AP Environmental Science
Ronda Brooks, Instructor; E-Mail Address: ronda.brooks@nisdtx.org
Overview
AP Environmental Science (APES) is intended to provide a rigorous college level course with laboratory activities for high school students. Successful completion of course materials and consequent acceptable scoring on the APES Exam is designed to grant college credit for an introductory college environmental science course (depending on standards of individual universities). This course includes an in-depth study of our planet and focuses on the major themes in Environmental Science, as determined by the AP College Board. In addition, emphasis will be placed on laboratory experiences in which the student uses many skills to accomplish scientific methodology in formulating, writing, and conducting a scientifically valid investigation.
The National Academy of Sciences definition which has been adopted by the State of Texas states,
“Science is the use of evidence to construct testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, as well as the knowledge generated through this process."
This course focuses heavily on anthropogenic influences on climate change; as such, it accepts the scientific consensus that human activities play a role on the Earth’s climate. Everything taught in this course follows these mandated rules of science, and the examination and analysis of current research findings and discoveries.
Objectives
The aim of the course is to gain knowledge of the “Big Ideas” of environmental science, as determined by the College Board. The Big Ideas are listed below.
Energy Transfer
Interactions Between Earth Systems
Interactions Between Different Species and the Environment
Sustainability
Expectations of Students
1. Complete assigned and supplemental work outside of the classroom every day. Students should expect to perform at least 30 minutes of outside work per day. You will have weekly reading assignments which will be the majority of your at home work. Students are responsible for all information from assigned readings.
2. Complete all assignments on time. Getting behind in this course will cause you to be unable to move forward with material that builds upon itself. This is your responsibility. If you are unable to attend class due to extracurricular activities, please understand that it is your responsibility to notify the teacher enough in advance so that necessary alternative assignments can be given.
3. Address your teacher for questions and clarification but know that you are expected to answer many of your own questions individually. No specific assistance will be given to students who demonstrate a lack of preparation and task completion.
4. Bring all materials to class every day, including your Chromebook/laptop and charger.
5. When entering the classroom, get ready for class. Asking students to be seated and ready for class will not be tolerated on a daily basis, as this is proper behavior for students at all levels.
6. Abide by the honor code/attendance/and late work policies as set forth by NISD.
Expectations of the Teacher
1. You will be presented with assignments that will fuel your curiosity and assist with understanding and remembering of key concepts.
2. You will be guided through difficult concepts with examples, demonstrations, labs, etc.
3. You will be presented with current, updated information that is being taught at the university level. You are encouraged to seek and present relevant new research and data.
4. You will be presented with information and assignments that are designed to prepare you to pass the AP exam. The utilization of these tools is the responsibility of the student.
5. Frank discussion of any appropriate topic during class time will be welcomed, but all discussions and tasks must follow scientific and empirical methodology.
Attendance and Other Policies
This is a demanding class and it will be taught as if it were an actual college course. Students are expected to complete assigned readings and review their notes on a frequent basis. As in college courses, students will be held responsible for relevant material even if it is not covered during class. This means that if something is in the textbook, then it is fair game for assessment. Understand that missing class time and labs may adversely affect your grade. If you are absent for any reason, (including school sponsored extracurricular activities) it is your responsibility to request and complete the missed assignment in a prompt manner, as defined by NISD policy. I will assist you with getting caught up, but it is the student’s responsibility to seek this assistance.
Course Expectations and Example Assignment List
Course expectations per week (can include amount of time student is expected to work on course work outside of class, amount of reading, number of projects, etc.)
Students should expect to spend around 30 minutes per day on APES assignments. “Homework” is limited to Edpuzzles which serve as “flipped classroom” supplemental notes, weekly reading assignments (~25-40 pages per week) on which notes are to be taken, and completion of any classwork that was not finished during the period.
An example assignment list (this one is strongly encourage but not required)
Weekly:
30 pages of textbook reading and note taking.
a 15 minute edpuzzle
10 – 15 minutes of lecture notes in class per day
In class assignment (~ 3 per week) (i.e. case study, interpretation of data, practice free response prompts, lab work and analysis)
Reading Quiz (reading notes are allowed on the quiz)