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Norcross High School HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SYLLABUS COURSE TITLE .....AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE TEACHER .............Dr. Patricia McClain TERM .........................Fall 2012 ROOM #.......................D226 Email Address [email protected] Teacher Web Page Teacher Support Help sessions are available before and after school utill 3:00 PM or by appointment. COURSE DESCRIPTION (Published in the Choice Book) This course is an introduction to college environmental science. It stresses a scientific, but rigorous approach toward understanding nature and contemporary problems in the environment. It applies physical, chemical, biological and geological principals to understand ecosystems, the impact humans have on ecosystems, and how these impacts, in turn, affect the human conditions around the world. It requires critical thinking skills and ability to analyze facts in order to solve environmental issues with this learned knowledge. A background in chemistry, statistics and economics is helpful. Pre-requisites are a C or above in Honors Chemistry, a B or above in CP chemistry and a strong biological foundation. This is a full year course. COURSE CURRICULUM CONTENT More information about the strands in this course can be accessed through the College Board’s web site: http://collegeboard.com STANDARDS UNITS/TOPICS 1. Science is a process 2. Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes 3. The Earth itself is one interconnected system 4. Humans alter natural systems 5. Environmental problems have a cultural and social context 6. Human survival depends on sustainability 1. Earth Systems and Resources 2. The Living World 3. Population 4. Land and Water Use 5. Energy Resources and Consumption 6. Pollution 7. Global Change INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES Published Materials Living in the Environment: Principles, Connections, and Solutions, 16th Ed. by G. Tyler Miller, Jr. and Scott E. Spoolman Cengage Learning (2009). (replacement cost: $127.46) 1. 2. 3. 4. Instructional Supplies Textbook 5. Pencils 2 inch 3 ring notebook 6. Blue/black pens Notebook dividers 7. Composition Book Loose leaf paper EVALUATION AND GRADING: Assignments Classwork & Homework Laboratory Activities Chapter and/or Unit Tests Projects/Current Events Grade Weights Test /Projects Labs/Lab Quiz Homework 40% 30% 5% A: B: C: D: Grading Scale 90 and above 80 – 89 74 – 79 70 – 73 AP Environmental Science Course Syllabus – Page 1 of 13 Final Exam Quiz Performance Exam Semester Project/Midterm 10% 5% 10% F: 69 or below OTHER INFORMATION: Expectations for Academic Success 1. Daily read and review current unit of study 2. Ask questions 3. Participate constructively as a team member 4. Complete all assignments and work in Eco Logbook daily 5. Refer daily to teacher website and calendar 6. Challenge yourself to continuously improve Additional Requirements/Resources 1. Before & After School tutoring 2. Supplemental Resources 3. Lab Safety Procedures and Lab Skills 4. Anything that happens in class will be considered for test questions. Test Format: Tests will examine your ability to recall information and apply the knowledge. Tests will have two sections: multiple choice (60%) and an FRQ (40%). If you miss a test due to an excused absence, you must see me on the day you return. See example questions below: *Formative Assessments include, but are not limited to homework, class work, practice tests, rough drafts, and sections of projects/ research papers/presentations. *Summative Assessments include, but are not limited to unit tests & Quizzes, final projects, final essays, final research papers, and final presentations. Extra Credit No extra credit will be given. Please do not ask. The desire for extra credit is generated, usually, by a student's inability or unwillingness to meet assignment deadlines. This tends to discriminate against those students who have met. Course Requirements Students are expected to be in class on time with the required materials (Notebook, calculator, pencil). It is up to the student to get missed assignments on days the student is absent. The AP Environmental Science requires a minimum of 45 minutes per day outside of class for homework and / or reading Laboratory work is an integral part of this class. A laboratory quiz will be given after each lab. Laboratory quiz counts 15 percent of lab grade (lab grade is 30% overall) Students keep a formal laboratory notebook. This notebook is graded with each lab. Laboratory work counts 30 percent of the total class grade. The Laboratory notebook goes with the student to the university to evaluate their placement in a college laboratory program. Students in AP Environmental Science are expected to take the AP Environmental Science Exam in May as per the AP contract signed with AP Coordinator. Students are required to turn in 25 multiple choice questions with explanations from past AP Exams as part of the end of each quarter requirements. Students are also expected to turn in a FALL end of semester project which involves outside work (Fall Performance grade). Students are expected to turn in a BING notebook and six (6) DVD video’s less than 10 minutes each. AP Environmental Science Course Syllabus – Page 2 of 13 AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CLASS RULES: 1. Be on time for class. 