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Topics and Time Line: AP Environmental Science Unit One: Environmental Science in a Social Context Chapter 1: Environmental Interrelationships Objectives: 1 week Environmental Problems are complex and interrelated and involve social, ethical, political, and economic issues Acceptable solutions to environmental problems are not often easy to achieve. All organisms have an impact on their surroundings Different environmental regions have unique environmental problems, but the process for resolving them is often the same and involves compromise Topics: A. The Interrelated Nature of Environmental Topics B. A Ecosystem Approach C. Regional Environmental Concerns Chapter 2: Environmental Ethics Objectives: 1 week Differentiate between ethics and morals and define personal ethics Explain the connection between material wealth and resource exploitation Describe how environmental leaders in industry are promoting more sustainable practices Explain the relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation Topics: A. B. C. D. E. F. G. Views of Nature Environmental Attitudes Societal Environmental Ethics Corporate Environmental Ethics Environmental Justice Individual Environmental Ethics Global Environmental Ethics Chapter 3: Risk Management and Cost: Elements of Decision Making Objectives 2 weeks Describe the difference between risk assessment and risk management Describe the issues involved in risk management Explain the uses of cost-benefit analysis Explain the concept of sustainable development Describe environmental external costs and the economics of pollution prevention Explain market approaches to solving environmental problems Topics A. B. C. D. E. Risk and Economics Characterizing Risk: Risk Assessment and Management Economics in an Environmental Context Economics and Sustainable Development Economics, Environment and Developing Nations *AP Supplemental Material – 1. Marginal Costs Unit Two: Ecological Principles and Their Application Chapter 4: Interrelated Scientific Principles: Matter, Energy, and Environment Objectives 1 week Explain how information is gathered in a logical manner that requires impartial evaluation and continual revision Recognize that each element is made of atoms that have a specific protons and electrons and that isotopes of the same element may differ in the number of neutrons present Recognize that matter may be solid, liquid, or gas, depending on the amount of kinetic energy contained by the molecules Realize that energy can be neither created nor destroyed, but when energy is converted into a less useful form. Topics A. B. C. D. E. The Scientific Method Limitations of Science The Structure of Matter Energy Principles Environmental Implications of Energy Flow Labs & Activities 1. SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND DATA INTERPRETATION The student will be able to: understand the basic elements of the scientific method and apply this process to solving problems. List limitations and challenges to the scientific method and relate scientific method to environmental agencies and organizations. Students will also organize data and describe how it would best be presented through the use of charts and graphs. Chapter 5: Interactions: Environments and Organisms Objectives 1.5 weeks Identify and list biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem Describe the process of natural selection as it operates to refine the fit between organism, habitat, and niche Describe predator-prey, parasite-host, competitive, mutualistic, and commensalistic relationships. Define the roles of producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, scavenger, parasite, and decomposer Describe energy flow through an ecosystem Relate the concepts of food webs and food chains to trophic levels Explain the cycling of nutrients such as nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus through an ecosystem Topics A. B. C. D. Ecological Concepts The Role of Natural Selection and Evolution Kinds of Organism Interactions Community and Ecosystem Interactions *AP Supplemental Material 1. Sulfur Cycles 2. Conservation of Matter Lab/Field Activity – Mapping Biotic Factors in the Environment Students will study populations using the quadrant sampling method. Students will examine ecosystems and identify living things that make up a community Chapter 6: Kinds of Ecosystems and Communities Objectives 2.5 weeks Recognize the difference between primary and secondary succession Describe the process of succession from pioneer to climax community in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems Associate typical plants and animals with the various types of biomes Recognize the physical environmental factors that determine the kind of climax community that will develop Differentiate the forest biomes that develop based on temperature and rainfall Describe the various kinds of aquatic ecosystems and the factors that determine their characteristics. Topics A. Succession B. Biomes C. Major Aquatic Ecosystems Labs & Activities 1. Ecosystems and Succession This lab will enable the student to understand the parts of ecosystems and how biotic factors interact. Students will create a food web and determine if the organisms are producers or consumers. The lab is designed to demonstrate the importance of clean water in the lives of all living organisms. Students will explore ecological succession, give some real world examples and explain how humans affect ecological succession. 