Syllabus: AP Environmental Science
SY 2015-2016
AP Environmental Science Syllabus
Mrs. Macholtz, Central Union High School
2015-2016 School Year
Contact Information
Phone and Voicemail: (760) 336-4427
Website: mmacholtz.weebly.com
Email: mmacholtz@cuhsd.net
Tutoring or make-ups before and after school on Mondays, Wednesdays,
and Thursdays, or other times by appointment.
Course Description
The AP Environmental Science class is a full-year course (2 semesters)
designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course
in environmental science. This course has been developed to be a rigorous
science course that stresses scientific principles and analysis. As a
laboratory class, approximately one class per week will be devoted to
hands-on laboratory experience or fieldwork.
The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students
with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to
understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and
analyze problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the risks
associated with these problems and to examine alternative solutions for
resolving and or preventing them. Environmental science incorporates
knowledge from many different fields of study. The unifying themes for
this course are:
 Science is a process. Science is a method of learning more about the
world and it constantly changes the way we understand the world.
 Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes. Energy cannot be
created so it has to come from somewhere and as energy flows through
systems, at each step more of it becomes unusable.
 The earth itself is one interconnected system. Natural systems change
over time and space and biogeochemical systems vary in ability to
recover from disturbances.
 Humans alter natural systems. Humans have had an impact on the
environmental for millions of years. Technology and population growth
have enabled humans to increase both the rate and scale of their impact
on the environment.
 Environmental problems have a cultural and social context.
Understanding the role of cultural, social, and economic factors is vital
to the development of solutions.
 Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve
sustainable systems.
AP Exam
Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP Exam on Monday, May 2,
2016. A score of 3, 4, or 5 may improve your grade for one semester.
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Syllabus: AP Environmental Science
Required Text
SY 2015-2016
Living in the Environment: Concepts, Connections, and Solutions by G.
Tyler Miller, Jr. and Scott E. Spoolman; 17th edition, Brooks/Cole (2012).
Supplemental materials and laboratory resources provided by Instructor.
Required Material
Students are expected to come to every class prepared with the following:
 A No. 2 pencil, a pen and a highlighter
 A scientific calculator that is able to enter numbers in scientific notation
 A folder
 Journal/Notebook: A college-ruled, bound composition book
The Journal/Notebook will be an integral part of this class. By taking
notes on text readings, class lectures and discussions, videos and other
resources, you will be creating what should be a very valuable study
guide to prepare for all exams, including the AP Exam. Notebooks will
be checked periodically for dated entries, content, and neatness.
Laboratory Activities ,
Projects, and Safety
Course Objectives
Laboratory experiments and group projects are designed to complement the
classroom discussions and lectures and make by approximately 20% of the
time spent in class each week. The purpose of lab activities is to:
1. think critically about environmental systems,
2. develop and conduct well-designed experiments,
3. utilize appropriate techniques and equipment,
4. analyze and interpret data including statistical and graphical
presentations,
5. apply concepts to finding solutions of environmental problems,
6. form conclusions and evaluation their quality and validity,
7. propose further questions for study, and
8. communicate accurately about observations and conclusions.
At the end of this class, students will be able to
 describe the role of science, the use of the scientific method, and the
concept of sustainability in the environmental field and be able to
describe local and global environmental challenges;
 recognize and describe the science, function, dynamics, and adaptations
of and major threats to local and global ecosystems;
 describe the environmental impacts of human population growth and will
identify some of the solutions to address population and consumption
challenges;
 describe the functions and implications of several key environmental
areas such as: the protection of habitats and conservation of biodiversity;
the hydrological cycle and water resources; agricultural practices in the
Imperial Valley; the health effects of water, air, and land pollution; and
renewable and nonrenewable energy resources;
 identify solutions to local and global environmental challenges and
describe how state and federal legislation, politics, economics, and
citizen involvement can shape these solutions.
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Syllabus: AP Environmental Science
General Expectations
SY 2015-2016
This is a college-level class, therefore students are expected to do collegelevel work.
Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Cheating and plagiarism are
generally defined as the act of passing off as one’s own the work, ideas or
writings of someone else. All material, writings, or ideas gathered from
other sources (including those found on the Internet) must be appropriately
cited. Students found cheating or plagiarizing can face a range of actions
including but not limited to: receiving no points on an assignment,
receiving a grade adjustment, receiving a grade of “F” for the class, and/or
disciplinary action.
