Ms. Johnson
APES Guidelines and Expectations
Course Description
The goal of this course is to provide students with the 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. The course adheres to the objectives set forth by the College Board which requires that the class be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science that includes a laboratory and field investigation component.
Specific Topics by Semester:
Semester I:
Unit 1: Foundations of Environmental Science
Unit II: Ecosystem Structure and Function
Unit III: Land Use
Unit IV: Human Population
Semester II:
Unit V: Freshwater and Marine Resources
Unit VI: Environmental Health and Waste Management
Unit VII: Atmospheric Science and Climate Change
Unit VIII: Energy Resources
Text: Environment: The Science Behind the Stories 3rd ed. by Jay Withgott & Scott Brennan
Required Materials: Bring to class everyday: 3 ring binder, Spiral notebook, pen and pencil. On lab days, closed toe shoes are required. When going outdoors, dress appropriately and consider wearing insect repellent.
Grading Policy: Your grade will be determined as follows: Total points earned X 100
Total points possible
Work must be submitted on time. On rare occasions late work may be accepted, but will result in a lower grade. Work will not be accepted after the corresponding unit test.
Quizzes and Tests: Quizzes (pop or announced) will be worth 10 – 25 points each. Tests are always announced and will be given at the end of each unit and will be worth 100 points each.
Labs and activities: You will be carrying out many labs and activities in class. You will either complete a lab report or have a quiz. Most lab reports will consist of the following sections: Observations/Data Calculations, Discussion, and Conclusion. Student designed experiments will require a formal, comprehensive lab report. Each will be worth from 10 – 25 points.
Homework: Homework will include written work and reading and must be completed by the assigned due date. Assignments will be worth from 5 – 25 points. Homework may be collected or assessed through a quiz. Assignments will be written on the board.
Research Project: Each student will design his/her own individual long-term research project (200 points) to be completed and presented after the AP exam – during the final quarter.
Wiki Discussions: Students will participate in online Wiki discussions involving current Environmental Science issues. 5 points will be earned for high quality entries which are supported by material from the original reading, the text, and other reliable, cited sources.
Special Projects: Special, short-term projects will be assigned occasionally during the year and will be worth from 25-50 points.
Extra Help: I am available for extra help after school most days. In addition, you may come for help during my free periods and study halls. Please see the class webpage for my schedule.
Exams: All students will take both the midterm and final. It is also expected that students will take the AP exam which will be on May 5, 2014.
The class website can be accessed through the school home page or directly on the web at http://dhsapes.wikispaces.com/
Email: Telephone: 655-3981 ext. 2514
The AP Environmental Science will also espouse the DHS Core Values and Beliefs and Learning Expectations as outlined below:
We, the members of the Darien High School community, believe that learning best occurs in an environment that is safe, supportive, respectful and intellectually challenging for all students; one that promotes personal excellence through active, collaborative and creative thinking; individual growth; and development of the skills and integrity to become productive members of society.
Darien High School students will:
1. demonstrate creativity and adaptability in thinking patterns and work habits to meet the demands of a changing world;
2. communicate effectively in multiple contexts and for various purposes;
3. apply accurate observation, aesthetic awareness and real-world research strategies to authentic, inquiry-based tasks;
4. work independently and collaboratively to gain knowledge, to understand and solve problems, and to accomplish goals;
5. demonstrate an awareness of multiple perspectives, and a knowledge and sensitivity to past and present cultural and individual differences;
6. value and demonstrate personal responsibility and ethical decision-making;
7. develop the skills necessary to lead a healthy and balanced life, as characterized by physical wellness, self-awareness, emotional maturity and personal independence; and
- demonstrate an understanding of civic rights and duties by positively and responsibly contributing to the school and larger communities.