Course Expectations and Syllabus- AP Environmental Science
Course Expectations and Syllabus- AP Environmental Science
Course Expectations and Syllabus- AP Environmental Science
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<strong>AP</strong> <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Science</strong>2012-2013<strong>Course</strong> <strong>Expectations</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Syllabus</strong>Instructor: Angie KarnesEmail: Karnesa@rainier.wednet.eduPhone: 360-446-2205Textbook:<strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Science</strong>: A Global Concern 11thEdition, William P Cunningham, Mary Ann Cunningham, Copyright 2010McGraw HillLab Manual: <strong>AP</strong> Instructor’s Guide to <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Science</strong>: A Global Concern 11 thedition.South Sound Green. Water Quality Monitoring Manual, Copyright 2010,2 nd edition.Withgott, Jay. <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Science</strong>: Your World Your Turn. Copyright2011. Pearson Publishing.Project Wild AquaticAdditional Information: Case Studies, current issues, newspaper <strong>and</strong> magazine articles,videos, DVD’s, relevant internet sources.<strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Science</strong> OverviewThe <strong>AP</strong> <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Science</strong> course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductorycollege course in environmental science. The goal of this interdisciplinary course is toprovide students with the scientific principles, concepts <strong>and</strong> methodologies required tounderst<strong>and</strong> the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify <strong>and</strong> analyzeenvironmental problems both natural <strong>and</strong> human-made, to evaluate the relative risksassociated with these problems, <strong>and</strong> to examine alternative solutions for resolving orpreventing them. <strong>AP</strong> <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Science</strong> differs significantly from the usual highschool course with respect to the kind of textbook used, range <strong>and</strong> depth of topicscovered, the kind of laboratory work done, <strong>and</strong> the time <strong>and</strong> effort required of students.The six themes, which provide a foundation for the structure of the <strong>AP</strong> <strong>Environmental</strong><strong>Science</strong> (<strong>AP</strong>ES) course are:1) <strong>Science</strong> is a process as well as a body of knowledge.2) Energy conservation underlies all ecological processes.3) The Earth itself is one interconnected system.4) Humans alter natural systems.5) <strong>Environmental</strong> problems have a cultural <strong>and</strong> social context.6) Human survival depends on developing practices <strong>and</strong> perhaps technology that willresult in sustainable systems.
Class Materials: Each student will be required to keep a notebook, three-ring binderwith dividers, as well as a lab book/journal. No calculators can be used on anyassignments for the class since calculators are not allowed on the <strong>AP</strong> Exam in May.Assignment Due Dates: All assignments are due on the date communicated by theinstructor. Unless otherwise indicated, no assignments may be sent to the instructorelectronically. It is highly recommended you get a USB drive. Students are responsibleto print their assignments before class starts. Late Assignments are not accepted. I willalways give you several days <strong>and</strong> a weekend to complete large projects/assignments.Turning things in late is not a desirable skill. It will not help you succeed in your chosencollege or career. If there are circumstances beyond your control let me know prior to thedue date.Chapter Assignments: For each chapter, students will be required to read the textbook<strong>and</strong> answer the questions associated with that chapter.Chapter Vocabulary: Students will learn approximately 700 vocabulary words relatedto <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Science</strong>. Vocabulary is very important to fully underst<strong>and</strong> science.Students are encouraged to make their own flash cards.Quizzes: There will be quizzes on a regular basis. The quizzes will focus on vocabulary,chapter readings, lectures <strong>and</strong> activities for the week. These will take approximately 10-15 minutes of class.Unit Exams: Each unit will be comprised of several chapters from the texts. Exams area combination of multiple choice questions <strong>and</strong> one extended response/essay. As this is acollege level class, additional time is not provided on exams. You must finish in the timeprovided. This will also help you in preparing for the <strong>AP</strong> exam which is timed.Labs / Activities: There will be many activities for each unit, see the chapterassignments for an approximate listing of these assignments. Some activities will berelatively short, while others will last for many weeks. Each activity has different pointvalues based on the length <strong>and</strong> complexity of the activity. Lab write-ups will besubmitted by the group in lab format <strong>and</strong> will generally carry a higher point value.Current Events: You will be required to turn in a Current Event Notebook. TheCurrent Event must be related to environmental science, if possible tie the current eventto the current unit being studied. You may use newspapers, magazines, Public Radio, orthe Internet.
