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High AP Environmental Science

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Pre Requisites

Algebra 1 and two years of high school science, with labs

Description

With the current changes in global climate, rising sea levels, and warming oceans, it is important for students to discover the state of Earth's systems and the consequences of human activities. AP Environmental Science provides students with a global view of their world and their role in it. It examines the scientific principles and concepts required to understand the interrelationships between ocean, land, and atmosphere that guide the natural world and allow Earth to be a planet suitable for life.  Laboratory activities within the course support their learning of these relationships through reflective, hands-on, or virtual experiences. In addition, students identify and analyze environmental problems that are natural and human-made, determining their own ecological footprint in the world to discover how their activities affect the world around them. They evaluate the relative risks associated with environmental problems and examine alternative solutions, such as clean energy, sustainable practices, and conservation, for resolving or preventing future environmental problems.

 

Follow the link below for the Department of Education description of this course:

http://www.cpalms.org/Public/PreviewCourse/Preview/4354

 

The course description for this Advanced Placement courses is located on the College Board site at https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-environmental-science-course-and-exam-description.pdf?course=ap-environmental-science

SEGMENT 1

 

Module 1—Ecosystems

  • Introduction to Ecosystems
  • Biomes
  • Biogeochemical Cycles
  • Primary Productivity
  • Trophic Levels and Energy Flow
  • Food Chains and Food Webs

 

Module 2—Biodiversity and Populations

  • Biodiversity
  • Ecological Relationships
  • Natural Disruptions to Ecosystems
  • Adaptation
  • Ecological Succession
  • Types of Species and Survivorship
  • Population Growth
  • Demographics
  • Human Populations

 

Module 3—Earth Systems

  • Plate Tectonics
  • Soil Formation and Erosion
  • Soil Composition and Properties
  • Watersheds
  • Earth's Atmosphere
  • Global Wind Patterns
  • Solar Radiation and Seasons
  • Earth's Geography and Climate
  • El Niño and La Niña

 

Module 4—Natural Resources

  • Tragedy of the Commons
  • Agricultural Practices
  • Food Production
  • Mining and Urbanization
  • Ecological Footprints
  • Sustainability
  • Integrated Pest Management

 

SEGMENT 2

 

Module 5—Energy Resources

  • Energy Sources
  • Global Energy Consumption
  • Fossil Fuels
  • Nuclear Energy
  • Energy from Biomass
  • Solar Energy
  • Geothermal Energy
  • Hydrogen Fuel Cell
  • Hydroelectric Power
  • Wind Energy
  • Energy Conservation

 

Module 6—Air Pollution

  • Introduction to Air Pollution
  • Smog
  • Thermal Inversion
  • Air Pollutants
  • Acid Deposition
  • Noise Pollution

 

Module 7—Water and Land Pollution

  • Sources of Pollution
  • Endocrine Disruptors
  • Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
  • Effect on Aquatic Ecosystems
  • Solid Waste Disposal
  • Waste Reduction Methods
  • Sewage Treatment
  • Lethal Dose Response
  • Pollution and Human Health
  • Pathogens and Infectious Diseases

 

Module 8—Global Change

  • Ozone Depletion
  • Greenhouse Effect
  • Global Climate Change
  • Effects on Oceans
  • Invasive Species
  • Endangered
  • Threats to Biodiversity

 Household items for lab experiments

Besides engaging students in challenging curriculum, the course guides students to reflect on their learning and evaluate their progress through a variety of assessments. Assessments can be in the form of practice lessons, multiple choice questions, writing assignments, projects, research papers, oral assessments, and discussions. This course will use the state-approved grading scale. Each course contains a mandatory final exam or culminating project that will be weighted at 20% of the student’s overall grade.***

***Proctored exams can be requested by FLVS at any time and for any reason in an effort to ensure academic integrity. When taking the exam to assess a student’s integrity, the exam must be passed with at least a 59.5% in order to earn credit for the course.  

Advanced Placement Policy

Students entering high school grades 9-12 have access to Advanced Placement courses that may result in earning college credit for high school coursework. These courses are used to calculate overall Grade Point Average (GPA) and typically count extra in the calculation. These courses are also available at no charge to Florida public school students, whereas they may have a tuition cost if taken in college. (S. 1003.02, F.S.)

A passing grade in the course will be accepted for high school credit.  Postsecondary institutions determine college credit awarded, based on the AP Exam score earned.  FLVS strongly encourages students who take AP courses to sit for the course AP Exam in May. Florida students shall be exempt from payment of any fees associated with AP Exam participation, with the exception of late test registration fees incurred by the student.