AP Environmental Science Syllabus
C.A.L.S. Early College High School
Instructor: Mr. Andrew Stephens
Phone: (213) 239-0063 Email: stephensteach@hotmail.com
Class Website: www.stephensteach.com
“"The Earth is one natural system, humans alter natural systems, human survival depends on sustainable natural systems"”
Course Description
This course holds many exciting adventures in science. During this academic year, you will learn how to apply scientific
processes to analyze and learn about the most important problems of our time by interpreting scientific data and drawing logical
conclusions. The class will be unique in that the concepts learned can be widely applied to real life and hopefully inspire personal
action.
Emphasis in this class will be on developing process laboratory skills including data collection & analysis, evaluation of
information, and oral & written communication of experimental results. In addition to lab work, we will learn about the following
eleven units:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Introduction to Advanced Placement Environmental Science
Earth Systems and Resources
The Living World
Populations
Land and Water Use
Energy Resources and Consumption
Air Pollution
Water Pollution
Global Change
Advanced Placement Environmental Science Test Review
Final Projects
Course Objectives
1. Develop a lifelong love for the Earth system.
2. Understand how the Earth system works.
3. Analyze how humans alter our environment and evaluate how you can ameliorate this impact.
4. Pass the APES exam.
Prerequisite
Proficient scores (A's or B's) in biology and in one physical science (chemistry and/or physics).
Textbook/Resources
Text: Environment: The Science Behind the Stories, 3rd Ed.
Internet Resources: the class website can be located by going to www.stephensteach.com, and clicking on AP Environmental
Science. All classroom happenings, homework, notes, assignments, labs, projects, etc can be found on the website. The class
newsgroup can be located at www.nicenet.org. It is very important to remember your username and password for nicenet so
write them down!
Class Rule
Do your best
Required Classroom Materials
Science Lab Book (Quad notebook)
USB Drive (aka flash drive, thumb drive, memory stick, etc)
A Gmail Account (free at mail.google.com/)
Grading
Category
Labwork/Fieldwork
Tests/Quizzes
In class work/projects
HW/Participation
A
A-
Percent
25%
25%
25%
25%
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D*
F*
93-100% 90-92% 87-89% 83-86%
*Ds or Fs earn 0 credits
80-82%
77-79%
73-76%
70-72%
60-69%
<60%
AP Test
The AP Environmental Science test will be on May 13th! The test includes multiple choice and free response questions. It is
graded on a scale of 1-5. If you receive a 3, 4, or 5, you are recommended by the College Board to receive college credit. Credit
policy varies by school, but this is a great opportunity to earn one semester's worth of credit without paying to take a class.
College and university admissions view AP courses very highly. I expect everyone in this class to take the APES exam and
expect everyone to do well. This entire year will be spent learning and exploring environmental science in a quest to understand
and reach sustainability and pass the APES exam.
Late work Policy/Redo Policy
Work is accepted on time with no penalty. Work is accepted after the due date, but within the same unit with a 20% penalty. No
late work from a particular unit is accepted after the unit test.
Laboratory reports, homework, and projects that are turned in complete and on time may be revised up until the end of the unit in
which it was assigned. Tests may not be retaken unless extenuating circumstances apply. In this case a formal request may be
written (1-2 pages typed) explaining why you did not perform up to your capability, how you prepared differently, and why you
should be granted a retake.
Example: During unit 7 Air Pollution, students were assigned The Ozone Lab. Student A turned in a perfect lab report on the due
date and earned 100/100. Student B turned in a perfect lab report after the due date, but before the unit 7 test and received
80/100. Student C turned in a perfect lab report after the unit 7 test and received 0/100. Student D turned in a complete lab
report on time, but received 75/100 due to mistakes. Student D then revised the lab report and turned in the revision before the
unit 7 test and received 100/100.
Make Up Work
Students who miss school due to excused absences are allotted the number of missed days to make up the assigned work. For
example if you miss one day of class due to an illness, you have one extra day past the due date to turn in your work. If you have
a presentation or your group is depending on you, don't miss school unless previously approved!
Absence/Tardy Policy
For every 5 unexcused absences or 10 tardies in a semester your grade drops one letter. If you are planning on being absent for
a family vacation, college visit, etc, let me know in advance complete your make up work and have fun. YOU are responsible for
making up the work you miss during tardies/absences. I will not remind you.
Cheating
Cheating will earn you a zero on the assignment/test on which you cheated. If you purposefully give away your work to cheaters
you will also receive a zero. No makeup work will be given. Often times it is more difficult to cheat than to learn. Just learn, it is
more fun.
Letter of Recommendation Policy
Letters of recommendation are an important component of college admissions and I love writing letters of recommendation for
students who excel in my classes. However, these letters do take time and must be revised so that I can make you sound as
awesome as you are. Therefore I have developed some guidelines:
Ask me in person. Give me at least 7 full days of notice before the due date. Complete a one page resume in which you answer
the questions I am asked and include personal highlights you want me to hit upon. Give me all of the paperwork with selfaddressed and stamped envelopes. Don't ask me if you have proven unworthy in my classes.
Office Hours
Monday: 3:30-4:00 PM, Wednesday 7:30-8:00 AM, Friday 7:30-8:00AM and 3:30-4:00 PM or make an appointment two days
ahead of time.
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Student Signature
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Parent/Guardian Signature
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Date
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Date