ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(APES)
Course Syllabus 2015-2016
Mrs. Dawn R. Curtsinger
Washington County High School
Introduction:
AP Environmental Science (APES) is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory
college course in environmental science. Unlike most other college science courses, environmental
science is offered from a wide variety of departments including geology, biology, chemistry, physics,
geography and environmental studies. This AP course has been developed to provide you with an
integrated approach to the numerous disciplines involved in environmental sciences, and to incorporate
many lab and field components, as well as social and political themes. “This is not a class for tree
huggers, it is a course for SERIOUS tree huggers!”(Dr. Charles Lytle, NC State University).
About your Instructor:
Dawn R. Curtsinger B.A. in Geology; concentration in Earth/Space, minor in broadcast news, currently
pursuing M.A. in Science Education
School phone- 859-336-5475 EXT. 226
Cell Phone: 859-805-0912 (Only to be used in emergency or if you have a question on homework or an
assignment)
Dawn.curtsinger@washington.kyschools.us
Teacher website: You will be able to access my webpage with important documents and missing work
on the district webpage. We will discuss how to access this page.
If you need extra tutoring/review time with me please make arrangements. I will be available MondayThursday from 3 to 4 pm unless otherwise noted. Morning review time may also be arranged staring at
7:30 am.
NOTE: All make up testing and re-testing will be exclusively on Monday and Tuesday, unless there is an
extenuating circumstance.
This is my 2nd year teaching APES, so please bear with me as we learn and grow together. I will do my
best to help you succeed in this class but you must give it your all and be willing to work and study hard.
Course Description:
The APES course is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and
methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and
analyze the environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks
associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and preventing them.
There are several unifying constructs of themes that provide the foundations for the structure of the
APES course:
1.
Science is a process
2.
Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes
3.
The Earth itself is one interconnected system
4.
Humans alter natural systems
5.
Environmental problems have a cultural and social context
6.
Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems
The Exams:
The AP Exam is 100 Multiple Choice questions in 90 minutes and four essays in 90 minutes. The essays
include one document-based question (DBQ), one data set (quantitative) question, and two more
general synthesis and evaluation questions. Test date: Monday, May 2nd, 2016 @8am. 
Course Prerequisites:
Students should have completed the following courses or are completing these courses before or as
they are taking this class: Algebra, Geometry, Biology Honors, and Chemistry Honors. It is
recommended that AP students in general score 1200 SAT/PSAT, and strong writing and analytical skills
are necessary for this course. It is highly recommended that you have taken or are taking these classes
before taking this one. Most important for success in this course is a willingness to work hard!
Class Format:
This course will meet for every day, five days a week for the entire year and will count as one AP credit.
On MWF we will have lecture/activity assignments. Classes are 70 minutes long during MWF. On TTH
classes are 90 minutes long. This will be the lab section of the class. The class will be delivered in several
ways including but not limited to: lecture, powerpoints, handouts, projects, labs, demos, etc. Many of
the documents used in class will be available to you on our online group. Be prepared to take notes and
be an active participate in class discussions and all activities.
All of your scheduled tests in class will be simulations of the final AP exam, with multiple choice and
essay portions. Other assignments will include essay sets, laboratory pre-labs and write ups, group work
computer simulations and possible webquests, quantitative analysis and data sets, research and oral
presentations by individuals and teams. The lab group or team will be an integral part of field and lab
work, and cooperation and participation is essential. You are expected to do all assignments and no
late work will be accepted unless there is an excused absence and must be completed within a
reasonable time. According to school policy you are allowed to turn late work in however many days you
were out plus one. We will adhere to this rule, only if it was an excused absence. You will be required to
keep an organized binder, which should include a tab for notes, handouts/worksheets, homework,
labwork/reports, essays and tests/quizzes. Remember this is a COLLEGE level course with very high
expectations.
