Download Class Syllabus - Pikeville Independent Schools

AP Environmental Science Course Syllabus
Instructor: Mrs. Kelly Scott
Email: [email protected]
School Phone: 432-0185
Planning Period: 3rd Period
School Webpage: http://goo.gl/8PL1BG
Sign up for our Cel.ly texting group to get reminders sent via text messages or email for tests, quizzes,
homework, projects, etc for the class, and you can respond to me with any questions. Send a text message
to 23559 and put this code @APESphs in the message or you can visit this website http://cy.tl/1rFbQzd to
be signed up. You will need a password, and it is panthers. I encourage all students, parents and interested
parties to sign up for reminders for our class. If you have any problems or questions, please let me know.
How does passing the APES test help you? It depends if you get a 3, 4 or 5.
If you choose to attend Morehead State University, here is how the test will transfer: a 3, 4 or 5 will transfer as
BIOL 155 for a total of 3 credits.
If you choose to attend University of Kentucky, here is how the test will transfer: a 3, 4 or 5 will transfer as EES
110 for a total of 3 credits.
Course Description: (as per The College Board)
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in
environmental science. Unlike most other college introductory-level science course, environmental science is offered
from a wide variety of departments in college. Depending on the department offering the course, different emphases
are placed on various topics. Some courses are rigorous courses that stress scientific principles and analysis, and often
include a laboratory component; other courses emphasize the study of environmental issues from a sociological or
political perspective rather than traditional science. The AP Environmental Science course has been developed to be
most like the former; as such it is intended to enable students to undertake, as first-year college students a more
advanced study of topics in environmental science or alternatively, to fulfill a basic requirement for a laboratory science
and thus free time for taking other courses.
The AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies
required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both
natural and man-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative
solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of
topics from different areas of study. Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many
topics included in the study of environmental science. The following themes provide a foundation for the structure of
the AP Environmental Science course:
1. Science is a process.
a. Science is a method of learning more about the world.
b. Science constantly changes the way we understand the world.
2. Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes.
a. Energy cannot be created; it must come from somewhere.
b. As energy flows through systems, at each step more of it becomes unusable.
3. The Earth itself is one interconnected system.
a. Natural systems change over time and space.
b. Biogeochemical systems vary in ability to recover from disturbances.
4. Humans alter natural systems.
a. Humans have had an impact on the environment for millions of years.
b. Technology and population growth have enabled humans to increase both the rate and scale of their
impact on the environment.
5. Environmental problems have a cultural and social context.
a. Understanding the role of cultural, social, and economic factors is vital to the development of solutions.
6. Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems.
a. A suitable combination of conservation and development is required.
b. Management of common resources is essential.
Students who take AP Environmental Science are expected to have had biology and chemistry, both laboratory sciences.
Students should also have a good understanding of algebra and some introductory calculus (i.e., limits and functions).
Class Profile:
There is one section of AP Environmental Science with a limit of 30 students per class. The class meets five times per
week (55 minutes per class period) with an average of one class period in five spent in field investigations and labs.
Several trips and investigations are planned for the year.
Course Overview:
The goal of this course is to actively engage students in meaningful science. Much of the data gathered in the field is
given to organizations for their use in research, policy making, and education. Field study is emphasized. Students will
keep a binder with notes, labs and research. Labs reports are blended with research papers.
Teaching Strategies:
Lectures will consist of PowerPoint presentations with students receiving guided notes, and sometimes students will be
expected to take his or her notes from the lecture. Students are expected to read the chapters and take notes on the
reading. Students will also be engaged in inquiry-based activities, research projects and various other cooperative
learning experiences. Reading quizzes will be given for most all chapters using released AP Environmental Science
multiple choice and free response questions and also test bank questions. An AP-like test, with multiple-choice
questions and one timed essay, is given at the end of each unit. A final, like the actual AP test, is given at the end of the
first semester. Topics in the chapters are primarily covered by lectures, student project presentations, and teacher led
demonstrations. Labs and additional activities are used to reinforce material covered in lecture.
We will do various labs inside and outside throughout the year. We will be going to the river quite often to conduct
research, cleanups and numerous other activities.
