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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
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
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
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
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
Major Concepts Covered
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
Hands-on Laboratory Investigations
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
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
AP Environmental Science College Board Criteria Covered:
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
Major Concepts Covered
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
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
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
Major Concepts Covered
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
Classroom activities and simulations
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
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.
Hands-on Laboratory Investigations
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
Major Concepts Covered
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
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
Additional Concepts Covered
Types of Agriculture around the world; green revolution; malnutrition, under-nutrition, and over-nutrition; aquaculture; overgrazing; genetic engineering;
Hands-on Laboratory Investigations
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
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
AP Environmental Science College Board Criteria Covered:
IV. Land and Water Use (10-15%)Content Location
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
Major Concepts Covered
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
Additional Concepts Covered
Theory of Island Biogeography; generalist and specialist species; keystone and indicator species; resource partitioning; succession
Hands-on Laboratory Investigations
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
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
Major Concepts Covered
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
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
Additional Concepts Covered
Mutagens; teratogens; hormone mimics and blockers
Classroom Activities and Simulations
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.
Hands-on Laboratory Investigations
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
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
Water Resources and Water Pollutionthree Weeks
AP Environmental Science College Board Criteria Covered:
I. Earth Systems and Resources (10-15%)Content Location
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
Major Concepts Covered
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)
Additional Concepts Covered
Watersheds; confined and unconfined aquifers; personal water use and conservation; salinization
Classroom Activities and Simulations
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
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
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.
Hands-on Laboratory Investigations
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
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
Two Weeks AP Environmental Science College Board Criteria Covered:
I. Earth Systems and Resources (10-15%)Content Location
The Atmosphere(Composition; structure; weather and climate; atmospheric circulation and the Coriolis Effect; atmosphere—ocean interactions; ENSO)
Chapters 3, 4
VI. Pollution (25-30%)Content Location
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
Major Concepts Covered
Layers of the Atmosphere Major Classes of Air Pollutants – causes, effects, and remediation Acid Deposition Indoor Air Pollution
Additional Concepts Covered
Inversion layer; respiratory system; industrial versus photochemical smog
Hands-on Laboratory Investigations
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
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
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
AP Environmental Science College Board Criteria Covered:
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
Major Concepts Covered
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
Additional Concepts Covered
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
Thermohaline ocean current; greenhouse effect; Kyoto Treaty
Classroom Activities and Simulations
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
Hands-on Laboratory Investigations
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:
VI. Pollution (25-30%)Content Location
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
Major Concepts Covered
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
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
Additional Concepts Covered
Materials Recovery Facility; Superfund
Classroom activities and simulations
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.
Hands-on Laboratory Investigations
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
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
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
AP Environmental Science College Board Criteria Covered:
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
IV. Land and Water Use (10-15%)Content Location
Mining (Mineral formation; extraction; global reserves; relevant laws and treaties)
Chapter 8
Major Concepts Covered
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
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
Additional Concepts Covered
Nuclear fusion; depletion time;
Classroom activities and simulations
Field Trip to Wind Farm
Hands-on Laboratory Investigations
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
AP Environmental Science College Board Criteria Covered:
VI. Pollution (25-30%)Content Location
Pollution TypesNoise pollution (Sources; effects; control measures) Chapter 14
IV. Land and Water Use (10-15%)Content Location
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
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
Additional Concepts Covered
Megalopolis; urban heat island; suburban sprawl; open space
Classroom activities and simulations
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
AP Environmental Science Mrs. Douma Course Outline
Noise Pollution Lab ReportUrbanization/Sustainability Unit Essay TestUrbanization/Sustainability Unit Multiple Choice Test
Second Semester Final Exam