You will have an option to RE-TAKE your objective portion of any test! This means every student has the
opportunity to re-test on the multiple choice section on the Monday or Tuesday following a test but not
the free response section. This will be done before or after school; NOT DURING! Essays will not be rescored. I will only count the re-test if you decide to take it, NOT the higher of the two grades! If you
are absent, please plan to take your make up test on the Monday or Tuesday after the test. No
exceptions will be made for this policy. Occasionally you may have a take-home exam to complete if our
time becomes exhausted during the unit. These will be open-note, open-book exams.
You will not have homework every night, but you will find the required reading and overall work load
while difficult, is manageable. Again, no late assignments will be accepted without excused absences.
It is important to stay motivated all year, especially towards the exam date when many people have
lots of AP exams to prepare for. While my level of expectations for each of you is high, I do realize most
of you are young and new to AP classes. I will do everything I can to help you succeed but my efforts
can only go so far…. You must meet me in the middle. Once you are in college remember that you will
be responsible for most of your own learning. Expect to do quite a bit of reading on your own outside of
class. We are on a time crunch from the start and while I will try to cover everything in detail there may
be things that we briefly cover in class that will require you to do deeper reading on your own at home.
With that being said I do plan on celebrating important scientific dates (such as “mole day”). Try to
enjoy the learning process and each other!
Textbooks, Lab books & Prep books
Matthews, Carol, and N. Kathryn Weatherhead. Advanced Environmental Science.
Teaching Point: USA. 2014. (We will be using several labs from this book.)
Miller, G. Tyler. Living in the Environment AP Edition. Cengage Learning. Stamford, CT. 2015, 18th
Edition. (We will use this book extensively. Also these textbooks will be farily new, therefore they need
to be cared for and maintained.)
Also I would like you to have Barron’s AP Environmental Science Test Preparation book. We will be using
those throughout the year. They run around $20.00 directly from Barron’s website.
Grading:
I adhere to the school-wide grading AP scale, and do not curve grades. You will have tests over many
chapters at a time (refer to the pacing guide), formal and informal lab reports, problem solving and data
analysis, multiple choice question sets, essays, computer simulations, independent research projects
and Internet based assignments. On some occasions homework will be graded on participation, however
don’t expect that to be the norm. Expect to get graded on correctness. You are expected to keep all
papers when returned. As previously mentioned, you will maintain an organized binder. Your grade will
be determined by cumulative point totals converted to a percent grade each marking period.
While you are expected to do your own work, there may be exceptions for group lab reports, and you
will be clearly notified when that occurs. If you are given the task of completing a group activity, you
may turn in one for the group however you may not each receive the same grade. I will observe the
exercises so I will know if someone is not pulling their weight. I will also ask group members to assign
what grade they think each member should receive. I will take these into consideration before I assign a
final grade.
Academic Fraud:
Students are expected to write their own lab reports (unless otherwise noted), research and other
writing assignments. Absolutely no plagiarism of any kind will be tolerated. While I understand that
students will have similar lab data when in the same groups, it is expected that your data analysis,
conclusions and research will be written in your own words. Expect me to be vigilant in checking your
references and online sources!
Field Trips:
This course will require you to work in lab as well as outdoors in areas around the school. I will notify
you before, so please dress appropriately. Additionally, I plan on us taking several class trips to various
places. Possible field trips include trips to the local water company, sewage Company, recycling center,
local nature preserves/farms, Soil Day at the University of Kentucky and Hidden River Cave, etc. If you
have a special interest in exploring a location or place please let me know and we can discuss the
possibilities.
Stewardship:
As a member of the APES class you are expected to take an interest in local environmental stewardship
activities, some of which will occur as part of your class assignments and others that may be extra credit.
Recycling efforts at our school will be a priority. I look forward to challenging you to become not just a
student in my class, but a student who makes a difference in your community and globally!
Book Report:
After the AP exam we will have a few weeks of school left. During that time you will present to the class
a book report/project on an environmental book that you have read. You must pick a book from my
approved list of books, which I will have posted on my webpage. We have worked with the library to
ensure many of these titles are available to you. We will pick out a book at the beginning of the year.
This means you have all year to read and prepare for this presentation. You will receive a rubric closer to
the due date. I encourage you to be creative and inspiring with your report. Don’t let it creep up on you!
