Download ap environmental science

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (APES)
Camas High School
26900 SE 15th Street
Camas, WA 98607
Room 508
SYLLABUS
Instructors: Mrs. Jennifer Dean
MST Science Teacher
Cell Phone # 606-1352 (please use text)
Classroom Web Page
2015 – 2016
E-mail: [email protected]
[email protected] (home)
http://www.quia.com/pages/jdean224/page15
Logon Code: __FCNCJC373
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Imagination is more important than knowledge –A. Einstein
Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence -Abigail Adams
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course incorporates content from biology, physics, chemistry and social science, with topics as varied
as fluid mechanics and the price of tea in China. Environmental science is more comprehensive than any of
these subjects yet also simpler. The goal of environmental science is to understand how we fit into the
world by using empirical evidence to predict consequences of our actions. This rigorous and integrated
course will not only prepare you to participate in discussions on environmental policy and decision-making
but also to formulate your own scientific questions and test them. By the time you take the AP
Environmental test in May you will have mastered the content of this exam and become environmental
leaders.
APES THEMES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Science is a process
Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes
The Earth itself is one interconnected system
Humans alter natural systems
Environmental problems have a cultural and social context
Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems
The College Board outlines seven major content areas on the exam that are weighted fairly equally (10-15%):
Earth Systems and Resource; Living World; Population; Land and Water Use; Energy Resources and
Consumption; Pollution and Global Change. In addition a higher weight is given to the topic of pollution of air,
land and water along with its human health impacts (25-30%). See page titled “course outline”.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
To succeed in this class you must master the content and participate in the methods of environmental science.
Your dedication and diligence to the learning goals of this class will be reflected in your final grade.
Assignments will reflect your level of mastery of the course topics and completion of work in and out of class.
We have high expectations for your performance on projects and exams. If you have any questions or concerns
throughout the course, please remember to ask questions. We are here to support you in your studies and the
more you communicate with us, the better we can meet your needs.
Grading
30%
Labs:
Lab experiments and field studies are designed to complement the classroom discussions and lessons,
and make up a minimum of 25% of the time spent in class. Weekly labs will be your opportunity to
engage in science. These hands-on investigations will require you to work as a team. No scientist works
alone; therefore, your ability to collaborate, listen and lead will be critical. Occasionally students will be
required to perform simulation labs in class or before class to prepare for the background knowledge and
process to be completed in the activities for the week. Approximately one time a grading period (every
6 weeks) students will be asked to correct, type and resubmit one of their (in-class) investigations and
design a poster that reflects their photo log of a homelab. See separate scoring guide for labs.
50%
Assessments:
Quizzes: Quizzes are an opportunity for you to identify your gaps in your knowledge or clarify your
understanding. Use these assessments to focus your efforts when preparing for your exams. Weekly
quizzes (usually given on a Friday) will be given as a homework check and to review new terminology.
Exams: Examinations will follow each chapter with questions in a format similar to that used on the
AP exam. A comprehensive exam will follow each unit of study and because these address the major
themes and concepts, will be worth considerably more than the chapter tests.
20%
Classwork:
These assignments will occur throughout the course. Tasks may include readings, building of models,
presentations, homework, etc. Each of these will be accompanied by a separate set of guidelines and
scoring criteria. If you have any questions about any component or requirement associated with these
assignments, you need to ask questions first, not for forgiveness later. These documents will be
available on the classroom webpage.
Late Work (NOT due to absence)
Major Assignments (15-100 points)
Minus 10% each day the assignment is late without prior approval.
Daily Assignments (5-15 points)
One day late receives half credit. Assignments greater than one day late will not be accepted
without prior approval.
Lab Preparation
Students who have not completed their background or introduction notes and other preparatory lab
work will not be allowed to participate in the investigation.
PLEASE READ: No late work will be accepted for unexcused absences. For excused absences,
it is the student’s responsibility to inquire about missed work and arrange for timely make-up.
