AP Environmental Science Syllabus - Mrs. Church, Science

AP Environmental Science Syllabus

2014-2015

Instructor: Marissa Church

Email: Marissa.Church@ (preferred method of contact)

Phone Number: 817-815-2400 (YWLA Office)

Website: marissachurch.

Course Overview

This course is designed to cover a variety of topics within the sciences. The goal is 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 risk factors

of these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Emphasis in this class

is placed on science as a process, energy conversions underlying all ecological processes, the Earth as an

interconnected system, how humans alter the environment, environmental problems and their social context

and developing sustainable practices. This course adheres to the objectives instituted by the College Board for

all AP Environmental Science.

This is a laboratory course in which you are expected to follow scientific methodologies, collect data and make

accurate hypotheses.

The objectives of this course are that each student shall:

? Demonstrate skills using various types of instrumentation and scientific methodologies

? Learn how to read and critique scientific research articles in the field of Environmental Science

? Practice using data collected to solve scientific problems and,

? Apply their knowledge and critical thinking to current social concerns.

Supplies

The key to success in an advanced placement course is organization. For you to be organized it is

recommended that you have the following:

? 3 subject Lined Spiral for chapter notes. (College Rule)

? 1 Pack of dividers

? 2¡± Binder with the following sections (you may use a section in a larger binder)

o Practice Questions

o Additional Readings

o Homework

o Class work

? Pens (blue and black) and Pencils for the year

? 3x5 index cards (any color) With a Box or ring to hold them.

? College rule paper (enough for the year)

? School planner (provided by YWLA)

? 1 to 2 highlighters any color

? One subject spiral over 100 pages ** Required for Lab

? A cover for your textbook (your book is expensive to replace! Protect the one I give you)

Methodologies

Lab Component

Laboratory investigations are a very important component of this course. Through lab work you are required to

use higher thinking skills, apply concepts in real situations and perform science skills such as data collection,

analysis and communicating results. Laboratory exercises utilize the inquiry method. Students will participate in

many hands on activities and AP style labs. You will keep lab journals for all laboratory investigations, and will

need to present complete lab write ups in your journals including background information, data collection,

data analysis, conclusions and further inquires. Once each semester you will be responsible for developing your

own investigation on a particular topic and presenting all information using methods typically used of a

scientist, for example the format of a scientific review journal. The topics that will be utilized for these purposes

will be urban land use and pollution. In addition, each quarter you will be expected to conduct a long term

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experiment. This lab will be presented to me in as a formal lab report. I expect these lab reports to be about 10

pages in length.

Lectures

Because this course parallels an introductory college course I will lecture a few times a unit. In lecture I will

present topics in relation to the current data available. I will utilize pictures, graphs, and other various visual

aids. Lectures will consist of note-taking as well as discussion. I will teach you various methods of note-taking

and help you analyze what works best for you for use in future classes.

Science as Inquiry

Science is a process which produces an explanation of both the external, physical and natural environment.

Scientific inquiry must include descriptions of both hypothesis generation and testing (Stan Rachelson). It is

important that the science done in the classroom resembles the science done outside the classroom. You will

be presented with lab activities throughout each unit and will learn to ask questions and investigate to answer

them.

Classroom Policies

The following policies will be in place throughout the course of the year.

I.

Late work

II.

Since this is a college level class late work is not acceptable. However, I understand that life happens

and sometimes you need a little more time to do your best. It will be due within three class periods from

the due date. You will receive a late slip, that must have a parent signature by the next class with the

completed assignment. The day it is due is for full credit, second day max of a 90, third day max of an

80. After the third day there will be NO additional opportunities to remediate that assignment.

III.

Attendance

a. The key to your success in Environmental Science is attending class each day. If you experience

absences you will fall behind and need to spend time after school to catch up. You will be

permitted time equal to the length of your absence to make up any assignments that were missed.

b. It is my expectation that you are in your desk working on the daily warm up by the time the late

bell rings. If you are tardy to class the following steps will be taken

i. Demerit

ii. Demerit and Parent Contact

iii. Demerit and Lunch detention

iv. Demerit and Administrative Consequences

IV.

Leaving the classroom

a. In order to learn you need to be present in class. Each student will be able to leave class using

their YWLA hall pass. A filled out pass must be presented to the teacher at a time that is not

disruptive to the learning environment. You must sign out on the sign out sheet and sign back in.

V.

