€¦ · Web viewThe Living World (10-15%) Content ... earthquakes, volcanism; seasons; solar intensity and latitude) Chapters 1, 2. Soil and Soil Dynamics ... (Tree plantations;

AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline

FIRST SEMESTER COURSE OUTLINE

Textbooks:Friedland, A., Relyea, R., Courard-Hauri, D., Environmental Science for AP, 1st Edition

2012, W.H. Freeman and CompanyWithgott, J., Brennan S., Environnment The Science Behind the Stories, 4th Edition 2011,

Pearson Benjamin Cummings

Introduction – Two Weeks

Summer Worko Nature Journal o Adopt-a-Topic Assignmento Ecological Footprinto Chapter One – Studying the State of Our Earth

Class Guidelineso Syllabus, lab safety, goals, course outline, leadership survey

History of Environmental Science Garrett Hardin- Tragedy of the Commons Earth Island Essay Most Significant Problem

Ecology – Four WeeksAP Environmental Science College Board Criteria Covered:

II. The Living World (10-15%)Content Location

Ecosystem Structure (Biological populations and communities; ecological niches; interactions among species; keystone species; species diversity and edge effects; major terrestrial and aquatic biomes)

Chapters 3, 5

Energy Flow (Photosynthesis and cellular respiration; food webs and trophic levels; ecological pyramids)

Chapter 3

Ecosystem Diversity (Biodiversity; natural selection; evolution; ecosystem services)

Chapter 6

Natural Ecosystem Change (Climate shifts; species movement; ecological succession)

Chapters 3, 5

Natural Biogeochemical Cycles (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, water, conservation of matter)

Chapters 3, 4


Major Concepts Covered

Energy versus Matter in ecosystems Gross Primary Productivity versus Net Primary Productivity Ecological Pyramids – Energy, Numbers, Biomass Abiotic versus Biotic factors in the environment –all living things are connected to their

abiotic and biotic environment Sunlight energy that comes to the Earth is transformed into chemical energy through

primary producers to drive life functions; and to heat that maintains planet homeostasis through atmospheric and ocean currents.

Limiting Factors; Range of Tolerance, Food Chains; Food Webs; El Nino Southern Oscillation

Classroom activities and simulations

A Comparison of GPP and NPPStudents will examine the difference between Gross Primary Productivity and Net Primary Productivity in an aquatic ecosystem using oxygen production as an indirect indicator of productivity.

Study Trip to Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve – September 17, 18, 2014

Hands-on Laboratory Investigations

The Effects of Allelopathy Students will conduct an inquiry based investigation into the effects of allelopathy on

the germination and growth of plants using soil and dried leaf material from allelopathic plants. Time Frame: 8 hours over 3 weeks

Grass Decomposition InvestigationStudents will observe how varying amounts of moisture and oxygen affect the rate and process of decomposition. Time Frame: 4 hours over 2 weeks

Student Assessments

Biogeochemical cycles QuizAllelopathy Lab ReportGrass Decomposition Lab ReportPrimary Productivity LabBiome PowerPoint PresentationsEcology Unit Essay TestEcology Unit Multiple Choice Test


Population and Community Ecology Two Weeks

AP Environmental Science College Board Criteria Covered:

II. The Living World (10-15%)Content Location

Ecosystem Structure (Biological populations and communities; ecological niches; interactions among species; keystone species; species diversity and edge effects)

Chapters 3, 5

III. Population (10-15%) Content Location

Population Biology Concepts (Population ecology; carrying capacity; reproductive strategies; survivorship)

Chapter 6


Struggle between the biotic potential of a species and the environmental resistance that it encounters - Niche

Exponential versus Logistic Growth Carrying capacity; density-dependent versus density-independent control factors;

r-selected versus K-selected species; survivorship curves


Determining Significance In Various Duckweed Growth ScenariosStudents will observe the growth rate of duckweed (Lemna minor) over time and determine the growth rate that corresponds to the biotic potential. In addition, students will compare duckweed growth in various water conditions to determine whether or not there is a significant difference in the growth rate of duckweed from one condition to another. Time Frame: 6 hours over 4 weeks

