AP Environmental Science Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy High School Vision - Coretta Scott King Young Women's Leadership Academy graduates will enroll in and earn a post-secondary degree from a college or university.

Course Syllabus

Teacher: T. Mason

B.S. Biology Florida A & M University Major: Biology (Pre-med) Minor: Chemistry & History

M.Ed. Science Georgia State University

Text Book: Living in the Environment, 15th ed., by G. Tyler Miller, Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning, 2000 School #: (404) 802 - 4900 Email: [email protected]

Course Description: The goal of this AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies that are required for them to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course helps students to identify and analyze both natural and human-induced environmental problems. It enables them to learn how to assess the risks associated with these problems and evaluate alternative solutions for resolving and preventing them. From a personal perspective, in today’s world it is of the utmost importance to prepare our students to become the environmentally literate citizens of tomorrow. The AP Environmental Science course goes a long way toward doing so.

APES (A.P. Environmental Science) Topic Outline

Current info from the AP course College Board web site

I. Earth Systems and Resources (10-15% of AP exam) A. Earth Science Concepts (Geologic Time Scale; Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes, Volcanism; Seasons; Solar Intensity and Latitude) B. The Atmosphere (Composition; Structure; Weather and Climate; Atmospheric Circulation and the Corolis Effect; Atmosphere- Ocean Interactions; ENSO) C. Global Resources and Use (Freshwater/Saltwater; Ocean Circulation; Agricultural, Industrial and Domestic Use; Surface and Issues; Global Problems; Conservation) D. Soil and Soil Dynamics (Rock Cycle; Formation; Composition; Physical and Chemical Properties; Main Soil Types; Erosion and Other Soil Problems; Soil Conservation)

II. The Living World (10-15% of AP exam) A. Ecosystem Structure (Biological Populations and Communities; Ecological Niches; Interactions among Species; Keystone Species; Species Diversity and Edge Effects; Major Terrestrial and Aquatic Biomes) Many components were adapted from the CollegeBoard AP CSKYWLA High School • 1190 Northwest Drive Building B • Atlanta, Georgia 30318 • Phone 404.802.4900 B. Energy Flow (Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration; Food Webs and Trophic Levels; Ecological Pyramids) C. Ecosystem Diversity (Biodiversity; Natural Selection; Evolution; Ecosystem Services) D. Natural Ecosystem Change (Climate Shifts, Species Movement; Ecological Succession) E. Natural Biogeochemical Cycles (Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Water, Conservation of Matter)

III. Population (10-15% of AP exam) A. Population Biology Concepts (Population Ecology; Carrying Capacity; Reproductive Strategies; Survivorship) B. Human Population 1. Human Population Dynamics (Historical Population Sizes; Distribution; Fertility Rates; Growth Rates and Doubling Times; Demographic Transition; Age-Structure Diagrams) 2. Population Size (Strategies for Sustainability; Case Studies; National Policies) 3. Impacts of Population Growth (Hunger; Disease; Economic Effects; Resource Use; Habitat Destruction)

IV. Land and Water Use (10-15% of AP exam) A. Agriculture 1. Feeding a Growing Population (Human Nutritional Requirements; Types of Agriculture; Green Revolution; Genetic Engineering and Crop Production; Deforestation; Irrigation; Sustainable Agriculture) 2. Controlling Pests (Types of ; Costs and Benefits of Use; Integrated Pest Management; Relevant Laws) B. Forestry (Tree Plantations; Old Growth Forests ; Forest Fires; Forest Management; National Forests) C. Rangelands (Overgrazing; Deforestation; Desertification; Rangeland Management; Federal Rangelands) D. Other Land Use 1. Urban Land Development (Planned Development; Suburban Sprawl; ) 2. Transportation Infrastructure (Federal Highway System, Canals and Channels, Roadless Areas, Ecosystems Impacts) 3. Public and Federal Lands (Management; Wilderness Areas; National Parks; Wildlife Refuges; Forests; Wetlands) 4. Land Conservation Options (Preservation; Remediation; Mitigation; Restoration; Adaptation) 5. Sustainable Land-Use Strategies E. ( Formation; Extraction; Global Reserves; Relevant Laws and Treaties) F. Fishing (Fishing Techniques; Overfishing; Aquaculture; Relevant Laws and Treaties) G. GlobaI Economics (Globalization; World Bank; Tragedy of the Commons; Relevant Laws and Treaties)

