AP Environmental Science Course Syllabus
Grand Prairie High School
2015-16
Teacher: Mrs. Merric Rentzel
Tutorial Days: Monday & Tuesday
Room Number: 321
Tutorial Hours: 3:00 – 4:30
Email: merric.rentzel@gpisd.org
Course Description:
AP Environmental Science is a full-year interdisciplinary science course designed to be the equivalent of
a one semester, introductory level college science course. Classes meet every day for 50 minutes a day. This
course is lab intensive, with students completing approximately one lab a week. In addition many labs are field
based and will require students to work outdoors.
The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, & methodologies
required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify & analyze problems both natural
and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with them problems, & to examine alternative
solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. (College Board, Advanced Placement Program)
Students will be assessed on a variety of methods, including weekly quizzes, unit tests, lab write-ups,
activities, oral reports, case studies, group discussions, critical reviews of science literature &
homework/reading assignments.
Course Pre-Requisites & Requirements:
AP Environmental Science is open to students who have taken biology, chemistry, and at least Algebra 1
(however it is recommended to have completed Algebra 2).
Textbook Information:
AP Edition of Living in the Environment, 18th Edition, Authors: G. Tyler Miller, Scott E. Spoolman
Course Outline:
Topic
Duration
1. Introduction to Environmental Problems & Safety
1 Week
2A. Matter/Energy Resources
1 Week
2B. Living World: Ecosystems & Ecosystem Processes
Biodiversity, Energy Flow, Biomes, Ecology
4 ½ Weeks
4. Population
Human Population (demography/population distribution), Population Biology
3 Weeks
5. Atmosphere
3 Weeks
Air Pollution, Methods of clean up, Climate (global air circulation, ocean currents)m
Global Warming, Ozone Depletion
6. Soil & Geology
Soil (structure, erosion, desertification, conservation), Earth Science (rock cycle,
natural disasters, weathering, mining, minerals),
7. Succession
Primary and Secondary Succession, Environmental Impacts, Human Causes
4 Weeks
1 Week
~1st Semester Ends ~
8. Land Use, Forestry, & Pest Management
Conservation, Problems, Wilderness, Food Production (biological, physical, social)
4 Weeks
9. Water
Conservation, Pollution
10. Energy Resources
Consumption, Fossil Fuels, Nuclear Power, Renewable Energy, Hydroelectric
Power, Issues, Non-Renewable Energy
11. Waste Management
Air, Water, Toxic/Solid Waste, Pesticide, Human Health
12. Animal Diversity
Sustainable Management, Politics/Ethics, Endangered/Threatened Species
13. Review & Preparation
4 Week
3 Weeks
2 Week
2 Week
2 Weeks
~AP Exams~
Laboratory, Field Work, & Activities
1st Semester:
1. Tragedy of the Commons:
2. Food Chain/Web Activity:
3. pH Lab:
4. Eco Bottle:
5. Pill Bugs:
6. Parking Lot Biodiversity Activity:
7. Stream Ecology Sampling:
8. Power of the Pyramids:
9. Duckweed Lab:
10. Population Size Lab:
11. Soil Sampling Lab:
12. LD-50 Lab:
2nd Semester:
1. Nuclear Power Simulator:
2. Carbon Specificity of Red Maples:
3. Measuring the Ozone:
4. Which Gets Hotter Lab:
5. UV Lab:
6. Air Pollution Lab:
7. Water Sampling:
8. Fish Lab:
9. Milk Lab:
10. Sewage Lab:
11. Leachate Lab:
12. Noise Pollution Simulator
Grading:
Area
Percentage
Major Grades (exams, labs, notebook grade, etc.)
60%
Daily Grade (activities, quizzes, etc.)
40%
Final Exam
30% of Final Grade
Students are required to keep all assignments in a 3-ring binder. This will count as 2 major grades every 9
weeks
Required Materials:
Materials are to be brought to class every day.
1. One 3-ring binder (1 ½ inch preferred) (required everyday)
- Notebook Paper
- Dividers
2. Highlighter (any color)
3. Access to the internet & word processor. (there is computer access available at the school library –
before school, after school, & during lunch – as well as public libraries, you will have to plan
accordingly) No extensions will be given on assignments.
4. Pen or Pencil (required everyday)
Make-Up Policy:
One day of make-up is allowed to complete assignments for each EXCUSED day absent. The students must
produce an excused absence slip in order to make up missed work. Students are responsible for collecting all
missed notes and assignments. All missed tests & quizzes must be made up within 48 hours of returning to
school. All make-up work that must be done at school (tests, labs, quizzes) may be scheduled before or after
school during tutorial sessions, rather than during regular class time.
Late Assignments:
Most assignments can be made up for half credit. However, this is solely teacher discretion.
My Expectations:
I have high expectations for this class! I am a patient teacher, but I do not tolerate “Slacking Off”. It is very easy
to pass my class – here’s how you do it:
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Come to class on time & be ready to work when the bell rings
Do your best work
Pay attention in class! Ask lots of questions when you don’t understand.
Take good notes & review your notes regularly.
Follow all safety instructions in class, the field, and in the lab.
Complete all work on time and to the best of your ability.
Attend tutorial to re-do any failed assignments to receive a passing grade.
Work cooperatively with your peers, no matter who they are.
Don’t get behind… it’s harder to catch up than to stay on task.
Student Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: ___________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________________Date: __________________
Please sign both portions of the signature page. The portion above must be included in your notebook. The portion below must be turned into Mrs. Rentzel.
I have read and understand the AP Environmental Science Syllabus for Mrs. Rentzel’s class.
Student Name: _________________________________________________Period #: __________________
Student Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _____________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ____________________