AP Environmental Science
2011-2012
Course Overview
Advanced Placement Environmental Science is a full-year laboratory science course. The goal of this course is to provide students
with a broad background in a wide range of topics in Environmental Science in preparation for the Advanced Placement
examination in May 2010. It is the expectation that all students in AP Environmental Science will sit for the AP exam.
Methods
Instruction will consist of lecture, discussion, and demonstration. At least one laboratory or field work experience will be included
each week. Laboratory work reflects the broad range of topics and methods practiced in this field. The activities include traditional
laboratory experiences, longer-term experiments, and research/analysis of publicly available data. In all cases, there is an emphasis
on use of the Scientific Method when applicable, critical thinking, collection and mathematically rigorous analysis of data, and
problem solving. Clear, accurate communication of experimental findings is essential in Science, accordingly, appropriate graphical
and written presentation of lab work is expected.
(Please note that appropriate clothing should be worn for field experiences – this would include closed-toed shoes, long pants, sun
hat, and insect repellent and sunscreen as needed)
Several research assignments will be included. In all cases, there is an emphasis on identifying a problem, challenge, or topic, and
solutions or favorable path forward. Research work then consists of two components: background data on the current situation and
projections or suggestions for the future.
Written assignments will include in-class work, research projects, homework, and laboratory reports. Assessment will be based on
tests, weekly quizzes, and written assignments that will count as 70%, 10%, and 20% respectively towards the overall marking period
grade. All tests will be “AP style” and consist of multiple choice and short answer sections. Calculator use is not permitted on any
test.
Text
Environmental Science: Toward a Sustainable Future, R. Wright, 9th Edition. The primary textbook will be augmented by readings
from supplementary texts, journal and magazine articles, and internet sources.
Unit 1 (1-2 weeks): Introduction to Environmental Science
Key Environmental Issues
Environmental Thinkers/Historical Perspectives
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Internal/external costs
The Goal: Sustainability
What Is It?
How Do We Get There?
Scientific Method
Math is Power! Calculations and Data Analysis
Chemistry and Physics Review
Energy Concepts
Labs and Activities:

Tragedy of the Commons Reading and Discussion

Exponential Growth Simulation

Calculate Your Carbon Footprint Activity

Current Events Context (current events or historical environmental catastrophe - reading and discussion)

Scientific Method Lab (Solar Heating): (hypothesis, data collection and analysis, conclusions)
Resources:
Chapters 1, 22, Appendix C; Miller, Chapter 3; Environmental Literacy Council website
Unit 2 (2-3 weeks): Earth Science
Weather and Climate
The Atmosphere
Composition
Circulation
Weather vs. Climate
Convection Currents
Geological Topics
Plate Tectonics
Erosion/Weathering
Rock Cycle
Soil
Formation
Characterization (physical properties, vertical profile)
Soil Triangle
Labs and Activities:

Greenhouse Gas Investigation: Solar heating high CO2 vs. ambient CO2 (data collection, analysis, extensions, implications)

Long Term Assignment: 2009 Hurricane Tracking (internet-based data collection, communication of results)

Properties of Soil Lab, Part I (local soil samples: % organic, sand, silt, clay; permeability, porosity, fit onto soil triangle, Berlese
funnel to collect and count macroinvertebrates)
Resources:
Chapters 20, 8; Miller, Chapter 16
Test #1
Unit 3 (5-6 weeks): Living Systems
Ecosystems
Structure
Major Terrestrial and Aquatic Biomes
Climatology
Energy Flows in Ecosystems
Trophic Categories
Food Webs
Respiration, Photosynthesis, Fermentation
Energy Flow Pyramid
Matter Flows in Ecosystems
Biogeochemical Cycles
Ecosystem Diversity
Ecosystem Change
Climate Shifts
Ecological Succession
Population Concepts
Carrying Capacity
Reproductive Strategies
Survivorship Curves
Keystone Species
Predator-Prey Relationships
Competition
Natural Selection and Adaptation
Labs and Activities:

Climatogram Construction Activity

Aquatic Primary Productivity Lab (changes in stream water DO with and without light)

Terrestrial Primary Productivity Lab (Measure NPP of rye grass by weight increase)

Biodiversity Measurement Fieldwork ((1) quadrat sampling and analysis (2) sampling field insects and soil invertebrates
graphing and analysis (Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index)

Predator-Prey Simulation (plotting model data and drawing conclusions, test perturbations)

Long Term Research Project Start: Introduced Species. (identify one non-native species, research where, when, why,
mitigation if any, projections for future. Written report and presentation)
Resources: Chapters 2, 3, 4
Test #2, 3
Unit 4 (2-3 weeks): Human Population
Human Population Dynamics
Population Growth and Doubling Time
Population and Social and Economic Conditions
Demographic Transition
Population Pyramids
Population Distribution
Impacts of Growing Human Population
Human Health, Economic, Environmental Impacts
IPAT Model
Towards Sustainability
Population Size
Case Studies
Social and Political Context
Labs and Activities:

Survivorship Lab (gather cemetery data or on-line)

Exponential Population Growth Activity (re-visit activity from first weeks expand analysis and discussion)

Global Population Investigation: Constructing and Comparing Population Pyramids (construct age-sex profiles from available
data, graphically analyze relationship between profile shape and demographic and economic factors)

