a p environmental science- wikispaces（环境科学- wikispaces p）.doc

AP Environmental Science Syllabus Welcome to APES! Everything we do, from drinking a cup of coffee to driving our cars, has an environmental impact. This course will take an in-depth look at how you as a citizen of planet earth have rights and responsibilities to the world resources. It is my hope that you leave this class a changed person. We will use scientific principles to understand the interrelations of the natural world and the impact of humans on natural systems. We will evaluate the risks and economic realities associated with environmental problems while working towards analysis of potential solutions. This is an AP course and will require that you are a dedicated learner. The AP exam is comprehensive and rigorous. The course will rely on heavily on activities and field studies to illustrate the general topics of the course. Hence, you must take the textbook and other readings assignments seriously so, as a group, we can discuss the many topics. Summary grids will be submitted to you electronically. They provide a format for note taking on the chapters. You will be part of a web based learning experience. Articles, notes and updates will arrive via e-mail and on-line quizzes will be submitted regularly. You will also keep a current events notebook of environmental issues. Text Environmental Science: A Global Concern by Saigo and Cunningham. 7th ed Organization of Topics (with partial list of activities – subject to change with current events) Environmental Issues General overview of the topics covered throughout the year and an introduction to global and environmental thought. Ecological view of life – all things are connected Activity -The impacts of a cup of coffee Readings – The End of Easter Island – Jared Diamond Sustainability debate: Paul Ehrlich, Julian Simon History of Environmental Movement Activity- Tragedy of the Commons Guiding principles of Public Lands in Colorado (NPS, BLM, NFS, county and municipal lands,