmental science course. Some colleges ask to see your laboratory materials, notebooks, etc., so it is important for you to keep these materials organized and sequential.
Laboratory Work: Please note that AP Environmental Science has both laboratory and fieldwork studies integrated into the curriculum. Students should be prepared for both indoor and outdoor activities. The goals of the lab work are to understand problems, develop and design experiments, analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate those conclusions.
Topics Outline: The following outlines the major topics covered in AP Environmental Science. The percentages after each topic show the approximate proportion of multiple-choice questions on the AP exam.
I. Earth Systems and Resources: 10-15%
II. The Living World: 10-15%
III. Population: 10-15%
IV. Land and Water Use: 10-15%
V. Energy Resources and Consumption: 10-15%
VI. Pollution: 25-30%
VII. Global Change: 10-15%
Materials required:
1. 1 in Binder (1)
2. Loose-leaf paper
3. Planner (has month at a glance and weekly view)
4. Index cards (lined or unlined; used for vocabulary cards)
5. #2 pencil
6. Blue or black pen
7. AP Environmental Review Book (Barron’s)
GRADING:
70% Formal – Unit Tests, Lab Reports, Projects, etc.
30% Informal – Quizzes, Classwork, Homework, etc.
Below is a discussion of what you will be graded on:
Tests will be given after every chapter or few chapters. Tests will cover all information learned during discussion, lecture, and labs. They will consist of multiple choice and short answer essay to mimic the AP final exam.
Quizzes will cover smaller topics and will be used to solidify learning on difficult subjects as well as regular check up on vocabulary.
Labs will be done approximately every week - two weeks. You will be graded upon pre-lab, during lab, and post-lab work. Observations, hypotheses, analysis and conclusions will be assessed. Each lab will have some informal conclusion and follow up analysis. Formal lab write-up format will be discussed when it is due.
Homework will primarily include the completion of review questions and follow up materials. Most homework assignments will be checked at the beginning of class. Some homework assignments may be collected unannounced.
Midterms and finals will be created to mimic the AP Environmental Science Exam in May. Multiple choice and essays can be expected.
Absences
If you have an excused absence, it is YOUR responsibility to see that class work and notes are made up. You have two days to finish this work and turn it in. Come see me if there are extenuating circumstances. If you are absent, you will be expected to take the test/quiz the day that you come back in class.
Class Expectations
This is a college level course and students are expected to devote at least 5 hours per week on this class and perform at a college level. All reading, note taking, and preparation must be done prior to class so as to not fall behind. The following are other expectations for this class:
1. Accountability, Respect, Responsibility. I will expect you to have these three traits above all else every day while you are in my class. This is a college course and will be conducted as such. I will not tolerate anything less.
2. Be on time to class. If you are late, meaning you are not in the room and close to your seat, you need a pass from the teacher you were with or you will be marked tardy.
3. Come to class prepared. Always bring a pen or pencil and your notebook.
4. Turn your work in on time.
5. Cheating will not be tolerated by any means! Cheating on homework, makeup work, quizzes, and tests will result in a zero for the assignment! Please see the school policy in your student handbook.
6. Consequences. If you do not follow the above expectations, proper consequences will ensue. A verbal warning, a phone call home, conferences, detentions, and using the help of administration (referrals, detentions) are all consequences depending on the offense.
Student Resources:
1) After school tutoring
2) CLASS WEBSITE
3) AP Central website and textbook website
4) Form student study groups
5) AP review workbooks
APES Exam: Monday May 4, 2015 @ 8:00 am
Tentative Course Planner 2014-2015
Subject to Change at Teacher’s Discretion
Unit 1 (3 weeks)
Chapter 1: Studying the State of our Earth
Chapter 2: Environmental Systems
TEST DATE: Monday September 16th
Unit 2 (5 weeks)
Chapter 3: Ecosystem Ecology
Chapter 4: Global Climates and Biomes
Chapter 5: Evolution of Biodiversity
TEST DATE: Friday October 18th
Unit 3 (4 weeks)
Chapter 6: Population and Community Ecology
Chapter 7: The Human Population
TEST DATE: Friday November 15th
Unit 4 (3 weeks)
Chapter 8: Earth Systems
Chapter 9: Water Resources
TEST DATE: Friday December 13th
Unit 5 (3 weeks)
Chapter 10: Land, Public and Private
Chapter 11: Feeding the World
TEST DATE: Week of January 13-17
Unit 6 (2.5 weeks)
Chapter 12: Nonrenewable Resources
Chapter 13: Achieving Energy Sustainability
TEST DATE: Friday February 7th
Unit 7 (4 weeks)
Chapter 14: Water Pollution
Chapter 15: Air Pollution and Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
TEST DATE: Friday March 7th
Unit 8 (2 weeks)
Chapter 16: Waste Generation and Waste Disposal
Chapter 17: Human Health and Environmental Risks
TEST DATE: Friday March 21st
Unit 9 (3.5 weeks)
Chapter 18: Conservation of Biodiversity
Chapter 19: Global Change
Chapter 20: Sustainability, Economics and Equity
TEST DATE: Thursday April 17th
**AP EXAM REVIEW MARCH 28 – ARPIL 2
***THIS PAGE IS TO BE RETURNED TO MRS. MCKINNEY***
Student Name: _______________________________ (PLEASE PRINT)
Block: ____________
A Note to Parents and Students
AP Environmental Science is conducted as a college course and should be regarded as such. Because of this, a considerable amount of time needs to be spent outside of class learning the information. This includes reading the text as well as fully experiencing the material through various labs and possible field trips. The time commitment must be understood and concessions must be made to have the time.
Declaration of Understanding:
Students
I have read and understand the information outlined in this syllabus. I am aware of the time commitment, both in and out of class. I understand that all school rules also apply in Mrs. McKinney’s classroom and I will work to my fullest potential with consistent effort and a positive attitude.
Student Signature Date
Parents
I have read and understand the time commitments and expectations set forth for my child to achieve and accept my responsibility to help my child abide by them.
Parent Signature Date