Download AP Environmental Science Syllabus 2016-2017

Advanced Placement Environmental Science
COURSE SYLLABUS
2016-2017
Mrs. Lampley-Moultry
Room: 1227
Block: 4th
NAME OF COURSE: AP Environmental Science
REFERENCES: AP Environmental Science textbook, Environmental Science by
Draper, Jones, McCracken 2nd edition, published by, Friedland and Reyla, supplemental
environmental science books, science articles, case studies, references books, lab
manuals, and the internet.
PURPOSE, OBJECTIVES & EXPECTATIONS:
The AP Environmental Science course is a one semester course taught on a block
schedule for 36 weeks. This allotted time will be designated to instruction, field work,
and AP Prep Testing. This course is equivalent to a one semester college course in
Environmental Science. This course will allow students to find multitude of pathways to
explore nature and understand the fundamental concepts and processes of Environmental
Science.
Students will be introduced to main research themes such as: Environmental chemistry,
phosphate and heavy metal biogeochemistry, poultry and animal waste re-utilization,
water quality and environmental assessment, soil morphology and genesis, wetlands bio
environmental interaction, pollutant transport and transformation, soil microbiology and
bioremediation, and soil chemistry and fertility.
Students that have chosen this course will complete all class assignments and labs, and
participate in the EnvironMentor program at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville,
AL. The goals of the program are to increase opportunities for minority students to be
involved in science and the environment; to help in the development of future leaders in
agricultural and environmental sciences through research and educational experience; and
to help in student recruitment efforts of the Department of NRES, especially the AAMU
Environmental Science program.
The program is comprised of the following: bringing in high school students to AAMU
for mentoring; organizing faculty, staff, and graduate students in NRES to serve as
mentors; and matching the high school students with NRES mentors for one-on-one
mentoring. The students and mentors will design and carry out environmental science
related research projects. The findings of their research projects will be presented to the
department. The best projects will be selected to attend EnvironMentors Fair and Awards
Ceremony in Washington DC. At the Fair, the students will present their projects and
compete for awards in Washington DC.
After completion of the AP Environmental Science course students will have successfully
engaged in the seven major topics; Earth Systems and Resources, The Living World,
Population, Land and Water Use ,Energy Resources and Consumption, Pollution,
and Global Change. Students will exhibit laboratory skills and proficiency in reading,
writing, and critical thinking skills.
Materials (Portfolio Check):
Each student is required to have a 2 to 3 inch, 3 ring binder with dividers. The notebooks
should have all work and assignments for the units we are covering. Portfolio will be due
every 4 ½ week. It is important for students to keep their notebooks in proper order with
all of the proper headings. Portfolios will not be accepted late. This syllabus should be
the first page of the portfolio, followed by the unit dividers. Papers stapled together will
not be accepted as a portfolio. Students are expected to keep portfolios neat and legible.
Students are expected to come to class on time and bring a pencil, pen, paper, binder and
their book to class everyday.
Homework
Students will read content information and answer discussion questions.
Students will outline every chapter that is assigned.
Students will present current events once a week on Environmental Issues.
Students will read case studies.
Students will practice writing essays.
Students will perform lab write ups.
Students will research given material and present.
Students will study Power Point notes.
Students will practice AP Test Prep Series.
Students will participate in the EnvironMentor program.
Grading Strategy:
Grading will be based on total percentages earned for all unit assignments: including test,
labs, homework, daily assignments, portfolio, projects, and class participation.


