Barren County High School Course Syllabus: AP Environmental Science Syllabus
Barren County High School Course Syllabus: AP Environmental Science Syllabus
Barren County High School Course Syllabus: AP Environmental Science Syllabus
Course Syllabus
Introduction:
AP Environmental Science is a rigorous, inter-disciplinary course focusing on the application of
scientific concepts and principals to the understanding and methodologies regarding solution of
environmental problems and issues. An equivalent to a college-level class, this course includes
lecture, laboratory and field components through which students will learn about environmental
issues while developing and applying critical thinking, problem solving and communication
skills.
Goal:
The goal of this AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific skills
needed to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze causes
for and risks associated with natural and human-made environmental problems, and to examine
the alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them.
Through the intense creek studies students will practice techniques for ecosystem monitoring in
the local environment, take steps to ensure a more pristine watershed while ensuring the survival
of common and threatened iotic species. Students will use a variety of methods including
professional presentations at KSTA and electronic dissemination to communicate accurately and
meaningfully about observations and conclusions
III: Population
Unit 4: Population and Impacts – 7 days
A. Population Biology Concepts
(Population ecology; carrying capacity; reproductive strategies; survivorship)
B. Human population dynamics
(Historical population sizes; distribution; fertility rates; growth rates and doubling times;
demographic transition; age-structure diagrams)
C. Population size
(Strategies for sustainability; case studies; national policies)
D. Impacts of population growth
(Hunger; disease; economic effects; resource use; habitat destruction)
VI: Pollution
Unit 8: Pollution Types – 10 days
A. Pollution Types
1. Air pollution
(Sources—primary and secondary; major air pollutants; measurement units; smog; acid
deposition—causes and effects; heat islands and temperature inversions; indoor air pollution;
remediation and reduction strategies; Clean Air Act and other relevant laws)
2. Noise pollution
(Sources; effects; control measures)
3. Water pollution
(Types; sources, causes, and effects; cultural eutrophication; groundwater pollution; maintaining
water quality; water purification; sewage treatment/septic systems; Clean Water Act and other
relevant laws)
4. Solid waste
(Types; disposal; reduction)
Students are to place their name and date on all assignments. Maintaining a notebook is
mandatory and essential to the class and your grade. You are required to keep a binder to keep
daily notes, handouts and all returned assignments. You are also required to record all homework,
project, quiz or exam dates in your agenda book. Papers to be turned in should be placed in the
appropriate folder in the front of the room at the beginning of class. All work must be turned in
on time to receive full credit. You may turn work in early if you wish. To be fair to those who
have done their work on time, assignments late by one day will be counted
50 percent and no assignments will be accepted after 2 days. Individuals with extenuating
circumstances should see me outside of class.
Attendance Policy: Students have an equivalent number of days to makeup missing work as the
length of the excused absence. Work may be made up before or after school and must be
scheduled with the course instructor. Any work not made-up within the allowed time period or
missed due to an unexcused absence will be assigned a zero. Individuals with extenuating
circumstances need to see me regarding extensions.
Semester Test: Biology will have an end of course assessment administered by the state
approximately 2 weeks before the semester ends. This will count as the final exam and is
required for all students.
Plagiarism / Academic Dishonesty Policy: Plagiarism and academic dishonesty are serious
offenses. The academic work of a student is expected to be his/her own effort. Students must
give the author(s) credit for any source material used. To represent ideas or interpretations taken
from a source without giving credit is a flagrant act. To present a borrowed passage after having
changed a few words, even if the source is cited, is also plagiarism. Students who commit any act
of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade in that portion of the course work. Acts of
academic dishonesty will be reported to the administration.
I have read the course syllabus for ______________ and I understand the expectations and
requirements for this course.
Syllabus has been signed, returned and recorded. It is to be placed in the student’s notebook
and will be a part of each unit check until the end of the course.