Greenwich High School
Advanced Placement Environmental Science
Syllabus: 2008-2009
(affectionately known as APES!!)
Text: Miller: Living in the Environment
Website: GHS website  Directory  Moccio
Homework and Announcements: check the website every night for homework and announcements.
OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE:
The AP Environmental Science course is the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in
environmental science that includes laboratory and field study components. The course is designed to
provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the
interrelationships of the natural word, to identify and analyze environmental 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.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
 Class attendance is critical for success in this course.
 Independently reading the assigned text material.
 Complete all assignments and activities.
 Take all quizzes, tests and exams in a timely fashion.
 Conduct laboratory work according to safety rules.
 Constructive thinking in observation and analysis of lab exercises
 Work in teams/groups in collaborative settings
 Complete a midterm and a comprehensive 4th quarter exit exam (final exam).
CLASS MATERIALS NEEDED:
 3” 3-ring binder.
 Pens, pencils, paper for binder.
 Scientific calculator available for every class.
 Textbook not needed in class, you may leave it at home for the duration of the class.
 Access to MS Word, MS Excel and IE on a regular basis.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of lab safety rules and procedures.
Apply the steps of the scientific methods to lab and field investigations.
Outline the flow of energy and the cycling of matter within the biosphere.
Construct a food web showing the interrelationships among organisms in an ecological
community.
5. Explain the factors that lead to the endangering of species and loss of biodiversity.
6. Describe and analyze population growth, including the dynamics of human populations.
7. Identify renewable and nonrenewable resources including distribution, ownership, use and
degradation.
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Greenwich High School
8. Discuss the state of the atmosphere in terms of weather, climate, air pollution, ozone and
greenhouse gases.
9. Analyze the environmental quality of soil, air and water.
10. Explain how usable energy is generated from fossil fuels and alternative sources and the
tradeoffs associated with their use.
11. Outline the processes involved in waste and sewage treatment.
12. Identify the problems associated with the disposal of solid and toxic wastes.
13. Identify global changes and their consequences.
14. Describe the problems associated with agriculture and food production in today’s world.
15. Explain environmental problems in relationship to scientific, social, cultural and economic
factors.
16. Relate course topics to local problems faced by Connecticut residents.
17. Demonstrate an awareness of careers related to environmental science.
18. Discuss the effects of environmental quality on human health.
Grading Rationale
Each quarter, grades will be calculated according to the following guidelines:
1. Tests will be averaged and this will comprise 60 % of the quarter grade.
2. Participation in Class Activities: will comprise 40% of the quarter grade. Categories of
grades that will be included here are:
a. labs
b. projects
c. current events reports
d. quizzes
e. collaboration in group activities
f. attendance (including tardiness): excessive absences and tardiness will affect your
final grade each quarter.
3. Exams: Midterm and Final exams are each 10% of the final grade for the year.
4. Due Dates: When class work is assigned with a due date, it will be date stamped when it is
handed in. If you are absent (assuming it is excused), the work that is due is acceptable the next
day without penalty. If it is one day late, the score is 75% of score, 2 days late 50% of score.
Beyond that, no credit is given.
5. Test makeup due to absence: If you are absent for any test or quiz, it is YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY to make up the test according to GHS policy (within 2 days for each day absent).
You must make an appointment with me upon your return. Communication with me is YOUR
responsibility.
6. WEBSITE: Every day, the website is updated to keep the class current. If you are absent it is
a resource for you to be able to stay on top of what we are doing and to not fall behind.
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Greenwich High School
APES Outline 2008-2009
UNIT 1: Introductory Concepts: 3 weeks
 Ch. 1: Environmental Problems
 Ch. 2: Environmental History
 Ch. 3: Science, Systems and Energy
 Ch. 4: Energy Flow and Matter Cycling
UNIT 2: The Biosphere: 8 weeks
 Ch. 5: Evolution
 Ch. 6: Terrestrial Biodiversity
 Ch. 7: Aquatic Biodiversity
 Ch. 8: Community Ecology
 Ch. 9: Population dynamics
 Ch. 12: Human Population Demographics
UNIT 3: Sustaining Wildlife: 5 weeks
 Ch. 22: Sustaining Terrestrial Biodiversity
 Ch. 23: Ecosystem Approach
 Ch. 24: Sustaining Aquatic Biodiversity
UNIT 4: The Lithosphere: Mineral and Energy Resources: 6 weeks
 Ch. 10: Soil
 Ch. 13: Food
 Ch. 15: Nonrenewable Energy
 Ch. 16: Efficiency and Renewable Energy
UNIT 5: The Hydrosphere and Atmosphere: 7 weeks
 Ch. 14: Water Resources
 Ch. 19: Water Pollution
 Ch. 17: Air Pollution
 Ch. 18: Climate Change and Ozone Loss
UNIT 6: Environment and Human Health: 3 weeks
 Ch. 11: Risk and Toxicology
 Ch. 20: Pesticides
 Ch. 21: Waste
UNIT 7: Sustainability: 2 weeks
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