2. Have your book, notebook and writing utensils ready to begin class. Any homework that is due will be indicated as the FIRST thing on the board agenda; turn it in as you arrive. ANY HOMEWORK BEING DONE AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED…Assignments should be NUMBERED, dated and kept in order in the notebook. 3. All lab work must be done in pencil. Formal lab reports will be typed. 4. All papers should have your name, date, assignment number, and period in the upper right hand corner. Papers without a name will be graded, but will not be recorded until claimed. 5. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to make arrangements for any work that is missed within five days of your return to school. Upon your return, check the school website on the classroom computer, make a list of what you need, and submit this list to Dr.McClain. If arrangements for the work are not made within 5 days, you will receive a zero for all incomplete work. This is your responsibility. Any papers that have been returned during your absence may be picked up from the returned work basket for your period. The 5 day rule does not apply to long-standing due dates on assignments such as research or other special projects. These assignments are expected to be turned in on the assigned date! No late work will be accepted on these special projects. Failure to plan and procrastination ALWAYS catch you unaware….plan EARLY! 6. Late policy: NO late homework is accepted. 7. As you do your individual work out of the textbook, you must write in clear, complete sentences. Exceptions to this will be announced. Also, when completing worksheets in class, ANSWER IN COMPLETE SENTENCES….again, exceptions will be announced. 8. Any form of cheating by students is inexcusable conduct and a zero will be given to the student(s) for the assignment involved. Your parents will be contacted by the teacher, and a discipline referral for cheating will be completed with the administration. REMEMBER – COPYING ANYONES ELSE’S WORK OR IDEAS IS CHEATING!!! Discussing quizzes or tests or any other kind of assessment with those that have not taken the assessment is cheating…. 9. You are expected to show respect to others at all times. Classroom disturbances of any kind will not be tolerated. Please do not ask to leave the room except for emergencies. 10. The following are not allowed in this classroom: food (including candy), drinks, hats and other items as stated by the administration in the student handbook. Water is allowed except on lab days. This applies for ANY labs being done for ANY class. If lab materials are out, then water is not allowed. Gum chewing is allowed as long as no gum shows up in places other than the trashcans – no gum is allowed on lab days! 11. Please check your work area each day. Place all trash in the trashcans and your white papers in the recycle box at the end of the period. Any lab equipment should be returned to the proper location before you leave. 12. Pay careful attention to safety rules at all times. NOTE: Any portion of this syllabus may be changed throughout the year as necessary to ensure a constructive and productive learning environment. ************************************************************************ After reading the above syllabus and going over the safety rules that follow, both students and parents should sign the “RECEIPT OF MATERIALS” sheet (last page of this handout) and return it to the teacher. AP Environmental Science Course Syllabus – Page 3 of 13 Student Safety Rules Purpose: Science is a hands-on laboratory class. You will be doing many laboratory activities which will require the use of potentially hazardous materials. Safety in the science classroom is the first priority for students, teachers, and parents. To ensure a safe science classroom, this list of rules has been developed and provided in this safety contract. These rules must be followed at all times. This contract should be kept in your science notebook as a constant reminder of the safety rules. General Guidelines: 1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and are prohibited. 2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully – be sure to read over labs COMPLETELY before attempting to begin, and be sure you UNDERSTAND WHAT IS REQUIRED. Unauthorized experiments are prohibited. 3. Never work alone unless otherwise directed. Be alert and proceed with caution at all times, and use the buddy system to check for necessary materials. 4. When entering a science room, do not touch ANYTHING until instructed to do so. Always report directly to your assigned seat and wait for directions. 5. NO FOOD, DRINKS, CANDY, GUM, etc. at any time in the lab unless it is part of the lab. 6. Keep your work area as clean (if not cleaner than) you found it. You are responsible for cleaning up your own messes. 7. Keep aisles clear. Push your chair under the lab bench when not in use. Do not rearrange the lab chairs unless instructed to do so, and be sure that if you do move one, that it gets returned to its proper place. 8. Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including the first aid kit, eyewash station, safety shower, and fire extinguisher. Know where the nearest fire alarm and exits are located. 9. Dispose of all waste properly. Sinks are to be used only for liquids designated as acceptable by your teacher. All solids should be disposed of in the proper containers – paper lab trash goes into a trash can, broken glass into the glass box, dissected specimens to the location deemed appropriate by your teacher, etc. If you do not know where to throw something away at, ASK FOR ASSISTANCE – DO NOT JUST FIND SOMEWHERE TO STASH IT!!!!! 10. Be sure to read all labels and equipment directions carefully. 11. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, and body while using chemicals or preserved specimens. Wash your hands with soap and water after performing all experiments. 12. Clean, rinse, and wipe away all puddles from work surfaces (including the sink) at the end of an experiment. Return all equipment clean and in working order to the proper location. NEVER LEAVE DISSECTION TOOLS OR SCOPE MATERIALS DAMP! 13. Students are never permitted in the science stockroom unless given specific permission by your teacher. 14. Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a lab; containers must be closed, gas valves turned off, and any electrical equipment turned off and unplugged. 15. Handle all living organisms used in lab in a humane manner. Preserved biological materials are to be treated with respect and disposed of properly. 16. When using scalpels and other sharp instruments, always carry with tips and points aimed down and away from your body. Grasp sharp instruments only by the handles. AP Environmental Science Course Syllabus – Page 4 of 13 Clothing: 17. Students will wear safety glasses or safety goggles at all times when chemicals, heat, or glassware are used. There will be no exceptions to this rule!!! 18. Contact lenses should not be worn when using chemicals – this includes specimen dissection. 19. Dress properly during a laboratory. Long hair should be tied back, dangling jewelry should be removed, and loose clothing should be secured. Shoes must completely cover the foot – no sandals or flip-flops allowed. 20. Lab aprons may be required to be worn during laboratory use. Accidents and Injuries: 21. Report any accident (spill, breakage, equipment damage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the instructor immediately, no matter how trivial it may appear. 22. Students ARE responsible for any breakage or damage done to lab equipment or any other classroom supplies that must be replaced by the school. The instructor will determine replacement/repair charges and the student will be charged the appropriate fees. 23. If a chemical should splash into your eyes or on your skin, notify your teacher and report immediately to the eyewash station and/or safety shower to flush the affected area with water. AP Environmental Science Course Syllabus – Page 5 of 13 RECEIPT OF MATERIALS – AP Environmental Science This page needs to be signed and returned to Dr. McClain by Aug. 23. You are to keep the syllabus and lab contract in your science notebook for quick reference. You must sign for the syllabus AND lab rules separately. By doing so, you acknowledge receipt of these materials AND that you have thoroughly read both documents. Syllabus: I have read the syllabus and am aware of the classroom policies, procedures, and expectations. NOTE: Any portion of this syllabus may be changed throughout the year as necessary to ensure a constructive and productive learning environment. You will be notified of any changes. Student Name (print): ___________________________________________ Date _________ Student Signature: ___________________________________________________ Date _________ Parent Name (print): ___________________________________________________ Date _________ Parent Signature: ___________________________________________________ Date _________ Lab Agreement: Student: I have read/been explained and agree to follow all of the safety rules set forth for this class. I am aware that any violation of the safety rules or misbehavior on my part may result in removal from the laboratory, office referral, receiving a zero on the assignment, and/or any combination of these consequences. Student Signature: __________________________________ Date: _________________ Parent/Guardian: I have read the safety rules and am aware of the policies and consequences of violation of said rules. Parent Signature: ___________________________________ Date: _________________ Safety Information 1. Does your student have any allergies? If so please list. 2. Does your student have contact lenses? 3. Please list any other important information regarding your student’s capability to do labs. PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE PARENT PORTAL IF YOU HAVE NOT YET DONE SO – THIS IS A CRUCIAL COMMUNICATION TOOL FOR GWINNETT COUNTY SCHOOLS. AP Environmental Science Course Syllabus – Page 6 of 13 Student Information Sheet Fall Semester 2012 Student Name__________________________________ Name preferred_______________________ (last name, first name) Grade currently in (please circle) 9th 10th 11th 12th Guided Study Teacher at NHS_______________________ room meet:______________________ Student’s Home phone number_______________________________________________________ Are parents currently signed up for Parent Portal?