Syllabus: AP Environmental Science



Syllabus: AP Environmental Science

2014-2015

Text: Withgott and Brennan. AP* Edition Environment: The Science Behind the Stories, 4th ed.

Course Goal: The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with scientific principles,

concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them (College, Board, Advanced Placement Program).

AP for College Credit: This course is designed to be the equivalent for a college level environmental science course. Some colleges ask to see your laboratory materials, notebooks, etc., so it is important for you to keep these materials organized and sequential.

Laboratory Work: Please note that AP Environmental Science has both laboratory and fieldwork studies integrated into the curriculum. Students should be prepared for both indoor and outdoor activities. The goals of the lab work are to understand problems, develop and design experiments, analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate those conclusions.

TOPICS OUTLINE: THE FOLLOWING OUTLINES THE MAJOR TOPICS COVERED IN AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. THE PERCENTAGES AFTER EACH TOPIC SHOW THE APPROXIMATE PROPORTION OF MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS ON THE AP EXAM.

I. Earth Systems and Resources: 10-15%

II. The Living World: 10-15%

III. Population: 10-15%

IV. Land and Water Use: 10-15%

V. Energy Resources and Consumption: 10-15%

VI. Pollution: 25-30%

VII. Global Change: 10-15%

Materials required:

1. 1 in Binder (1)

2. Dividers (4)

3. Loose-leaf paper

4. Planner

5. Index cards (lined or unlined; used for vocabulary cards)

6. #2 pencil

7. Blue or black pen

8. AP Environmental Review Book (Barron’s)

GRADING:

70% Formal – Unit Tests, Lab Reports, Projects, etc.

30% Informal – Quizzes, Classwork, Homework, etc.

Below is a discussion of what you will be graded on:

Tests will be given after every chapter or few chapters. Tests will cover all information learned during discussion, lecture, and labs. They will consist of multiple choice and short answer essay to mimic the AP final exam.

← Retest Policy: AP students are allowed one formal exam retest per quarter. Student must complete intervention before retaking test. The highest grade the student can earn on a retest is a 84%. Retests must be completed within 2 weeks of receiving the original test grade.

Quizzes will cover smaller topics and will be used to solidify learning on difficult subjects as well as regular check up on vocabulary.

Labs will be done approximately every week - two weeks. You will be graded upon pre-lab, during lab, and post-lab work. Observations, hypotheses, analysis and conclusions will be assessed. Each lab will have some informal conclusion and follow up analysis. Formal lab write-up format will be discussed when it is due.

← Lab Fees: $25 (can be paid online on Hough’s website)

Homework will primarily include the completion of review questions and follow up materials. Most homework assignments will be checked at the beginning of class. Some homework assignments may be collected unannounced.

Midterms and finals will be created to mimic the AP Environmental Science Exam in May. Multiple choice and essays can be expected.

Absences

If you have an excused absence, it is YOUR responsibility to see that class work and notes are made up. Come see me if there are extenuating circumstances. If you are absent, you will be expected to take the test/quiz the day that you come back in class. If turned in later than expected due date after returning to school, the assignment will be considered late.

Late Work

The highest grade a student can earn on a completed late assignment will be a 60%.

Class Expectations

This is a college level course and students are expected to devote at least 5 hours per week on this class and perform at a college level. All reading, note taking, and preparation must be done prior to class so as to not fall behind. The following are other expectations for this class:

1. Accountability, Respect, Responsibility. I will expect you to have these three traits above all else every day while you are in my class. This is a college course and will be conducted as such. I will not tolerate anything less.

2. Be on time to class. If you are late, meaning you are not in the room and close to your seat, you need a pass from the teacher you were with or you will be marked tardy.

3. Come to class prepared. Always bring a pen or pencil and your notebook.

4. Turn your work in on time.

5. Cheating will not be tolerated by any means! Cheating on homework, makeup work, quizzes, and tests will result in a zero for the assignment! Please see the school policy in your student handbook.

← Please refer to the Honor Code (New)

Student Resources:

1) After school tutoring – Thursday 2:30 – 4:00

2) CLASS WEBSITE –

3) AP Central website and textbook website

4) Form student study groups

5) AP review workbooks

APES Exam: Monday May 4, 2015 @ 8:00 am

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