Download APES Syllabus

AP Environmental
Science Course
Syllabus
AP Environmental Science
Syllabus & Expectations,
Mrs. Snedeker
Required Text:
School Phone Number: (219) 374-3800 x3809
Email: [email protected]
Living in the Environment/AP Edition/Seventeenth Edition
G. Tyler Miller/Scott E. Spoolman
Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning
2012,2009
Course Description: Advanced Placement Environmental Science is a field of study which focuses on
man's integral role in affecting earth's natural systems. It consists of an interdisciplinary analysis of
planet earth's ecological systems and the impact that human beings and their activities have had since
the beginning of time. It is a course poised to inspire questions, analyze situations, and propose
solutions to the disruption that human endeavor has wrought on mother earth. Its goal is to have
each individual who undertakes its field of study, thoroughly understand the impact of their carbon
footprint. Through a rigorous assemblage of information, laboratory analysis, and follow- up field work,
the environmental science student will achieve not only the ability to pass the AP Exam, but also a deep
understanding of this fascinating discipline.
Class and Laboratory: The AP environmental Class will meet five times a week for a 55 minute period
each day. Field work and laboratory time will vary with topics covered, but will be at a minimum of
30% of each weeks class experience. Two/Three days a week will be for lecture/presentation, and at
least one day a week will be reserved for group discussion and brainstorming on that week's topic.
Course Objectives: There are two primary objectives for the AP Environmental Science course. First,
the students must pursue this course with the true rigor of a college class. The ability to keep on top
of things and independently study beyond the classroom is essential. Secondly, they need to
consistently, review and familiarize themselves with the questions and methodology that will be used
on the AP Exam. The course will provide them with Fast Track to a 5: Preparing for the AP
Environmental Science Exam. This will help them simulate the AP Test Experience. Seven major
themes will be covered in the course. These include: Earth Systems and Resources, The Living
World, Population, Land and Water Use, Energy Resources and Consumption, Pollution, and Global
Change. The interdisciplinary nature of the information will be emphasized throughout.
Evaluation Methods:
There will be three types of exams in the course, essay, multiple choice, and vocabulary. Lab and
field activities will be graded based on their level of scientific method, data collected, and analysis. An
entire year field project will be assigned within the first two weeks off the course. This will involve a
piece of land chosen by a pair of students, where they will analyze the natural systems, soils, water
sheds, wildlife inhabitants, and human impact /use. These will be presented in a 55 minute format
once the AP Exam has been taken for the year. The AP Exam is generally given in the first or second
week of May.
Participation in the High School Environmental Science Club's recycling program will also be a
mandatory part of the course.
Course Outline:
Chapter 1: Environmental Problems, Their Causes, and Sustainability
• Three Principles of Sustainability
• Ecological Footprints
• Reasons for Environmental problems
• What Is an Environmentally Sustainable Society?
Chapter 2: Science, Matter, Energy, and Systems
• Role of Scientists
• What Is Matter?
• Matter and Change
• Energy and Change
• Systems and Change
Test Chapters 1& 2
Chapter 3: Ecosystems: What They Are and How They Work
• Components of an Ecosystem
• Energy in an Ecosystem
• Matter in an Ecosystem
• Studying Ecosystems
Chapter 4: Biodiversity and Evolution
• What is Biodiversity?
• The effects of Geology and Climate Change on Evolution
• Factors that affect Biodiversity
• Importance of Species Diversity
• Role of a Species in an Ecosystem
Duration: 4 days
Test Chapters 3 & 4
Chapter 5: Biodiversity, Species Interactions, and Population Control
• How Do Species Interact?
• Limits to Population Growth
• Ecosystems Response to Changing Environmental Conditions
Chapter 6: Human Population and Its Impact
• People the Earth Can Support
• What Influences the Size of a Population?
• Age Structure
• Slowing Population Growth
Test Chapters 5 & 6
Chapter 7: Climate and Biodiversity
• Factors that Influence Climate
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Climate and Biomes
Man's Influence on Terrestrial Ecosystems
Chapter 8: Aquatic Biodiversity
• General Nature of Aquatic Systems
• Marine Ecosystems
• Freshwater Ecosystems
• Human Impact on Water Systems
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Test Chapters 7 & 8
Chapter 9: Species Approach to Maintaining Biodiversity
• Role of Humans in Extinction
• How do We Protect Species from Extinction?