Many components were adapted from the CollegeBoard AP CSKYWLA High School • 1190 Northwest Drive Building B • Atlanta, Georgia 30318 • Phone 404.802.4900 V. Energy Resources and Consumption (10-15% of AP exam) A. Energy Concepts (Energy Forms; Power; Units; Conversions; Laws of Thermodynamics) B. Energy Consumption 1. History (Industrial Revolution, Exponential Growth, Energy Crisis) 2. Present Global Energy Use 3. Future Energy Needs C. Fossil Fuel Resources and Use (Formation of Coal, Oil, and Natural Gas; Extraction/Purification Methods; World Reserves and Global Demand; Synfuels; Environmental Advantages/Disadvantages of Sources) D. Nuclear Energy (Nuclear Fission Process; Nuclear Fuel; Electricity Production; Nuclear Reactor Types; Environmental Advantages/Disadvantages; Safety Issues; Radiation and Human Health; Radioactive Wastes; Nuclear Fusion) E. Hydroelectric Power (Dams; Flood Control; Salmon; Silting; Other Impacts) F. Energy Conservation (Energy Efficiency; CAFÉ standards; Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Mass Transit) G. Renewable Energy (Solar Energy; Solar Electricity; Hydrogen Fuel Cells; Biomass; Wind Energy; Small Scale Hydroelectric; Ocean Waves and Tidal Energy; Geothermal; Environmental Advantages/Disadvantages)

VI. (25-30% of AP exam) A. Pollution Types 1. (Sources - Primary and Secondary; Major air ; Measurement Units; ; Acid Deposition - Causes, Effects, Heat Islands and Temperature Inversions; Indoor Air Pollution; Remediation and Reduction Strategies; Clean Air Act and Other Relevant Laws) 2. (Sources; Effects; Control Measures) 3. (Types; Sources, Causes and Effects; Cultural ; ; Maintaining ; Water Purification; Treatment/Septic Systems; Clean Water Act and Other Relevant Laws) 4. Solid Waste (Types; Disposal; Reduction) B. Impacts on the Environment and Human Health 1. Hazards to Human Health (Environmental Risk Analysis; Acute and Chronic Effects; Dose-Response Relationships; Air Pollutants; Smoking, and Other Risks) 2. Hazardous Chemicals in the Environment (Types of ; Treatment/Disposal of Hazardous Waste; Clean-up of Contaminated Sites; Biomagnification; Relevant Laws) C. Economic Impacts (Cost-Benefit Analysis, Externalities; Marginal Costs; Sustainability)

VII. Global Change (10-15% of AP exam) A. Stratospheric (Formation of Stratospheric Ozone; Ultraviolet Radiation; Causes of ; Effects of Ozone Depletion; Strategies for Reducing Ozone Depletion; Relevant Laws and Treaties) B. Global Warming

Many components were adapted from the CollegeBoard AP CSKYWLA High School • 1190 Northwest Drive Building B • Atlanta, Georgia 30318 • Phone 404.802.4900 (Greenhouse Gases and the Greenhouse Effect; Impacts and Consequences of Global Warming; Reducing Climate Change; Relevant Laws and Treaties) C. Loss of Biodiversity 1. Habitat Loss; Overuse; Pollution; Introduced Species; Endangered and Extinct Species 2. Maintenance through Conservation 3. Relevant Laws and Treaties

Types of Assignments:

1. Readings: Students are encouraged to read the text and journal articles outside of class, and to complete assigned review questions. Periodically students will be asked to review a series of papers on a particular topic and to present a case analysis. Students should follow the established cases analysis guidelines. Papers need to be written in American Psychological Association (APA) format.