<strong>Course</strong> OutlineSubject to change if necessary1st SemesterUnit 1: The Living World – 4 weeks (10-15%)Topic Chapters Activities/Labs/Videos Projects<strong>Environmental</strong> Problems:Causes <strong>and</strong> Sustainability1,2 -Ecological Footprint Activity-Ranking <strong>Environmental</strong> Challenges Activity-The Lorax Project-Litter Walk-<strong>Environmental</strong> Timeline<strong>Science</strong>, Matter, Energy, <strong>and</strong>SystemsEcosystems: What are they<strong>and</strong> how do they work?Biodiversity:Evolution,Species InteractionsPopulation ControlAquatic3 -Photosynthesis Lab-Food Web Activity-Packaging Lab5 -Biomagnification Through a Food Chain Lab-Fishing game-Estimating Carrying Capacity Activity4 -Natural Selection Lab-Predator/Prey Activity-Life in a Watershed Activity-Energy Pyramids-Energy Flow in anEcosystem-Biogeochemical –CyclesPresentations-Species monitoring on theDeschutes RiverUnit 2: Earth Systems <strong>and</strong> Resources – 5 weeks (10-15%)Topic Chapters Activities/Labs/Videos ProjectsClimate <strong>and</strong> Biodiversity 15 -Climatograms Activity-Biomes-Biome LabFood, Soil, <strong>and</strong> PestManagement9 -Does L<strong>and</strong> Use Affect Soil Texture <strong>and</strong>Permeability Lab-Water-Holding Capacity labWater Resources 17 -Personal Water Usage Activity-South Sound Green Water testing- Down the Drain Activity-Damning of the ColumbiaRiver/Elwha RiverRestorationGeology & NonrenewableMineral resources14 -Mechanical & Chemical Weathering Lab
Unit 3: Population – 3.5 weeks (10-15%)Topic Chapters Activities/Labs/Videos ProjectsThe Human Population <strong>and</strong>Its Impact6,7 -The Power of the Pyramid Activity-Rule of 70 doubling time Activity-Population Growth Lab-The Wealth Gap Activity-The World in Balance Activity/video-A Closer Walk Video-STDs <strong>and</strong> Pregnancy-Ecological FootprintCalculations & Comparison-Age Structure HistogramsSustaining Biodiversity: TheSpecies Approach11 -Invasive Species Activity -Endangered SpeciesUnit 4: Global Change – 4.5 weeks (10-15%)Topic Chapters Activities/Labs/Videos Projects-Sustaining TerrestrialBiodiversity: The EcosystemApproach-Sustaining AquaticBiodiversityClimate Disruption <strong>and</strong> OzoneDepletion12 -Tragedy of the Commons Activity-Eco-column Lab- Predator/Prey Lab15 -Greenhouse Effect Lab-Six Degrees Could Change the World VideoSouth Sound Green – Riverproject-Position Paper-Cities & Sustainability-Economics, Environment &Sustainability-Politics, Environment &Sustainability-<strong>Environmental</strong> Worldviews,Ethics & Sustainability22,23,24 -Micrometeorology Lab-Applying <strong>and</strong> Analyzing Cost – Benefit Analysisof <strong>Environmental</strong> Impact Statement Activity-An Inconvenient Truth – Video-Exploring Risk-L<strong>and</strong> Use Scenario-<strong>Environmental</strong> Laws
2nd SemesterUnit 5: Pollution – 6 weeks (25-30%)Topic Chapters Activities/Labs/Videos ProjectsAir Pollution 16 -Effects of Acid Rain on Seed Germination Lab-Fossil Fuels Activity-Can Buildings Make You Sick VideoWater Pollution 18 -Oil Spill Lab-No Water Off a Ducks Back Lab-Water Quality Testing ActivitySolid & Hazardous Waste 21 -A Lab of Rot Lab-Grass Decomposition Lab-Addicted to Plastics Video-Recycle City Web Activity<strong>Environmental</strong> Hazards &Human Health8 -Ozone lab-LD 50 lab-Risk Assessment Activity-Home Pesticide Inventory ActivityLocal Watershed AnalysisReduce, Reuse, RecyclePostersToxic ChemicalsPresentationsUnit 6: L<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Water Use – 3 weeks (10-15%)Topic Chapters Activities/Labs/Videos ProjectsSustaining TerrestrialBiodiversity: The EcosystemsApproach10,13 -National Parks ActivityFood, Soil, & PestManagements12 -Irradiated Seeds Lab-Food, Inc. Video-King Corn Video-Frankenfoods ActivityGM Food Fight videoGenetically ModifiedOrganismsClassroom DebateUnit 7: Energy Resources <strong>and</strong> Consumption – 4 weeks (10-15%)Topic Chapters Activities/Labs/Videos ProjectsNonrenewable Energy 19 -Efficiency of a Coal Plant Lab-Personal Energy Audit ActivityEnergy Efficiency <strong>and</strong>Renewable Energy20 -Wind Turbines Activity-Designing an Efficient Home-Home Energy Audit & Possible Improvements-School Campus AuditGroup Bulletin Board
