AP Environmental Science Syllabus 2015-2016 Ms. Khodayari -Metro H.S. Primary contact: e-mail: Secondary contact: 314-534-3894 Textbook: AP Environmental Science by Friedland, Relyea, and Coured-Hauri Course Description: AP Environmental Science is designed to provide students with scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Additionally, it is mean to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, and to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems. It also provides research solutions for resolving or preventing the problems. Additionally, the significant goal is the successful result (Score of 3 or above) on AP exam which has been administrated by the College Board in May 2016. Environmental science is interdisciplinary. It is designed on variety of topics from different areas of study. Emphasis in this class is placed on science as a process, energy conversions underlying all ecological processes, the Earth as an interconnected system, how humans alter the environment, environmental problems and their social context and developing sustainable practices Grading Scale: (Letter to Percent) A = 100 to 90% B = 89 to 80% C = 79 to 70% Failure = Below 69% Semester Grade Computation: You will receive points for a wide variety of assignments and assessments. Assignments include but not limited to homework, classwork, quizzes, labs, projects, tests, and exams. Additionally, your grade will be based on your percent of the total possible points. Grade is calculated by dividing your total number of points earned by the total number of points possible in the class. Moreover, Points for your participation and cooperation will be assigned at the end of the trimester. Grading per Semester Classwork = Homework = Test and quizzes = Exam= 30% 20% 20% 30% 1 Class Expectation: As a member of the class, there are certain expectations and responsibilities for each person. The expectations include but are not limited to: 1. Come to class on time and prepared. 2. Respect your own space and everyone else’s space. 3. Do not disrupt teaching and learning environment 4. No food is allowed in the science classroom unless approved by instructor. 5. No electronic devices is allowed in class unless allowed by instructor. Late and Makeup Work Make up work is the responsibility of the student! Students are allowed one day, for each day they miss, to make up any assignments due to an excused absence. No credit is given for unexcused absences. Make up test and lab must be discussed with teacher. Bear in mind that some labs will not be able to be made up and an alternate assignment will be provided. Make sure to establish the appointment with instructor for your makeup. Late work will be accepted at 50% of the value. It must be completed within a one class days in order to receive any credit. Large projects will be marked down 10% for each day past the due date. Please, discuss your late or missing work with teacher prior to receiving or submitting them. Internet Access: All students must ensure they are clear to use the internet in the Metro HS Library or other computer room. Academic Honesty In order to realize their full potential for learning, students must complete their own work. Any form of cheating or plagiarism is unacceptable. Using another person’s words, ideas, or work as your own will result in a failing grade. Additionally, any student who knowingly allows another student to use his or her assignment will also receive a failing grade. Administration and parents will be contacted in cases of academic misconduct. Classroom Expectations 1. Come to class on time and prepared. 2. Respect your own space and everyone else’s space. 3. Do not disrupt teaching and learning environment 4. No food is allowed in the science classroom unless approved by instructor. 5. No electronic devices is allowed in class unless allowed by instructor. 6. You are allowed 3 hall passes per quarter. Use them wisely. Unused passes may be turned in for extra credit points at the end of each quarter. 2 School Policies The guidelines set in the Metro High School Student Handbook will be reinforced to address issues such as, attendance, behavior, appearance, etc. Materials 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Three ring binder and spiral notebook Paper Pen and pencil Flash drive (something so you can store your work and then take it with you) Colored pencils for projects/drawing Course Assistance Tutoring is available after school. See instructor for scheduling prior to session(s) on tutoring. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I ___________________________________________have read the syllabus and agree to follow the rules and expectations of Ms. Khodayari AP Environmental class for 20152016 school year. Student Name: ___________________ Parent name:___________________ Student signature:_________________ Parent Signature:________________ Date: ___________________________ Date:_________________________ 3 AP Environmental Science Below is a guideline to the order in which the content of the course will be taught and how much time will be devoted to each area. This is an approximation and subject to change. UNIT Topic Approximate Dates Unit I Earth Science Concepts August-Sep. The Atmosphere Earth Systems and Global Warming Resources Stratospheric Ozone Global Water Resources and Use Soil and Soil Dynamics Unit II The Living World Unit III Population Unit IV Land and Water Use Unit V Resources and Consumption Unit VI Pollution Review Ecosystem Structure Energy Flow Ecosystem Diversity Loss of Biodiversity Natural Ecosystem Change Natural Biogeochemical Cycles Population Biology Concepts Human Population Dynamics Population Size Impacts of Population Growth Agriculture Forestry Rangelands Other Land Use Land Conservation Options Mining Fishing Global Economics Energy Concepts Energy Consumption Fossil Fuel Resources and Use Nuclear Energy Hydroelectric Power Energy Conservation Renewable Energy Air Pollution Noise Pollution Water Pollution Solid Waste Impacts on the Environment and Human Health Hazardous Chemicals in the Environment Economic Impacts All topics October-November November-December January February-March April- May May 4