AP Environmental Science (APES as it is known to many) is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory, laboratory-based, college course in Environmental Science. Students will study the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, and evaluate the relative risks of and possible solutions for these problems. This course is audit approved and follows the guidelines set forth by the AP College Board, designed to prepare interested students for the Advanced Placement Exam given on May 11th, 2020.
Course Proficiency
Demonstrate a working knowledge of lab safety rules and procedures
Apply the steps of the scientific method to laboratory and field investigations.
Outline the flow of energy and the cycling of matter within the natural Earth’s system.
Explain the relationships among plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanism.
Outline the rock cycle and its relationship to soil formation.
Construct a food web showing interrelationships among organisms in an ecological community.
Describe and analyze population growth, including the dynamics of human populations.
Explain the factors that lead to the endangering of species and the loss of biodiversity.
Describe the problems associated with agriculture and food production in today’s world.
Identify renewable and nonrenewable resources, including distribution, ownership, use, and degradation.
Discuss the state of the atmosphere in terms of weather, climate air pollution, ozone, and greenhouse gases.
Analyze the environmental quality of air, soil, and water.
Explain house usable energy us generated from fossil fuels, nuclear fuels, and alternative sources and the trade-offs associated with their use.
Outline the processes involved in water and sewage treatment.
Identify problems associated with the disposal of solid and toxic wastes.
Identify global changes and their consequences.
Explain environmental problems in relationship to scientific, social, legal, cultural, and economic factors.
Relate course topics to local problems faced by Macon, GA residents.
Demonstrates an awareness of careers related to environmental science.
Discuss the effects of environmental quality on human health.
Materials
Composition notebook
Colored pencils
Black sharpies
Graph Paper
Headphones
Grading Scale & Late Work
100-90: A
89-80: B
79-70: C
69-60: D
Below 60: F
Students are responsible for making up any missing assignments. Generally speaking late work will receive a 20 point deduction for every day the assignment is turned in late without a documented excuse. However, students without proper written documentation will only be allotted 3 days to turn in late work. After three days the assignment will be entered in as a zero.