Chapter 10: Ecosystem Approach to Maintaining Terrestrial Biodiversity
• Managing Forests
• Major Threats to Forests
• Grasslands
• Sustaining Parks and Nature Reserves
•
What is the Ecosystem Approach to Sustaining
Biodiversity?
Test Chapters 9 & 10
Chapter 11: Sustaining Aquatic Diversity
• Threats to Aquatic Diversity
• Sustaining Marine Biodiversity
• Marine Fisheries
• Wetlands
• Freshwater Lakes, Rivers, and Fisheries
Chapter 12: Food, Soil, and Pest Management
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Food Security
Problems with Industrialized Food Production
Crops and Pests
More Sustainable Food Production
Food Security
Test Chapters 11& 12
Chapter 13: Water Resources
• Potable Water
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Groundwater
Dams
Salt Water Conversion
Flooding
Better Use of Water
Chapter 14: Geology and Nonrenewable Mineral Resources
• Major Geological Processes and Hazards
• Problems with Extracting Minerals
• Amounts of Mineral Supplies
• Using Minerals more Sustainably
Test Chapters 13 & 14
Chapter 15: Nonrenewable Energy
• Net Energy and Its Importance
• Pros and Cons of Oil Use
• Pros and Cons of Natural Gas
• Pros and Cons of Coal
• Pros and Cons of Nuclear Energy
Chapter 16: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
• Why is energy Efficiency Important?
• How Do We Cut Energy Waste?
• Pros and Cons of Solar Energy
• Pros and Cons of Hydropower
• Pros and Cons of Wind Energy
• Biomass as an Energy Resource
• Geothermal Power
• What is Best for Sustainable Energy?
Test Chapters 15 & 16
Chapter 17: Environmental Hazards and Human Health
• Major Hazards Humans Face
• Biological Hazards
• Chemical Hazards
• Risk and Avoiding the Worst Hazards
Chapter 18: Air Pollution
• Nature of the Atmosphere
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Major Outdoor Air Pollution Problems
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Acid Rain
Major Indoor Air Pollution Problems
Health Effects and Dealing with Air Pollution
Test Chapters 17 & 18
Chapter 19: Climate Disruption and Ozone Depletion
• Climate and Temperature Changes in the Future
• Effects of a Warmer Atmosphere
• Slowing Climate Disruption
• Why Ozone Depletion and What to do About It
Chapter 20: Water Pollution
• Causes of Water Pollution
• Pollution Problems of Lakes, Streams, and Groundwater
• Pollution Problems in Oceans
• Pollution and Drinking Water
• Ways to Deal With Water Pollution
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Test Chapters 19 & 20
Chapter 21: Solid and Hazardous Waste
• Solid Waste and problems
• Hazardous Waste and Problems
• Dealing with Solid Waste
• Recycling
• Burning or Burying Solid Waste: The Issues
• Transitioning to a Sustainable Low Waste Society
Chapter 22: Cities and Sustainability
• Population Trends in Urban Areas
• Major Urban Environmental problems
• Impact of Transportation on Urban Areas
• Importance of Land use Planning
• More Sustainable Cities
Test Chapters 21 & 22
Chapter 23: Economics, Environment, and Sustainability
• Relationship of Economics and Biosphere
• Monetary Values of Natural Capital
• Using Economics to treat Environmental problems
• Environmental Sustainable Economics
Chapter 24: Politics, Environment, and Sustainability
• The Role of Government in Transitioning to Sustainable Societies
• Environmental Law
• Roles of Environmental Groups
• Environmental Security
• Implementing Just and Sustainable Environmental Policies
Chapter 25: Environmental Worldviews, Ethics, and Sustainability
• Major Environmental Worldviews
• The Role of Education in Living Sustainably
• Living More Sustainably
Laboratory: Lab 25: Considerations of Climate change
Duration: 7 days
Review for AP Environmental Exam Duration: 10 days
AP Exam: May 2, 2017
Project Presentations: Student Chosen Field projects Duration 15-20 days