2. Aquatic Ecosystems This lab will enable the student to create a balanced aquatic ecosystem in the laboratory and observe the nitrogen cycle. Students will observe how an imbalance in the nitrogen cycle can effect an entire ecosystem and observe the abiotic and biotic components of some local aquatic ecosystems. Students will also investigate interrelationships among the aquatic organisms and their non-living environment 3. Field Activity Students will engage in field work by collecting local marine aquatic samples to use in the implementation of the aquatic ecosystems lab. 4. Primary Productivity, Marine Adaptation By: Dr. Angela C. Morrow, University of Northern Colorado Through the investigation of this lab students will have a better understanding the concept of primary productivity and have used one or more methods to calculate primary productivity. Students will also discover the concepts of marine primary productivity, net productivity vs. gross productivity, and the importance of comparing dry weight versus wet weight. Chapter 7: Population Principles Objectives .5 weeks Define the following characteristics of population: natality, mortality, sex ratio, age distribution, biotic potential, and spatial distribution Explain the significance of biotic potential to the rate of population growth Describe the lag, exponential growth, and stable equilibrium phases of a population growth curve. Describe how limiting factors determine the carrying capacity for a population Recognize that humans are subject to the same forces of environmental resistance as are other organisms Explain the implications of overreproduction Explain how human population growth is influenced by social, theological, philosophical, and political thinking Topics A. B. C. D. E. Population Characteristics A Population Growth Curve Carrying Capacity Reproductive Strategies and Population Fluctuations Human Population Growth Chapter 8: Human Population Issues .5 weeks Objectives Explain why the age distribution and role of women affect population growth projections Describe the implications of the demographic transition concept Recognize that rapid population growth and poverty are linked Topics *AP Supplemental Material – A. World Population Characteristics and Implications 1. Human Nutritional Requirements B. Factors that Influence Population Growth C. Population Growth and Standard of Living D. Demographic Transition Concept E. Likely Consequences of Continued Population Growth Unit Three: Energy Chapter 9: Energy and Civilization: Patterns of Consumption Objectives 2 weeks Explain why all organisms require a constant input of energy Describe how per capita energy consumption increased as civilization changed Correlate the Industrial Evolution with social and economic changes Explain why energy consumption is growing more rapidly in developing countries than in the industrialized world Describe the role of OPEC in determining oil prices Topics A. B. C. D. E. History of Energy Consumption How Energy is Used Electrical Energy The Economics and Politics of Energy Use Energy Consumption Trends Chapter 10: Energy Sources Objectives 2 weeks Identify peat, lignite, bituminous coal, and anthracite coal as steps in the process of coal formation Recognize that natural gas and oil are formed from ancient marine deposits Explain why the amount of energy supplied by hydroelectric power is limited Describe how wind, geothermal, and tidal energy are used to produce electricity Recognize that energy conservation can significantly reduce our need for additional energy sources Topics A. B. C. D. E. F. Energy Sources Resources and Reserves Fossil-Fuel Formation Issues Related to the Use of Fossil Fuels Renewable Sources of Energy Energy Conservation *AP Supplemental Material 1. Power 2. Units 3. Conversions 4. CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) Labs 1. Energy Resources Students search recent publication to find the most up-to-date energy information to investigate to see how government, private corporations and environmental organizations differ in their projections of energy use. 2. Lab Solar House Students will research passive & active solar house designs, and build the model house from materials provided and scrounged. Students will test the ability of their model house to maintain stable temperatures. Chapter 11: Nuclear Energy: Benefits and Risks Objectives Explain how nuclear fission has the potential to provide large amounts energy Explain the steps involved in the nuclear fuel cycle List concerns