The best time to inquire on missed work is at your lunch or after school, during class is NOT a
good time to ask me about missed work. All worksheets and lesson plans will be posted on the
classroom webpage.
In class work and homework is printed on a weekly sheet passed out at the beginning of the week,
sent electronically and/or posted on our classroom web site. Copies of student materials will be
placed in a file cabinet marked “absences”. I am available before class from 7:10-7:25 a.m., at
lunch, and after school from 2:10-2:40 p.m. to help you get caught up and find the information
you missed in class.
Warning: Computer/Printer/Disk problems are NEVER an acceptable excuse for late
work. Please don't ever wait until the last minute!
WHAT HAPPENS IN A TYPICAL PERIOD?
1. “WARM-UPS”- a quick review of information from a previous lesson
2. INTRODUCTION- "story-telling", demonstrations, or video clips on a new concept
3. ACTIVITY- a discussion, lab, or construction where the new concepts are applied
4. CLOSURE- a review that brings concepts together
5. DAILY HOMEWORK – application, review or practice of skills learned that day
WHAT ARE THE CLASSROOM RULES?
Be Safe
Be Respectful
Be Ready to Learn
More on my DISCIPLINE PLAN – for details on specific issues such as tardy policies or drug abuse
please refer to the student handbook.
*&Academic Honesty Policies- Please refer to separate sheet titled “Honor Code” on the
following page.
**A simple due date rule to remember-- assignments are TURNED IN the day of the test;
assignments should be DONE and CORRECTED-at a minimum- the day before the test!
Materials:
TWO different colored (10 cent) notebooks
3-4 different colored highlighters
black, blue, red or multicolor pens
APES study book
(choose your own- see classroom samples- you can order these from amazon in the $4-5 dollar rangeyou do not need the 2015 editions- Kaplan, Princeton Reviews, and Barron’s are all useful brands)
post-its
colored pencils
individual pencil sharpener
flash drive
large 3 ring binder
Student fee for this class is $10/semester
2015-2016
AP Environmental Science Syllabus Acknowledgement
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the class syllabus for AP Environmental Science. I understand if I
have any questions or concerns regarding the class grade, content, or policies that I should contact Mrs. Dean
immediately.
_________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
____________________
Print Name
_________________________
Student Signature
_____________________
Print Name
Photo Release
Throughout the course of the year your student will participate in activities such as field trips, science
research presentations, and laboratory activities that I would like to document and share with you via the
class website. Thank you for your continued support.
______Permission authorized
Signature __________________ Date:
______I do not authorize permission
Signature __________________ Date:
PARENTS- If you wish to receive homework reminders and announcements please add your e-mail below:
Parent(s) e-mail: ________________________________
The magnet program requires a student to maintain a B or better in this course at all times. IF your student falls
below this level you will be contacted immediately. The student must report to a mandatory conference period
at their lunch AND/OR after school to make up missing assignments and relearning of concepts as needed.
In addition, I would like to encourage parents to participate in some new classroom opportunities to improve the
experiences in your child’s education. Read the brief descriptions below.
*Guest lecturer would teach a lesson relevant to their career choice and how the application of environmental
science content as it applies in their own field of study. The approach is up to each guest and the learning
targets for the students’ curriculum for this course. The lesson can take the form of a lecture and
question/answer sessions to a hands-on activity approach.
*Lab Assistant- this parent volunteer would help with lab set-up, clean up and depending upon the level of
expertise or involvement desired, work with students at their stations to answer questions, direct them to
resources and ask them to explain their learnings and goals for the lesson.
*Field trip chaperone- helps to monitor and supervise students during visitations outside of the classroom.
Check any that apply- I am willing to participate in the classroom as a
____Guest lecturer
____Lab Assistant
____Field trip chaperone
…send me more information on how to participate in the classroom throughout the year.
__________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
__________
Date