Extra Credit:
There may be opportunities for extra credit throughout the year. This may include additional essays,
book reports or projects. I will let you know when the opportunity arises.
APES Course Outline 2015-2014
(We will follow this as best as we can, but I do know events come up and life happens. However, don’t
expect many adjustments to this pacing guide.)
Unit 1: Introduction to Scientific Analysis and Environmental Science
Topics:
•
Scientific Analysis
•
Observing, hypothesizing
•
Data collection, basic statistics
•
Critical interpretation of data
•
Economic forces, cost-benefit analysis, ownership
•
Environmental ethics, cultural and aesthetic considerations
•
Environmental laws, regulations
•
Overview of environmental history
•
Worldviews

APES Math Review
Chapters 1, 2, 25, some from 24 Chapter Review Questions
Labs and Activities:
Basic Statistics and Quantitative Review –MHC lab (variables)
Scientific Methods with graphing and T tests
Broken Squares
Termite Study-Experimental Design and research
Old Field/ New Field-Experimental Design
Environmental Science Journaling
Spotted Owl Controversy/ Class Debate and position paper
Ecosystem in a Jar- 30 day Experimental Design-Maybe
No school -Labor Day
Test 1: September 4, 2015
Date: September 7 2015
Unit 2: Interdependence of Earth’s Systems
Topics:
•
Flow of energy: forms, units, sources, biomass, energy transfer
•
Cycling of matter: water, carbon, major and minor nutrients
•
Evolution and Biodiversity-origins, niches
•
The Biosphere: populations, communities, ecosystems, succession, extinction
•
Biogeography, biomes and diversity
•
Community Ecology, structure and interactions
•
Habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, introduced exotics
Chapters: 3, 4, 5 Chapter Review Questions
Labs and Activities:
Flow of Energy and calculations
Shannon Weiner Index of Biodiversity
Species Diversity lab modules
Geodesy and Phenology
Weather simulation of Southeastern US
Ecosystem comparisons in lab and field
Nitrogen Cycling Game
Biogeochemical Cycling Activity
Predator-prey simulation; Experimental design and Chi Square
Exotic Species “Wanted” Poster project
UK Soil Day September TBD
October 2nd 2015- PD day no school
FALL Break Oct. 5th- 9th 2015- NO school (Review packet will be sent home over break)
Test 2: October 1st 2015
Unit 3: The Water Environment
Topics:
•
Water: fresh, marine, fisheries, industrial, agricultural, domestic
•
Aquatic biodiversity
•
Water resources
•
Aquatic Ecology
•
Sustaining Aquatic biodiversity
•
Oceans, surface temperatures, sea level, currents
•
Water pollution
Chapters: 8, 11, 13, 20 Chapter Review Questions
Labs and Activities:
Water Quality Testing Labs
Dissolved Oxygen and Primary Productivity
DO Freshwater vs. Saltwater
Field Testing of Water
Wastewater Treatment Lab
Springfield Water Treatment Plant Tour
Macroinvertebrate testing of waterway health- Creek near school
Nov. 3rd Election Day – NO school
Test 3: November 13th 2015
Unit 4: The Solid Earth Environment
Topics:
•
Earth history and geologic time scale
•
Earth dynamics, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanism
•
Rock cycle, soil formation
•
Minerals: soils, erosion, conservation, land use management
•
Geologic Resources-renewable and non-renewable
•
Solid and hazardous wastes
•
Solid Waste management
Chapters: 10, 14, 21 Chapter Review Questions
Labs and activities:
Dynamics of Plate Tectonics
Sand and “Squand”
The rock cycle and soil formation-Physical and Chemical Weathering
Layers of the Earth Lab- Density Column
Porosity and Permeability and other modules
Soil Analysis and Soil Formation Lab
Contour mapping and GPS training
Topographic profiling
Solid Waste Field Trip –Etown Landfill? possibly
Trash, Inc. Video
Nov. 25th-27th Thanksgiving Break No School
Nov. 30th – Teacher Work day No School
Test 4: December 4th, 2015