regarding the use of nuclear power Describe how high-level radiation waste is stored Explain the process of fusion Topics A. B. C. D. E. F. G. The Nature of Nuclear Energy Nuclear Fission Reactors Investigating Nuclear Alternatives The Nuclear Fuel Cycle Nuclear Material and Weapons Production Nuclear Power Concerns The Politics of Nuclear Power Unit Four: Resource Management Chapter 12: Biodiversity Issues 12 wks Objectives Recognize that humans significantly modify natural ecosystems State the major cause of biodiversity loss Identify causes of desertification Describe the role of endangered species legislation and the biodiversity treaty Describe the techniques that foster sustainable use of wildlife and fisheries resources Topics A. B. C. D. E. Biodiversity Loss and Extinction Describing Biodiversity The Value of Biodiversity Threats to Biodiversity What is Being Done to Preserve Biodiversity Chapter 13: Land-Use Planning Objectives Explain why major cities are located on rivers, lakes, or the ocean Describe the forces that result in farmland adjacent to cites being converted to urban uses Describe the economic and social values involved in planning for outdoor recreation opportunities List the steps in the development and implementation of a land-use plan Describe methods of enforcing compliance with land-use plans Topics A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. The Need for Planning Historical Forces That Shaped land use in North America Migration from the Central City to the Suburbs Factor That Contribute to Sprawl Problems Associated with Unplanned Urban Growth Land-Use Planning Principles Mechanisms for Implementing Land-Use Plans Special Urban Planning Issues Federal Government Land-Use Issues *Supplemental AP Material – 1. 2. 3. Tree Plantations Old growth forests Forest Fires Labs & Activities 1. Land Use: Past, Present, and Future By: Dr. Edward Wells, Wilson College. In this laboratory exercise, students will gain an understanding of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and be able to apply it to a (perhaps hypothetical) community project. In the process, they will learn the methods of investigating an environmental history and integrate this pursuit with sciences of ecology and geology along with environmental land use policy. Chapter 14: Soil and Its Uses Objectives Describe the geologic processes that build and erode the Earth’s surface List the physical, chemical, and biologic factors and soil formation Explain how texture and structure influence the soil atmosphere and soil water Describe the various layers in a soil profile Explain how contour farming, strip farming, terracing, windbreaks, and conservation tillage reduce soil erosion Topics A. B. C. D. E. F. Geologic Processes Soil and Land Soil Formation Soil Properties Soil Profile Soil Erosion *Supplemental AP Material – 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Mineral Formation & Global Resrves Rock Cycle Geological Time Scale Seasons Solar Intensity and Latitude ENSO G. Soil Conservation Practices H. Conventional Versus Conservation Tillage I. Protecting Soil on Non Farm Land Labs & Activities 1. Earth Science: Soil Structure and the Rock Cycle Students will explore how earth’s natural processes create and destroy rocks through the investigation of the rock cycle. Through this exploration students will also investigate soil properties and structure. 2. Earth Science: Plate Tectonics, Volcanism, Earthquakes Students will explore the earth’s dynamic plates and the cause and affect of the movement. Students will also examine the affects of volcanism on soil, farm lands and how it effects the population. Chapter 15: Agricultural Methods and Pest Management Objectives Explain how mechanization encouraged monoculture farming List the advantages and disadvantages of monoculture farming Explain how fertilizers alter soil characteristics List four problems associated with pesticide use Explain why integrated pest management depends on a complete knowledge of the pest’s life history Recognize that genetically modified crops are created by using genes from one species to another Topics A. B. C. D. E. F. G. The Development of Agriculture Fossil Fuel Versus Muscle Power The Impact of Fertilizer Agricultural Chemical Use: Problems with Pesticide Use Why Are Pesticides So Widely Used? Alternatives to Conventional Agriculture Chapter 16: Water Management Objectives Explain how water is cycled through the hydrologic cycle Explain the significance of groundwater, aquifers, and runoff Explain how land use affects infiltration and surface runoff List the various kinds of water use and the problems associated with each List the major sources of water pollution Differentiate between point and nonpoint sources of pollution Differentiate between primary, secondary, and tertiary sewage treatments Explain how various federal laws control water use and prevent misuse Explain the problem of salinization associated with large-scale irrigation in arid areas Topics A. B. C. D. E. F. The Water Issue The Hydrologic Cycle Human Influences on the Hydrologic Cycle Kinds of Water Use Kinds and Sources of Water Pollution Water- Use Planning Issues *AP Supplemental Material – 1. 