In class, all cellular phones must be put away and ring tones turned OFF.
Be an active class participant. Participation and presentations are part of
your grade. Be actively listening and participating.
Late & Absent Policy
By enrolling in AP Environmental Science, you have a made a commitment
you should honor. It is important that you are in class every day as you will
be learning important and interesting material every day. If you are absent,
it is your responsibility to make sure you get the notes and assignments.
Be present on exam days. You will know the dates for exams well in
advance and should be in class. If you must miss an exam for a legitimate
reason, please be prepared to make it up during class on the day you return.
Assignments are due at the end of class. Assignments are considered late
if they are turned in after class on the due date. There will be a reduction
applied to work for each day that it is late. NO CREDIT will be awarded to
work turned in more than five days late.
Grading
Student grades will be based the following categories and percentages:
Presentations & Homework
Written Assignments
Laboratory Reports & Projects
Chapter Exams
Semester Finals
7.5%
7.5%
25%
50%
10%
Grading Scale
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = Below 60%
Reading and Homework Read and study every night. Although there will be content covered in
Assignments lecture, much of our class time together will be spent on class discussions,
activities and labs. Depending on how quickly you read and assimilate
information, you should plan on spending 30-45 minutes per night on this
class. We will sometimes cover one chapter per week in class, so even if I
don’t formally assign homework on a given night, the expectation is that
you are keeping up with the readings and assignments on a daily basis as
noted in the syllabus. Students are expected to read the assigned material
before coming to class and to be prepared to present and discuss these
readings in class.
Homework assignments will be given periodically throughout the year.
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Syllabus: AP Environmental Science
SY 2015-2016
Students are responsible for getting and submitting assignments on time.
Homework assignments can be turned in early to the instructor.
Written Assignments Students must demonstrate proficiency in the use of the English language in
all work submitted for this course. Grammatical errors, spelling errors, and
writing that do not express ideas clearly will affect your grade. Written
assignments including the Journal will be assigned periodically throughout
the year.
Laboratory Reports & During the semester, students will work on labs, lab reports, projects and
Projects presentations. Some of this work will be done individually and some work
will be done in small groups. Some class time will be dedicated for
students to do group work. Groups that require additional time to complete
the assignment must meet outside of class time. Group assignments will be
given a total group score and students within the groups will decide how to
divide up the points.
Chapter Exams & Generally, there will be 6 chapter tests and a final exam each semester. All
Semester Finals exams are designed like the AP Exam and include multiple choice
questions (worth 60% of the test) and free response essay questions (worth
40% of the test).
Extra Credit Limited extra credit points will be available only to students who complete
ALL class presentations, homework assignments, laboratory reports and
projects. Events and assignments that qualify for extra credit will be
announced and posted periodically during the year by the instructor.
Course Topics The class covers topics outlined by the College Board. The percentages
reflect how much class time will be dedicated to each topic as well as how
many questions from each topic will be on the AP Exam.
I. Earth Systems and Resources (10-15%)
A. Earth Science Concepts: Geologic time scale; plate tectonics,
earthquakes, volcanism; seasons; solar intensity and latitude
B. The Atmosphere: Composition; structure; weather and climate;
atmospheric circulation and the Coriolis Effect; atmosphere-ocean
interactions; ENSO
C. Global Water Resources and Use: Freshwater/saltwater; ocean
circulation; agricultural, industrial, and domestic use; surface and
groundwater issues; global problems; conservation
D. Soil and Soil Dynamics: Rock cycle; formation; composition; physical
and chemical properties; main soil types; erosion and other soil
problems; soil conservation
II. The Living World (10-15%)
A. Ecosystem Structure: Biological populations and communities;
ecological niches; interactions among species; keystone species; species
diversity and edge effects; major terrestrial and aquatic biomes
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Syllabus: AP Environmental Science
SY 2015-2016
B. Energy Flow: Photosynthesis and cellular respiration; food webs and
trophic levels; ecological pyramids
C. Ecosystem Diversity: Biodiversity; natural selection; evolution;
ecosystem services
