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Advanced Placement Environmental Science A.P.E.S. Course Syllabus Text Living in the Environment, 14th Edition, by G. Tyler Miller. 2005 ISBN 0-534-99729-5 Class Profile Class size is limited to 25 students and is open to anyone having previously taken both biology and chemistry. Seniors are given scheduling preference. The course meets for the entire academic year, which consists of three 12-week trimesters. The class periods are 70 minutes long and meet five days a week. Approximately one class period per week is devoted to hands-on laboratory activities. This generous amount of time is a great advantage to the students, and provides the opportunity to study several local issues in great depth. Course Requirements The Advanced Placement Environmental Science course is considered to be the equivalent of a college-level semester course in Environmental Science. In order to meet the expectations for college-level work, mastery of some content material must occur outside of the classroom. This allows more class time for laboratory and field work. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in the spring. Research Projects and Field Work The Colorado River Watch Network is an educational organization sponsored by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and includes volunteers and students who agree to a schedule of monthly water quality testing events. Students gain experience testing water for alkalinity, hardness, pH, and dissolved oxygen. In addition, the river’s macro invertebrates are inventoried both in the Fall and Spring. All data is submitted to State agencies for use in water management decisions. The recycling of resources is also a recurrent theme through out the year as our class is responsible for organizing and implementing the school’s recycling plan each year. The class also takes a spring field trip to the Eagle County Landfill to conduct a trash sort and inventory. In the fall, as part of the Ecology unit, the class collects field data on the area’s lodge-pole pine beetle infestation. This data is then compared to that of previous years as students formulate a long term management plan to control the spread of the beetle. The winter trimester is an opportunity to study snow science with a snowshoe trip in the mountains to conduct a snow pack survey. Snow depth levels are compared from year to year. Evaluations Class participation Lab reports Activities/presentations Reading notes Science journal (Learning Log) Book reports Current events reports Chapter study guides Chapter quizzes Unit tests Essays – Test day and student corrected Final Project Grade Calculation 5% 5% 25% 25% 40% Participation/Objectives Free Response Questions Homework/Readings Laboratory Tests and Quizzes Course Schedule UNIT 1 Introduction, History, Matter and Energy (4 Weeks) Chapter 1: “Environmental Problems, Their Causes, and Sustainability” A. A brief introduction to a variety of environmental issues and topics including globalization, population growth, pollution, sustainability, and environmental ethics. Lab: The Tragedy of the Commons A simulation of the degradation of free-access resources. Lab: Ecological Footprint Students calculate their individual consumption of resources. Lab: Exponential Growth Graphing using a semilog grid. Video: (VHS) The Environmental Cost of Growth (ISBN 1-57807-170-4) Video: (DVD) The Lorax (ISBN 0-7832-9160-4) Chapter 2: “Environmental History: Learning from the Past” A. A historical view of human cultural changes impacting the environment. Power point – Environmental History of the United States Video: (DVD) Guns, Germs, and Steel (ISBN 0-7922-9255-3) B. The history of land and wildlife conservation in the United States. Power point - Rocky Mountain National Park Video: (VHS) Champions of the Land (ISBN 1-56331-518-1) “The Good Oak” from Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac. Chapter 3: “Science, Systems, Matter, and Energy” A. A review of basic forms of matter and energy as well as the scientific laws governing their changes from one form to another. Positive and negative feedback loops. Laws of Thermodynamics. B. Chemistry Review Ions and inorganic chemistry. Lab: pH and Concentration The measurement of acidity as the concentration of hydrogen ions. Organic chemistry C. Nuclear Changes Radioactive decay Lab: Radioactive half-life simulation. Unit 1 Test - Chapters 1, 2, and 3 UNIT 2 Ecology (4 Weeks) Chapter 4: “Ecosystems: What Are They and How Do They Work?” A. An Introduction to Ecology starting with an overview of the levels of organization of matter and the Earth’s structure and support systems. The interactions between abiotic and biotic components in an ecosystem are also explored. Lab: Limiting Factor Variables in plant growth. B. An overview of energy flow in ecosystems. Food webs and ecological pyramids are analyzed with an emphasis on ecological efficiency. The calculation of biomass and primary productivity are reinforced in the lab. Lab: Food webs activity Lab: Primary Productivity The determination of GPP and NPP that occurs in test bottles containing aquatic plants. C. An initial study of soils. Soil samples are collected at this time since the ground is not frozen yet. Several samples are saved for further study later in the course. Soil Types. Profiles and leaching. Soil Horizons. Lab: Soil Nutrient Testing LaMotte test kit: pH, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. C. Biogeochemical Cycles. Water, Carbon, Nitrogen, Sulfur, and Phosphorus cycles are explored with an emphasis on how human activities are affecting them. Student Research and Presentation: Nutrient Cycles Video: (DVD) How Ecosystems Work: Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycles Great Pacific Media 2005 Chapter 5: “Evolution and Biodiversity” A. Evidence of the evolution and adaptation of species as seen from the Earth’s fossil records. The concepts Natural Selection and Ecological Niche help explain how each species in an ecosystem survive and coexist. Lab: Timeline for History of Life activity Lab: Generalists and Specialists activity Lab: Beluga Whale Case study – Inquiry Activity B. A look at the field of genetic engineering and examples of artificial selection. Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) are discussed. Video: (DVD) The Natural History of the Chicken (ISBN 0-7936-9850-2) Unit 2 Test - Chapters 4 and 5 UNIT 3 Weather, Climate, Biomes, and Communities (4 Weeks) Chapter 6: “Climate and Terrestrial Biodiversity” A. A brief introduction to weather, relative humidity, fronts, pressure systems, prevailing winds, and severe storms. Lab: Sling psychrometer and relative humidity B. The study of the Earth’s major climate zones, global air circulation patterns, El Nino-Southern Oscillation, ocean currents, and the greenhouse effect. Video: (DVD) An Inconvenient Truth (ISBN 1-4157-2478-4) C. The Earth’s major biomes are each covered in detail. The generalized effects of altitude and latitude on climate and biome type are discussed, as are annual temperature, precipitation, resident flora and fauna, and human activities. Lab: Climatograms Precipitation and temperature data representing the major land biomes on earth are plotted. Biome Grid Activity Video: (DVD) Terrestrial Biomes: Deserts, Grasslands, and Forests Great Pacific Media 2005 Chapter 7: “Aquatic Biodiversity” A. An introduction to aquatic life zones and their representative organisms: plankton, nekton, benthos, and decomposers. Video: (DVD) Aquatic Biomes: Oceans, Rivers, and Wetlands Great Pacific Media 2005 B. A detailed account of each of the Saltwater Life Zones in the oceans. Special attention is paid to the costal zone and human activities in costal wetlands, estuaries, and mangrove swamps worldwide. Coral reef project C. The Freshwater Ecosystems of lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands. Lake zones defined by depth are discussed. Local watersheds are mapped. Wetland Mitigation Eutrophication Eagle River Watershed Map Activity Chapter 8: “Community Ecology” A. Types of species and the roles they play in communities. The distinction between native and nonnative species is introduced as well as the problems created by the world’s invasive or alien species. Keystone species and their association with ecological health is also examined. Video: (DVD) Cane Toads B. Predation, competition, and other species interactions such as parasitism, mutualism, and commensalism are reviewed. Defense mechanisms and avoidance adaptations of local species are also discussed. Video: (DVD) Community Interactions: Competition and Predation Great Pacific Media 2005 C. Ecological Succession and how communities respond to change. The role of pioneer species such as lichens on exposed rock and fire on local lodgepole pine and aspen communities are both closely examined. Lab – Seed Design Unit 3 Test – Chapters 6, 7, and 8 UNIT 4 Population (4 Weeks) Chapter 9: “Population Ecology” A. The study of Population Dynamics through investigations in density and dispersion patterns, limiting factors and carrying capacity, biotic potential and environmental resistance. Graphs of logistic and exponential growth are evaluated as to their j-curve or s-curve pattern. The other general types of population change curves found in nature are also examined; in particular the Lynx-Hare Cycle as it pertains to the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s efforts to restore Canadian Lynx populations to our area. B. Video: (DVD) Populations: Biotic Potential, Environmental Resistance Great Pacific Media 2005 Lab: Estimating Population Size A tag and recapture activity with application of the Lincoln Index. The reproductive patterns and survival mechanisms of several species are examined. The distinction between r-selected and K-selected species and their representative survivorship curves are outlined. Lab: Lynx Reintroduction The use of Age Structure Diagrams to determine habitat suitability. Chapter 10: “Applying Population Ecology: The Human Population” A. An introduction to the study of the human population with the calculation of birth rate, death rate, growth rate, doubling time, and fertility rate. The populations of many countries are compared by their life expectancy and infant mortality rate as indicators of population health. The role of immigration on worldwide population change is also evaluated. Video: (DVD) World in the Balance (ISBN 1-59375-143-5) B. Age Structure Diagrams as they relate to population growth rates. The effects of each type of population structure on future populations is examined as is the hypothesis known as demographic transition. Lab: Human Demographics Population dynamics of several countries are considered. Unit 4 Test - Chapters 9 and 10 UNIT 5 Biodiversity and Endangered Species (3 Weeks) Chapter 11: “Sustaining Terrestrial Biodiversity: Managing and Protecting Ecosystems” A. A closer look at the human impacts on terrestrial biodiversity and how public lands in the United States are managed. What is Wilderness? The Heat of Noon – Edward Abby B. The U.S. timber industry and fire mitigation policies. The primary causes of tropical deforestation and degradation are also examined. Healthy Forests Initiative Chapter 12: “Sustaining Biodiversity: The Species Approach” A. The intrinsic value of a species is examined as well as how biologists classify species heading toward biological extinction. Thinking Like a Mountain B. An overview of specific extinction threats such as nonnative species, poaching, and predator control. Bushmeat Trade Black-footed Ferret C. U.S. Endangered Species Act Chapter 13: “Sustaining Aquatic Biodiversity” A. An overview of the human impacts on aquatic biodiversity with a focus on commercial whaling and the controversy surrounding the overfishing of the world’s marine fisheries. Atlantic Cod Fishing B. Managing and protecting lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Lake Victoria Florida Everglades Columbia River Basin Unit 5 Test - Chapters 11, 12, and 13 UNIT 6 Food, Soil, and Water (4 Weeks) Chapter 14: “Food and Soil Resources” A. An analysis of how the world’s food is produced and how traditional and green revolution methods are used to raise crops. B. A study of soil erosion and degradation caused by water, wind, and human activities. The desertification of rangeland and the salinization of cropland is examined through lab activities. Lab – Soil Salinization An experimental design exercise in which varying concentrations of salt water are correlated to bean germination rates. The Dust Bowl C. An introduction to soil conservation methods including terracing, conservation tillage, strip cropping, and the use of wind breaks. D. The methods for increasing the production of crops, meat, and fish are compared with the dangers of overgrazing and overfishing. The various commercial fishing methods are also examined. Chapter 15: “Water Resources” A. A review of the properties of water and its locations, abundance, distribution, and uses. Examples of conflicts over water are considered when evaluating freshwater shortages. Ogallala Aquifer B. The use of dams and reservoirs to supply more water. China’s Three Gorges Dam Video: (DVD) The Colorado River: Stolen Treasure (CL 1336-dvdx) C. Reducing water waste through more efficient irrigation systems and encouraging conservation. Xeriscaping Unit 6 Test - Chapters 14 and 15 UNIT 7 