Student Assessments

Animal Population QuizDuckweed Population Growth Lab ReportPopulation Unit Essay TestPopulation Unit Multiple Choice Test

Human Population – two weeks



III. Population (10-15%) Content Location

Human Population1. Human population dynamics (Historical population sizes;

distribution; fertility rates; growth rates and doubling times; demographic transition; age-structure diagrams)

2. Population size (Strategies for sustainability; case studies; national policies

3. Impacts of population growth (Hunger; disease; economic effects; resource use; habitat destruction)

Chapter 7


The increase in the human population from less than a billion people to over seven billion over the past 200 years and the dramatic effect that is having on the Earth’s biosphere

The impact of overconsumption by developed countries Ecological Footprints The Demographic Transition Model The human population shift from rural to urban Birth Rates, Death Rates, Fertility Rates, Growth Rates, and Doubling Times Age Structure Diagrams

Hands-on Laboratory Investigations Determining Significance In Various Duckweed Growth Scenarios

Students will observe the growth rate of duckweed (Lemna minor) over time and determine the growth rate that corresponds to the biotic potential. In addition, students will compare duckweed growth in various water conditions to determine whether or not there is a significant difference in the growth rate of duckweed from one condition to another. Time Frame: 6 hours over 4 weeks

Classroom Activities and Simulations

World Population Lab Ecological Footprints World Mapper Activity Classroom Age Pyramid

Student Assessments


Animal Population QuizPopulation Math QuizWorld Population Internet Discovery AssignmentDuckweed Population Growth Lab ReportPopulation Unit Essay TestPopulation Unit Multiple Choice Test

End of Quarter One

Geology, Earth Dynamics, and Soil – Two WeeksAP Environmental Science College Board Criteria Covered:

I. Earth Systems and Resources (10-15%)Content Location

Earth Science Concepts (Geologic time scale; plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanism; seasons; solar intensity and latitude)

Chapters 1, 2

Soil and Soil Dynamics (Rock cycle; formation; composition; physical and chemical properties; main soil types; erosion and other soil problems; soil conservation)

Chapter 8


The Earth as a Dynamic Planet – plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes, wind and water erosion

Weathering, Soil Formation, and the Characteristics of Soil Soil Composition – sand, silt, clay, organic matter, and living organisms Types of Soil Erosion Methods of Soil Conservation

Additional Concepts Covered

The Rock Cycle –igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks; desertification; porosity and permeability; plate boundaries and fault types



Soil Porosity ActivityStudents will use BB’s, small, round plastic beads, and marbles to determine the relationship between particle size and the water holding capacity of an aquifer.


Landfill Modeling Students will build models of a landfill containing both green waste and non-green waste. Models will be monitored over the months and then dissected toward the end of the year.

Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Soil Types Students will analyze various local soil types for important physical and chemical characteristics. Time Frame: 4 hours over one week

Soil Texture Lab This lab investigates the importance of soil particle size in the germination and growth of plants. Time Frame: 4 hours over one week

Student Assessments

Plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes QuizSoil Analysis Lab ReportMethods of Soil Conservation PowerPoint PresentationsGeology and Soils Unit Essay TestGeology and Soils Unit Multiple Choice Test

Agriculture and Pesticides- Two WeeksAP Environmental Science College Board Criteria Covered:

IV. Land and Water Use (10-15%)Content Location

Agriculture1. Feeding a growing population (Human nutritional

requirements; types of agriculture; Green Revolution; generic engineering and crop productions; deforestation; irrigation; sustainable agriculture)

2. Controlling pests (Types of pesticides; costs and benefits of pesticide use; integrated pest management; relevant laws)

Chapters 10, 11

Fishing (Fishing techniques; overfishing; aquaculture; relevant laws and treaties)