_____________________ Person(s) with whom currently reside: mother father both parents (please circle one) parent and stepparent other __________________ Mother/stepmother’s name: _______________________________ work phone_________________ Cell phone___________________ Father/stepfather’s name _________________________________ work phone__________________ Cell phone___________________ Other caretaker’s relationship to student_____________________ Name_________________________________________________work phone__________________ Cell phone___________________ Interests outside of school? _____________________________________________________________ School extracurriculars involved in/intend to be joining: ______________________________________ student email contact: parent email contact: Parent Contact Information DATE TIME Subject/Concern/Discussion Phone contact Email, sent, grdsht, or letter Conference AP Environmental Science Course Syllabus – Page 7 of 13 APES Topic Outline From the College Board I. Earth Systems and Resources (10-15%) A. Earth Science Concepts (Geologic time scale; plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanism; seasons; solar intensity and latitude) B. The Atmosphere (Composition; structure; weather and climate; atmospheric circulation and the Coriolis Effect; atmosphere-ocean interactions; ENSO) C. Global Water Resources and Use (Freshwater/saltwater; ocean circulation; agricultural, industrial, and domestic use; surface and groundwater issues; global problems; conservation) D. Soil and Soil Dynamics (Rock cycle; formation; composition; physical and chemical properties; main soil types; erosion and other soil problems; soil conservation) II. The Living World (10-15%) A. Ecosystem Structure (Biological populations and communities; ecological niches; interactions among species; keystone species; species diversity and edge effects; major terrestrial and aquatic biomes) B. Energy Flow (Photosynthesis and cellular respiration; food webs and trophic levels; ecological pyramids) C. Ecosystem Diversity (Biodiversity; natural selection; evolution; ecosystem services) D. Natural Ecosystem Change (Climate shifts; species movement; ecological succession) E. Natural Biogeochemical Cycles (Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, water, conservation of matter) III. Population (10-15%) A. Population Biology Concepts (Population ecology; carrying capacity; reproductive strategies; survivorship) B. Human Population 1. Human population dynamics (Historical population sizes; distribution; fertility rates; growth rates and doubling times; demographic transition; age-structure diagrams) 2. Population size AP Environmental Science Course Syllabus – Page 8 of 13 (Strategies for sustainability; case studies; national policies) 3. Impacts of population growth (Hunger; disease; economic effects; resource use; habitat destruction) IV. Land and Water Use (10-15%) A. Agriculture 1. Feeding a growing population (Human nutritional requirements; types of agriculture; Green Revolution; genetic engineering and crop production; deforestation; irrigation; sustainable agriculture) 2. Controlling pests (Types of pesticides; costs and benefits of pesticide use; integrated pest management; relevant laws) B. Forestry (Tree plantations; old growth forests; forest fires; forest management; national forests) C. Rangelands (Overgrazing; deforestation; desertification; rangeland management; federal rangelands) D. Other Land Use 1. Urban land development (Planned development; suburban sprawl; urbanization) 2. Transportation infrastructure (Federal highway system; canals and channels; roadless areas; ecosystem impacts) 3. Public and federal lands (Management; wilderness areas; national parks; wildlife refuges; forests; wetlands) 4. Land conservation options (Preservation; remediation; mitigation; restoration) 5. Sustainable land-use strategies E. Mining (Mineral formation; extraction; global reserves; relevant laws and treaties) F. Fishing (Fishing techniques; over fishing; aquaculture; relevant laws and treaties) G. Global Economics (Globalization; World Bank; Tragedy of the Commons; relevant laws and treaties) V. Energy Resources and Consumption (10-15%) A. Energy Concepts (Energy forms; power; units; conversions; Laws of Thermodynamics) AP Environmental Science Course Syllabus – Page 9 of 13 B. Energy Consumption 1. History (Industrial Revolution; exponential growth; energy crisis) 2. Present global energy use 3. Future energy needs C. Fossil Fuel Resources and Use (Formation of coal, oil, and natural gas; extraction/purification methods; world reserves and global demand; synfuels; environmental advantages/disadvantages of sources) D. Nuclear Energy (Nuclear fission process; nuclear fuel; electricity production; nuclear reactor types; environmental advantages/disadvantages; safety issues; radiation and human health; radioactive wastes; nuclear fusion) E. Hydroelectric Power (Dams; flood control; salmon; silting; other impacts) F. Energy Conservation (Energy efficiency; CAFE