Waynesville High School
2015-16
Course Syllabus: AP Environmental Science
I.
Course Title: AP Environmental Science
Department: Science
Designated Grade Level: 11 &12
Duration: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Biological & physical science
Credit: 1 full unit (College credit pending institution’s policy)
Instructor: Ms. Horton
Conference Period: 1st (7:30-8:19)
Phone Ext: 3156
Email:ohorton@waynesville.k12.mo.us
Academic Assistance:
II. Required Books and Materials:
Environmental Science: A Global Concern, 12th ed., by William P. Cunningham, Mary Ann
Cunningham, McGraw Hill, 2012. Online access will be given to students.
III. Students Supply Requirement:
Students will need a writing utensil, paper, Binder, dividers and a composition notebook.
IV. Course Rationale:
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester,
introductory college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the
scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of
the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made
environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine
alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary,
embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science,
chemistry, and geography.
V. Course Description
AP Environmental Science is a rigorous science course that stresses scientific principles while
emphasizing the study of environmental issues from a sociological and political perspective. The
goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles,
concepts, and methodologies required to understand the
interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both
natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to
examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them.
VI. Units of Study:
Earth Systems and Resources (10-15%)
The Living World (10-15%)
Populations (10-15%)
Land & Water Use (10-15%)
Energy Resources & Consumption (10-15%)
Pollution (25-30%)
Global Change (10-15%)
VII. Grading & College Board Exam:
AP Environmental Science grades will be weighted according to the following break down:
Assessment 70%
Practice 30%
Students will not be able to re take a summative assessment. The AP Environmental Science
exam per the College Board is scheduled for May 2, 2016 at 8:00a.m. This exam is not included
in the student’s grade because results are not available before the end of the school year. All
students who enrolled in AP Environmental Science will have their College Board examination
paid in full by district via a NMSI (National Math Science Initiate) grant. Students who score a 3
or higher on the exam will be awarded $100 through the NMSI grant.
VIII. Classroom Expectations:
1. The students should be prepared for each class meeting by completing outside
reading, studying and homework assignments.
2. The student should be present for all class meetings.
3. The WHS homework and absent work policy will be followed and enforced.
*All science courses will follow the High School grading and late work policies,
with one notable exception. A missed Laboratory must be made up within
10 school days of a student’s absence, or before the end of the current grading
period.
4. As per Student handbook, students will only be allowed to consume water that
is in a clear container. Students will not be able to consume any food or drink,
including gum, in the lab.
5. Students are expected to act in a mature manner at all times. Classroom
misconduct that interferes with learning and teaching will not be tolerated.
6. All laboratory safety rules and guidelines will be followed at all times.
Laboratory misconduct occurs, the offending student will not be allowed to
complete the lab during class. The lab may be completed before or after school
per teacher/parent scheduling. Office referrals will be issued when warranted.
5. Electronic Usage Policies:
*Students will not have cell phones out during class without teacher permission.
The teacher will let students know when they may use their electronic devices
visually and verbally. When students see a red sign at the front of the class they
may not have cell phones out. When a green sign is posted in the front of the
room, students may utilize their cell phones to do research or to listen to music.
* Student will not be able to use their cell phones when a substitute teacher is in
the room.
* If a student has a cell phone/electronic device out during an assessment it will
be seen as cheating. Parents will be notified of the situation. The student will
receive a zero for the assessment, until they come to academic assistance/tiger
time to take another version of the assessment. Students will also be given a
disciplinary referral.
I have read and understand the syllabus for AP Environmental Science at WHS.
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