This document provides an overview of the AP Environmental Science course at South County Secondary School. The course covers topics like interdependence of earth's systems, human population dynamics, environmental quality and pollution through four quarters. Students are required to participate in field studies, complete a science fair project, and volunteer for two hours of environmental community service per quarter. Grades are calculated based on assignments, labs, quizzes, exams and a current events notebook. Late work policies and times for additional help are also outlined.

1. Welcome to AP Environmental Science South County Secondary School Deborah Buffington

2. . Environmental science is an interdisciplinary, cumulative study which combines Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geosciences, Sociology and Government and covers the following topics:

3. AP Environmental Science I. Interdependence of Earth’s Systems- (1 st quarter) Flow of energy in an ecosystem/ field trip- Community service – water quality III . Human Population Dynamics- (2nd quarter) Demographics Carrying capacity Cultural and Economic Influences Community service – helping needy persons III. Environmental Quality: Global change and - consequences -2 nd quarter ( Geology) Natural Resources/Energy IV. Pollution (Meteorology) - (3rd quarter) Land Use- agricultural practices/ deforestation/toxicology Air/Water/Soil pollutants Community Service – planting activity/invasive species removal V. Environment and Society: Solutions- 4 th quarter Environmental regulations, conservation, restoration, remediation, sustainability Community service – remediation/ sustainability

4. Laboratory and Field Investigations All students must participate in a Field Study and Participate in the School Science Fair (February) And complete 2 hours of environmental community service per quarter to accomplish the following : Make first hand observations of environmental systems Develop and conduct well-designed experiments Utilize appropriate techniques and instrumentation Analyze and interpret data, including appropriate statistical and graphical presentations Think analytically and apply concepts to the solution of environmental problems Communicate accurately and meaningfully about observations and conclusions Make conclusions and evaluate their quality and validity

5. Grading Policy Grades: All assignments are given point values so that the grade is calculated as a percent of the total points Final exam = 20% of final grade Grades include: Classwork/homework ( activity logs) lab activities/ daily vocab quizzes/ unit exams Current events notebook – one per month on a different environmental topic each month 2 hours verified Community service each quarter

6. Late Work Policy Attendance is important!! Full Credit Late work will only be accepted for excused absences. Many labs or field trips are impossible to make up and the student must get data from another student to complete the assignment. Please check blackboard to keep up with assignments- Look under “Course Materials” link to find Due Date calendar Vocab notes will be under the “Class Materials” link in the Notes folder.

7. Make up Times Additional curricular help or makeup time available before school most mornings at 7am-7:20 am or after school from 2:30-4:05 on Monday afternoons by appointment in Room C217.

8. Science Fair All AP Environmental Science students must participate in the Science Fair ( first Friday in February) Groups of not more than 3 students who have the same teacher may work together