Welcome to APES!
AP Environmental Science
Instructor: Mr. Kracht- Contact email: MKracht@dist113.org
Phone: 224-765-2264 Office- G213
Textbook and Materials
 Freidland and Relyea, Environmental Science for AP. textbook
 APES Lab Manual
 Notebook for notes
 Composition notebook for journal entries.
 Pen, Pencil, Colored Pencils and highlighters
Course Description
AP Environmental Science is the core survey course to prepare students for in-depth study in Environmental Sciences.
This course combines ideas and information from biology, chemistry and earth sciences, as well as the social science
fields of economics and political science. Topics of study include water, energy, air and chemical cycles and systems, soil
and biome processes, population and land development dynamics, human history and influences, community and
ecosystem processes, natural resource exploitation and impacts, environmental economics and policy, and future
choices.
Laboratory, field and internet-based research and investigations are emphasized to familiarize students with
contemporary research, investigative and problem-solving techniques. Students analyze environmental problems,
evaluate risks, collect data, prepare assessments, and investigate complex issues and solutions to prevent, resolve or
mitigate environmental problems. Extensive field investigations, field trips and problem- solving exercises will focus on indepth analysis of specific environmental topics and issues, such as river pollution causes, land use development
mitigation, alternative energy resources, and air quality impacts.
Course Objectives
This course prepares students for the Environmental Science Advanced Placement Examination, and provides a strong
foundation for future college level research and coursework. The primary course objective is student mastery of the
methods, systems, principles, and applications of environmental science, with special emphasis on inter-disciplinary
problem solving, technology applications, student creativity, independent thinking, and analysis and presentation of
research findings. Skills and knowledge gained in this course will prepare students for further coursework in
Environmental Science, as well as numerous related subjects.
Course Format
Classes are structured flexibly to accommodate different learning styles and teaching methods. Classes will be organized
as seminars to encourage group discussion, problem solving, web quests, and other activities. Laboratory exercises,
fieldwork, and team-based projects will also be emphasized. Students are expected to participate fully in all
activities/assignments. Class assignments will include daily homework assignments, team projects and research, reading
and written work. Scientists and environmental professionals are expected to present their work products in a timely, neat,
accurate and well-organized fashion, and you are expected to do the same in this course. We will use both formative
feedback and summative assessment in the class and not all of it will be graded, though students can anticipate both
verbal and written feedback from me. They can also anticipate self-reflection to be
a part of how we monitor growth.
Exams and Grading
Each quarter is worth 42% of your grade and the final exam is worth 16%. I will
follow the school-wide grading policy. Major unit tests will be given at the end of
each unit, and a cumulative final exam will be required at the end of the year. Lab
reports and exercises, quizzes, team or individual projects, and homework will also
be considered in determining your grade as follows:
Unit Tests
Assignments
Quizzes
Semester Final
40%
25%
15%
20%
Tests:
Tests will consist of approximately 25 multiple choice questions, 60% of total score, and one free response
question(FRQ), 40% of total score. All tests will be given a very specific time limit. This will simulate the basic structure
and value of the AP Test. Chapter reading assignments, class assignments, chapter quizzes and in class lecture will be
assessed on unit tests.
Regular Quizzes:
Homework will primarily be checked via regular quizzes that will be based on the prior homework assignment. Daily
quizzes will not be announced. These quizzes are based on either the homework or the material that was covered in the
prior class. There will be at least two quizzes a week. Students may only be excused from daily quizzes if they are
absent for more than one day from school. Missed quizzes will be made up immediately at the beginning of the