Review for <strong>and</strong> <strong>AP</strong> <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Science</strong> Exam – 1 weekPost Exam – 3 weeksTopicCareers in <strong>Environmental</strong><strong>Science</strong>Service Learning ProjectActivitiesGuest Speakers will visit the classroom to discuss how <strong>Environmental</strong> Issues are addressed in theircareer field.Students will be given time to work on <strong>and</strong> present their service learning projects that wereassigned earlier in the semester. Projects are assigned based on student interest <strong>and</strong> can include,but are not limited to the following:Water Quality Testing, Community gardening, Program planning, Recycling, EducationDaily <strong>Expectations</strong>:Be Responsible• Know & follow lab safety procedures• Be Prepared: Come to class with your supplies <strong>and</strong> ready to WORK- put in real EFFORT• Come in to get help from me or your classmates when you need it.• Do your own work on all assignments. If you copy you won’t learn the material <strong>and</strong>you will receive no credit.Be Respectful• Practice Kindness: Speak kindly to one another ALWAYS• Everyone in this class is important <strong>and</strong> will be treated as such• No electronics-unless part of classroom activityBe Reliable• Be punctual to class <strong>and</strong> with work• Work from bell to bell• Work with your lab group <strong>and</strong> do work in classGrading:Students will be evaluated through performance on chapter exams, announced quizzes on thereadings, laboratory investigations <strong>and</strong> lab reports, homework, group projects, <strong>and</strong> writingassignments. In addition, each student will conduct a service learning project.Grades are calculated using the following:Letter grades will be determined by:1. Work ethic/group participation 10% A 100-94 C+ 79-772. Notebooks 30% A- 93-90 C 76-74• Daily Work B+ 89-87 C- 73-70• Notes B 86-84 D+ 69-67• Vocabulary B- 83-80 D 66-60• Journals3. Projects 30%4. Exams/Quizzes 30%
Student Information<strong>AP</strong> <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Science</strong>Please sign this paper below <strong>and</strong> return it to Mrs. Karnes as soon as possible.You will be given class credit for turning this in tomorrow. Start the semester off right, <strong>and</strong>turn this in!Student name (please print):______________________________________Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Home Phone: _________________e-mail: ___________________________Parent/Guardian Contact Information:Parent/Guardian #1 Name (please print):____________________________Phone (<strong>and</strong> best times to call):____________________________________E-mail:_______________________________________________________Parent/Guardian #2 Name (please print):____________________________Phone (<strong>and</strong> best times to call):_____________________________________E-mail:_______________________________________________________Sign below <strong>and</strong> Return to the Instructor:For parents: I have read <strong>and</strong> underst<strong>and</strong> the class expectations for this course. I underst<strong>and</strong>that my student is responsible for monitoring grades <strong>and</strong> informing me of his or her progressin this class. I also know that grades can be checked online .Parent Signature: _______________________Date:__________________For students: I have read <strong>and</strong> underst<strong>and</strong> the class expectations for this course. I underst<strong>and</strong>that my grade is my responsibility, <strong>and</strong> that it is up to me to monitor <strong>and</strong> inform myparents/guardians of my progress.Student Signature: ______________________Date:__________________Is there anything you would like me to know about you/your student?
