Download AP Environmental Science - East Pennsboro Area School District

EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Unit:
Biological and Human Populations
Days: 18
COURSE:
AP Environmental Science
Subject(s):
AP Environmental Science
Grade(s):
11, 12
Pennsylvania Standards addressed:
4.1.12.A Environment and Ecology (Ecology)
4.1.12.C Environment and Ecology (Ecology)
4.1.12.F Environment and Ecology (Ecology)
4.5.12.A Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment)
4.5.12.E Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment)
4.5.12.F Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment)
Common Core Standards:
CC.3.5 (Reading in Science)
CC 3.6 (Writing in Science)
Big Ideas:
Explain growth models, reproductive
strategies, survivorship curves, and
metapopulations.
Discuss the process of ecological
succession.
Explain how latitude, time, area, and
distance affect the species richness of a
community.
Unit Essential Question(s):
How do populations change in size, density, makeup, and disruption in
response to environmental stress?
How do populations and communities differ?
Labs/Activities: Food for Thought, Hunger Banquet, Something’s Fishy, Risk Perception and Risk
Reality Survey, Population Calculations.
Concept:
Population Growth
Concept:
Human Population Dynamics
Concept:
Population Size
Lesson Essential Questions:
How do species differ in
reproductive patterns?
Lesson Essential Questions:
What are the major impacts of
human activities on populations,
communities, and ecosystems?
Vocabulary:
Size, distribution, fertility rates,
growth rates, doubling time,
demographic transition, agestructure diagrams
Lesson Essential Questions:
What role does genetics play in the size
and survival of a population?
Vocabulary:
Carrying capacity
Reproductive strategies
Survivorship
Vocabulary:
Strategies for sustainability
National policies
Population size
Population density
Population distribution
Concept:
Impacts of Population Growth
Concept:
Growth Models
Concept:
Species Interactions
Lesson Essential Questions:
What lessons can we learn from
ecology about living more
sustainably?
Lesson Essential Questions:
How do density-dependent and
density-independent factors affect
population size?
Lesson Essential Questions:
What are the four factors that determine
the number of species found in a
community?
— 1—
Vocabulary:
Hunger
Disease
Habitat destruction
Economics
Resources
Habitat use
Vocabulary:
Exponential growth model
Logistic growth model (variations)
Overshoot
Die-off
S-shaped curve
Reproductive strategies
Survivorship curves
— 2—
Vocabulary:
Competition
Competitive exclusion principle
Resource partitioning
Predation
Herbivores
Parasites
pathogens
EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Unit:
Earth Science Concepts
(Matter, Energy and Cycles)
COURSE:
AP Environmental Science
Subject(s):
AP Environmental Science
Grade(s):
11, 12
Days: 10
Pennsylvania Standards addressed:
Common Core Standards:
3.1.12.B Biological Sciences (Genetics)
CC 3.5 (Reading in Science)
3.2.10.A Chemistry
CC 3.6 (Writing in Science)
4.1.12.F Environment and Ecology (Ecology)
4.5.12.F Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment)
Unit Essential Question(s):
What is science, and what do scientists do?
What factors make up an organism’s environment?
Why is environmental science important?
Big Ideas:
Define the field of environmental science
and discuss its importance.
Identify ways in which humans have
altered and continue to alter our
environment.
Describe key indicators that help us
evaluate our planet.
Define systems within the context of
environmental science.
Explain the components and states of
matter.
Describe how natural systems change
over time and space.
Activities/Lab Experiences:
Scientific Method Review lab, Mapping our Human Footprint, Personal Ecological Footprint, The Lorax.
Concept:
Concept:
Concept:
Scientific Processes
Scientific Method
Matter
Lesson Essential Questions:
How are these models useful in
predicting the behavior of a
complex system?
Vocabulary:
Scientific notation
Significant figures
Unit conversions
Lesson Essential Questions:
Why is the scientific method a basis
for all sciences?
