Download Advanced Placement Environmental Science Syllabus

Advanced Placement Environmental Science Syllabus
Text: Miller, G. Tyler Jr. 2004. Living in the Environment: Principles, Connections, and Solutions,
thirteenth edition. Brooks/Cole Thomson Learning
Activities and labs may be altered according to seasonal availability of field materials and time
permitted.
Lecture and Laboratory Unit/Topic
Chapter/Section
Pace
Unit 1 – Introduction and Review (10-15%)
7 days
Environmental Problems, Causes, and Sustainability
1
Global Economics
Globalization
Tragedy of the Commons
World Bank
Relevant laws and treaties
Tragedy of the Commons activity
Activity: The Lorax
Activity: Determine Your Ecological Footprint
Economics, Environment, and Sustainable Living
26 sections
Externalities
Politics, Environment, and Sustainable Living
27 sections
Worldview and Ethics
28 sections
Environmental History
2
Cultural changes
United States Environmental History
Activity: Night at the Museum - research important contributors to environmental science and
present to class
Project: APES in the News Students must collect and briefly summarize at least 20 published
articles on environmental issues pertaining to our class over a 9 week period. They will choose
their 3 favorite articles and write a 2-page report on each, then present them to the class.
Extracurricular APES – Students are required to attend one extracurricular environmental
activity per semester and write a two-page report of the event’s significance and relevance to our
class. Students are especially encouraged to attend our local Big Sweep to clean up High Rock
Lake or Clean Air Campaign Events at The Environmental Science Center at Catawba College.
TEST/FREE RESPONSE 1
Unit 2 – Review Chemistry, Matter, and Energy and The Living World 10-15%
Critical thinking, review of chemistry, and matter and energy 3
Forms and Quality of Matter
Forms and Quality of Energy
Conservation of Matter
Laws of Thermodynamics
Nuclear Changes
Changes that affect the environment
Legislation
International Environmental Protection Act of 1983
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
Ecosystems, Energy Flow, and Cycles
4
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration
Energy flow through tropic levels; food webs
6 days
Biomass pyramids
Biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S, H2O)
Laws of Conservation
Ecosystem Services
Activity: Student groups are assigned a biogeochemical cycle and make a presentation on
its significance
Lab: “What’s in an Owl Pellet”
Students dissect an owl pellet to investigate the feeding habits of an owl. The students
determine the species of the prey, the number of prey consumed in a day, month, and
year. A food web is constructed using this information.
Evolution and Biodiversity
5
Origins of life
Geologic time scale
Evolution and adaptation
Natural selection
Ecological niches and adaptation
Speciation, extinction, and biodiversity
TEST/FREE RESPONSE 2
Unit 3: Biomes, complete “The Living World” from unit 2 (10-15%)
6 days
Biogeography: Climate and Terrestrial Biomes
6
Weather and climate
Atmospheric circulation and the Coriolis Effect
Atmosphere-ocean interactions
ENSO
Biome location, adaptations, and limiting factors
Human impact in each biome
Aquatic Ecology
7
Biomes types, components, zones, and limiting factors
Human impact in each zone
Community Ecology
8
Ecological niches
Keystone species
Types of species
Species diversity and edge effects
Biological structure
Species interactions and relationships (symbiosis, predator/prey)
Ecological succession and diversity
Lab: Ecology Observation
Students observe and describe the components of an ecosystem near the school. Species
of organisms are recorded and biodiversity for the area is calculated based on species
observed.
Extended Lab: Eco-column
Students set up and maintain a living ecosystem model including a terrestrial chamber, a
decomposition chamber, and an aquatic chamber for four weeks. Students measure and
record pH of water and soil, temperature of water and soil, dissolved oxygen in the water,
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil, as well as qualitative data including
water turbidity, water odor, decomposition odor, and growth of plants in terrestrial
chamber. At the end of the four weeks, students design and conduct a controlled
scientific investigation to answer questions related to the effects of pollution on an
ecosystem. They create a hypothesis, identify the variables, determine the procedure,
collect and record data, analyze and interpret data, and communicate the findings.
Special guest: Local wildlife expert from Dan Nicholas Park brings raptors and speaks to
students about ecology concepts and how raptors are indicators of environmental health.
Legislation:
Anadromous Fish Conservation Act of 1965
Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982
Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972
Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972
National Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 and 1980
Whale Conservation and Protection Study Act of 1976
TEST/FREE RESPONSE 3
Unit 4 – Population 10-15%
6 days
Population Dynamics
9
Population ecology and carrying capacity
Reproductive patterns and survivorship
Sustaining wildlife populations
Lab: Population Estimate and Growth Simulation (Something’s Fishy)
Students collect a sample, mark, and recapture to determine a population size. Students
graph population growth and carrying capacity.