Chapter 11



The Agricultural Revolution – A change in the relationship of human to the planet Earth The Impact of Agriculture on natural ecosystems The Impacts of a Meat-Centered diet Fisheries and Sustainable Yield Reducing the Impacts of Agriculture on the Natural Environment Types of Pesticides Impacts of Pesticides on the Environment Integrated Pest Management Alternatives to Pesticides


Types of Agriculture around the world; green revolution; malnutrition, under-nutrition, and over-nutrition; aquaculture; overgrazing; genetic engineering;


Salinization LabStudents will ascertain the germination and growth rates for mung bean seeds placed in varying salt concentrations. Time Frame: 3 hour over two to three days

Soil Nutrient LabStudents will explore how the presence of or lack of certain nutrients in the soil affect plant growth. Time Frame: 6 hours over 4 weeks

Student Assessments

Pesticides QuizSalinization Lab ReportSoil Nutrient Lab ReportAgriculture and Pesticides Unit Essay TestAgriculture and Pesticides Unit Multiple Choice Test

Land-Use, Biodiversity, and Species Extinction Two Weeks




Forestry (Tree plantations; old growth forests; forest fires; forest management; national forests)

Chapter 10

Rangelands (Overgrazing; deforestation; desertification; rangeland management; federal rangelands)

Chapter 10

Other Land Use1. Public and federal lands (Management; wilderness

areas; national parks; wildlife refuges; forests, wetlands)

2. Land conservation options (Preservation; remediation; mitigation; restoration)

3. Sustainable land-use strategies

Chapter 10

VII. Global Change (10/15%)Content Location

Loss of Biodiversity1. Habitat loss; overuse; pollution; introduced species;

endangered and extinct species.2. Maintenance through conservation3. Relevant laws and treaties.

Chapter 18


Biodiversity Species Extinction – causes and mitigations The Importance of Habitat Preservation – wilderness, parks, refuges, and preserves The Public and Ecological Good versus Private Property Rights Deforestation, Forest Management, and Sustainable Forestry Ecological Roles of Species – symbiosis, predation Fire Ecology – the integral role that fire plays in the Earth’s ecosystems


Theory of Island Biogeography; generalist and specialist species; keystone and indicator species; resource partitioning; succession



Biodiversity Simulation ActivityStudents will engage in a simulation that demonstrates the use of the Shannon-Weiner formula in determining biodiversity. Time Frame: 2 hours over one or two days

Measuring Invertebrate Biodiversity In a Detritus SampleUsing a Berlese apparatus, students will measure invertebrate biodiversity in a detritus sample. Time Frame: 3 to 4 hours over two or three days

Shannon-Weiner Diversity Lab Students will use the Shannon-Weiner diversity formula to determine the biodiversity of a local ecosystem. Time Frame: 2 hours over one or two days

Student Assessments

Endangered Species PowerPoint PresentationsInvasive Species ProjectShannon-Weiner Species Diversity Lab ReportLand-use and Species Unit Essay TestLand-use and Species Unit Multiple Choice Test

Risk Analysis and Toxicology – 1 week AP Environmental Science College Board Criteria Covered: VI. Pollution (25-30%)Content Location

Impacts on Environment and Human Health1. Hazards to human health (Environmental risk analysis;

acute and chronic effects; dose response relationships; air pollutants; smoking and other risks)

2. Hazardous chemicals in the environment (Types of hazardous waste; treatment/disposal of hazardous waste; cleanup of contaminated sites; biomagnification; relevant laws)

Chapters 14 - 17



Biomagnification versus Bioaccumulation Theories of Toxicology – Acute and Chronic exposure and dose response LD50 and LC50 Analysis Parts per Million, Parts per Billion, Part per Trillion concentration analysis Threshold versus No Threshold Effect Risk Analysis


Mutagens; teratogens; hormone mimics and blockers


Risk Assessment ActivityStudents will explore the differences between perceived and actual risks and then determine their risk tolerance.