D. Natural Ecosystem Change: Climate shifts; species movement;
ecological succession
E. Natural Biogeochemical Cycles: Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur,
water, conservation of matter
III. Population (10-15%)
A. Population Biology Concepts: Population ecology; carrying capacity;
reproductive strategies; survivorship
B. Human Population
1. Human population dynamics: Historical population sizes;
distribution; fertility rates; growth rates and doubling times;
demographic transition; age-structure diagrams
2. Population size: Strategies for sustainability; case studies; national
policies
3. Impacts of population growth: Hunger; disease; economic effects;
resource use; habitat destruction
IV. Land and Water Use (10-15%)
A. Agriculture
1. Feeding a growing population: Human nutritional requirements; types
of agriculture; Green Revolution; genetic engineering and crop
production; deforestation; irrigation; sustainable agriculture
2. Controlling pests: Types of pesticides; costs and benefits of pesticide
use; integrated pest management; relevant laws
B. Forestry: Tree plantations; old growth forests; forest fires; forest
management; national forests
C. Rangelands: Overgrazing; deforestation; desertification; rangeland
management; federal rangelands
D. Other Land Use
1. Urban land development: Planned development; suburban sprawl;
urbanization
2. Transportation infrastructure: Federal hwy system; canals & channels;
roadless areas; ecosystem impacts
3. Public and federal lands: Management; wilderness areas; national
parks; wildlife refuges; forests; wetlands
4. Land conservation options: Preservation; remediation; mitigation;
restoration
5. Sustainable land-use strategies
E. Mining: Mineral formation; extraction; global reserves; relevant laws
and treaties
F. Fishing: Fishing techniques; overfishing; aquaculture; relevant laws and
treaties
G. Global Economics: Globalization; World Bank; Tragedy of the
Commons; relevant laws and treaties
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Syllabus: AP Environmental Science
SY 2015-2016
V. Energy Resources and Consumption (10-15%)
A. Energy Concepts: Energy forms; power; units; conversions; Laws of
Thermodynamics
B. Energy Consumption
1. History: Industrial Revolution; exponential growth; energy crisis
2. Present global energy use
3. Future energy needs
C. Fossil Fuel Resources and Use: Formation of coal, oil, and natural gas;
extraction/purification methods; world reserves and global demand;
synthetic fuels; environmental advantages/disadvantages of sources
D. Nuclear Energy: Nuclear fission process; nuclear fuel; electricity
production; nuclear reactor types; environmental advantages and
disadvantages; safety issues; radiation and human health; radioactive
wastes; nuclear fusion
E. Hydroelectric Power: Dams; flood control; salmon; silting; other
impacts
F. Energy Conservation: Energy efficiency; CAFE standards; hybrid
electric vehicles; mass transit
G. Renewable Energy: Solar energy; solar electricity; hydrogen fuel cells;
biomass; wind energy; small-scale hydroelectric; ocean waves and tidal
energy; geothermal; environmental advantages and disadvantages
VI. Pollution (25-30%)
A. Pollution Types
1. Air pollution: Sources-primary and secondary; major air pollutants;
measurement units; smog; acid deposition-causes and effects; heat
islands and temperature inversions; indoor air pollution; remediation
and reduction strategies; Clean Air Act and other relevant laws
2. Noise pollution: Sources; effects; control measures
3. Water pollution: Types; sources, causes, and effects; cultural
eutrophication; groundwater pollution; maintaining water quality;
water purification; sewage treatment/septic systems; Clean Water Act
and other relevant laws
4. Solid waste: Types; disposal; reduction
B. Impacts on the Environment and Human Health
1. Hazards to human health: Environmental risk analysis; acute and
chronic effects; dose response relationships; air pollutants; smoking
and other risks)
2. Hazardous chemicals in the environment: Types of hazardous waste;
treatment/disposal of hazardous waste; cleanup of contaminated sites;
biomagnification; relevant laws
C. Economic Impacts: Cost-benefit analysis; externalities; marginal costs;
sustainability
VII. Global Change (10-15%)
A. Stratospheric Ozone: Formation of stratospheric ozone; ultraviolet
radiation; causes of ozone depletion; effects of ozone depletion;
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Syllabus: AP Environmental Science
SY 2015-2016
strategies for reducing ozone depletion; relevant laws and treaties
B. Global Warming: Greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect; impacts
and consequences of global warming; reducing climate change; relevant
laws and treaties
C. Loss of Biodiversity
1. Habitat loss; overuse; pollution; introduced species; endangered and
extinct species
2. Maintenance through conservation
3. Relevant laws and treaties
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Syllabus: AP Environmental Science
SY 2015-2016
Class Schedule: Dates and assignments may change at the discretion of the Instructor.