following class- no exceptions.
Current events:
APES students will be required to maintain a weekly journal in a composition notebook. This is an integral part of the
course in that it will keep you abreast of current happenings within the environmental community. This will be checked
monthly as part of your assignments grade. The notebook will be checked and graded on the first day of class every
month!
Chapter Reading & Vocabulary:
APES is a term intensive subject- meaning there is a lot of terminology that is specific to the course and you need to be
familiar with the vocabulary. You will be doing chapter vocab flash cards as well as weekly reading assignments. Make
sure you keep up with both as they are integral for success in APES!
Attendance and Participation
You are expected to attend and participate in all class sessions and assignments. You should complete assigned reading
and exercises before the date they are due, and you are expected to participate fully in labs, fieldwork, and other
exercises, whether they be individual or team-based. All late work is given ½ credit and can be turned in up to the day of
the unit test. Assignment due during an absence should be submitted the day you return.
What is expected of you?
This course is equivalent to a college level course, and you are expected to act as an adult at all times, whether in class,
in the lab, or on a field trip. Disruption of class activities in any way will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary
referrals as necessary. Cell phones must be kept turned off during class or they will be confiscated.
What do I need to bring to class everyday?
You need a pen or pencil, your science binder/notes, your composition notebook, your text book (only when I tell you
ahead of time), your lab manual, your school calendar, and any homework that is due.
Unauthorized Collaboration, Cheating and Plagiarism
Your instructor has ZERO tolerance for cheating, copying, or unapproved collaboration of any kind. It is assumed that you
will strictly abide by the Academic Honor Code. In particular make sure that you cite all references, including internet sites,
in all submitted work.
Where can we reach you?
My office is in room G213 during office hours posted on my class schedule. I am also available earlier in the day by
appointment. Due to childcare responsibilities, I will not be available before or after school. You and your parents may email me if you are home sick or have concerns. I will return the contact within 24 hours. My e-mail is:
MKracht@dist113.org . Please put your name or class in the subject line. You may also contact me by phone. My school
phone number is 224-764-2280. I only listen to my voice mail once a day therefore e-mail is your best option.
If you have special concerns…
If you are in any special programs, including Special Education and Academic Assistance, adjustments can be
made to help you succeed. Communicate your needs with me. If special circumstances arise, including
extended illness, an illness or a death in the family, or any other circumstances that may affect you, please
see me so arrangements can be made to help you succeed.
Tips for Success in APES
1. Come to class: get sleep, be ready for class and ready to work hard!
2. Stay out in front: don’t get behind; it is always harder to try and catch up.
3. Know your book: if you get in a time crunch and can not read your chapter before class, then skim it and
look at all the pictures/diagrams..
4. Make time to memorize: APES is like learning a new language and there are many terms. You will not be
able to apply those terms if you don’t know them! Use flashcards, form review groups etc…however, do
not equate memorization with comprehension. You need to work with and apply the terms that you
memorize in order to really understand them.
5. Be prepared: realize that luck is not a factor to your success; this course is about making good choices! If
you have a quiz or a test, PREPARE FOR IT! Everybody is different; you need to do what works for YOU,
not your friend. Start early preparing for exams, not the night before!
6. Check out my website: I have multiple supportive resources available on my web site to support your
success in this class, please utilize it.
7. See me: If you do not understand something in class, don’t ignore it, it will not go away. Please make an
effort to communicate your needs with me! You are important; I WANT YOU TO DO YOUR VERY
BEST!!!!!!
APES Topic Outline
Earth Systems and Resources (10–15%) [C1]