Exploration Into the Differences Between PPM, PPB, and PPTStudents will discover the differences between parts per million, parts per billion, and parts per trillion by doing a serial dilution beginning with a one part per ten solution of Congo Red dye.


Determining the LC50 For Copper Sulfate On Daphnia magnaStudents will determine the lethal concentration of Copper Sulfate that kills fifty percent of a Daphnia magna population. Time Frame: 3 hours over one or two days.

Student Assessments

LC50 Copper Sulfate Daphnia Lab ReportRisk and Toxicology Unit Essay TestRisk and Toxicology Unit Multiple Choice Test

First Semester Final

SECOND SEMESTER COURSE OUTLINE


Water Resources and Water Pollutionthree Weeks



Global Water Resources and Use (Freshwater/saltwater; ocean circulation; agricultural, industrial, and domestic use; surface and groundwater issues; global problems; conservation)

Chapter 9

VI. Pollution (25-30%)Content Location

Pollution TypesWater 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)

Chapter 14


Distribution of Water on Earth Major Classes of Water Pollution – cause, effect, and remediation Water purification and sewage treatment Effects of water diversion and the plight of aquatic species, i.e. Salmon DO (dissolved oxygen); BOD (biological oxygen demand); and COD (chemical oxygen

demand)


Watersheds; confined and unconfined aquifers; personal water use and conservation; salinization


Field Trip to Sewage Treatment Plant

Rubber DuckiesStudents will research ocean currents following the paths of a container of plastic bath toys that were lost overboard during a storm.

Watershed Simulation


Using butcher paper, water-soluble marking pens, and a spray bottle, students will create a model of how a real watershed works. Water soluble marking pens will be used to simulate the flow of water and toxic substances.


Dissolved Oxygen LabStudents will learn how to determine the dissolved oxygen level in a water sample, determine the DO level in various water sources, and observe DO changes as water is aerated or heated. Time Frame: 3 hours over 2 or 3 days

Water Unknowns AnalysisStudents will analyze and identify an array of unknown water samples using characteristics such as salinity and turbidity. Time Frame: 8 hours over one week

Sewage Treatment LabStudents will “clean up” simulated sewage by building small “treatment plants” from plastic water bottles. After the water is treated it will be tested for various pollutants. Time Frame: 6 hours over four days

The Effect of Dissolved Oxygen Level On Aquatic LifeStudents will observe the effect of varying levels of dissolved oxygen on aquatic life. Time Frame: 2 hours over one or two days

Student Assessments

Types of Water Pollution PowerPoint PresentationsSewage Treatment Lab ReportWater Testing Lab Write-upDissolved Oxygen Lab Write-upWater Unit Essay TestWater Unit Multiple Choice Test

Air Resources, Air Pollution, Acid Deposition


Two Weeks AP Environmental Science College Board Criteria Covered:


The Atmosphere(Composition; structure; weather and climate; atmospheric circulation and the Coriolis Effect; atmosphere—ocean interactions; ENSO)

Chapters 3, 4


Pollution Types1. 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)

Chapters 14-16


Layers of the Atmosphere Major Classes of Air Pollutants – causes, effects, and remediation Acid Deposition Indoor Air Pollution


Inversion layer; respiratory system; industrial versus photochemical smog


Acid Deposition LabStudents will observe and analyze the effects of acid deposition on the germination and growth of radish seeds. Time Frame: 6 hours over four weeks

Particulate Air Pollution AnalysisStudents will learn to identify a wide variety of particulates that can pollute the air, then collect and analyze particulate pollution in their local airshed. Time Frame: 4 hours over one week

Ozone Detection Lab


Potassium iodide is used to construct ozone detectors which can be used to detect levels of this secondary air pollutant in urban environments. Time Frame: 3 hours over one week

Carbon Monoxide LabCarbon monoxide meters are used to determine the amount of carbon monoxide present in various environments including next to a kitchen stove, a fireplace, and a candle-filled room. Time Frame: 1 hour/one day

