AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE COURSE SYLLABUS
2013-2014
Instructor:
John Modica
Email:
john.modica@gcisd.net
Website:
http://www.gcisd-k12.org//Domain/563
School phone: (817) 251-5210 Ext: 3011
Room:
715
Tutorials:
M, T, W, Th, F
M,T, T, Th
Grading Policy:
8:00 am – 8:30 am
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm (by apt)
Tests
FRQs
Labs
Quiz
Homework
40%
20%
25%
10%
5%
Course Description:
Welcome to APES! This class will look at many topics in Environmental Science. We will cover major
environmental topics such as biodiversity, global warming, energy, the atmosphere, water, soil, human populations
and waste. Because this course is Environmental SCIENCE and not Environmental Studies, it will fulfill the 40%
College Board and Texas requirements by providing a large laboratory and field investigation component. This
allows students to learn about the environment through first hand observation.
Textbook:
Environmental Science for AP* by Friedland and Relyea (W.H. Freeman and Company)
Course Outline
Topic
Terrestrial Ecology
 Population Dynamics
 Communities and Niches
 Terrestrial Biomes
 Energy Flow and Pyramids
 Biogeochemical Cycles
 Energy Concepts
 Biomagnifiication
Third Rock from the Sun
 Geologic Time Scale
 Plate Tectonics
 Earthquakes and Volcanoes
 Rock Cycle
Aquatic Ecology
 Eutrophication
 Freshwater Biomes
 Surface and Groundwater issues
 Conservation
Human Populations
 Human Population Sizes and Distribution
 Distribution and Fertility Rates
 Growth Rates and Doubling Times
 Demographic Transitions
 Age Structure Diagrams
 Global Economics
 Urban Development and Transportation
Duration
3 Weeks
2 Weeks
2 Weeks
4 Weeks
Biodiversity
 Species Diversity
 Preservation, Remediation, Mitigation, Restoration,
Conservation
 Habitat Loss
 Exotic Species
 Endangered and Extinct Species
 Deforestation
 Economic Impacts and Decisions
 Public and Federal Lands
 Relevant Laws
Nonrenewable Resources and Energy
 Energy Forms, Units and Conversions
 History and Global Energy Use
 Mining
 Fossil Fuel Resources and Use
 Nuclear Energy
 Renewable Energy
 Energy Conservation
 Economic Impacts and Decisions
Soil
 Formation and Composition
 Physical and Chemical Properties
 Soil Types
 Erosion and Other Soil Problems
 Conservation
 Forestry, Agriculture and Rangeland
Water
 Pollution
 Sources, Causes and Effects
 Surface and Groundwater Issues
 Cultural Eutrophication
 Water Purification
 Sewage Treatment
 Human Health Risks
 Clean Water Act and Other Laws
Air
 Air and Noise Pollution
 Smog
 Acid Deposition
 Indoor Air Pollutants
 Clean Air Act and Other Laws
 Human Health Risks
 Stratospheric Ozone and Ozone Depletion
 Global Warming
 Economic Impacts
Pesticides
 Types of Pesticides
 Costs and Benefits of Pesticide Use
 Hazards to Human Health
 Hazardous Chemicals
 Integrated Pest Management
 Relevant Laws
Meteorology
 Seasons
 Solar Intensity and Latitude
 ENSO
 Weather and Climate
 Atmospheric Circulation and the Coriolis Effect
2 Weeks
3 Weeks
2 Weeks
2 Weeks
2 ½ Weeks
2 ½ Weeks
2 Weeks
Marine Ecology
 Saltwater
 Ocean Circulation
 Global Problems
 Fishing Techniques
 Overfishing
 Relevant Laws and Treaties
Waste Management
 Solid Waste Disposal and Reduction
 Hazardous Chemicals and Waste
2 Weeks
2 Weeks
Materials:
1 subject spiral with pockets, 2 rolls of paper towels, 1 box of tissue, 1 bottle of hand soap or hand
sanitizer. All students must have enclosed shoes for labs – that means the TOE and the HEEL area
are covered.
Homework:
Homework may be assigned every day. All homework will be assumed as due the next period, unless
instructed otherwise. All assignments will be available on my website including the help sheets I pass out.
Most of these help sheets are for that purpose and cannot be used on tests or quizzes. I will supply these
same help sheets during quizzes and tests, you cannot use your own copies.
Makeup work:
Each assignment will be placed in a makeup folder assigned to your class period. The assignment
will be tagged with your name, the topic covered, and the date the topic was assigned and due. Pick
up your work in the file the first day you return – it will be marked as makeup work by myself so I
will know it is not late. This work must be returned the following class period, or the appropriate
time according to the student handbook, or it is considered late.
APES Expectations:
This course will help the students to understand chemical concepts dealing with elements of the periodic table and
combining that knowledge in various laboratory experiments while applying the scientific method. In order to
create an atmosphere to promote learning, it is necessary to have certain rules in place. Please read these rules
understand their importance to your success.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Be courteous and respectful to others and their property.
Always be ready to participate, share, and help in class.
Nothing gets in the way of learning.
Be on time to class and prepared with all materials.
Cell phones, iPods, and other electronic device must be SILENCED and PUT AWAY in class. If I see one, I
will confiscate it and turn it in to the administration.
Discipline policy for rule violation:
1st offense:
Verbal warning
2nd offense: Phone call home
3rd offense: Possible Office Referral, phone call home