AP Environmental Science 2011/12 Ms Seales

Course Description

AP Environmental Science is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory Environmental Science course and thus is challenging and demanding. It will prepare you for the AP test and also change your view of the world, requiring a commitment of both time and personal energy. We will learn how the global climate is already changing and the need for commitment to preserving this beautiful planet for future generations. Biomes, population, water, pollution and energy will be investigated in detail.

The course emphasizes understanding complex interactions of physical biological and political forces, and addressesa wide variety of solutions, globally and locally.

1. Hands on Activities. We will be working in the local environment and analyzing local data. Additional labs will include case studies, GIS investigations (Geographic Information System), electronic probe-ware and many traditional labs.

2. Thinking will be emphasized - critical thinking, with logical justifications for arguments
3. Numerical Manipulation. The AP test involves numerical problems and NO calculators. The necessary skills, approximations and techniques will be practiced as we cover the course.

Texts Living In the Environment, 13th Edition,
G, Tyler Miller, Jr, / Miller Chapters
1 / Introduction / 1, 2, 3
2 / Earth Systems and Resources / (10-15%) / 4, 6, 14, 15, 16
3 / The Living World / (10-15%) / 4 - 8
4 / Population / (10-15%) / 9,10
5 / Land and Water Use / (10-15%) / 11, 13, 14, 23, 25-7
6 / Energy Resources and Consumption / (10-15%) / 17, 18
7 / Pollution / (25-30%) / 19, 20, 24
8 / Global Change / (10-15%) / 12, 21,22
9 / AP Test
10 / Final Project Report

Materials

3 Ring binder with note paper and GRAPH PAPER(dividers for labs, homework, notes)

pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (occasionally) , Flash Drive (recommended)

Text The basic Miller text is out of date, but will be supplemented extensively by the 2011 Biozone Environmental Science workbook and multiple on-line sources.

Evaluations and Expectations

Evaluation: Grading will be based upon a percentage derived from the following:

Tests and Quizzes (30%), Laboratories (25%) , Homework (15%)

Participation /eco-journal - Tide Pool / Stream Monitoring (20%)

Final Exam - test semester 1(10%)“Practice” Test – before AP (10%)Final project-semester 2 (10%)

** special - Grades will be earned based on the work received, BUT if you score a 3 or higher on the AP test your grade may by raised by one letter ( 3 -> C , 4 -> B , 5 -> A )

Expectations:

  • You can expect to spend about ½ - 1 hour each day on homework and/or class preparation.
  • Many homework assignments will be posted on line and students need to email their answers. A graded copy will be returned if below an A, or if requested.
  • Online “eco-journal” entriesare required most months. Students prepare a brief abstract and post article to site with appropriate tags. Details at the web site.
  • Test at the end of each unit
  • All students are expected to take the AP Environmental Science test and should sign up with the office before the end of the first semester. During the year you will become familiar with the AP question formats and develop test taking strategies.
  • We will use block time in many ways: to conduct labs, to meet with students at the local tide pools, creeks or state parks.Safety

All lab class safety rules apply. The lab entire group is responsible for all equipment used. No food or drinks are allowed.

Lab Report Integrity

Labs involve working in a group. In some cases a “group” report will be OK. In many cases individual reports will be necessary. Proof of Individual Effort is essential.

All students will be actively involved in data collection. Papers will not be handed to another student.

Copying a lab from another student will result in ZERO FOR THE ASSIGNMENT

Assignments

Students need to find the unit schedule at the web site. Occasional variations will be posted on the board. Absent students are personally responsible for obtaining and completing missed assignments. Homework will be graded. You can call me at home if you are stuck - 423-4553. Reading assignments will be posted on-line when not from the Miller Text or the issued Biozone book. You should email QUESTION ANSWERS ONLY to teacher, with your name inside the file and in the FILENAME.

Attendance &Make-Up Work

School policies on tardiness and absenteeism will be strictly enforced. "Make-up" will be necessary for all labs. Teacher "office hours" for this will normally be lunch time (OR after school by arrangement) .

Special

1. External lab Trips – (Off site labs) A year-long blanket trip form will be used to cover all short local block day trips to Almar tide pools, Natural Bridges and local streams. You MUST check in with me after your return.

2. We plan to do regular TIDE POOL / Stream MONITORING as a REQUIRED “homework” activity . The suitable times are usually AFTER SCHOOL. Each student will be expected to cover 3 or more of these during the year. Days will vary and some will be on weekends so everyone’s schedule should be accommodated.

3. All school rules and procedures will be followed, for any inappropriate behavior.

4. **Class rules are interpreted at the teacher’s discretion and changed as necessary**

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Please complete and return to the teacher

1. Signatures mean that you have read the on-line version of the teacher syllabus and

acknowledge the rules for PCS ENV SCI 2011/12

______

Student name Student SignatureParent Signature

______

Parent work Phone Parent email Home Phone

2. Please complete the "year-long" off site (extended) lab trip permission form and return

1

Syll1112.doc6/7/11