Download Student`s Home phone number

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