Lesson Essential Questions:
What happens to matter in an ecosystem?
Vocabulary:
Hypothesis
Deductive reasoning
Inductive reasoning
Observation
Data collection
Vocabulary:
Atoms
Elements
Molecules
Compounds
Matter quality
Matter recycling economy
Concept:
Earth Science Concepts
Concept:
Matter and Energy Flow
Lesson Essential Questions:
What is Environmental Science?
Lesson Essential Question:
Why is it important to study the
whole system instead of just
focusing on a single part?
— 1—
Vocabulary:
Environment
Environmental science
System
Ecosystem
Biotic
Abiotic
Environmentalist
Environmental studies
Vocabulary:
Open system
Closed system
Inputs
Outputs
Systems analysis
Steady states
Feedbacks
— 2—
EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Unit:
Earth Systems & Resources
Days: 15
Pennsylvania Standards addressed:
3.3.12.A1 Earth and Space Sciences (Earth Structure,
3.3.12.A3 Earth and Space Sciences (Earth Structure,
3.3.12.A6 Earth and Space Sciences (Earth Structure,
3.3.12.A8 Earth and Space Sciences (Earth Structure,
4.1.12.B Environment and Ecology (Ecology)
4.1.12.F Environment and Ecology (Ecology)
Common Core Standards:
CC 3.5 (Reading in Science)
CC 3.6 (Writing in Science)
COURSE:
AP Environmental Science
Subject(s):
AP Environmental Science
Grade(s):
11, 12
Processes
Processes
Processes
Processes
&
&
&
&
Cycles)
Cycles)
Cycles)
Cycles)
Unit Essential Question(s):
What major geologic processes occur within the earth and on its surface?
What is the practical significance today of the way Earth’s resources were
distributed when the planet formed and cooled?
How do human activities worsen the effects of droughts and floods?
Big Ideas:
Define the theory of plate tectonics and
discuss its importance in environmental
science.
Explain how soil forms and describe its
characteristics.
Explain how elements and minerals are
extracted for human use.
Describe the major human uses of water.
Identify the factors that will affect the
future availability of water.
Labs/Activities: Cookie Mining, Soil Sampling (mowed vs. non-mowed), Copper Mining, Plate Tectonics
Investigation.
Concept:
Geologic Processes
Concept:
Geologic Hazards
Concept:
Soils
Lesson Essential Questions:
What are rocks and how are they
recycled by the rock cycle?
Lesson Essential Questions:
What are the hazards from
earthquakes and volcanic
eruptions?
Vocabulary:
Earthquakes
Tsunami
Volcanism
Epicenter
Seismic waves
Lesson Essential Questions:
How is soil formation and climate related?
Vocabulary:
Plate tectonics
Rock cycle
Rocks
Minerals
Physical weathering
Chemical weathering
Geologic time scale
Concept:
Aquatic biological resources
Lesson Essential Questions:
How do freshwater and marine
ecosystems differ?
Concept:
Drinking water availability and
issues
Lesson Essential Questions:
How much fresh water is available
to us, and how much of it are we
using?
— 1—
Vocabulary:
Horizons
Bedrock
Organic matter
Porosity
Permeability
Texture
Soil degradation and erosion
Concept:
Water Usage
Lesson Essential Question:
How do we rely on water sources?
Vocabulary:
Freshwater ecosystems
Marine ecosystems
Vocabulary:
Recharge
Groundwater
Hydrologic cycle
Cone of depression
Saltwater intrusion
Vocabulary:
Agriculture
Irrigation
Hydroponic agriculture
Industry
Households
Water ownership
Water Conservation
— 2—
EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Unit:
COURSE:
Energy Resources & Consumption
Days: 12
AP Environmental Science
Subject(s):
AP Environmental Science
Grade(s):
11, 12
Pennsylvania Standards addressed:
Common Core Standards:
3.3.12.A Earth and Space Sciences
CC 3.5 (Reading in Science)
4.1.12.F Environment and Ecology (Ecology) CC 3.6 (Writing in Science)
4.3.12.A Environment and Ecology (Natural Resources)
4.3.12.B Environment and Ecology (Natural Resources)
4.3.12.C Environment and Ecology (Natural Resources)
4.5.12.A Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment)
4.5.12.E Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment)
Big Ideas:
Compare the energy efficiencies of the
extraction and conversion of different
fuels.
