Advanced Placement Environmental Science is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in Environmental Science.

The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, and to evaluate the risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.

Instruction consists of lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and written assignments—including research projects, in-class assignments, and homework. At least one class per week is devoted to hands-on laboratory experiences or fieldwork.

Course Outline

This course will cover the following topics in roughly the stated distribution:

1. Earth systems and resources (10-15%)

2. The living world (10-15%)

3. Population (10-15%)

4. Land and Water Use (10-15%)

5. Energy resources and consumption (10-15%)

6. Pollution (25-30%)

7. Global change (10-15%)

Expectations

This is a college level course and I expect your behavior to reflect that. If we conduct ourselves in a manner that shows respect for each other and ourselves there is likely no need to talk about specific behaviors that are prohibited.

You will need to be responsible and self-motivated to do well in this class. If you are to score well on the AP Exam come May, you must put in the effort both in class and at home to be successful. Make sure you understand the material, and if you do not, see me.