Advanced Placement Environmental Science
Course Outline
QACHS
Fall /Spring 2013-2014
Instructor: Mrs. Mann Room 114
School Phone: 410-758-0500 Ext. 183 Email: Gretchen.Mann@qacps.org
Planning Period: 3rd
Time Available: After school by appointment
Course Description
The Advanced Placement Program provides an opportunity for high school students to pursue and receive
credit for college-level course work. AP Environmental Science offers students the ability to participate in an
internationally recognized program whose standards are widely known and highly regarded. Students can
measure themselves against a challenging national collegiate standard and possibly receive college credit
and/or advanced standing for their work. Even if credit is not awarded, admission offices recognize the rigor of
AP courses on a transcript and may factor them in when determining college acceptance. AP students are also
well prepared and confident about handling advanced work because they have already been performing at
that level. Enrollment in AP classes is recognized as one of the best predictors of college success.
The AP Environmental Science course is a full-year course designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester,
introductory college course in environmental science. The class will meet five days a week for 90 minutes
each day. This course uses a multidisciplinary science approach, covering and connecting topics from biology,
chemistry, physics, earth sciences, ecology, and economics. This is a rigorous course that stresses scientific
principles and analysis and includes a laboratory component that will fill the equivalent of at least one 90minute period per week.
The goal of this course is to provide students 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 anthropogenic) and evaluate their risks, and to examine alternative solutions for
resolving and/or preventing them. In addition, students will develop and focus their own political perspective
regarding these problems and prospective solutions.
Despite the breadth of content covered in AP Environmental Science, there are several unifying
themes. These include:
*Science is a process.
*Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes.
*The earth itself is one interconnected system.
*Humans alter natural systems.
*Environmental problems have a social and cultural context.
*Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems.
Many colleges and universities require students to stay informed about current events, advancements,
innovations, and technologies in the field that they are pursuing. This requires research. As a part of this
course, students will be required to submit 4 current articles (past 5 years) (2 per semester) relating to the
field of environmental science. They must provide a one page summary and a critical reaction for each article.
This assignment is to be completed in APA format. Due dates will be announced.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE COURSE SYLLABUS BY TOPIC
2013-2014
FALL SEMESTER
WEEKS
1-3
4-6
7-10
11-13
14-17
UNIT TOPIC
Unit 1: Environmental Themes and Earth’s Systems
Unit 2: Biodiversity
Unit 3: Population and Community Ecology
Unit 4: Sustaining Biodiversity
Unit 5: Sustaining Land and Water Resources
18
MIDYEAR EXAM (cumulative): January 16th
1-4
5-10
11-13
14
SPRING SEMESTER
Unit 6: Sustaining Energy Resources
Unit 7: Sustaining Environmental Quality
Unit 8: Sustaining Human Societies
Exam Prep
CHAPTERS
1-3
4-6
7-9
10-12
13-15
16-17
18-22
23-26
AP EXAM: May 5th
FINAL EXAM (cumulative for year): April 28th
*Post AP Exam will be devoted to completion of a year-long Water Quality study and report.
Assessments
There will be approximately one test per unit described on the course planner. Each will be modeled after the AP Exam,
so will consist of multiple choice and free response questions. Students will also receive timed essays throughout the
year to practice for the free response portion of the AP exam. Students will take the AP Environmental Science Exam in
May 2014. If money is an issue, please see Mrs. Mann and she will find it. Other sources of assessment throughout the
year will include pre-lesson readings and outlines, laboratory reports and quizzes, presentations, and oral debates.
Long Term Assignments
1. Reviews (Summary + Reaction) of four recent scientific articles pertaining to units covered. Due dates TBA.
2. Seasonal water quality testing. Annual report due at final.
Homework
AP Environmental Science is a college level course with college level expectations. To succeed it will be
necessary for the student to spend at least 30 minutes per evening reading in addition to any time needed to
complete homework assignments. Homework assignments will be given 3 or 4 times per week as necessary to
accomplish one of the following: prepare for upcoming lessons, synthesize new information with previous
knowledge, outline readings, sequence data, finish laboratory exercises, and/or practice skills acquired in
class. Work outside of class is fundamental to success.
Materials
Textbook - Living in the Environment by G. Tyler Miller Jr., 15th edition, 2007
Three ring binder with notebook paper
Marble composition laboratory notebook
Pens and Pencils
Policies and Procedures
Absence and Late Work
It is important that students be present every day possible for a successful semester. This class is very fast
paced and it will be easy to get behind, especially if absent.
1. All assignments are to be turned in on time; 50% will be deducted for any assignments turned in after the
end of the school day on the due date.
2. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain make up work following an absence. If they are absent one
day, they have one day to make up work, if they are absent two days, they have two days to make up
work, etc.
3. Laboratory activities cannot be made up, due to the perishable nature of most materials and the
complexity of the lab setup. However, the student must see Mrs. Mann for an explanation of the
laboratory purpose and procedure. Then, the student must conference with their lab partner to obtain the
data set for their report, which will be due on a date agreed upon by the student and Mrs. Mann. The
student will also be responsible for taking a lab quiz after they have submitted their lab report.
Grading
Formative Assessment
30%
*Lab reports, presentations, classwork assignments, article reviews, water quality report
Summative Assessment
45%
*Lab quizzes, unit exams, water quality report, other announced by teacher before due date
Homework
10%
*readings/outlines, lab conclusions
Midterm and Final Exam
15%
Mobile Learning Devices
Mobile Learning Devices will be permitted for use by the student when given verbal permission directly
from Mrs. Mann. These tools can be very advantageous to the learning environment, and will be used only in
an educational capacity. Should a student be using the MLD without permission from Mrs. Mann, they will be
asked to turn it off and put it away. Should the student refuse, they will be given a detention and referred to
the Assistant Principal’s office.
Note to Parents and Guardians
I am excited to have the opportunity to teach your child this semester. I have an open door policy with students
as well as their parents. Should you have any concerns or questions regarding content of the class, or your child’s
progress, please feel free to call, email, or arrange an appointment. I want to see your child SUCCEED, and with your
support I am sure it will be a successful year!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Gretchen Mann
410-758-0500 Ext. 183
I have read and understand the contents of the AP Environmental Science course syllabus, and agree to
meet the expectations set forth by it…
I, _______________________________________ and
(Student print name)
_________________________________________ have reviewed, discussed, and
(Parent/Guardian print name)
understand the syllabus for AP Environmental Science, and understand Mrs. Mann’s expectations in terms of
behavior, academic commitment, and the homework policy.
________________________________
Student signature
_______________
Date
________________________________
Parent/Guardian signature
________________
Date
Parent/Guardian preferred email: __________________________________________
Parent/guardian preferred phone number:________________________________________