AP Environmental Science

This course is an Advanced Placement elective science and is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science.  It is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them.

*Source: CollegeBoard

At the end of the course, each student will be able to –

• identify and analyze environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with those problems and examine solutions;
• practice safe, environmentally appropriate, and ethical practices during field/lab activities;
• demonstrate critical thinking and scientific problem solving skills to make informed decisions;
• apply critical thinking to environmental and social concerns, and;
• display responsibility as caretakers and stewards of the living world.

The AP Environmental Science exam is scheduled on the morning of May 11^th.  Some students may not desire to take the AP exam; however, this course will be presented with this goal in mind.

Students not taking the AP exam will be taking the regular finals in addition to doing a project.

TEXTBOOK

• Miller, G. Tyler.  Living in the Environment, 12th ed. 2002.  (provided by school)

• Summer Reading (Choose one for the Fall Semester)
  • Diamond, Jared.  Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies.  1997.
  • Friedman, Thomas L.  Hot, Flat, and Crowded.  2008.
  • Harrison, Harry.  Make Room!  Make Room!.  2008.
  • McDonough, William and Braungart, Michael.  Cradle to Cradle: Remaking The Way We Make Things.  2002.
  • Thaler, Richard H. and Sunstein, Cass R.  Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness.  2009.
• Winter Reading (For the Spring Semester)
  • Perkins, John.  Confessions of an Economic Hitman.  2005.

• Three-ringed hardback GREEN binder (1.5 to 2 inches, for your portfolio)
• Three tabs or dividers
• Spiral notebook OR binder with paper (for your notes)
• Pencils (and eraser)
• Pens (standard blue or black only)
• USB flash drive (to be used in all classes)
• Ream of printer paper
• 4" x 6" Index cards (at least 120 pieces)

Your grades are computed as follows:

• Tests / Quizzes           40%  (Note: Tests count twice more than quizzes)
• Labs / Activities           30%
• All Others                    30%