Human Population
12
Factors affecting population growth
Historical populations and distribution
Fertility rates, growth, and doubling
Demographic transition
Population age structures
Impacts of growth (to be integrated throughout semester)
Strategies for sustainability
Case studies
National population policies
Lab: Power of the Pyramids
Students make an age-sex histogram using demographic data from the census website.
The graphics are used to determine the country’s stage of demographic transition and
socioeconomic factors as well as approximate stage of development. Students present
their graphs and explain the demographics of their assigned country.
TEST/FREE RESPONSE 4
Unit 5 – Land and Water Use 10-15%
Food Resources
Human nutritional requirements
Types of agriculture and crop production
Green Revolution and traditional techniques
Genetic engineering
Sustainable agriculture
Rangeland management
Overgrazing
Fishing techniques and effects
Overfishing
Aquaculture
Activity: Food for Thought
9 days
13
Activity: Hunger Banquet
Sustaining Terrestrial Biodiversity
23
Public lands
Forest types (various growth stages)
Tree plantations
Forest fires
Forest management
National forests
Deforestation
Managing and sustaining wilderness areas and refuges
Federal rangelands
Preservation
Remediation
Mitigation
Restoration
Activity: Forestry Brochure – students research forestry concepts and groups make
professional brochures presenting information.
Lab: Dendrology
Students study dendrology using field identification books. Go into the field and identify trees.
Urban Land Use and Management
25
Planned development
Suburban sprawl
Urbanization
Transportation infrastructure (federal highway system; canals and channels; roadless areas)
Land management and zoning
Sustainable land use
Noise pollution (sources, effects, control measures)
Activity: Invite land use planner from GIS county office to speak about current land use
practice and sustainability.
Legislation:
Endangered American Wilderness Act of 1978
Lacey Act of 1900
Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resource Act of 1974, 1978
Forest Reserves Management Act 1974, 1976
National Forest Management Act of 1976
National Trails System Act 1968
Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937
Wilderness Act of 1964
TEST/FREE RESPONSE 5
Unit 6: Pollution impacts on human health, Solid Waste, & Pesticides (25-30%)
Risk, Toxicology, and Human Health
11
Environmental risk analysis
Acute and chronic effects
Dose-response relationships
Smoking and other risks and air pollutants
Cost-benefit analysis
Marginal costs
Biomagnification
12 days
Lab: LD50 of Toxic Materials
Several types of cleaning solutions are analyzed to determine the lethal dose of the test
population. Students produce a dose-response curve using collected data.
Lab: The Effects of Radiation on Germination
Students measure and record the effects of radiation levels on the germination and growth
of irradiated seeds.
Solid and Hazardous Waste
21
Types, disposal, and reduction
The 3 R’s
Detoxifying, burning, burying, and exporting waste
Types of hazardous waste
Treatment and disposal of hazardous waste
Cleanup of contaminated sites
Activity: Students create a public service announcement about the threats from specific
toxins including lead, mercury, chlorine, and dioxins
Lab: To Trash or Not to Trash
Students collect their trash over 48 hours to determine their personal impact on the
landfill. The products that are recyclable are removed and compared to the nonrecyclable materials.
Lab: Landfill Visit
Pesticides and Pest Control
20
Types and uses of pesticides
Costs and benefits of pesticide use
Integrated pest management
Lab: Organic Farm Tour
Legislation
Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965
Hazardous Material Transport Act of 1975
Toxic Substance Control Act 1976
Liability (SUPERFUND) Act of 1980, 1986
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Control Act 1972, 1988
Food Security Act of 1985
TEST/FREE RESPONSE 6
Unit 7: Water Resources, Pollution, and Biodiversity 25-30%
12 days
Water Resources and Use
14
Water properties and importance
Global freshwater/saltwater resources
Ocean circulation
Uses: agricultural-irrigation; industrial; domestic
Surface and groundwater issues
Desertification, salinization of soils
Global problems
Water conservation
Hydroelectric power
Dams, flood control, salmon impacts, silting, other impacts
Debate: To Dam or Not to Dam? Students are assigned viewpoints to debate – they research
their viewpoint and then present it to the class in a formal debate setting.
Lab: Salinization of Seeds
Students design an experiment to test the effects of differing salinity concentrations on the
germination of seeds.
Lab: Physical and Chemical Water Analysis (physical: turbidity; chemical: pH, nitrite/nitrate,
hardness, metals, dissolved oxygen)
Lab: Macroinvertebrates as Water Indicators (Leaf Packs)
Two-weeks prior to unit, students choose local bodies of water to put leaf packs in that are
colonized by macroinvertebrates. Students collect leaf packs and use stereoscopes to identify
macroinvertebrates and determine water quality based biodiversity indexes.