2. Lab Investigations: Students will complete 10 standard labs and 1 long-term research laboratory investigation. Each investigation will be accompanied by a pre-lab quiz on the material discussed in the lab. During the investigations, students are encouraged to take daily notes on the progress of their investigation, either in their lab note book or in an e-portfolio. As for the long-term research project, students are to provide 1) an initial design, 2) periodic peer reviews of at least 2 other projects, 3) monthly progress reports, and 4) a final paper. A number of projects are currently being conducted in conjunction with the National Park Service at Kennesaw National Battle field in the areas of stream monitoring, biodiversity, forestry and pollution control. Students may elect to continue a long-term research project previously established by another student or to design a new project. All projects are subject to approval by the instructor and the head ranger at the park. All investigations should follow the prescribed design and collection criteria. Papers need to be written in American Psychological Association (APA) format.

3. Research Projects: Each week students will be required to use the Internet and various traditional library resources to investigate environmental topics about a state or particular country. Students will be required use the APES blog (http://goapes.blogspot.com) to present their.

4. Examinations: Unit examinations will be given every 2-3 chapters on work completed during that period. Examinations will be formatted in the manor of an AP examination, consisting of 40-50 MCQ’s and 1 essay. A mock AP examination (consisting of 100 MCQs and 2 essays) will be given at the end of the first term and again approximately 1 month before the examination.

Internet Resources: Internet resources for APES include, but are not limited to the following sites. More online resources can be found at http://goapes.blogspott.com, which provides a links to the course’s social bookmarking site. US Environmental Protection Agency - http://www.epa.gov/ US Geological Service - http://www.usgs.org National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association - http://www.noaa.gov/ Global Issues - http://www.globalissues.org World Resource Institute - http://www.wri.org/ APA - http://www.apa.org

Many components were adapted from the CollegeBoard AP CSKYWLA High School • 1190 Northwest Drive Building B • Atlanta, Georgia 30318 • Phone 404.802.4900 Required Materials: 3 Ring Binder 5 subject dividers (Syllabus, Notes, HW/CW, Labs/Projects, and Assessments) Notebook paper Pencils and pens Colored pencils Flash drive Notecards (2/ 100 packs- lined on one side) Scissors 2 Glue sticks Internet accessibility Great attitude

Grading Policy for Atlanta Public Schools A. Minimum passing grade is 70% B. Numerical Grades: A numerical grade must be recorded and maintained for all courses in which credit is given. C. Grading Scale  A 90 - 100 Excellent Achievement  B 80 - 89 Above Average Achievement  C 70 - 79 Average Achievement  F 0 – 69 Failure to Achieve

D. Mid-semester Grade: The mid-semester grade will function as a progress report. These grades are not final. E. Tutorial Days and Times: Mondays from 3:40 – 4:40 F. Progress Reporting: Progress reports will be issued to all students every three weeks. Students will receive an Infinite Campus grade report and sign for these reports at the time of distribution. G. Deficiency Notices: If a student exhibits deficiency or there is a dramatic decline in performance, a deficiency notice will be issued immediately. In this course, any grade below a B is considered deficient and will be issued a deficiency notice. Deficiency Notices may also be given for poor attendance and behavior.

H. Evaluation: Students will be evaluated according to the following scheme:

1st Semester  Test 20%  Quizzes 15%  Homework 10%  Classwork 20%  Labs 15%  Project 20% 100% I. Class Room Behavior and Attire: All Students are required to conform to the Atlanta Public Schools’ and Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy’s guidelines for discipline and Dress Code. The following activities are unacceptable behavior for the class and will not be tolerated:  USE of ANY and ALL Electronic devices during class time!  Playing Cards, Sleeping, Braiding/Combing Hair (any form of grooming)  Private Conversation unrelated to subject matter  Eating or Drinking of any kind  Fighting or any other antagonizing behavior  CHEATING

Many components were adapted from the CollegeBoard AP CSKYWLA High School • 1190 Northwest Drive Building B • Atlanta, Georgia 30318 • Phone 404.802.4900

J. Absences: (Board Policy Code JB Article 106-5-1.10, e1-2, f) Students will have three (3) days to make up any missed assignments for an excused absence. Students must bring their excuse upon return from their absence. Students will have one (1) day to complete assignments missed due to an unexcused. Students are reminded to bring assignments upon returning to school. K. Tardiness: Students must have a valid hall pass when arriving to class after the bell sounds. If the student does not have a valid hall pass, make-up assignments will not be given.

