Welcome to AP.E.S

AP. Environmental Science

Mrs. McClain

APES course description

• Provides students with scientific principles, concepts, & methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world

• You will have to analyze & interpret information & experimental data, including mathematical calculations.

• You will learn how to identify & analyze environmental problems, to evaluate the ecological and human health risks associated with these problems and to critically examine various solutions for resolving or preventing them.

Course TopicsTopic Description Portion of

exam

Earth Systems & Resources Includes geological processes such as plate tectonics, rock cycle, soil formation. Seasons, atmosphere, climate, solar radiation

10-15%

The Living World Ecosystems interactions & structure in both aquatic & land biomes, components of populations & communities, flow of energy, nutrient cycles, natural selection, succession

10-15%

Population Reproductive strategies, interactions, characteristics of populations, transitions, & carrying capacity. Human population growth & sustainable practices

10-15%

Land and Water Use Addresses human use of land and water resources, agriculture, forestry, urban development, fishing practices, conservation & preservation of the resources

10-15%

Course Topics…ContinuedTopic Description Portion of

exam

Energy Resources Involves assessments of nonrenewable fossil fuels, alternative and renewable sources of energy including nuclear power, hydropower, solar power, geothermal, tidal, biomass, & hydrogen. Human use and approaches to efficiency

10-15%

Pollution Addresses types of pollution including air, soil, water, noise, and light; as well as the impacts on humans physically and economically

25-30%

Global Change Includes issues relating to the earth as a whole, such as atmospheric change, climate alteration, and biodiversity loss.

10-15%

How does APES count?• Should replace 1 science class if you make 3 or better on

APES exam, but entirely depends on the college you attend.

• Check with your college to see what score they require

• Every AP class you take in high school and pass the AP exam is one class you DO NOT have to pay for in college!

AP Exam• May 6, 2013 (first AP test given)

• 2 Parts– Multiple Choice: 100 questions in 90 minutes 60% of grade…ANWER EVERY QUESTION! No penalties for wrong answers

– Free Response Questions: 4 FRQ’s in 90 min 40% of gradeThese are semi-short ESSAYS

What you will need for APES…• Positive attitude and WILLINGNESS to get your work done &

turned in ON TIME!

• Your presence…don’t be absent unless absolutely necessary!

• Internet access: Lots of independent research!

Field Trips

Chattahoochee Nature Center

Project H2O• Water Quality Testing• Biological collections

Nuclear Power Presenter: Nathan ZohnerComes to class to discuss nuclear power, waste management, nuclear power accidents, & more.

Waterborne Illnesses PresentationCobb Watershed Stewardship Program

2 day in class Lab

Noon Day Sewage Treatment Plant

• 2 -3 hour trip

• AP exam has questions on treatment plants

Several Hands on Projects

• Any Questions?