Discuss the uses and consequences of
using coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear
energy.
Describe strategies to conserve energy
and increase energy efficiency.
Describe the environmental and economic
options we must assess in planning our
energy future.
Unit Essential Question(s):
What earth materials and resources are beneficial to man?
What are the major fuels that are used to generate electricity in the
United States?
What are the major considerations involved in the future of fossil fuels?
How do you know if an energy resource is nondepletable, potentially
renewable, or nonrenewable?
Labs/Activities: Are We Consuming our Biosphere? Sustainable Island, Energy Resource Project, Electric
Power Calculations (Wind & Solar)
Concept:
Nonrenewable Energy
Concept:
Hydraulic Fracturing
Concept:
Renewable Energy
Lesson Essential Questions:
How do we find and extract mineral
resources from the Earth?
Lesson Essential Questions:
What impact has this technology
had on Pennsylvania’s economy?
Lesson Essential Questions:
Which type of energy would best be
suited for our area?
Vocabulary:
Coal
Oil
Natural gas
Nuclear energy
Vocabulary:
Natural gas
Slurry
Marcellus Shale
Industry water usage
Vocabulary:
Solar
Hydropower
Wind power
Biomass
Biofuels
Geothermal
Hydrogen
Concept:
Global Energy Consumption
Concept:
Economics, Politics, and
Sustainability
Concept:
Energy Conservation
Lesson Essential Questions:
Will there be enough nonrenewable
resources for future generations?
Lesson Essential Questions:
How can we monitor economic and
environmental programs?
Lesson Essential Questions:
How can we use less energy?
— 1—
Vocabulary:
Economy
Trade
Reliance
Vocabulary:
Full-cost pricing
Economic systems
Poverty
Sustainable economy
Vocabulary:
Energy conservation
Tiered rate system
Peak demand
Sustainable design
Passive solar design
Thermal inertia
— 2—
EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Unit:
COURSE:
Global Change and a Sustainable Future
Days: 15
AP Environmental Science
Subject(s):
AP Environmental Science
Grade(s):
11, 12
Pennsylvania Standards addressed:
Common Core Standards:
4.1.12.A Environment & Ecology (Ecology)
CC 3.5 (Reading in Science)
4.1.12.B Environment & Ecology (Ecology)
CC 3.6 (Writing in Science)
4.1.12.D Environment & Ecology (Ecology)
4.1.12.F Environment & Ecology (Ecology)
4.5.12.A Environment & Ecology (Humans and the Environment)
4.5.12.C Environment & Ecology (Humans and the Environment)
4.5.12.F Environment & Ecology (Humans and the Environment)
Unit Essential Question(s):
What are some of the challenges associated with understanding which
species are threatened with extinction?
In what ways are human involved in global change?
What are some variables associated with well-being? Which can be
measured directly? Which are harder to measure?
What is the connection between poverty and inequity?
What is environmental justice? Give an example
Big Ideas:
Explain the ecosystem approach to
conserving biodiversity and how size,
shape, and connectedness affect the
number of species that will be protected.
Discuss how carbon dioxide
concentrations and temperatures have
changed over time.
Distinguish among global change, global
climate change, and global warming.
Discuss sustainability in a variety of
environmental contexts including human
well-being.
Define and discuss the relationship among
sustainability, poverty, personal action,
and stewardship.
Labs/Activities: Home Energy Audit, Academy Awards for Climate, Applying & Analyzing Cost-Benefit
Analysis lab, Wanted Poster (endangered species), Non-native species graphic organizer, Endangered species graphic
organizer.