Student Assessments

Particulate Identification ManualsParticulate Pollution Lab ReportAir Pollution Unit Essay TestAir Pollution Unit Multiple Choice Test

Global Warming and Ozone Depletion – 3 Weeks


VII. Global Change (10/15%)Content Location

Stratospheric Ozone (Formation of stratospheric ozone; ultraviolet radiation; causes of ozone depletion; effects of ozone depletions; strategies for reducing ozone depletion; relevant laws and treaties)

Chapter 15

Global Warming (Greenhouse gases and greenhouse effect; impacts and consequences of global warming; reducing climate change; relevant laws and treaties)

Chapter 19


History of Climate Change on the Planet Earth Molecular causes of Global Warming Major Classes of Global Warming Gasses Impacts of Global Warming Mitigating and Coping with the Impacts of Global Warming Molecular causes of Ozone Depletion Major Classes of Ozone Depleting Gasses Impacts of Ozone Depletion Mitigating and Coping with the Impacts of Ozone Depletion



Thermohaline ocean current; greenhouse effect; Kyoto Treaty


Observing the Difference Between Land Ice and Sea Ice In Relation To Ocean Level RiseIn this activity, students will observe the difference between melting “land ice” versus melting “sea ice” in relation to water level rise in a container with water.

Global Warming on Trial Debate


Investigating the Principles of Global WarmingUsing temperature probes and various transparent containers, students will investigate the basic physics of global warming. Time Frame: 3 hours over two or three days

Comparing the Heat Retaining Capacity of Air to Carbon DioxideUsing two separate containers, students will compare the heat retaining capacity of normal air to that of carbon dioxide. Time Frame: 2 hour over one or two days

Student Assessments

Global Warming QuizGlobal Warming Internet AssignmentGreenhouse Effect Lab ReportHeat Retention of Gasses Lab ReportGlobal Effects Unit Essay TestGlobal Effects Unit Multiple Choice Test

Solid and Hazardous Waste – two WeeksAP Environmental Science College Board Criteria Covered:


Pollution TypesWaste (Types; disposal; reduction) Chapter 16Impacts on Environment and Human HealthHazardous chemicals in the environment (Types of hazardous waste; treatment/disposal of hazardous waste; cleanup of contaminated sites; biomagnification; relevant laws)

Chapter 16

Economic impacts (Cost-benefit analysis; externalities; marginal costs; sustainability)

Chapter 16



Types and sources of Solid Waste Integrated Waste Management Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle The Modern Sanitary Landfill Types and sources of toxic wastes Processing Toxic Waste


Materials Recovery Facility; Superfund


Toxic Spill Simulation ActivityUsing sand and clay along with a plastic container, plastic straws, and food coloring, students will simulate a toxic waste spill and observe how the plume migrates through contrasting soil strata.


Personal Solid Waste AnalysisStudents will collect and analyze one week’s worth of their own solid waste. Analysis will include categorizing their waste according to material type and rate of decomposition. Time Frame: 2 hours over one week

Landfill Model Dissection

Aquatic Plastic Pollution SurveyStudents will conduct plastic pollution surveys at one or more of the following: ocean beaches, river banks, or lakeshores. Students will identify the types and sizes of plastic found and compare the amount of plastic found in various locations. Time Frame: 8 hours over two or three days

Plastics Identification and Characteristics LabStudents will learn to identify the various plastic types by subjecting them to various physical and chemical tests. Students will conclude this lab by identifying representative unknown plastics. Time Frame: 1 hour

Student Assessments

Personal Solid Waste Inventory Report


Survey ReportLandfill Dissection Lab ReportPlastics Types Lab ReportSolid and Hazardous Waste Unit Essay TestSolid and Hazardous Waste Unit Multiple Choice Test