Geology, Mineral and Energy Resources (4 Weeks) Chapter 16: “Geology and Nonrenewable Mineral Resources” A. A review of the major geological processes including Plate Tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes. B. An introduction to minerals, rocks, and the rock cycle. Video: (DVD) Rocks, Minerals, and Soils (ISBN 1-59527-530-4) Lab: Rock and Mineral Identification C. The removal, processing, and environmental impacts of nonrenewable mineral resources. Video: (VHS) Mining Video: (VHS) Poison in the Rockies Chapter 17: “Nonrenewable Energy Resources” A. This chapter evaluates fossil fuels and nuclear energy resources. Both the advantages and disadvantages of all types of energy production are considered. Petroleum oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy. Video: (DVD) The End of Suburbia (ISBN 0-9736947-0-x) Yucca Mountain Chernobyl and 3-Mile Island Lab: Coal Gasification Chapter 18: “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy” A. A look at energy efficiency and the incentives for choosing a less wasteful source of energy. The advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energy as an alternative energy source are discussed. Solar energy, hydropower, wind turbines, biomass, ethanol, hydrogen, and geothermal energy are all reviewed. Video: (DVD) Who Killed the Electric Car? (ISBN 1-4248-1954-7) Video: (DVD) The Phoenix Project: Oil to Hydrogen (ISBN 0-9702502-1-5) Lab: Wind Turbine Design Lab: Electrolysis of Water Unit 7 Test - Chapters 16, 17, and 18 UNIT 8 Toxicology and Pollution (4 Weeks) Chapter 19: “Risk, Toxicology, and Human Health” A. This unit begins with an examination into the methods of assessing the hazards and toxicity of chemicals. Lab – Toxicology Testing the LD-50 of ammonia for Brine Shrimp. B. Biological hazards are explored in a series of case studies on topics including infectious bacteria and germ resistance to antibiotics. Viral diseases, malaria, and the threat of bioterrorism are also considered. Tuberculosis West Nile Virus C. A study of how many risks can be estimated, compared, managed, and reduced. Risk Analysis Activity Chapter 20: “Air Pollution” A. The structure and chemistry of the atmosphere is reviewed as are the major classes of air pollutants and their sources. Lab – Particulate Collection Lab – Ozone Measuring ozone levels around school using Schoenbein Paper. Video: (DVD) Human Impact on the Biosphere Great Pacific Media 2005 B. A look into what factors influence the formation of Industrial and photochemical smog, and acid deposition. C. Indoor air pollution, in particular radon gas and formaldehyde exposure. Chapter 21: “Climate Change and Ozone Loss” A. A review of how human activities are changing the world’s climate. Each major greenhouse gas is individually examined with consideration to its effect on global temperatures. Carbon dioxide storage (sequestering) B. Ozone depletion in the stratosphere and the risk of increased UV radiation exposure to humans and earth systems. Chapter 22: “Water Pollution” A. A look at the major pollution problems of streams, lakes, and groundwater. The common diseases transmitted through contaminated drinking water and how we measure water quality are all examined. B. Ocean pollution and urban runoff. The Chesapeake Bay Chapter 24: “Solid and Hazardous Waste” A. The reduction of solid wastes through recycling and reusing. The major types of plastics are reviewed as are some of the factors that hinder recycling efforts. Field Trip: Eagle County Landfill – trash sort. Composting B. Hazardous waste production and management including discussions on mercury, lead, and dioxins. Love Canal Bhopal, India U.S. Superfund Act Unit 8 Test - Chapters 19, 20, 21, 22, and 24 Course Review and Released A.P. Exam Testing (2 Weeks) Both the 1998 and 2003 released AP Environmental Science Exams are reviewed. Testing conditions and strategies are discussed. A.P. College Board Exam (TUESDAY, MAY) Environmental Science Final Project (2 Weeks) Because all students are required to take the A.P. Exam in the Spring, the Final Project is viewed as an alternative to a cumulative written final exam. Students are encouraged to explore an aspect of environmental science that personally interests them. A project proposal is required, as is a written report and formal presentation. Examples of past projects include constructing a solar oven, coordinating end of school recycling efforts, landscaping and school beautification, and River Watch training.