L. Labs: Laboratory rules MUST be followed. Horseplay in a lab setting will not be tolerated. Horseplay is defined as any activity that is not called for in a lab procedure. If laboratory rules are not followed, the students will be asked to leave the lab area, will receive a zero for that activity, and could possibly face disciplinary action.

M. Substitute Rules If I am out and you have a substitute, in addition to the above class rules, the following rules apply: 1. Complete the assignment given. I made the assignment not the substitute 2. Remain in your seat 3. Do not ask to leave the room. 4. Do not talk (unless the assignment instructs you too) 5. Work on your own. *Failure to follow the substitute rules WILL result in disciplinary action.

N. Graded Work:

In order to receive full credit, assignments must be neat, complete, accurate and turned in on time. Every assignment is of value; therefore every assignment should be completed to the best of one’s ability. Assignments are collected once in the first 5 minutes of the class period. Any assignment turned in after this collection time is considered late. Late work will be docked accordingly (15 points if turned in that day, 30 points every additional day). Incomplete work will result in a reduced grade.

Classroom Conduct: The classroom will function best when its members treat each other with fairness, honesty, respect and trust. Remember the three R’s: Respect yourself Respect others Responsibility for your actions

EXPECTATIONS  A positive attitude in an atmosphere of mutual respect is expected at all times.  Students are expected to comply with all policies set forth by the Atlanta Public Schools Student code of Conduct.  Students should come to class with all necessary materials each day.  Attendance is necessary to successfully complete this class. A portion of the material presented in class will go beyond the scope of the textbook.  Students will be required to complete a variety of assignments, including laboratory reports, written assignments, and projects

Many components were adapted from the CollegeBoard AP CSKYWLA High School • 1190 Northwest Drive Building B • Atlanta, Georgia 30318 • Phone 404.802.4900 Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy AP Environmental Science Course & Laboratory Safety Acknowledgement

I look forward to a very productive year with my students. I encourage you and your student to be very proactive with all assignments and look forward to communicating with you all on a regular basis. I am positive that we will have a great semester!

Laboratory Safety Expectations

1. Safety Glasses & other protective clothing must be worn at all times during laboratory experiments. 2. No open-toe shoes permitted in the laboratory 3. No eating, drinking, or gum chewing allowed during laboratory experiments 4. Never smell or taste any laboratory chemicals. 5. Report all spills immediately to the teacher. 6. Use precautions and safety equipment when working with open flames.

ACADEMIC HONESTY Students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty. Plagiarism occurs when a student uses or purchases ghost-written papers or products. It also occurs when a student utilizes ideas or information obtained from another person without giving credit to that person. If plagiarism or another act of academic dishonesty occurs, it will be dealt with in accordance with the academic misconduct policy as stated in the Atlanta Public Schools’ Handbook and the Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy’s Student Handbook.

I have read the outline for this Biology class as well as the statement on academic honesty. I acknowledge my understanding of my responsibilities and expectations by signing below.

X______Student Signature Period Date

Student’s Email Address: ______

I have read this outline for my child’s science class, and I recognize that my signature below indicates that I understand and will hold my child accountable to the standards aforementioned.

X______Parent / Guardian Signature Date Parent’s Contact Number: ______

Parent’s Email Address: ______

This document is subject to change and the student will be notified of such changes.

Many components were adapted from the CollegeBoard AP CSKYWLA High School • 1190 Northwest Drive Building B • Atlanta, Georgia 30318 • Phone 404.802.4900