Welcome to APES!  

Environmental science is a fascinating field of study because it is current, applicable to your everyday life, and makes use of all the sciences you learned in school.  It is a science in a traditional sense in that it relies on data, evidence, and the peer review process, but it is also complicated by societies, opinions, governments, beliefs, economics, laws and ethics.  It is truly an interdisciplinary science.  

The goal of this course is for each of you to become aware and appreciative of your environment, to understand how your actions as well as the rest of the human population affect our planet, and to become critical thinkers and problem solvers to work towards environmental stewardship.  However, the short-term goal is to prepare to take the AP Environmental Science Exam in May!  

This is a college level course, so college level work habits are expected from the students.  The course work will be rigorous, and the responsibility will be on you.  There is a lot of material to cover, as well as activities and labs to complete.  Time management, organization, and good study skills will be crucial in the success of this course.  Ms. Kato will be available to assist you in any way possible, however, the pace and rigor of the course has been established to provide what students need to be successful on the AP Exam next May.  This course is for students willing to work at the college level, and with a desire to be successful on the AP Exam.