AP Environmental Science
FORSYTH COUNTY COURSE SYLLABUS
2015 – 2016
COURSE TITLE:
TEACHER NAME:
ROOM:
AP Environmental Science
Amanda Ostrosky
416
E-MAIL:
aostrosky@forsyth.k12.ga.us
PHONE:
EXT:
770-781-2264
100416
Course Description: This course conforms to College Board topics for the Advanced Placement
Environmental Science Examination. The major themes for this course as indicated by the AP
Environmental Science course guide include Earth systems and resources, the living world, populations,
land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and global change. Students are
expected to take the AP exam in May. This course requires a rigorous college level lab component and
utilizes a college text.
Course Materials: One 1½” or 2” three ring binder, lab notebook (to be purchased at a later date
using My Payments Plus for approximately $10), safety goggles (OPTIONAL PURCHASE – to be purchased
at a later date using My Payments Plus), loose leaf notebook paper, graphing paper, pens (blue or black),
pencils, colored pencils, pack of index cards, and dividers for notebook (recommended sections: Reading
Outlines, Lecture Notes, Activities and Labs, and Graded Assignments).
*Strongly recommended: 2 GB flash drive and Microsoft PowerPoint.
Learning Resources/Textbook(s): With the emergence of technology as a tool for learning, South
Forsyth High School will be utilizing various resources to assist with instruction, including ItsLearning,
online textbooks, and interactive websites.
Textbook: Living in the Environment, 18th Ed. 2007. By Miller. Thomas Learning.
This is an online textbook. Instructions on how to utilize this text will be given during the
first few days of class.
Summer Reading Assignment:
Check the SFHS website. Complete the APES Summer Math Assignment.
AP Examination Review:
Barron's AP Environmental Science - newest edition
Kaplan's AP Environmental Science - newest edition
5 Steps to a 5 AP Environmental Science – newest edition
Course Outline: The order and dates that topics are covered may change in order to enhance the
efficiency and effectiveness of the course. Activities are subject to change as well.
Topic/Activities
Duration
Fall Semester
I. Intro to APES
a. Tragedy of Commons Lab
b. Ecological Footprint
c. Lorax vs. Truax
d. Parts Per Million Lab
II. Cyling of Matter/Nutrients & Earth Systems
a. Scientific Method Lab – Soil Salinization
b. Biogeochemical Cycles Project
c. Ecosystems
III. Climate,
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Biomes, & Aquatic Ecosystems
Climatograms
Biome Characteristics
Aquatic Biome Characteristics and Zonation
Flora & Fauna
Climate
IV. Ecology & Biodiversity
a. Case Studies
b. HIPPO
c. Invasive Species Wanted Poster Project
d. Ecosystem Interactions
e. Biodiversity Conservation
V.
Evolution & Populations
a. Natural Selection & Beetle Morphology Lab
b. Wolf, Moose, & Fir Tree Case Study
c. Human Population Growth
d. Population Dynamics
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
4 weeks
4 weeks
Spring Semester
VI. Risk & Toxicology
a. LD50 Lab
b. Case Study on Mercury Levels
c. Infectious Disease
3 weeks
VII.
Water & Water Pollution
a. Dam Project
b. Water Conservation
c. Water Treatment
d. Water Laws & Acts
3 weeks
VIII.
Land, Agriculture, & Mining
a. Soil Analysis Lab
b. Soil Conservation
c. Sustainable Agriculture
d. GMOs
e. Mining Practices
f. Mining Pollution
g. Mining Laws & Acts
3 weeks
Topic/Activities
Duration
X. Waste & Energy
a. Solid & Hazardous Waste
b. Waste Laws & Acts
c. Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Energy
d. Energy Conversions & Calculations
3 weeks
XI. AP Exam Review
2 weeks
IX. Air, Air Pollution, & Climate Change
a. Layers of the Atmosphere
b. Acid Rain Lab
c. Air Laws & Acts
d. Climate Change
e. Ozone Depletion
3 weeks
Availability for Extra Help: I am available during IF/Advisement in addition to Monday and Friday
mornings from 7:45 - 8:15 and Wednesday afternoon from 3:40 – 4:15. I am available other times by
appointment. Please let me know ahead of time that you are coming in so that I can devote my full
attention to your needs.
Makeup Work: When students are absent from school, they are responsible for all missed work and
assessments. A student who is absent on the class day immediately before a regularly scheduled
assessment/assignment will be responsible for completing the assessment/assignment on the regularly
scheduled day and time. Students who have been absent more than two consecutive days (including the
assessment day) will be given five (5) school days to make up the assessment and/or other assignments.
