AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE COURSE INFORMATION

Signature School/Mrs. Ahmed (Room: 502)

e-mail:  cynthia.ahmed@signature.edu

web.usi.edu/ahmed (All assignments/test dates are on my web page!)

 

What is Environmental Science?

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course.  The study of it integrates information from the fields of biology, chemistry, geography, geology, physics, sociology, economics, law, politics, and natural resource management.  The class will involve work from a textbook, a significant amount of lab or field work, various writing assignments and presentations, and possibly a collaborative community project.

 

Course Goals

My primary goal for this course is to help you learn to understand, appreciate, and respect our environment and its complexity.  It is believed with the knowledge gained you will be better prepared to critically consider environmental decisions throughout your life.

 

Course Outline

(specifically designed to meet Indiana state and AP standards)

 

 

I.                     Overview of themes

·         Human population

·         Sustainability

·         A global perspective

·         The urban world

·         People and nature

·         Science and values

IV.    Living Resources (Sustainability)

  • World food supply
  • Agriculture and the environment
  • Plentiful and endangered species
  • Forest ecology
  • Conserving/managing ocean life
  • Environmental health and toxicology

VII.                Air Environment

·         Climate

·         Global warming

·         Stratospheric ozone depletion

·         Acid rain

·         Urban air pollution

·         Indoor air pollution

II.                    Study of Earth as a system

·         How the system works

·         Biochemical cycles

V.    Energy

  • Energy basics
  • Fossil fuels and the environment
  • Alternative energy
  • Nuclear energy

VIII.  Relationships between Environment and Society

·         Environmental economics

·         Urban environment

·         Integrated waste management

·         Minerals and the environment

·         Environmental impact and planning

·         How we might achieve sustainability

III.    Life and the environment

  • Human population
  • Ecosystems
  • Biological diversity
  • Biological productivity
  • Energy flow
  • Restoration and recovery

VI.    Water Environment

  • Water supply and use
  • Water management
  • Water pollution and treatment

 

 

Materials Needed For Class

 

·         Pens and Pencils:  Pens for field documentation; pencils for tests.  Your choice on class notes.

·         Textbook:  Environmental Science:  Earth as a Living Planet by Botkin & Keller

·         Calculator (Preferably a Scientific Calculator)

·         Bound composition notebook for lab/field documentation (must be a SEPARATE one from other class notes)

·         Lined Notebook Paper or spiral bound notebook (wide or college ruled)  and occasionally some graph paper

·         Thick skin (many will have opinions different than your own)

·         Positive Attitude (we need to listen to others so we understand their opinions)

 

Policies

 

·         No late work will be accepted except in the case of an EXCUSED absence from the day prior.  An exception to this is lab reports.  Lab reports will be accepted up to 2 school days after due date, losing 25% of points for each day late.  Lab reports will NOT be accepted after this time.

·         When a student is absent, it is the responsibility of the student to make up work and/or notes missed in class that day.

·         A student that misses a test, quiz, or lab may be required to make up the work before or after school hours.

·         A make-up time for a missed test or lab should be scheduled with the teacher the FIRST day the student returns to school.  (Do not wait until next class meeting.)

·         Field work may be frequent.  Signed parental permission slips MUST be on file for each trip, or the student will not be allowed to participate in the field trip.   

 

HELPFUL HINT:  The most important thing one may do to be successful in the class is to ATTEND class EVERY day.

 

Types of Assignments

 

Laboratory Exercises

Field and laboratory work in critical for an environmental science course.  Points will be earned from daily logs as well as written reports.  At times, this will require sample gathering or data checks outside of the normal class period.  This is a significant portion of the semester grade.

               

Report/Presentations

These types of assignments may include Power Points, display boards, brochures, public service announcements, etc.  Specifications will be given on the date assigned.

 

Writing Assignments

One of the most essential skills for a student who graduates high school is the ability to communicate properly through writing.  This includes grammar, spelling, format, organization, etc.  Writing assignments will be given periodically in addition to the written lab reports.  These may include, but will not be limited to:  questions and answers, summaries or reflections on readings, essay questions, and current event summaries.

               

Periodical Review

The ability to read and understand scientific literature is an important component of most science classes and will aid in the understanding of topics presented in class.

 

Students may review any article from a current scientific journal pertaining to environmental science.  A look at the course outline above will help to determine which content is acceptable.  Students will be provided with specifications at the beginning of this assignment.

 

 

Grade Breakdown

Per Quarter                                                                                             Per Semester

Tests/Quizzes/Daily Work        75%                                                         1st Quarter Grade                   40%

Lab Work                                 25%                                                         2nd Quarter Grade                   40%

                                                                                                                Semester Exam                       20%                                                                                                                        

A large part of the class is field work and lab work.  Documentation and completion of lab reports is a SIGNIFICANT part of the class.  Be sure to work with lab partners that you will be able to communicate with outside of class.  Because much class time will be devoted to lab work and field studies, you will be expected to be able to read and interpret the text at a level of preparedness suitable for testing outside of class time.  Major topics will be covered in class lectures; all subtopics (that are fair game for test material) may not be discussed during class time.

 

Grading Scale:

90-100                 A                       80-89   B                 70-79   C                 60-69   D                 59-0   F

 

 

Extra Help/Tutoring/Parent Conferences

A teacher/parent conference can be requested through the guidance office.  However, for quick questions and concerns, please use my e-mail address or phone number (top).  I prefer an e-mail with a number and time when I may call you.  Extra help is often available after school.  Students needing extra help should make arrangements with me during class or by e-mail. 

 

Class Rules

1)                   Be Respectful:  of others, of school property, of time provided, of your teacher

 

2)                   No electronics.  (Computers may be allowed on lab or lab report days.)

 

3)                   No cheating will be tolerated.  It is the responsibility of each student to complete his or her own homework and lab reports.