Mission, Vision, Competencies, Standards, and Benchmarks

‣ The course utilizes guided inquiry and student-centered learning to foster the
development of critical thinking skills.
‣ The course includes a laboratory component comparable to college-level physics
laboratories, with a minimum of 12 student-conducted laboratory investigations
representing a variety of topics covered in the course. A hands-on laboratory
component is required. Each student should complete a lab notebook or portfolio of
lab reports.
By the close of Advanced Placement Environmental Science:
‣ The Teacher has read the most recent AP Environmental Science Course Description.
‣ The course provides instruction in each of the following seven content areas outlined
in the Course Description:
o earth systems and resources
o the living world
o population
o land and water use
o energy resources and consumption
o pollution
o global change
‣ 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.
‣ The course includes methods for analyzing and interpreting information and
experimental data, including mathematical calculations.
‣ 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.
‣ The course includes a laboratory and/or field investigation component.
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