Activity: Personal Water Use
Water Pollution
19
Types, sources, causes and effects of water pollution
Cultural eutrophication
Groundwater pollution
Maintaining water quality
Water purification
Sewage treatment/septic systems
Lab: Wastewater Treatment Plant Visit
Sustaining Aquatic Biodiversity
24
Importance of aquatic biodiversity
Human impacts: Habitat loss, overuse, pollution, introduced species, endangered and extinct
species
Maintenance through conservation
Lab: Oil Spill This lab simulates an oil spill and the process of cleanup. Students discuss the
effects and determine possible solutions.
Legislation
Clean Water Act 1977, 1987
Federal Water Pollution Control Act 1965, 1972
Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, 1984
Water Quality Act of 1965
Water Resource Planning Act of 1965
Ocean Dumping Act of 1972
Ocean Dumping Ban Act of 1988
TEST/FREE RESPONSE 7
Unit 8: Atmosphere, Air Pollution, and Global Change 25-30%
12 days
Air and air pollution
17
Atmospheric composition and structure
Primary and secondary air pollution sources
Major air pollutants
Measurement units
Smog
Acid deposition (causes and effects)
Heat islands and temperature inversions
Indoor air pollution
Remediation and reduction strategies
Lab: Particulate Matter Determine the amount of particulates in the air over a period of time.
Students calculate and graph the daily percentages.
Climate Change and Ozone Loss
18
Greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect
Impacts and consequences of global warming
Climate shifts and species movement
Reducing climate change
Atmosphere-ocean interactions and ENSO
Formation of stratospheric ozone
Ultraviolet radiation
Causes and effects of ozone depletion
Strategies for reducing ozone depletion
Lab: Atmospheric Mathematics Determine the concentration of the pollutant. Calculate ppm
and ppb of the solution using decimal/fraction.
Lab: Does Your Sunscreen Work? Using several types of sunscreens, students determine the
effectiveness of the products based upon the amount of radiation exposure on photosensitive
beads.
Sustaining Wild Species
22
Human impacts on biodiversity (habitat loss, overuse, pollution, introduced species, endangered
and extinct species)
Maintenance through conservation
Research: North Carolina Threatened and Endangered Species Students are assigned a
species, conduct research as to its ecological significance, reason for declined numbers, and
management options. Students design and conduct a professional presentation.
Legislation
Clean Air Act 1970, 1990
Kyoto Protocol
Montreal Protocol
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Treaty of 1974 (CITES)
Endangered Species Act 1973, 1982, 1985, 1988
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980 (nongame act)
Fur Seal Act 1966
Migratory Bird Conservation Act 1929
National Wildlife Refuge System Act of 1966, 1976, 1978
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 1976
Species Conservation Act of 1966, 1969
TEST/FREE RESPONSE 8
Unit 9: Earth Systems Energy Resources and Consumption 10-15%
8 days
Geology
10
Plate tectonics
Earthquakes
Volcanism
Seasons
Solar intensity & latitude
Rock cycle
Soil formation, composition, and types
Physical and chemical properties of soils
Erosion and other soil problems
Soil conservation
Lab: Physical and Chemical Soil Analysis (physical: settling column and ribbon test; chemical:
pH, nitrite/nitrate, phosphate, potassium)
Special guest: Local extension agent visits to talk to students about soil properties and the
importance of soil conservation.
Geologic Resources and Nonrenewable Energy
15
Mineral formation and extraction
Global mineral reserves
Effects of mining
Energy consumption (historically, presently, and in the future)
Forms of energy, power, measurement units, conversions
Formation of coal, oil, and natural gas
Extraction/purification methods
World reserves and global demand
Synfuels
Environmental advantages/disadvantages of fossil fuel sources
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear fission process
Nuclear fuel
Producing electricity
Nuclear reactor types
Environmental advantages/disadvantages
Safety issues
Radiation and human health
Radioactive waves
Nuclear fusion
Lab: Cookie Mining Investigate the process of mining and the environmental effects. Students
examine the process of recovery and amount of recoverable land.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
16
Energy efficiency & conservation
CAFE standards
Hybrid electric vehicles
Mass transit
Reducing energy waste
Renewable energy
Solar energy; solar electricity
Hydrogen fuel cells
Biomass
Wind energy
Small-scale hydroelectric
Ocean waves and tidal energy
Geothermal
Review hydroelectric power from Unit 7
Environmental advantages/disadvantages of renewable energy sources
Lab: Personal energy consumption
Activity: Re-figure ecological footprint
Lab: Compare lumens and wattage from various light bulbs
Legislation
Antarctic Conservation Act 1978
Antarctic Protection Act of 1990
Energy Policy Act of 1992
Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975
Farm Act of 1985
Mining Act of 1872
Oil Pollution Act of 1990
Soil and Water Conservation Act of 1978
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977
TEST/FREE RESPONSE 9