First Semester
Wk:
Topic:
Assignments:
1
Course Overview and Sustainability
2
Sustainability and Our Ecological
Footprint
3
Earth Systems and Resources
Summer Assignment due
Course Expectations and Syllabus
TEST on Scientific Concepts and Mathematical Skills
Ch1: Environmental Problems, Their Causes, and
Sustainability
LAB: Calculating our Ecological Footprint
QUIZ Ch1
4
Earth Systems and Resources and
Mining: Rock Cycle, Mineral Formation,
Mining Processes, Managing
Nonrenewable Resources
Ch14: Geology and Non-Renewable Mineral
LAB: Making Sense of Geological Time
LAB: Understanding Seasons and Latitude
TEST Ch1, Ch14
5
The Living World: Science, Conservation
of Matter and Energy, System Dynamics
Ch2: Science, Matter, Energy, and Systems
LAB: Revisiting Chemistry
6
The Living World: Ecosystem Structure
and Energy Flow
Ch3: Ecosystems, How They Work
7
The Living World: Ecosystem Structure
and Energy Flow
Ch3: Ecosystems, How They Work
Project: Earth’s Biomes
TEST Ch2, Ch3
8
The Living World
Ch4: Biodiversity and Evolution
9
The Living World
Ch4: Biodiversity and Evolution
Project: Endangered Species
10
The Living World
Ch5: Biodiversity, Special Interaction and Population Control
TEST Ch4, Ch5
11
Impact of Human Population
Ch6: Human Population and Its Impact
LAB: Human Population Growth
12
Impact of Human Population
Ch6: Human Population and Its Impact
LAB: Understanding Population Graphs
13
Managing Biodiversity
Ch9: Sustaining Biodiversity, A Species Approach
14
Managing Biodiversity
Ch9: Sustaining Biodiversity, A Species Approach
TEST Ch6, Ch9
15
The Living World
Ch7: Climate and Biodiversity
Thanksgiving Break
16
Managing Biodiversity
Ch10: Sustaining Terrestrial Biodiversity, An Ecosystem
Approach
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Syllabus: AP Environmental Science
SY 2015-2016
LAB: Managing Forest Resources
17
Managing Biodiversity
Ch10: Sustaining Terrestrial Biodiversity, An Ecosystem
Approach
TEST Ch7, Ch10
18
Review and Finals
Study for Final Exam
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Syllabus: AP Environmental Science
SY 2015-2016
Second Semester
Wk:
Topic:
Assignments:
1
Global Change and Managing
Biodiversity
Ch8: Aquatic Biodiversity
2
Water Resources and Pollution
Ch11: Sustaining Aquatic Biodiversity
3
Water Resources and Pollution
Ch13: Water Resources
TEST Ch8, Ch11, Ch13
4
Land and Water Use
Ch12: Food, Soil, and Pest Management
5
Water Resources and Pollution
Ch20: Water Pollution
LAB: Household Water Use
Wk:
Topic:
Assignments:
6
Water Resources and Pollution
Ch20: Water Pollution
TEST Ch12, Ch20
7
Energy Resources and Consumption
Ch15: Non-Renewable Energy
8
Energy Resources and Consumption
Ch16: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
TEST Ch15, Ch16
9
The Environment and Human Health
Ch17: Environmental Hazards and Human Health
Supplemental Materials on Environmental Health
10
Solid and Hazardous Waste
Ch21: Solid and Hazardous Waste
TEST Ch17, Ch21
11
The Atmosphere and Air Pollution
Ch18: Air Pollution
Supplemental Materials on the Atmosphere
12
Stratospheric Ozone and Global Climate
Change
Ch19: Climate Disruption and Ozone Depletion
TEST Ch18, Ch19
13
Economics, Politics and the Environment
Ch22: Sustainable Cities
Ch23: Economics, Environment, and Sustainability
Ch24: Politics, Environment, and Sustainability
14
Diagnostic Test
Develop Personal Study Plan
Spring Break
15
Review for AP Test
Mock AP Test
16
Group Work on Final Projects
17
May 5, 2014
AP Test for Environmental Science
Review and Final Project
18
Review and Final Project
TEST Ch22, Ch23, Ch24
Group Work on Final Projects
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Syllabus: AP Environmental Science
SY 2015-2016
Group Work on Final Projects
19
Review and Final Project
Group Work on Final Projects
20
Review and Finals
Study for Final Exam
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