Resources:
College Board Professional Development Workshop Materials
Various Field Guides
Various Videos and/or video clips
Various Testing Kits (soil, water, pollution)
Field Equipment
Laboratory Equipment
Prerequisites:
Biology and Chemistry
Text:
Living in the Environment, 15th Edition by G. Tyler Miller, Jr.
Students are responsible for bringing the text to class every day in order to participate in in-class assignments. I do not
have extra books.
Supplementary Recommended:
AP Environmental Science Review Guide – These are not mandatory but are recommended for extra support throughout
the year. To help with exam practice and to reinforce concepts, please use the review questions at the end of each
topic.
Detailed Outline of Course Topics – These are estimations and could change at teacher discretion.
Topic and Chapters
Terrestrial Ecology –
Part A (1-2) Part B (3-4) Part C (5 and 7)
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Population dynamics
Communities and niches
Terrestrial biomes
Energy flow and pyramids
Biogeochemical cycles
Energy concepts
Third Rock from the Sun - 15
 Geologic time scale
 Plate tectonics
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15 days
21 days
21 days
Species diversity
Preservation, remediation, mitigation,
restoration
Habitat loss
Exotic species
Endangered and extinct species
Deforestation
Economic impacts and decisions
Nonrenewable Resources and Energy – 16
and 17
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8 days
Human population sizes & distribution
Distribution and fertility rates
Growth rate and doubling times
Demographic transitions
Age structure diagrams
Biodiversity – 10, 11 and 12
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(10 days per Part)
Eutrophication
Freshwater biomes
 Surface and groundwater issues
 Conservation
Human Populations – 8, 9 and 18
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30 days
Earthquakes & volcanoes
Rock cycle
Aquatic Ecology – 6 and 14
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Duration
Energy forms, units and conversions
History and global energy use
Mining
Fossil fuel resources and use
Nuclear energy
Renewable energy
Energy conservation
Economic impacts and decisions
15 days
Water - 21
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Pollution
Sources, causes and effects
Surface and groundwater issues
Cultural Eutrophication
Water purification
Sewage treatment
Human health risks
Clean Water Act and other laws
Air Pollution and Climate Change – 19 and
20
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9 days
Types of pesticides
Cost and benefits of pesticide use
Integrated Pest Management
Relevant Laws
Waste Management - 22
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15 days
Air pollution
Smog
Acid deposition
Indoor air pollutants
Clean Air Act and other laws
Human health risks
Stratospheric ozone and ozone depletion
Global warming
Economic impacts
Food, Soil Conservation and Pest
Management - 13
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8 days
8 days
Solid waste disposal and reduction
Hazard chemicals and wastes
REVIEW IN CLASS: Tentatively scheduled for April 23 - May 1.
APES EXAM: Monday, May 4, 2015
CLASS GUIDELINES
It is mandatory that you have access to the internet in order to complete some class assignments and to stay in touch
with me as questions arise. I check my email regularly and can answer many of your questions even after hours via email
or text message. Internet access can be in the school library, computer lab, home, or town library. In the past, students
earned 3 college credits for the score on their AP Environmental Science Exam. You should check with the institution
you plan on attending for specific credit allowances. Having said this, I conduct the course much like a college classroom.
Once class starts, do not ask to leave the room until discussion time is finished. If you do not come to class with any of
the required materials, find a neighbor who can assist you.
CONDUCT AND MISCELLANEOUS
How you can make the most out of your class:
1. Bring materials to class every day. (text, paper, pen and pencil)
2. Do your homework and the labs. That is the only way to be successful in this course. No Passes.
3. Do not talk when someone else (especially me) is talking.
4. Stay in your seat until the bell rings; I will dismiss you.
5. It is YOUR responsibility to get missed assignments and make arrangements to make up missed tests. Any test or
quiz that lingers more than one week will result in a zero. I do not hunt anyone down to see if they got an
assignment after an absence.
6. When you come into class, you may talk quietly to your neighbor while I take attendance provided your
materials are out and you are prepared to start class as soon as I am finished.