Earth Science Concepts
(Geologic time scale; plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanism; seasons; solar intensity and latitude)

The Atmosphere
(Composition; structure; weather and climate; atmospheric circulation and the Coriolis Effect; atmosphere–ocean interactions; ENSO)

Global Water Resources and Use
(Freshwater/saltwater; ocean circulation; agricultural, industrial, and domestic use; surface and groundwater issues; global problems; conservation)

Soil and Soil Dynamics
(Rock cycle; formation; composition; physical and chemical properties; main soil types; erosion and other soil problems; soil conservation)
The Living World (10–15%) [C2]

Ecosystem Structure
(Biological populations and communities; ecological niches; inter- interactions among species; keystone species; species diversity and actions edge effects;
major terrestrial and aquatic biomes)

Energy Flow
(Photosynthesis and cellular respiration; food webs and trophic levels; ecological pyramids)

Ecosystem Diversity
(Biodiversity; natural selection; evolution; ecosystem services)

Natural Ecosystem Change
(Climate shifts; species movement; ecological succession)

Natural Biogeochemical Cycles
(Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, water, conservation of matter)
Population (10–15%) [C3]

Population Biology Concepts
(Population ecology; carrying capacity; reproductive strategies; survivorship)

Human Population
Human population dynamics
(Historical population sizes; distribution; fertility rates; growth rates and doubling times; demographic transition; age-structure diagrams)

Population size
(Strategies for sustainability; case studies; national policies)

Impacts of population growth
(Hunger; disease; economic effects; resource use; habitat destruction)
Land and Water Use (10–15%) [C4]

Agriculture

Feeding a growing population
(Human nutritional requirements; types of agriculture; Green Revolution; genetic engineering and crop production; deforestation; irrigation; sustainable
agriculture)

Controlling pests
(Types of pesticides; costs and benefits of pesticide use; integrated pest management; relevant laws)

Forestry
(Tree plantations; old growth forests; forest fires; forest management; national forests)

Rangelands
(Overgrazing; deforestation; desertification; rangeland management; federal rangelands)

Other Land Use

Urban land development
(Planned development; suburban sprawl; urbanization)
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Transportation infrastructure
(Federal highway system; canals and channels; roadless areas; ecosystem impacts)
Public and federal lands
(Management; wilderness areas; national parks; wildlife refuges; forests; wetlands)
Land conservation options
(Preservation; remediation; mitigation; restoration)
Sustainable land-use strategies
Mining
(Mineral formation; extraction; global reserves; relevant laws and treaties)
Fishing
(Fishing techniques; overfishing; aquaculture; relevant laws and treaties)
Global Economics
(Globalization; World Bank; Tragedy of the Commons; relevant laws and treaties)
Energy Resources and Consumption (10–15%) [C5]

Energy Concepts
(Energy forms; power; units; conversions; Laws of Thermodynamics)

Energy Consumption

History
(Industrial Revolution; exponential growth; energy crisis)

Present global energy use

Future energy needs

Fossil Fuel Resources and Use
(Formation of coal, oil, and natural gas; extraction/purification methods; world reserves and global demand; synfuels; environmental
advantages/disadvantages of sources)

Nuclear Energy
(Nuclear fission process; nuclear fuel; electricity production; nuclear reactor types; environmental advantages/disadvantages; safety issues; radiation and
human health; radioactive wastes; nuclear fusion)

Hydroelectric Power
(Dams; flood control; salmon; silting; other impacts)

Energy Conservation
(Energy efficiency; CAFE standards; hybrid electric vehicles; mass transit)

Renewable Energy
(Solar energy; solar electricity; hydrogen fuel cells; biomass; wind energy; small-scale hydroelectric; ocean waves and tidal energy; geothermal;
environmental advantages/disadvantages)
Pollution (25–30%) [C6]

Pollution Types

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)

Noise pollution
(Sources; effects; control measures)

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)

Solid waste
(Types; disposal; reduction)

Impacts on the Environment and Human Health

Hazards to human health
(Environmental risk analysis; acute and chronic effects; dose-response relationships; air pollutants; smoking and other risks)

Hazardous chemicals in the environment
(Types of hazardous waste; treatment/disposal of hazardous waste; cleanup of contaminated sites; biomagnification; relevant laws)

Economic Impacts
(Cost-benefit analysis; externalities; marginal costs; sustain- sustainability)
Global Change (10–15%) [C7]

Stratospheric Ozone
(Formation of stratospheric ozone; ultraviolet radiation; causes of ozone depletion; effects of ozone depletion; strategies for reducing ozone depletion;
relevant laws and treaties)

Global Warming
(Greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect; impacts and consequences of global warming; reducing climate change; relevant laws and treaties)

Loss of Biodiversity
o
Habitat loss; overuse; pollution; introduced species; endangered and extinct species
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Maintenance through conservation
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Relevant laws and treaties
Course/Unit targets will be posted on the Class Portal Site.