Dec. 18th End of Fall Semester
Unit 5: Renewable an Nonrenewable Energy and Resources
Topics:
•
Distribution, ownership, use, degradation
•
Laws of Thermodynamics revisited
•
Biological: genetic diversity, food, forestry, agricultural products
•
Energy: conventional sources, alternative sources
•
Energy efficiency and renewable energy
•
Hazards
Chapters: 15, 16 Chapter Review Questions
Labs and Activities:
Energy Consumption (2 labs)
Owl pellets and energy-review energy flow in ecosystems
Virtual Powerplant tours of coal-fired and nuclear facilities
Energy Resources research project
Effects of Radiation: Gaussmeter sampling
Effects of Radiation on Brassica
Take Home assignment: Energy Audit in Home
Test 5: Jan 15th, 2016
Winter Break Dec. 19th- Jan 3 2016
Unit 6: Populations Dynamics
Topics:
•
Populations and communities: exponential growth, carrying capacity
•
Biodiversity revisited
•
Population dynamics
•
Human Populations: history, distribution, demographics
•
Patterns of resource utilization
•
Cultural and economic influences
•
The question of food resources
Chapters:5,6, 8, 9, 10 Chapter Review Questions
Labs and Activities:
Tag and Recapture field activity-Experimental Design
Environmental Influences on Population Distribution of Artemia
Population Growth of Lemna (30 days)
Human Population Demographics
Carrying Capacity
“Oh Deer”
“Graveyard Smash”- Human Survivorship
No School- Martin Luther King Birthday
Take Home activities TBA
Test 6: February 12th, 2016
Date: January 18th, 2016
Unit 7: The Atmosphere
Topics:
•
Formation of the atmosphere
•
Air circulation patterns
•
Atmospheric conditions and biomes
•
Atmospheric gases, photosynthesis
•
Air pollution
•
Climate Change and ozone depletion
Chapters: 7, 18, 19 Chapter Review Questions
Labs and activities:
Air Pollution & Vehicle Exhaust lab stations (3 stations)
Analysis of Worldwatch CO2 and Temperature data using Excel modeling
Acid Deposition Lab
Wet Scrubbers Lab
Ecoquests 3 and 4-Global Warming Newspaper article, El Nino/La Nina
February 15th, 2016- President’s Day No School
Test 7: March 10th, 2016
Unit 8: Environmental Quality and Pollution
Topics:
•
Review Air/Water/Soil, major types of pollution
•
Measurements, point and non-point pollutants
•
Effects of pollutants: aquatic systems, vegetation, wildlife, buildings
•
Reduction and control
•
Global Changes and Their Consequences
•
Risk, toxicology and human health
•
First and Higher Order effects
•
Pesticides and pest control
Chapters: 17, 20 and parts from other chapters Chapter Review Questions
Labs and Activities:
Toxicology Tutor 1
Toxicity Bioassays-individual labs designs
Water toxicology “Blue Gold”
Test 8: April 1st, 2016
March 13th- OFF TWD
Unit 9: Environment and Society, and Choices for the Future
Topics:
•
Economic Forces, Cost benefit Analysis revisited
•
Environmental ethics, ownership
•
Conservation
•
Preservation
•
Restoration
•
Remediation
•
Sustaining Wild species, terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity
•
Sustainable cities-urban land use and management
•
Economics, environment and sustainability
•
Politics, environment and sustainability
•
Environmental worldview and sustainability
Chapters: 12, 22, 23, 24, 25 Chapter Review Questions
Labs and Activities:
Conservation Ecology decisions/debates
APES Laws Game
Sustainable Land
Spring Break April 4th-8th – NO School
Test 9: April 22nd, 2016
Practice Exam & Review the week of April 25th – April 29tth 2016
AP Exam:
Date: May 2nd, 2016 @ 8am
Unit 10: Post exam projects
Book Project/Review/Report
Some words of advice to be successful in my class: READ your assignments,
WRITE your essays well, LISTEN, and take notes in class, PARTICIPATE in all lab
experiments and field work. The pace will be fast and furious in order to
complete the course by May test date. Best of luck to all of you!