Syllabus for AP Environmental Science

SYLLABUS FOR AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

INSTRUCTOR: Dan Stackhouse

TELEPHONE: 754-321-5700

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Advanced Placement Environmental Science will provide students with a college level course in environmental science and will prepare students to seek credit and/or appropriate placement in college environmental science courses. Topics will include but not be limited to: Ecosystem dynamics, Biodiversity, Dimensions and causes of population growth, Natural cycles, Pollution and resources. Laboratory activities that include the use of the scientific method, measurement, laboratory apparatus and safety are an integral part of this course. o The course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The curriculum draws upon various scientific disciplines. o The course includes methods for analyzing and interpreting information and experimental data, including mathematical calculations. o The course teaches students how to identify and analyze environmental problems, to evaluate the ecological and human health risks associated with these problems, and to critically examine various solutions for resolving or preventing them.

TEXTBOOK: Miller, Spoolman; Living in the Environment , Sixteenth Edition (AP Edition), 2011

FIRST TERM: Unit Chapters Topic Laboratories/Videos 1 Global Change 1, 19, 24, 25  Our Changing Environment . Video – The Lorax  Using Science to Address Environmental Problems  Politics and Ethics

2 The Living World 3,4,7,8  Ecosystems and Energy . Acid/Base/Salt  Biodiversity Microchemistry Lab  Evolution . Half-life Property of a  Species Interactions Radioactive Element . Plant Symbiosis Lab . Owl Pellets

3 Population 5, 6  Understanding Population . Population Growth Changes Experiments  Human Health Issues . Power of Doubling Lab . Age Structure Diagraming

4 Energy Resources and 15, 16  Fossil Fuels . Hidden Energy Uses Consumption  Nuclear Energy . Oil Degrading Microbes  Renewable Energy and . Energy Conservation Conservation Exercise

SECOND TERM: Unit Chapters Topic Laboratories/Videos 5 Land and Water Use 12, 13, 14  Water: A Fragile Resource . A Silent Spring  Soils and Their . Water Test Kits for Marine Preservation and Fresh Water  Minerals: A Non- . Deposition of Sediments Renewable Resource . Bacterial Examination of  Preserving Earth’s Drinking Water Biodiversity . Cookie Mining  Land Resources and . Reading River Sediments Conservation . Exploring Physical  Food Resources: A Properties of Minerals Challenge for Agriculture 6 Pollution 18, 20, 21  Air Pollution . Airborne Particulates  Global Climate Changes & . Lichen Sensitivity Ozone Depletion . Soil Salinization  Water and Soil Pollution . Toxicology Lab  The Pesticide Dilemma . Bioremediation of  Solid and Hazardous Industrial Pollutants Wastes 7 Earth’s Systems & Resources  Earth Science Concepts . Coriolis Effect EVALUATION: Tests & Quizzes is approximately 60% of total grade Chapter Reading Quizzes 100 Points Each See APES Calendar for Dates Unit Tests 500 Points See APES Calendar for Dates Homework/Classwork is approximately 40% of total grade

SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT APES:

The AP Environmental Science exam is divided into two parts: Multiple Choice and Free Response. Tests in this class will reflect the format of the AP Environmental Science exam.

The AP Environmental Science exam does not allow calculators. Therefore, you will not be allowed to use calculators on tests in this class!!!