standards; hybrid electric vehicles; mass transit) G. Renewable Energy (Solar energy; solar electricity; hydrogen fuel cells; biomass; wind energy; small-scale hydroelectric; ocean waves and tidal energy; geothermal; environmental advantages/disadvantages) VI. Pollution (25-30%) A. Pollution Types 1. Air pollution (Sources-primary and secondary; major air pollutants; measurement units; smog; acid deposition-causes and effects; heat islands and temperature inversions; indoor air pollution; remediation and reduction strategies; Clean Air Act and other relevant laws) 2. Noise pollution (Sources; effects; control measures) 3. Water pollution (Types; sources, causes, and effects; cultural eutrophication; groundwater pollution; maintaining water quality; water purification; sewage treatment/septic systems; Clean Water Act and other relevant laws) 4. Solid waste (Types; disposal; reduction) B. Impacts on the Environment and Human Health 1. Hazards to human health AP Environmental Science Course Syllabus – Page 10 of 13 (Environmental risk analysis; acute and chronic effects; dose response relationships; air pollutants; smoking and other risks) 2. Hazardous chemicals in the environment (Types of hazardous waste; treatment/disposal of hazardous waste; cleanup of contaminated sites; biomagnification; relevant laws) C. Economic Impacts (Cost-benefit analysis; externalities; marginal costs; sustainability) VII. Global Change (10-15%) A. Stratospheric Ozone (Formation of stratospheric ozone; ultraviolet radiation; causes of ozone depletion; effects of ozone depletion; strategies for reducing ozone depletion; relevant laws and treaties) B. Global Warming (Greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect; impacts and consequences of global warming; reducing climate change; relevant laws and treaties) C. Loss of Biodiversity 1. Habitat loss; overuse; pollution; introduced species; endangered and extinct species 2. Maintenance through conservation 3. Relevant laws and treaties AP Environmental Science Course Syllabus – Page 11 of 13 STANDARDS 1SCSh1. Students will evaluate the importance of curiosity, honesty, openness, and skepticism in science. PACING GUIDE GENERAL COURSE OUTLINE 1ST TRIMESTER 1SCSh2. Students will use standard safety practices for all classroom laboratory and field Unit 1 – Intro to Environmental Science (2 weeks) investigations. Chapter 1 – Environmental Problems, Their Causes, and Sustainability 1SCSh3. Students will identify and investigate Chapter 2 – Science, Systems, Matter, and Energy problems scientifically. 1SCSh4. Students use tools and instruments for observing, measuring, and manipulating scientific equipment and materials. Unit 2 – Ecosystem Components and Energy Flow (4 weeks) 1SCSh5. Students will demonstrate the computation and estimation skills necessary for analyzing data and developing reasonable scientific explanations. Unit 3 – Climate, Biomes, Forest Management (3 weeks) 1SCSh6. Students will communicate scientific investigations and information clearly. 1SCSh7. Students analyze how scientific knowledge is developed. 1SCSh8. Students will understand important features of the process of scientific inquiry. 1SEV1. Students will investigate the flow of energy and cycling of matter within an ecosystem and relate these phenomena to human society. 1SEV2. Students will demonstrate an understanding that the Earth is one interconnected system. 1SEV3. Students will describe stability and change in ecosystems. 1SEV4. Students will understand and describe availability, allocation and conservation of energy and other resources 1SEV5. Students will recognize that human beings are part of the global ecosystem and will evaluate the effects of human activities and technology on ecosystems. Chapter 3 – Ecosystems: What Are They and How Do They Work? Chapter 7 – Climate and Terrestrial Biodiversity Chapter 8 – Aquatic Biodiversity Chapter 10 – Sustaining Terrestrial Biodiversity: The Ecosystem Approach Unit 4 – Evolution and Species Diversity / Protection (3 weeks) Chapter 4 – Evolution and Biodiversity Chapter 5 (Sec. 1, 2, 4) – Biodiversity, Species Interactions, and Population Control Chapter 9 – Sustaining Biodiversity: The Species Approach 2ND TRIMESTER Unit 5 – Population Dynamics and Human Pop. (4 weeks) Chapter 5 (Sec. 3) – Biodiversity, Species Interactions, and Population Control Chapter 6 – The Human Population and Its Impact Unit 6 – Agriculture, Fishing, and Mining (4 weeks) Chapter 11 – Sustaining Aquatic Biodiversity Chapter 12 – Food, Soil Conservation, and Pest Management Chapter 14 – Geology and Nonrenewable Mineral Resources Unit 7 – Energy Sources (3 weeks) Chapter 15 – Nonrenewable Energy Chapter 16 – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy AP Environmental Science Course Syllabus – Page 12 of 13 Unit 8 – Toxins and Waste Management (2 weeks) Chapter 17 – Environmental Hazards and Human Health Chapter 21 – Solid and Hazardous Waste 3RD TRIMESTER Unit 9 – Atmosphere, Air Pollution, Climate Change (3 weeks) Chapter 18 – Air Pollution Chapter 19 – Climate Change and Ozone Depletion Unit 10 – Water Resources and Water Pollution (3 weeks) Chapter 13 – Water Resources Chapter 21 – Water Pollution AP Environmental Science Course Syllabus – Page 13 of 13