2. Ocean Circulation Atmospheric-Ocean Interactions Labs & Activities 1. Watershed Assessment Students will explore how science must inform policy if land use and zoning regulations are to be sustainable. This lab integrates water resources, soil resources and environmental policy. 2. Studying an Algal Bloom Students investigate how algae are affected by pollutants, determine how pollutants contribute to problems. Students analyze the effect of different concentrations of common pollutants on the growth of algae. Unit Five: Pollution and Policy Chapter 17: Air Quality Issues Objectives 2 weeks Recognize that air can accept and disperse significant amounts of pollutants List the major sources and affects of the six criteria air pollutants Describe how photochemical smog is formed and how it affects humans Explain how acid rain if formed Describe the kinds of changes that could occur as a result of global warming Describe the link between chlorofluorocarbon use and ozone depletion Topics A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. The Atmosphere Pollution of the Atmosphere Categories of Air Pollution Control of Air Pollution Acid Deposition Ozone Depletion Global Warming and Climate Change Addressing Climate Change Indoor Air Pollution Labs & Activities 1. Acid Deposition Lab Lonnie Miller, El Diamante High School, Visalia Unified School District, Visalia, CA Students will describe and discuss the impacts of various fossil fuels on acid deposition and how gaseous pollutants acidify rain. Through the exploration of this lab students will have a better understanding of the pH of the local area’s precipitation and how it compares to other areas. 2. Monitoring Air Quality Students describe and discuss several air pollutants and methods for detecting them. Students will also investigate the chemical reactions behind how several monitoring systems function . Chapter 18: Solid Waste Management & Disposal Objectives 2 weeks Explain why solid waste is a problem throughout the world Understand the management of municipal solid waste is directly affected by economics, changes in technology, and citizen awareness and involvement Describe the various methods of waste disposal and the problems with each method, including incineration Explain the difficulties in developing new municipal landfills List some benefits and drawbacks of recycling Topics A. Kinds of Solid Waste B. Municipal Solid Waste C. Methods of Waste Disposal Labs & Activities 1. Landfill and Recycling Facilities This lab will familiarize the student with: the problems associated with the increases in solid waste. Students will explore some of the environmental problems associated with landfills, solid waste and recycling programs. Students will also observe the methods available for reducing the amount of material reaching landfills and the benefits of reusing/recycling products. Chapter 19: Regulating Hazardous Materials Objectives 2 weeks Distinguish between hazardous wastes and hazardous substances and hazardous substances and toxic substances Explain the difference between persistent and nonpersistent pollutants Describe how hazardous substances are managed, and list five technologies used in their disposal Topics A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. Hazardous and Toxic Materials and our Environment Hazardous and Toxic Substances- Some Definitions Defining Hazardous Wastes Issues Involved in Setting Regulations Environmental Problems Caused by Hazardous Waste Health Risks Associated with Hazardous Wastes Hazardous- Waste Dumps- A Legacy of Abuse Hazardous Waste Management Program Evolution Lab & Activities 1. Sewage Treatment This lab will enable the student to understand: the importance of water quality to environmental health. Students will investigate the chemical, physical and biological processes involved in water treatment. Students will discover the importance of water as a resource and part of ecosystems and the problems associated with various water contaminants. Chapter 20: Environmental Policy and Decision Making Objectives 2 weeks Explain how environmental laws are created and enforced in the United States Describe the forces that led to changes in environmental policy in the United States during the past 2 decades Explain why there is concern about environmental regulations Topics A. B. C. D. E. F. New Challenges for a New Century The Development of Environment Policy in the United States Environmental Policy and Regulation The Greening of Geopolitics Terrorism and the Environment International Environmental Policy Lab & Activities 1. Designing a Professional Environmental Impact Study Students will choose an area in the environmental field and create and perform their own study. When the environmental study is complete they will present the impact study to the class AP Exam Review: 2 weeks