7. Follow all written and verbal instructions the first time.
8. Obey all school rules: dress code (boys and girls), cell phone use, hats, etc.
9. All jokes or attempts at levity made by the teacher must be tolerated.
10. Except in a true emergency, please do not ask to leave the classroom.
11. Make sure you have ink for your home computer and your printer works. HW and projects must be completed
on time - not having the required tools is no excuse. Email is no guarantee.
Ask questions! However, do not ask:
1. What are we going to do today?
2. Are we going to do anything important today in class?
3. When am I going to ever use this stuff in real life?
4. Did I miss anything important when I was gone?
5. If I turn in this assignment, will it raise my grade (and by how much)?
6. Is there anything I can do for extra credit?
7. At testing time, do you have an extra pen/pencil/calculator?
8. Can I go to the bathroom? This is the last time I'll ever ask.
APES Top Ten
1. A calculator is not a survival tool.
2. Science is not a subject for the other “guy”.
3. All problems have possible solutions, and you can make a valuable contribution to those solutions.
4. We’re really lucky to be on such a wondrous planet.
5. You’re more likely to die at prom than from most other environmental problems.
6. If you kill it; eat it, wear it, or learn something really important from it.
7. There is no away.
8. Take good care of what you’ve got.
9. Take only what you really need.
10. You can never do just one thing.
CLASS MATERIALS
The following materials are needed on a daily basis:
1. Binder and paper
2. Something to write with (black or blue pen or pencil)
3. Something colorful to check with
4. Colored pencils or Markers
5. Used or New Kitchen Towel to use in the lab experiments (we do not use paper towels)
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
Students are expected to be in class each day on time. I do take attendance and count tardies each day. I expect
students to participate and be an active part in class. This class is not meant to be a “sit and get” class.
LAB INVESTIGATIONS
Many of our lab investigations will require us to travel to other areas. Some labs will be completed on the school
grounds, some will be completed during one-period trips to various locations within minutes of school on the bus, and
there will be some partial or all day trips. You must bring a brown bag lunch on specified days. Obviously, certain lab
investigations cannot be repeated given these circumstances. In such a case, the student will be required to complete an
alternate assignment in which the highest grade you can receive is an 89% as the remaining points are for those
students actually participating in the scheduled activity. The College Board strongly recommends the following fieldwork
trips for satisfactory performance on the AP Exam:
• Wetlands and Woodlands
• Farm Management practices
• A Wastewater Treatment Facility
• A Drinking Water Plant
• An electrical production facility
• A Local Cemetery for population dynamics
• A landfill or waste incinerating facility
On all field trips, students must dress accordingly and be prepared to participate and complete applicable fieldwork.
RULES OF THE LABORATORY
1. Follow all instructions and rules on the laboratory safety sheets in addition to all verbal instructions.
2. Wear protective eyewear.
3. Refrain from loud talking, running, throwing, horseplay, and performing unauthorized lab procedures.
4. Refrain from eating, drinking, and gum chewing.
5. Come to lab prepared with all lab materials - including any completed pre-lab assignments.
6. Dress according to pre-lab instructions (short-sleeved clothing, no open-toed shoes, etc.)
HOMEWORK/LAB WORK – Please read carefully
Unless specifically told otherwise, you are responsible for the entire book. All sections of all chapters are your
responsibility. Weekly quizzes and chapter/unit exams will address all material for which you are responsible, whether
you are instructed directly in class or not. I expect students to keep up with their reading, as reading quizzes will be
given. Students should prepare for class as instructed, and read additional material on the assigned subjects to gain
further insight and depth of the subject matter. Wikipedia, while not acceptable as a scientifically reliable resource may
provide you with further insights or references. It is imperative that students complete all assignments thoroughly. All
questions are to be answered completely. All written answers are to be answered using complete sentences. All
mathematical calculation problems are to be solved showing the original question, any formulas used, all steps in the
solution, and the final answer with the correct significant figures and appropriate units (show all work), and the use of a
calculator is not permitted. Any assignment that does not meet these criteria will receive zero credit. Any assignment
that is not easily legible will receive zero credit. Any assignment that is deemed by the instructor to be cut and paste
beyond reasonable doubt will not be accepted. If you use any resources to answer any questions, find additional
support or for any reason, be sure to cite all of your sources.
