INTRODUCTION TO AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - 2005/2006



INTRODUCTION TO AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Instructor: Mrs. Auger

Email: aauger@

Website:

Phone: 267-893-2301

Textbook: Living in the Environment, G. Tyler Miller (17th edition)

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester college course in Environmental Science. The environment, by definition, makes up everything that surrounds us. The goals of this course are to provide you 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 human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. The course follows the curriculum recommended by the College Board. You will be prepared for, and are encouraged to take, the College Board AP Exam in May.

The following are major unifying themes for this course that will be discussed over the semester:

• Science is a process

• Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes

• The Earth is one interconnected system

• Environmental problems have a cultural and social context

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Textbook, covered

Three-ring binder

Flash drive/knowledge of how to access works-in-progress

Calculator

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

1. SAFETY, BEHAVIOR, and CLASS POLICIES

- During some lab activities you may be learning to use new equipment and/or working with chemical reagents. It is imperative that you seriously and cautiously approach your assignments. Use equipment only as it is intended. At times we will be outside to do labs/activities. There should be NO horseplay at any time. At the end of each lab or activity all equipment and materials must be cleaned and put away.

- Bathroom/Hall pass use: You must sign out/ in when leaving the classroom and take the hall pass with you. Please choose appropriate times when leaving the classroom.

- Each class period will end with some type of closure. Please avoid the temptation to pack up and line up at the door the last few minutes of class.

- Cell phones are not to be out or used during class unless instructed to do so. During Tests/Quizzes ALL phones, bags, etc are to be put in the front of the classroom.

2. ASSIGNMENTS

It is recommended that you keep an assignment book/calendar, as you will have multiple assignments at any given time. I do not accept late work for assignments that are collected in class - LISTEN to directions when they are given to avoid losing points. If you anticipate missing class when an assignment is due (sports, activities, appointments, etc), you must turn in the assignment in advance. If you miss class due to an EXCUSED absence, the assignment is due upon your return to class.

- Current Events will be assigned every other week during the semester. All articles must be environmentally based and have been published within the last month. You must include the article with the published date, and a written summary of the entire article. Your summary should also include your educated opinion on the article and its relevance to our course. Each current event is worth 5 points. I do NOT accept ANY late current events.

- End-of-Chapter Questions - Each Chapter has 10 textbook questions. Chapter Questions are due on test day. Chapter Questions must be HANDWRITTEN. Chapter Questions are 5 points/chapter. Chapter Questions serve two main functions: First, it helps familiarize you with the content of each chapter (even if we didn’t go over it in class) which will help you to be successful on the unit tests. Second, you earn points for completing the questions. I do NOT give “extra credit” points or round – this is your opportunity to help not only your Unit Test grades, but also your marking period grade.

- Activity Analysis/Conclusion Questions/Lab Write-ups will be required for some assessments during the semester. You will be provided with detailed instructions for any turned in and graded assignment. These are meaningful reports and I may ask that they be electronically or handwritten as an individual or lab group. If you miss a lab, you are responsible for knowing the procedure, results, and conclusions of the experiment. These assignments range from 5 to 20 points.

- Unit Tests will be given periodically (see syllabus). Most Unit Tests will be comprised of 50 multiple choice questions and one free response question totaling 60 points. They will be structured to resemble the AP Exam.

- Optional Assignments will be offered throughout the semester. These assignments are NOT required and will NOT negatively affect your grade. The topics will be unit specific and due at the end of the unit.

3. GRADING POLICY:

Your course grade will consist of the following: Current Events, Unit Outlines, in-class activities or labs, and class discussions, Unit Tests and Quizzes, projects, and presentations. It is crucial that you complete all assignments on time and to the highest quality. Remember, I do NOT give extra credit points and do NOT round.

4. ATTENDANCE AND DEADLINES:

Attendance is strongly related to grades. Due to the intensive nature and pace of the course, it is imperative to be present and participate in class. We will work in groups/teams on a regular basis. If one or more group members are frequently absent, it will be a detriment to the performance and learning of the whole group. If possible, discuss absences with your group members and me in advance.

When absent, it is YOUR responsibility to get the assignments and missed information. If you miss a scheduled quiz or test you must schedule a time with me BEFORE the next Unit Test. If you do not make the assignment up within the appropriate time you will receive a “Missing” (zero points). Extenuating circumstances will be dealt with on an individual basis. Any missed work due to an UNEXCUSED absence will also be recorded as “Missing” for that grade (includes tests and quizzes).

AP Exam Information: If you make a genuine effort to be in class daily and participate in all activities (in and out of class), you will be prepared to take the AP Environmental Science exam. The primary goal of the course is not to prepare you for the exam, but to give you an appreciation for the practice of Environmental Science and the natural world around you. Approximately three to four weeks before the AP exam in May, I will offer review sessions after school for those who are scheduled to take the exam.

Field Trips and guest speakers may be scheduled throughout the semester. This is a great opportunity to learn about the environment first hand. Due to building funding issues, you may be asked to make a monetary contribution towards a field trip.

I hope this introduction makes my policies and procedures clear. If you or your parents have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time.

Thank you and I look forward to a wonderful semester!

Angelque Auger

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