End of Quarter 3

Mining, Nuclear Power, Fossil Fuels, and Renewable Energy – Three Weeks


V. Energy Resources and Consumption (10-15%)Content Location

Energy Concepts (Energy forms; power; units; conversions; Laws of Thermodynamics)

Chapter 12

Energy Consumption1. History (Industrial Revolution; exponential growth; energy crisis)2. Present global energy use3. Future energy needs

Chapter 12

Fossil Fuel Resources and Use (Formation of coal, oil, and natural gas; extraction/purification methods; world reserves and global demand; synthetic fuels; environmental advantages and disadvantages of sources)

Chapter 12

Nuclear Energy (Nuclear fission process; nuclear fuel; electricity production; nuclear reactor types; environmental advantages and disadvantages; safety issues; radiation and human health; radioactive wastes; nuclear fusion)

Chapter 12

Hydroelectric Power (Dams; flood control; salmon; silting; other impacts) Chapter 12Energy Conservation (Energy efficiency; CAFÉ standards; hybrid electric vehicles; mass transit)

Chapter 13

Renewable Energy (Solar energy; solar electricity; hydrogen fuel cells; biomass; wind energy; small-scale hydroelectric; ocean waves and tidal energy; geothermal; environmental advantages/disadvantages)

Chapter 13


Mining (Mineral formation; extraction; global reserves; relevant laws and treaties)

Chapter 8



Non-renewable versus Renewable Energy Sources The End of the Age of Oil Nuclear Power – What to do with the radioactive wastes? Energy Conservation Impacts of Mining


Nuclear fusion; depletion time;


Field Trip to Wind Farm


Comparing the Energy Content of Various FuelsStudents will compare the mass to energy content of various fuels such as methyl alcohol, kerosene, corn oil, etc. Time Frame: 2 hours over two or three days

Effect of Microwave Energy On Plant Growth and Development Test plants are exposed to varying doses of microwave radiation to ascertain the effect on their growth and development. Time Frame: 4 hours over two or three weeks

Student Assessments

Comparing the Energy Content of Various Fuels Lab ReportEnergy Unit Essay TestEnergy Unit Multiple Choice Test

Urbanization, Sustainability, and Environmental Worldviews



Pollution TypesNoise pollution (Sources; effects; control measures) Chapter 14



Other Land Use1. Urban land development (Planned development;

suburban sprawl; urbanization)2. Transportation infrastructure (Federal highway

system; canals and channels; roadless areas; ecosystem impacts)

Chapter 10

Chapter 12

Major Concepts Covered Land-use Planning Zoning Movement towards urbanization Impacts and Mitigations of Noise Pollution Transportation modes Creating sustainable cities


Megalopolis; urban heat island; suburban sprawl; open space


Tragedy of the Commons SimulationUsing soda straws and M & Ms, students will pretend that they are fishers trying to make a living from a common resource: a lake. They will learn what individual needs and a lack of concern for a public resource can lead to. Time Frame: 1 to 2 hours over one or two days

Determining Ecological Footprints Personal and national ecological footprints are calculated in an effort to shed light on the amount of resources needed to support the lifestyles of individuals and countries throughout the world. Time Frame: 1 to 2 hours over one or two days

Sustainability Simulation Using different kinds of markers which represent various resources, students will explore the road to sustainability through the allocation of resources. Time Frame: one hour

Hands-on Laboratory Investigations Noise Pollution Lab

Using decibel meters, students will compare the noise levels of various activities inside and outside the classroom to determine whether or not they are above the threshold for permanent damage from chronic exposure. Time Frame: 2 hours one or two days

Student Assessments

Adopt-A-Topic Presentations


Noise Pollution Lab ReportUrbanization/Sustainability Unit Essay TestUrbanization/Sustainability Unit Multiple Choice Test

Second Semester Final Exam

Documents

€¦ · Web viewThe Living World (10-15%) Content ... earthquakes, volcanism; seasons; solar intensity and latitude) Chapters 1, 2. Soil and Soil Dynamics ... (Tree plantations;