AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
VOORHEES HIGH SCHOOL, 2013-2014
INSTRUCTOR: Miss Jessica Clark
PHONE: 908-638-2199 ext. 2240
EMAIL: jclark@nhvweb.net
WEBSITE: http://missclarkswebsite.weebly.com/
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The AP® Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory
college course in environmental science. APES integrates facts and concepts of several natural and social sciences.
This course will prepare you to take the AP® test in May, although you are not required to do so.
We will spend approximately 1-2 weeks per chapter, with 2-3 chapters per unit. Instruction in the course
may include a combination of lecture/PowerPoint, lab work, computer work using specific programs and Internet
sites, video case studies, field trips, guest speakers and independent study. Assignments include, but are not limited
to:
 Textbook readings, which are to be done outside of class.
 Lecture notes, recommended on PowerPoint printout.
 Concept maps.
 Current environmental science events homework assignments.
 Laboratory reports, written individually or as otherwise specified.
 Individual/Group projects: research report on NGO’s, endangered species, and one long-term research
project are required.
 Binder checks – notes, assignments, and labs organized in date order.
 Unit exams.
o Final exam grade: will include a practice AP test, research based project, and a final exam.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
 To understand the concept and importance of environmental sustainability.
 To apply scientific methods of inquiry, graphing, computer tools, and interdisciplinary connections.
 To gain an in-depth knowledge of basic principles of environmental science.
 To develop interpersonal, study, writing, and presentation skills.
 To prepare for the May 2013 AP college board exam.
TEXT:
 Environmental Science for AP 1st Edition by Friedland and Relyea ~ This is your best friend!
 Optional supplement: Barron’s How to Prepare for the AP Environmental Science Exam (ISBN# 0-7641-2161-8).
 If borrowing from the school, you must cover the book by Friday, 9/2, with your name inside the book. Keep
it covered and take care of it throughout the year.
SUPPLEMENTAL WEB SITES:
 http://bcs.whfreeman.com/friedlandapes/#t_668210
 www.apcentral.collegeboard.com
 www.collegeboard.com/ap/students/envsci/cours001.html
REQUIRED MATERIALS: (ORGANIZATION IS KEY!)
 3-ring binder recommended, well organized, name clearly visible
 blue or black pens and pencils
 calculator with log and exponent functions
 activated account on school computer network
ASSIGNMENTS/HOMEWORK:
 This is a fast-paced course. To succeed you must be committed and come to class prepared.
 Keep up with assigned readings, homework, projects and labs.
 You are required to maintain a notebook for the course. A three ring binder is recommended.
 Classroom notes will be given in Powerpoint format. It is your responsibility to get and review all missed
notes. Lecture notes must be written or typed by you and will be checked during tests.
o You are recommended to print an outline version of the PowerPoint to best assist your notetaking.
 Homework will be checked or collected at the beginning of class.
 Absences: If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to obtain the work covered that day. In
accordance with school policy, you have two days for the number of days absent to make up missed work. If
you are absent the day an assignment is due, it is to be turned in the day you return.
o You must be present to be part of a group’s work. If you are absent, you must make up the work on
your own. You may NOT copy your groupmates’ work. Yes, this may mean you have to stay after
school
o Late Policy: All assignments are to be submitted on the specified due dates. You are responsible for
knowing your assignments and their due dates. Assignments worth more than 20 points will only be
accepted one day late for a reduction of 50% the available points. Two or more days late will result
in earning a maximum of 10% of the assignment’s worth. Assignments worth less than 20 points will
not be accepted late. This is at the instructor’s discretion.
LABORATORY:
 Your laboratory grades will be based upon how you conduct yourself in lab, on the written
lab reports (follow the guidelines provided), and on pre-lab quizzes or assignments.
 Reports are due at the beginning of a class period. Labs handed in any time after the
beginning of class will be considered late.
o Late Policy: We will follow the late policy stated above.
 Although data may be shared with a lab partner, the body of the lab is individual work and
copying will NOT be tolerated. Copying will result in a zero for the assignment. This is
especially true for lab questions and conclusions!
EXAMS:
 Exam dates for units (2-3 chapters) will be announced ahead of time. Be prepared to take the test when it is
scheduled, even if you are absent any single day before. You will be given the essay topics during the review
day, although not the exact question.