This does not include major projects, research papers, tests, etc. where the deadline/date has been
posted in advance. The teacher has the discretion to grant a longer period of time to make up work if
there are extenuating circumstances. Long-term projects must be turned in on the previously scheduled
date. If a student is absent on that day, they must turn in the project the day they return to possibly
receive full credit.
Late daily assignments can be turned in. Assignments turned in late will earn a
maximum grade of a 70%. All late work must be turned in by the unit test. Once that unit
test is over, no daily (formative) assignments will be accepted.
A daily synopsis of class and any handouts given out in class will be posted on ItsLearning. We
will also utilize ItsLearning as a communication resource. Below are the following websites where these
resources can be found:
http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/schools/staff.asp?stID=2279
https://www.itslearning.com
Exam Exemptions: Any student desiring to exempt their final exam must have a 90 overall average in
their semester, or yearlong course to exempt the final exam in that course. End-of-Course-Tests cannot
be exempt.
Work Habits are behaviors that have the potential to increase academic achievement, promote lifelong
learning, and foster personal accountability
Middle and High School Work Habit Categories and Scoring
1: Does not meet 2: Meets 3: Exceeds
Responsibility (RE)
The student adapts to classroom practices.
1. Requires frequent redirection; strays off-task; disrupts learning environment; fails to follow class
procedures.
2. Is a self-starter; remains on-task; asks questions for clarifications when needed;
applies strategies for meeting learning goals; follows class procedures.
3. Displays independent initiative; maximizes opportunities; solves problems.
Participation (PA)
The student pursues learning through active involvement.
1. Disengages from the learning environment; responds only to teacher prompts.
2. Engages in activities and discussions.
3. Leads others to participate; explores new class ideas and approaches.
Work Habit Categories and Scoring 1: non-compliant; 2: successful; 3: initiating
Assignment Completion (AC)
The student completes work by the designated time/date and according to directions.
1. Fails to complete assignments or submit work; struggles to follow directions.
2. Produces completed work on a consistent basis by the designated time/date; follows
directions.
3. Demonstrates new applications and examples of standard; exceeds assignment expectations;
extends personal learning.
(2 is the standard.)
Interpersonal Skills (IS)
The student interacts with others to create a positive learning environment.
1. Lacks flexibility when working with peers; isolates self.
2. Works well with peers; listens and speaks respectfully; questions ideas rather than
the person.
3. Adjusts to a variety of classroom roles; mediates; influences others to learn.
Grading Calculations:
Course Average = 50% (1ST Semester Course Work) + 50% (2ND Semester Course Work)
1ST & 2ND Semester Course Work = 75% Summative + 25% Formative
Concept of formative assessment: http://pareonline.net/getvn.asp?v=8&n=9
Grading Policy:
A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89
C = 70 – 79
Failing = Below 70
*Formative grades are assignments such as homework, class work, quizzes, drafts or portions of essays, projects, research
papers, and presentations. They provide practice while learning. These assignments, observations, and conversations are used to
inform both the teacher and student about the learning process and lead to potential success on summative assessments.
*Summative grades are assignments/assessments such as unit tests, projects, essays, research papers, and presentations which
may integrate multiple standards. These grades reflect student mastery of standards after the learning activity is completed.
Parents are strongly encouraged to use the “Parent Portal” system to monitor student
progress!
Test Format: Tests will examine your ability to recall information and apply the knowledge. Tests will
have two sections: multiple choice (~60%) and an FRQ (~40%). If you miss a test due to an excused
absence, you must see me on the day you return. See example questions below.
Multiple Choice:
According to the World Bank what is the predicted stabilization number for the worldwide population?
A. 11 billion
B. 9 billion
C. 8 billion
D. 15 billion
FRQ: Answer parts of the questions
The 1990 United States census revealed that for the first time, a majority of Americans live in suburbs of major cities or in suburban-like
communities.
A. List three factors why this trend may not be sustainable from a resource point of view.
B. Explain why each of the three reasons you have listed is not sustainable and the possible consequences of each.
C. What national public policy decisions made the United States into a suburban country as opposed to Europe that is largely urbanized?
D. Many environmentalists think the 21st century as the “Century of the City.” State whether or not you agree or disagree with this statement
and include three reasons as support.
AP Environmental Science Syllabus Acknowledgment:
I have read and understand the requirements and policies presented in the syllabus.
Student Name (PLEASE PRINT) ______________________________________________
Student Signature _________________________________
Date ________________
Parent Signature __________________________________
Date ________________