Concept:
Sixth Mass Extinction
Concept:
Causes of Declining Biodiversity
Concept:
Global Change
Lesson Essential Questions:
What are the reasons for the
declining genetic diversity of
domesticated plants and animals?
Vocabulary:
Extinction
Inbreeding depression
Endangered
Data-deficient species
Threatened species
Near-threatened species
Least concern species
Lesson Essential Questions:
How has habitat loss influence
species extinction?
Lesson Essential Questions:
How is current global change different
from historic global change?
Vocabulary:
Habitat loss
Alien species
Native species
Overharvesting
Plant and animal trade
Pollution
Climate change
Vocabulary:
Global change
Global climate change
Global warming
Greenhouse effect
Greenhouse warming potential
Concept:
Climate Models
Concept:
Sustainability
Concept:
Measuring and Achieving Sustainability
— 1—
Lesson Essential Questions:
Why are climate models important?
What are some challenges
associated with them?
Lesson Essential Questions:
What is sustainability?
Lesson Essential Questions:
What are some potential conflicts
between human well-being and
environmental protection?
Vocabulary:
Climate model
Recent temperature increase
Biological measurements
Chemical measurements
Emissions from developed and
developing countries
Vocabulary:
Sustainability
Well-being
Supply
Demand
Market
GDP
GPI
Kuznets Curve
Technology transfer
Vocabulary:
Human Development Index (HDI)
Human Poverty Index (HPI)
Poverty
Inequity
Environmental justice
Individual and community action
Deterrents and incentives
US Policies for Sustainability
— 2—
EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Unit:
Land Use
Days: 15
COURSE:
AP Environmental Science
Subject(s):
AP Environmental Science
Grade(s):
11, 12
Pennsylvania Standards addressed:
4.1.12.F Environment and Ecology (Ecology)
4.3.12.A Environment and Ecology (Natural Resources)
4.3.12.B Environment and Ecology (Natural Resources)
4.3.12.C Environment and Ecology (Natural Resources)
4.4.12.A Environment and Ecology (Agriculture and Society)
4.4.12.B Environment and Ecology (Agriculture and Society)
4.4.12.C Environment and Ecology (Agriculture and Society)
4.4.12.D Environment and Ecology (Agriculture and Society)
4.4.12.E Environment and Ecology (Agriculture and Society)
4.5.12.F Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment)
Common Core Standards:
CC 3.5 (Reading in Science)
CC 3.6 (Writing in Science)
Unit Essential Question(s):
What are two principle of sustainability derived from learning how nature
works?
Explain the development of modern industrial agriculture, the role played
by inputs such as irrigation water, fertilizers, and pesticides, and the
environmental consequences of modern farming methods.
Describe the function, operation, and efficacy of the four major public land
management agencies in the United States.
Big Ideas:
Describe the concepts of tragedy of the
commons and maximum sustainable yield,
and explain how they pertain to land use.
Understand the causes and consequences
of urban sprawl.
Describe the approaches and policies that
promote sustainable land use.
Describe alternatives to industrial farming
methods.
Explain the environmental impacts of
various approaches to raising and
harvesting meat and fish.
Labs/Activities: Tragedy of the Commons lab simulation, How to Feed India, 400 Acre Wood, Urban Sprawl
Assignment
Concept:
Tragedy of Commons
Concept:
Forest and Grassland Resources
Concept:
Land Management
Lesson Essential Questions:
Why do humans value land?
Lesson Essential Questions:
Why are forest resources
important?
Lesson Essential Questions:
What is NEPA, and what is an
environmental impact statement?
Vocabulary:
Externalities
Maximum sustainable yield
Vocabulary:
Ancient forest
Old growth forest
Uneven-aged management
Vocabulary:
Timber harvest practice
Rangelands
Selective cutting
Logging, deforestation, reforestation
Fire management
NEPA
EIS
Concept:
Raising and harvesting meat and
fish.