Debate: Critical Evaluation of Sustainability Case Studies
Resources: Chapters 5, 6
Test #4
Unit 5 (3-4 weeks): Water and Land Use
Water Topics
Global Water Resources
Hydrologic cycle
Groundwater
Human Impacts
Dams, Levees, Wells, etc.
Use, Conservation, Recycle
Soil/Land Topics
Soil Nutrients and Plant Growth
Soil Degradation and Conservation
Case Studies: The Dust Bowl, The Sahel
Food Production
Subsistence Farming and Modern Industrial Agriculture
Genetically Modified Organisms and GM Foods
Food Security, Economic and Social Factors
Labs and Activities:

Local Water Use/Water Use Audit Activity

Water Quality Index Lab (use local water samples: as possible, determine DO, pH, change in temperature, fecal coliform, BOD,
nitrates, total phosphorous, total dissolved solids, turbidity)

Soil Salinization Lab (experimental design, graphical data analysis and conclusions)

Debate: Hardin’s “lifeboat ethic”

Long Term Project Start: Survey of US and World Environmental Laws (given topics-research existing and pending, tabulate,
evaluate, and communicate results)
Resources:
Chapters 7, 8, 9
Test #5
Unit 6 (2-3 weeks): Biodiversity and Wilderness
Value of Biodiversity/Global Distribution of Biodiversity
Decline of Biodiversity
Causes
Consequences
Legislation and Social Issues
Endangered Species Act
Land Types and Use
Agriculture
Forestry: old growth, plantations
Rangelands: effects of grazing
Mining
Rock and Mineral Uses
Exploration and Mining Techniques
Environmental Impacts
Other Uses
Urban Development
Transportation Issues
Wilderness, Conservation and Preservation
History
Public and Private Lands
National Parks Service, National Forest Service, National Wildlife Refuges
Marine Resources
Fishing
Aquaculture
Relevant Laws and Treaties
MovingTowards Sustainability
Labs and Activities:

Revisit Biodiversity Data from fall (collect additional, extend, data set as possible)

Fish Banks Simulation Activity (game, modify and extend with new “technology”)

Forestry Activities (sampling and analysis)
Resources:
Chapters 10, 11
Test # 6
Unit 7 (4-5 weeks): Energy – Resources and Consumption
Energy Concepts
Consumption: History and Forecasts
Non-Renewable and Renewable Energy Sources
Fossil Fuels: Coal, Oil, Natural Gas
Formation
Discovery, Extraction, Purification
Uses
Nuclear Power
Fission - Today
Fusion – Tomorrow?
Hydroelectric, Geothermal
Solar, Wind, Biomass
Emerging Energy Sources
Environmental Impact and Feasibility of Energy Sources
Critical Analysis of Advantages and Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels and Alternative Energy Sources
Social and Political Issues
Conservation
Local, National, Global
Energy Efficiency: Two Areas: Electricity, Transportation
Legislation: CAFE
Labs and Activities:

Personal Energy Use Audit

Electric Meter Activity (can you get your home meter to slow? To stop? Why?)

Debate: Hubbert Curve

Solar Absorption Lab (solar oven experment with awards for meeting specific design goals)

Radioactive Decay Lab (radioactive waste half life simulation using M&Ms, plotting, analysis)

Short Term Research Project: Evaluate an Emerging Power Source (poster&presentation)

Survey Project: NIMBY survey of student attitudes
Resources:
Chapters 12, 13, 14; Department of Energy website
Test #7
Unit 8 (4-5 weeks): Pollution
Pollution Types
Air: Types, Sources, Effects, Mitigation, Regulations
Water: Types, Sources, Effects, Mitigation, Regulations
Solid Waste: Types, Sources, Effects, Mitigation, Regulations
Other: Thermal, Noise
Pests and Pest Control
Defining Pest and the Need for Pest Control
Chemical and Alternative Approaches
Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification
Impact on Environment and Human Health
Toxicology Fundamentals
Agents and Efffects
Chronic and Acute Exposure
Dose-Response Relationship
LD-50
Risk Assessment
Economics of Pollution
Cost-Benefit Analysis Revisted
Internal/External Costs of Pollution
Labs and Activities:

Cap-and-Trade Game Activity (model CO2 emission control scheme)

Acid Rain Lab (pH measurements of collected rainwater/snow and analysis)

Particulate Matter Investigation (collect data on PM, analyze, compare to available data)

Solid Waste Activity (student household based – quantify one week of household waste, collect data, organize data in
effective/persuasive manner, propose ways to reduce)

LD-50 Lab (LD-50 determination using household chemicals and brine shrimp)

Debate: Students research Cost-Benefit scenarios and debate
Resources:
Chapters 15-19, 21
Test #8
Unit 9 (3-4 weeks): Global Change
Atmospheric Composition, Energy, Circulation
Stratospheric Ozone
Formation Chemistry, Destruction
Forecast
Global Climate Change
Natural Climate Change – Ice Ages
Greenhouse Gases
Chemistry and Action
Historical Record to Present Day and Projections
Impact of Projected Global Warming (Environmental, Social, Economic)
Mitigation
Loss of Biodiversity
Continued From Unit 6
Labs and Activities :

Global Warming Evidence (analysis of primary data, review, conclusions, and debate)

Greenhouse Gas Lab (revisit introductory activity as a demo, with discussion)

Project: Global Warming Implications for NJ (students identify, research, quantify and communicate implications of one likely
result of global warming on our state)

Calculate Your Carbon Footprint Again (lessons learned - and applied?)

Prepare and Plant 3 Sisters for Next Year (summer help needed)
Resources:
Chapter 20; Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Summary, 2007.
Unit 10 (remaining time until exam): Review for AP Examination