Tutoring

a. If a student would like extra help on an assignment or is having difficulty with the current topic,

she may come in for tutoring before school, after school, or during conference. Tutoring is

available at various times. Please check the board outside my room & my website to see when I

will be available for you.

VI.

Student Conduct

a. Students are expected to behave as adults. Behavior that is disruptive to the learning environment

will not be tolerated. The following consequences will be implemented.

i. First Instance ¨C Verbal reminder *

ii. Second Instance ¨C Demerit/Parent Notification *

iii. Third Instance ¨C Administrative referral and loss of extra credit opportunity

VII.

FOCUS Grade Access

a. Students and parent/guardians can access grades and assignments by logging into the

Students-FOCUS system (Live system immediate updates), Parents-Parent Portal (delayed

updates). If you do not have access to FOCUS/Parent Portal please contact our campus

Data Clerk Ms. Alvarado (817) 815-2400.

VIII.

Absolutely no gum, food or drink (except water in a closed container).

IX.

Electronic devices such as smart phones will be permitted for use in class when given prior approval.

These devices come in useful for research on the web and accessing student grades.

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X.

Any electronic device that rings or makes noise during non-designated class times will be confiscated

and turned in to the office. A parent will be required to pay the retrieval fee.

Advisory periods will be held daily. Students should use this time to study or read.

*** All school rules and consequences in the student handbook will be enforced***

Student Assessment

You will be assessed daily with reading quizzes, pre/post lab quizzes, and lecture quizzes. There will be unit

exams, AP style exams and laboratory exams. Students are evaluated on their level of performance in

laboratory exercises, lab write ups, homework, attendance, and organization of lab book and binder.

Six Week grades are based on a weighted scale. I will be using the following breakdown when calculating your

grade.

Lecture Grade:

Tests & FRQ

Daily Grades

Homework/Quizzes

Advisory

Lab Grade:

40%

40%

15%

5%

Lab Write Ups

Tests and Quizzes

Homework/Current Events

Advisory

50%

30%

15%

5%

Semester class grades are based on the traditional grading scale:

100%-91% = A, 89%-81% = B, 79%-70% = C, 69%-0% = F.

Semester grades are calculated according to the FWISD grading policy.

Earning College/University Credit

? AP Exam: Students are expected to take the AP Exam in May 2015. This test is the driving force for the

curriculum taught throughout the year.

Instructional Technology

The classroom is equipped with computers, a Promethean board, document camera and a demo desk. We

also have access to computers in the library. Classroom discussions are supplemented by computer

animations and pictures; in addition we will utilize the accompanying website for out textbook. Other websites

will be utilized like and . You will need to have your EDMODO account already this

was your summer work!

Course Outline

Unit 1: Intro to Environmental Science, Human Sustainability

Unit 2: Science, Ecological Principles and Sustainability

Unit 3: Biodiversity

Unit 4: Natural Resources

Unit 5: Environmental Quality

Unit 6: Human Societies & Global Change

** Your first assignment is to return a completed page 4&6 of this packet. Pages 1-3 should be kept for

reference.** Due the next class period.

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AP Environmental Science-M.Church

2014-2015

Return this paper with signatures completed on both sides

Syllabus Acknowledgement

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the class syllabus for APES. I understand

if I have any questions or concerns regarding the course grade, content or policies that I should contact Mrs.

Church immediately.

_________________________________

Student Printed Name

___________________________

Student Signed Name

_________________________________

Parent Printed Name

___________________________

Parent Signed Name

______

Period

Photo Release

Throughout the course of the year your student will participate in activities such as field trips, science research

presentations, and laboratory activities that I would like to document and share with you via the class website.

Thank you for your continued support. Please keep in mind you have signed a photo release for FWISD.

______Permission authorized

Signature ________________________ Date _________

______I do not authorize permission

Signature ________________________ Date_________

Parent/ Guardian Contact Information and Preferences (please print clearly)

Parent/Guardian Name: ___________________________________________________

Daytime Phone: ___________________________ Home/Cell Phone: ___________________

Email Address: _________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name: ___________________________________________________

Daytime Phone: _______________________ Home/Cell Phone: _______________________

Email Address: _________________________________________________________

My preferred method of contact is through email for communication with parents/guardians.

___ Yes, the teacher MAY contact me via email regarding my daughter¡¯s performance.

___ No, contact me via phone. Best hours to reach: ________________________

Preferred Number: _____________________

___________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature

__________

Date

Contact Record

*Teacher use only

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Date

Reason

Outcome

Person Contacted

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