Concept:
Residential Land Use
Concept:
Alternatives to Industrial Farming
Methods
— 1—
Lesson Essential Questions:
What are the environmental
impacts of raising and harvesting
meat and fish?
Vocabulary:
Concentrated animal feeding
operations (CAFOs)
Aquaculture
Concentrated animal waste
Overharvest
Pesticides
GMOs
Genetic engineering
Lesson Essential Questions:
How can zoning help reduce urban
sprawl?
Lesson Essential Questions:
What are some alternatives to industrial
farming?
Vocabulary:
Urban sprawl
Causes and effects
Governmental policies
Smart growth
Vocabulary:
Interfarming
Crop rotation
Agroforestry
Contour plowing
No-till agriculture
IPM
Organic agriculture
— 2—
EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Unit:
Living World
Days: 15
COURSE:
AP Environmental Science
Subject(s):
AP Environmental Science
Grade(s):
11, 12
Pennsylvania Standards addressed:
4.1.12.A Environment and Ecology (Ecology)
4.1.12.C Environment and Ecology (Ecology)
4.1.12.D Environment and Ecology (Ecology)
4.1.12.E Environment and Ecology (Ecology)
4.1.12.F Environment and Ecology (Ecology)
4.2.12.C Environment and Ecology (Watersheds and Wetlands)
4.5.12.D Environment and Ecology (Agriculture and Society)
Common Core Standards:
CC 3.5 (Reading in Science)
CC 3.6 (Writing in Science)
Unit Essential Question(s):
How does climate determine the type of ecosystem that forms?
Why are estimates of species diversity valuable to environmental
scientists?
In what ways are atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns similar?
How are they different?
What is the difference between resistance and resilience in an ecosystem?
What are the main similarities and differences among the carbon,
nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles?
Big Ideas:
Discuss the values of ecosystems and
how humans depend on them.
Describe how carbon, nitrogen, and
phosphorus cycle within ecosystems.
Explain the forces that drive global
circulation patterns and how those
patterns determine weather and climate.
Describe the major terrestrial and aquatic
biomes.
Explain the concept of biodiversity and
how it is measured.
Explain how environmental change affects
speciation and extinction.
Labs and Activities: Primary Productivity and Energy Flow lab, Predator-Prey Interactions, Butcher the
Biomes activity, Nitrogen Cycle game, Eating at a Lower Trophic Level.
Concept:
Ecosystems
Concept:
Species Interactions
Concept:
Climate
Lesson Essential Questions:
What are the major components of
an ecosystem?
Lesson Essential Questions:
How reliant are species upon one
another?
Lesson Essential Questions:
What key factors determine the earth’s
climate?
Vocabulary:
Food chains
Food webs
Trophic level
Energy transfer
Photosynthesis
Cellular respiration
Vocabulary:
Competition
Differential reproduction
Ecological niche
Food web
Vocabulary:
Weather
climate
trends
El Nino
Concept:
Biomes
Concept:
Biodiversity
Concept:
Species Diversity
— 1—
Lesson Essential Questions:
How does climate determine where
the earth’s major biomes are
found?
Vocabulary:
Desert
Grassland
Forest
Arctic
Mountain
Lesson Essential Questions:
What is evolution and how has it
lead to the current diversity of
organisms on the Earth?
Vocabulary:
Natural selection
Evolution
Genes
Mutation
Genotype
Phenotype
Microevolution
Macroevolution
Concept:
Endangered Species/Extinction
Concept:
Feedback Loops and Nutrient Cycles
Lesson Essential Questions:
How do extinction of species and
formation of new species affect
biodiversity?
Lesson Essential Questions:
What are the main similarities and
differences among the carbon,
nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles?
Vocabulary:
Natural rate of extinction
Natural selection
Background extinction
Vocabulary:
Carbon cycle
Nitrogen cycle
Phosphorus cycle
Sulfur cycle
Water cycle
— 2—
Lesson Essential Questions:
What is an ecological niche, and how
does it help a population adapt to
changing environmental conditions?