Lab Safety ContractGeneral Rules:1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times.2. You will not be admitted to the lab unless you have completed the required pre-lab. You will receive a markof “0” for any missed labs due to lack of preparation.3. Follow all written <strong>and</strong> verbal instructions carefully. If you do not underst<strong>and</strong>, ask.4. Your instructor must be present at all times during the lab.5. Perform only those experiments authorized by the instructor.6. There is no horseplay, or any type of practical jokes or pranks allowed in the lab, they are dangerous, to you<strong>and</strong> to everyone.7. Safety glasses or chemical safety goggles <strong>and</strong> lab aprons are required, as indicated by your instructor, anytime chemicals, heat or glassware is used. There are no exceptions to this rule.8. Contact lenses should not be worn in the lab.9. Dress appropriately: No loose or bulky clothing, jackets, skirts, shorts, dresses, s<strong>and</strong>als or open-toed shoesare allowed. All long hair must be tied back, <strong>and</strong> long bangs clipped back. Dangling jewelery, rings <strong>and</strong>watches should not be worn.10. Carry out experiments with care <strong>and</strong> caution. Be aware of your surroundings, observe good housekeepingpractices, <strong>and</strong> keep aisles clear.11. Never leave experiments unattended. Do not w<strong>and</strong>er the room, distract others, or interfere with thelaboratory experiments of others.12. Be aware of emergency equipment locations, <strong>and</strong> operating procedures.13. Keep h<strong>and</strong>s away from face, eyes, mouth <strong>and</strong> body while using chemicals or preserved specimens. Washyour h<strong>and</strong>s with soap <strong>and</strong> water after performing all experiments.14. Do not sit or lean on laboratory tables or counters, as corrosive residue or glass fragments may be present.15. Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a lab period; containers must be closed, gas valves turned off,fume hoods turned off, <strong>and</strong> any electrical equipment turned off.16. No food or beverages are allowed in the lab, or at the lab stations.17. Dispose of all chemical waste as instructed. Check waste container labels twice before adding your chemicalwaste to the container.18. NEVER return unused chemicals to their original container.19. Acids <strong>and</strong> bases must be h<strong>and</strong>led with extreme caution. You will be shown the proper method for dilutingstrong acids. Always ADD ACID to water, swirl or stir the solution <strong>and</strong> be careful of the heat produced,especially with sulphuric acid.20. H<strong>and</strong>le all living organisms or preserved biological specimens in a humane manner, <strong>and</strong> with respect.Dispose of specimens properly, as instructed.21. When using knives or sharp instruments, always carry the tips <strong>and</strong> points pointing down <strong>and</strong> away. Alwayscut away from your body. Grasp sharp instruments only by the h<strong>and</strong>les, <strong>and</strong> never try to catch a falling sharpinstrument.22. If you notice any damaged or missing parts to school equipment, inform your instructor immediatelyotherwise you may be held responsible. Report damaged electrical equipment immediately, do not use it.23. ALL chemicals, equipment, supplies, <strong>and</strong> specimens must remain in the lab. Any removal of laboratoryitems from the lab will result in disciplinary action.24. REMAIN CALM <strong>and</strong> REPORT any accident IMMEDIATELY, no matter how minor.AGREEMENT:I, __________________________, (student’s name) have read <strong>and</strong> agree to follow all of the safety rules set forth inthis contract. I realize that I must obey these rules to ensure my own safety, <strong>and</strong> the safety of all others in the lab. Iwill come prepared, follow instructions closely <strong>and</strong> carefully, <strong>and</strong> contribute to maintaining a safe environment foreveryone to work in. I am aware that any violation of this safety contract or misbehavior on my part may result inbeing removed from the laboratory setting. I underst<strong>and</strong> discussion about my behavior will take place after the lab hasbeen completed. Any disciplinary consequences are dependent on the severity <strong>and</strong>/or frequency of my misbehavior.Student Signature:___________________________________Date:___________We feel that parents/guardians need to be informed regarding our effort to maintain a safe science classroom/laboratoryenvironment. Your signature indicates that you have read this contract, are aware of the measures taken to ensure thesafety of everyone in the lab, <strong>and</strong> have discussed the importance of lab safety with your son/daughter. I have beeninformed that my son/daughter received a mark of ________ on his/her safety quiz, <strong>and</strong> that it took them _____ time(s)to achieve this passing grade.Parent/Guardian Signature:_____________________________Date:____________
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