GRADES
Reading Notes: Students are expected to take notes on each chapter or complete any reading guides. These are not
taken for a grade but can be used on the weekly reading quizzes, and two extra credit points will be given on the quiz.
Quizzes: Reading Quizzes are worth 5 - 20 points each. These quizzes are based on reading, in-class notes and
assignments, and are taken in-class.
Tests: Worth various amount of points. Three days make-up allowed on a missed test provided the absence is excused.
All tests include cumulative material.
Absence and Late Work: You will have 3 days to make up any missed work; this is whether you miss 1 day or 5 days. It
will be up to you to get with the teacher to get your work. The teacher will not track you down. After the 3 days, if you
have not turned in your work or made arrangements with the teacher, your grade will become a zero. If something is
due the day you are absent, the assignment is expected the day you return. I understand there are extreme
circumstances. If this is the case, please have your parent contact me to discuss this policy.
***All assignments are due during the class period or by 3:00 of the due date. A 10% grade deduction will occur for
each day the assignment is late. After the 3rd day, the assignment will not be accepted.
Lab activities: Worth various amount of points and are weighted per assignment.
Homework: Assigned, you complete it if you are looking to succeed.
Projects: Assigned and completed throughout the course and the amount of points vary.
NOTE: I do not assign grades based on a percentage. It is incorrect to say that tests account for 50%. More accurately,
expect about 2 or 3 tests per quarter, 2 to 3 labs per quarter, and about 6 to 7 quizzes per quarter in addition to your
participation. All tests will be announced several days in advance. Tests will include both multiple choice and free
response questions. If you are absent the day before the test, you are still expected to take the test on the regularly
scheduled date. You are not allowed to use calculators in class or on the test in May. Arithmetic is a middle school skill,
and I believe everyone coming to this class has the ability to do fractions, decimals, squares and square roots in algebraic
equations without the use of a calculator. We will not practice this in class.
4-H Fair: The school will be held in the spring and is required for all students to participate in one or
the other.
Digital and Paper Notebooks: Since we do have a cumulative test at the end of the year, it is so important to keep a
notebook of all of the notes, labs, activities, etc. that we do. This year we will have most of our notes digital, and we will
need to keep everything in each person’s Google Drive account. Google Drive is free and can be accessed online or by a
mobile app. It will be the best way to keep all documents and have them easily accessible. We will set up a Google
Drive account in class. Everyone is required to keep a notebook.
EXTRA HELP
I am available for extra help usually every Tuesday and Thursday after school unless otherwise announced. Other days I
am available as long as you let me know you are coming first. If you are planning on seeing me for extra help, you must
be present by 3:15; otherwise I may assume you are not attending.
This syllabus is subject to change at the teacher’s discretion.
Go here to complete this form online: http://goo.gl/20ktBJ
AP Environmental Science / Return to Mrs. Kelly Scott
Student/Parent Agreement and Contact Information
Student Agreement:
I have read and understand all policies and procedures. I agree to abide by them at all times.
If I have a question, I will ask. I also agree to only turn in my work as my own, it will not be
plagiarized, copied or borrowed from someone else and claimed as mine.
_______________________/_______________________
Student Signature
Student Printed Name
_________________
Date
_____________________________________________________
Student Email Address
Parent Agreement:
I have read and understand all policies and procedures. I understand that my child is expected
to abide by them at all times. I also understand that if I have a question or concern, I can
contact the teacher. I understand if my child turns in work that is copied, plagiarized, etc. that
my child will not receive credit for that assignment.
_______________________/_______________________
Parent Signature
Parent Printed Name
_________________
Date
_____________________________________________________
Parent Email Address
Please complete the following information:
Parent/Guardian Name: ___________________________________________
Home Phone: ___________________ Work Phone:____________________
Cell Phone: ___________________
Does your child have internet access at home? _____________________
**Use this space for any information you feel I should know to make your APES experience the
best it can be.**
(Ex: Medical Conditions, allergies, seating requirements, etc.)