AP Environmental Science
Chapter 3
Name ____________________________
Date ____________ Period ___________
Following are the ideas and objectives for you to master during this unit. This objective sheet will give you an idea of what will be covered, what you are responsible for understanding and what you should study for the test. Keep all objective sheets until the end of the year – you will use them to study for the semester exam and for the AP test in
May.
1.
Explain the difference between observation and inference and how each is used in the scientific process.
2.
Describe two limits to the study of environmental science.
3.
What is the goal of the scientific process?
4.
What is the difference between accuracy and precision? Give two examples of each. Why is reproducibility important in science?
5.
Compare and contrast the terms hypothesis, theory and natural law.
6.
Describe the tradeoffs between experimental design systems: Lab research, animal research, epidemiological studies; case studies, field studies.
7.
Analyze the description of a scientific experiment to identify the key parts: independent v. dependent variables, control v. experimental groups, and controlled variables.
8.
Describe the steps and cycle of the scientific method that will be used in this course.
9.
Explain the significance and effect of the 12 characteristics of bad science. Describe the contrasting good characteristics of each.

Monday Aug 25
Get syllabus and objective sheet
HW – Sign signature pages;
Analyze syllabus
Intro to course
Monday Sept 1
No school –
Labor Day!
Monday Sept 8
LAB REPORT
DUE – MAJOR
GRADE!!!
Tuesday Aug 26
Turn in signature pages
Notes – Scientific
Methods
Activity –
Observation vs. inference (Obj #1)
HW – Complete
Prelab – Effects of
Soil Salinization on
Mung Bean
Germination
Tuesday Sept 2
Quiz – Obj #7
Seed check – data collection
Notes: Bad Science
HW – Create
“Rough guide to spotting Good
Science” list
Wed Aug 27/Thurs Aug 28
Stamp Prelab
Set up Salinization Seed Lab
Notes: Types of Experimental Systems
(Obj #6)
HW – Readings on Scientific Method:
Section 3-1 in textbook (p 44-50); and
“Scientific Practice” handout (Obj #2-
5)
Wednesday Sept 3/Thursday Sept 4
Last Seed Check; Lab conclusion
How to write an APES lab report
HW – study for double quiz tomorrow
– Obj #1-9; Lab notebook needed for class Friday
Friday Aug 29
Seed check – data collection
Notes: review of experimental design (Obj #7)
HW – complete
Experimental
Design Practice
Handout; prepare for quiz Obj #7
Friday Sept 5
Double Quiz –
Obj #1-9
Set up Lab
Notebook
HW – Complete
Lab write up