Vocabulary:
Keystone species
Indicator species
Invasive species
EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Unit:
Pollution
Days: 20
COURSE:
AP Environmental Science
Subject(s):
AP Environmental Science
Grade(s):
11, 12
Pennsylvania Standards addressed:
3.3.12.A6 Earth and Space Sciences (Earth Structure, Processes, & Cycles)
4.1.12.E Environment and Ecology (Ecology)
4.2.12.A Environment and Ecology (Watersheds and Wetlands)
4.2.12.C Environment and Ecology (Watersheds and Wetlands)
4.2.12.D Environment and Ecology (Watersheds and Wetlands)
4.5.12.A Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment)
4.5.12.B Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment)
4.5.12.C Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment)
4.5.12.D Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment)
4.5.12.E Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment)
4.5.12.F Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment)
Common Core Standards:
CC 3.5 (Reading in Science)
CC 3.6 (Writing in Science)
Unit Essential Question(s):
What are the harmful effects of air pollution?
What are the most common types of pollutants in the water?
What problems are associated with sewage?
What are some major sources of anthropogenic air pollution?
What are some approaches to smog reduction?
What is the difference between open- and closed-loop recycling?
Which acts authorize which agencies to regulate and oversee hazardous
waste?
What is the outlook for disease in both developing and developed nations?
How is each different?
Big Ideas:
Distinguish between point and nonpoint
sources of pollution.
Identify the major types of heavy metals and
other substances that pose serious hazards to
humans and the environment.
Discuss the hazards of indoor air pollution,
especially in developing countries.
Describe how each of the three Rs – Reduce,
Reuse, and Recycle – as well as composting
can avoid waste generation.
Define waste generation from an ecological
and systems perspective.
Explain the factors that go into a risk analysis
and distinguish between the two major
philosophies of chemical regulation.
Labs/Activities: Field Experience with CBF and trip to EP Wastewater Treatment Plant, Cultural Eutrophication lab,
Biomagnification Through the Food Chain lab, Air Pollution Vehicle Exhaust Investigation, Particulate lab, Bioassay
Experiment, Personal Garbage Analysis, Human Health Risk Assessment, Toxic Waste Sites.
Concept:
Atmosphere and Air Pollution
Concept:
Climate Change and Ozone
Concept:
Toxicology and Human Health
Lesson Essential Questions:
What is acid deposition and how
can it be reduced?
Lesson Essential Questions:
How can we prevent and control air
pollution?
Lesson Essential Questions:
How can risks be estimated, managed,
and reduced?
Vocabulary:
Troposphere
Stratosphere
Acid deposition
Outdoor vs. indoor pollution
Smog
Vocabulary:
Greenhouse effect
Global warming
Ozone
Carbon dioxide
Emissions
Major gases
Vocabulary:
Biohazard
Chemical hazards
Acute and chronic effects
Dose-response relationships
Air pollutants
Smoking
Biological hazards
Risk assessment
— 1—
Concept:
Solid and Hazardous Waste
Concept:
Threats to aquatic ecosystems
Concept:
Environmental Laws
Lesson Essential Questions:
How can we make the transition to
a more sustainable low-waste
society?
Lesson Essential Questions:
How are the pH and dissolved oxygen
levels impacted by pollutants?
Lesson Essential Questions:
How have Environmental laws and
regulations impacted our society and the
health of our environment?
Vocabulary:
Dioxins
Recycling
Solid waste
Landfills
Toxic waste
Vocabulary:
Acid rain
Run-off
Nitrates
Phosphates
Surface run-off
Groundwater
Vocabulary:
Clean Water & Safe Drinking Act
Superfund
Clean Air Act
National Environmental Policy
Concept:
Waste Water Treatment
Lesson Essential Questions:
What guidelines must each facility
follow?
Vocabulary:
Nitrates
Phosphates
Dissolved oxygen
Thermal pollution
— 2—