 Tests will follow the AP format of multiple choice and one to two essays.
 Absences: If you are absent the day of a test, you must take it the day you return. (Exceptions will be made
for extended absences, at the instructor’s discretion). Make-ups must be made up on your time within the
announced time frame. In general, a make-up test will only be delayed for the same number of days you
were absent.
GRADING:
 Your grade will be calculated on a total point basis:
Your grade = # of points earned ÷ total number of points possible x 100%
 There will be no designated percentage of test, lab, and homework points.
 Grades will be posted approximately each week on TeacherLogic so you may access via HomeLogic.
 Extra credit opportunities are available as needed. Please discuss with your teacher… do NOT wait until a
week before the marking period ends.
CLASS RULES
 Always do your best. Your best is going to change from moment to
moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick.
Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid selfjudgment, self-abuse and regret.
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Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity and respect. Say only what you
mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use
the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
Don’t take anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection
of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you
won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
Don’t make assumptions. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want.
Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama.
There is a no-tolerance policy for lab safety. No exceptions!
Cutting class is not acceptable. Don’t even go there. Action taken will be to notify your parents and Assistant
Principal. You will receive no credit nor have an opportunity to make up work that was due or done on that
day.
o This includes being on time to class. Do NOT be late. It is rude and disruptive. Remember, 3 lates =
1 unexcused absence.
Do your own work. Cheating or plagiarizing will result in a zero for that assignment with no opportunity to
make up the work. This includes copying homework, lab work, or allowing your work to be copied.
Remember this is a college equivalent course… cheating in college can result in expulsion from the college.
I will rarely be absent, but on such an occasion, make sure you follow the directions of the substitute teacher
to complete the assigned work.
CONSEQUENCES
1. Verbal warning
2. Teacher detention
3. Parent phone call
4. Administrative referral
5. Immediate removal from the classroom at discretion of the teacher
CLASS PROCEDURES/ROUTINES:
 Arrive to class on time. Three lates equals one unexcused absence.
 Be prepared and on time~ Enter the room quietly and be ready to work each day. This includes having your
materials (notebook, writing instrument, and assignments) and your minds ready to work when the bell
rings.
 Clean up after yourselves and make sure the room is neat. I am not your mom.
 We will review other classroom activity procedures at the time of the activity.
 This should be the best year yet in your life. Get into the course, give it your best effort, and enjoy it.
EXTRA HELP:
 Forming a study group with classmates is helpful and is often done in college.
But remember, you are responsible for turning in work that is your own.
 I will be available for extra help on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday after
school. Please come if you need assistance or if you have any concerns. It is best
to make an appointment ahead of time.
OUTLINE OF SCHEDULE:
Weeks
Unit
1-2
1
3-8
2
8-12
3
13-16
4
17-19
5
20-23
6
24-26
7
26-28
8
29-31
9
32-36
10
Chapters/Topics
Chapter 1. Studying the State of Our Earth (1 week)
Chapter 2. Environmental Systems (<1 week)
Chapter 3. Ecosystem Ecology and Evolution (2 weeks)
Chapter 4. Global Climates and Biomes (2.5 weeks)
Chapter 5. Evolution of Biodiversity (1 week)
Chapter 8. Earth Systems (2 weeks)
Chapter 9. Water Resources (2.5 weeks)
Chapter 6. Population and Community Ecology (2 weeks)
Chapter 7. The Human Population (2 weeks)
Chapter 10. Land, Public and Private (1 week)
Chapter 11. Feeding the World (2 weeks)
Chapter 12. Nonrenewable Energy Sources (2 weeks)
Chapter 13. Achieving Energy Sustainability (2 weeks)
Chapter 14. Water Pollution (2 weeks)
Chapter 15. Air Pollution and Stratospheric Ozone Depletion (1.5 weeks)
Chapter 16. Waste Generation and Waste Disposal (1 weeks)
Chapter 17. Human Health and Environmental Risks (1.5 weeks)
Chapter 18. Conservation of Biodiversity (1 week)
Chapter 19. Global Change (2 weeks)
Chapter 20. Sustainability, Economics and Equity (<1 week)
AP Review (1.5 weeks)
After the AP test – Various Activities and Research Project
**The instructor reserves the right to modify or change the schedule as needed to meet the needs of the students’
diverse learning styles and/or professional developments in the area of Environmental Science.