Tests, Quizzes, Assessments - 60%
Classwork /Homework
-40%
All assignments should be turned in on time. Any late assignments will have an
automatic deduction of 10% off the assignment. Late assignments will not be accepted
after two days, unless the student was absent (excused) or received prior permission.
All written assignments that need revision are due two days after the teacher returns the
paper to the student.
School Wide Expectations
1. Our students are READY.
·
In class before the bell rings
·
Learning begins when the students ENTER the classroom.
·
Students will begin the DO NOW immediately.
·
We will observe the 10-10 Rule.
·
SLANT
Ø S – Sit up.
Ø L – Listen.
Ø A – Ask questions.
Ø N – Note key information.
Ø T – Track the speaker.
2. Our students are RESPONSIBLE.
·
Have tools for school: LAPTOP, CHARGER, PAPER, and PENCIL.
·
THE LAPTOP MUST BE CHARGED.
·
Have homework and assignments in class.
·
Study before class.
·
Students will receive 4 “Take Care of Business” passes per class per semester.
When all of the passes have been used, in order to leave the room, security will escort the
student to his/her destination. No passes are redeemable during the first nor last ten
minutes of the class.
3. Our students are RESPECTFUL.
·
No cell phone use in the classroom.
·
Respect for property, for self, and for others.
·
Proper digital citizenship is exercised.
·
THINK before you speak.
Ø T – Is it true?
Ø H – Is it helpful?
Ø I – Is it inspiring?
Ø N – Is it necessary?
Ø K – Is it kind?
4. Our students are RESILIENT.
·
SUCCESS IS NOT FINAL; FAILURE IS NOT FATAL.
Ø G – GROWTH
Ø R – RELYING ON
Ø I – INTENTIONAL
Ø T - TENACITY
Attendance:
Refer to the school code of conduct.
Test Taking Procedures:
Test will be given after each chapter and will be composed of multiple-choice and essay
questions. Students are responsible for following test taking procedures:
(1) Absolutely no talking
(2) No looking on the paper of others
(3) No book/folders on desks
(4) Questions are addressed only to the teacher and signified by raising your hand.
Failure to comply with these procedures may result in the student(s) losing the
opportunity to complete the test, being written up for defiance, and being sent to the
Assistant Principal for failure to comply with the teacher’s behavior request during test
time. The student(s) will then be tested over the material at the teacher’s convenience
with a different test instrument.
Extra Help:
If a students need extra help or test make-up, please make an appointment with your
teacher. If you are not able to come at the scheduled time please notify me before the
appointment.
Special Note To Each Student:
It is important that each student treat others in the same way that he/she would like to be
treated, showing mutual respect. The classroom is filled with individuals who bring
different opinions and life experiences to share with the group. Each student should learn
to work cooperatively as a member of a classroom team scientist, as we explore questions
in the world of Environmental Science.
AP Environmental Science Pacing Guide
Unit
TOPIC/CONTENT
Week
2 Weeks
1
Human and Sustainability: An Overview
 Environmental Problems, Their Causes, and
Sustainability

ACTIVITIES/LABS
Activity: The Lorax
(Video) & Truax by Teri
Birkett
Activity: Vanishing Frog
Project
Environmental History: Learning from the Past 20
Activity: Name Droppers
(Individual Contributions
to Environmental
Science)
Activity: Environmental
Laws
Activity: Ecological
Footprint
Lab: Parts per Million by
Successive
2
4 Weeks
Science and Ecological Principles
 Science, Systems, Matter and Energy
Lab: Irradiated Seeds
Activity: Acids and Bases

Ecosystems: What Are They and How Do They
Work
Activity: Predator/Prey
(Molnar)

Evolution and Biodiversity

Climate and Terrestrial
Activity: Lower Tropic
Level (Molnar)

Biodiversity
Activity: Biome Project

Aquatic Biodiversity

Community Ecology
Lab: Interspecific and
Intraspecific Competition
(Enger & Smith)

Population Ecology
Lab: Brine Shrimp
Abiotic Factors

(Enger & Smith)
Applying Population Ecology
Lab: Something Fishy
Video: Sonora Desert
(National Geographic)
3
2 Weeks
Faculty Visit –Alabama
A&M U
University(Environ
Mentors)
Lab: Tragedy of the
Commons (AP Central)
Sustaining Biodiversity/Population Dynamics

Sustaining Terrestrial Biodiversity

Sustaining Biodiversity: The Species Approach

Sustaining Aquatic Biodiversity
Video: Sockeyed
Salmon (National
Geographic)
Video: Beaches are
Moving
(Environmental Media
Corporation)
Alabama A&M
University laboratory
field trip (Environ
Mentors)
4
4 Weeks
Lab: Chemical Testing
Water Quality
Sustaining Natural Resources

Food and Soil Resources

Water Resources

Water Pollution

Geology and Nonrenewable Mineral Resources

Nonrenewable Energy Resource

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
5
Lab: How to Calculate
Water Quality
Lab: Soil Chemical and
Physical Test
Lab: Painting w/Soil
Video: Southern
Appalachians
Students meet with
AA&MU mentors on
Mondays and
Wednesdays of each week
Project Topic Due to
mentors at the end of
March
3 Weeks
Sustaining Environmental Quality
Actvity: Disease Reports

Risks, Toxicology, and Human Healt
Lab:Virus Town

Air Pollution
Lab: Toxic Tea,

Climate Change and Ozone Loss
Lab: Measuring Albedo

Pest Management

Local Environmental
Risk/Guest Speaker
Solid and Hazardous Waste

Sustainable Cities
Video: Chernobyl
Presentation Workshop
(Environ Mentors)
6
Unit 6
Sustaining Human Societies
 Economics, Environment, and Sustainability

Politics, Environment, and Sustainability

Environmental Worldviews, Ethics, and
Sustainability
3 Weeks
Poster Due (Environ
Mentors)
Annual Environ Mentors
Fair
Review for AP Exam
AP Exam
Additional Sources:
Enger, Eldon, and Smith, Bradley. Field & Laboratory Exercises. 7th ed. Boston:
McGraw-Hill Companies, 2000.
Molnar, William. Laboratory Investigations for AP Environmental Science.
Saddle Brook, NJ: Peoples Publishing Group, 2005.