AP Environmental Science 2015-2016

Welcome to Advanced Placement Environmental Science and thank you for choosing to make this course part of your
2015-2016 school year.

Instructor: Mrs. Rita Leung (949) 371-6615

Mandatory Assignment: The final page of this syllabus includes a mandatory Acknowledgement page for all of the
Chemistry students. Please read the syllabus carefully and attend/watch the Welcome LiveLesson; it is extremely
important and goes over great information. The LL will cover semester policies, great tips for how to succeed, and
some very important information. This is a really important session to start the semester with. Please make sure you
take time to attend/watch it.

BOTH the student and learning coach must sign the last page acknowledging they have BOTH read the syllabus. You
will be posting the completed signature page onto the Chemistry Message Board. Instructions are included in the last
page.

LiveLessons (LL):


Regular
LiveLessons
Office hours:
1-1 help

Link:

Monday

Tuesday
@10am

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

(By appointment @2pm

@12pm
(By appointment / (By appointment /
/ SignUp Genius)
SignUp Genius)
SignUp Genius)

Mrs. Leungs LL: http://www.connexus.com/external/livelesson/?url-
path=rleung&domain=ww3.livelesson.com

Mrs. Leungs contact number: 949-371-6615

Phone Contact (participation):

As part of your enrollment in Connections Academy, you are required to maintain regular phone contact with your
teachers. There are minimum of two required phone contacts per semester with me. Each phone call will be worth 10
participation points. The first call needs to be made no later than March 25th, 2015. The second call needs to be made no
later than June 3rd, 2016.
Sign Up Genius: Heres a sample of what SignUp Genius looks like. Find the day & time that works for you. Click Sign
Up, and then click Submit and Sign Up at the bottom. You do not need to be member to sign up. You will be asked to
provide your first and last name and in the My Comment box, please indicate whether you want me to call you or
meet in my LL room. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c48afac2ea4fa7-example
Office Hours: Office hours are not required. They are opportunities to get 1-1 help. Bring your questions, jump in,
get the help you need and then jump back out.

ALL LABS/PORTFOLIOS:

Not all portfolios might be required this year. Please be sure you pay attention to the Weekly Announcement
webmails that I will be sending out beginning of every week for any dropped portfolios.

AP Environmental Science 2015-2016

ALL labs can be modified by me. Please be sure to read the announcement webmails or check the section message
board for any modifications BEFORE completing a portfolio/lab. Do not do the labs until checking the resources on
the message board.
ALL lab write-ups are typed handwritten labs will not be accepted.
Templates and rubrics: Be sure you read the directions carefully in the lessons. Majority of the portfolios do not
have a template and require you to construct a response (i.e. at least 3 paragraphs, or write a lab report). Dont
forget to view the rubric to complete all required parts of the portfolio. Submit the completed self-scored rubric
along with the lab.
There will always be a LL supporting the lab and explaining how to complete it. Please make sure you come to the LL
or watch the recording BEFORE doing a lab.
Portfolio Help Request Form: If you need extra time on a lab, complete this form if you are not yet ready to submit
your Science portfolio and upload it into the DropBox. The Portfolio Help Request form acts as a placeholder, which
will allow you to move forward in the lessons. You WILL still be responsible to submit this assignment within 1 week of
submitting the help request form. By submitting this Portfolio Help Request form you are asking for a temporary zero
and a chance to submit this assignment for up to full credit based on effort at a later date. When you are ready to
submit the assignment, please email me requesting I clear the drop box.
o You may only have one missing portfolio assignment at a time. Once you reach the next portfolio assignment,
you must have the previous one turned in to move on.
Redoing labs: Labs can be redone and resubmitted for a higher score if you receive below 70%.
o You will need to CONTACT me to talk about your lab revision via phone.
o You will receive up to 70% on your revision.
o When redoing a lab please highlight any changes to the lab. Then email it to me as an attachment.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to school policyif a student does not submit any of the course labs they will receive an
automatic fail in the course.

Temporary Zeros:
Assignments are scheduled on each students planner. There is an expected pace for completing assignments. At
Connections Academy students are encouraged to be flexible in their schedules and take the extra time they need to
complete assignments. However, you do need to maintain a steady pace when completing assignments. If you start
after the beginning of the semester, please contact your teacher to have the due dates adjusted accordingly.
15 days overdue: Assignments that are two weeks overdue will receive temporary zeros. Temporary zeros will
disappear as soon as the assignments are submitted. They have a 0* next to them in the grade book. If you
submitted a request for help on a lab it will not show up with the * next to the zero. This zero is still temporary.
Please do NOT let your assignments be more than 15 days overdue.
**If a student is experiencing personal or physical issues that are preventing them from completing work, please
contact Mrs. Leung ASAP.

Course Message boards:
This is your go to place for all your course help. You will find: LL recordings, Lab resources, Lab fill-in templates, custom
rubrics, classroom policies, past weekly announcements, and unit study guides.

Grading:
Based on an accumulation of points using the following standard scale:
A+ 97-100
A 96-93%
A- 92-90%

B+ 89-87% C+ 79-77% D+ 69-67%

B 86-83% C 76-73% D 66-63%
B- 82-80% C- 72-70% D- 62-60%

F 59% and below

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to school policyif a student does not submit any of the
course labs they will receive an automatic fail in the course.

Test 20%
Quiz 30%
Portfolio Item 35%
Discussion 10%
Participation 5%
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AP Environmental Science 2015-2016

1. Exams: At the end of every unit you will have a Unit Test. Each unit test will have slightly different number of
Multiple-Choice (M/C) questions and Free-Response Questions (FRQs). I will always inform you how many questions
of each type you will expect before each test.
Please be good to yourself by consistently doing the readings and asking questions.

2. Quizzes: every few lessons; on average between 10 to 15 questions, ranges from 10-75 points. Please be good to
yourself by consistently doing the readings and asking questions.

3. Portfolios (Laboratory, Field work Reports, Write-ups, Briefs): most portfolios are worth 100 points each, whereas a
few are worth 45-50 points each. Please be sure to check the Message Board for any modified template & rubric to
the portfolios.

4. Semester Exam: Semester B Cumulative Final Exam: June 14th, 2016.


Materials:
Provided by Connections Academy
You will not be provided a physical textbook; the entire curriculum is in Connexus.

Provided by Families:
There could be some materials that will need to be purchased for the labs. I have modified the labs as much as
possible to save you money. So make sure you check the LL recording, fill-in template, and rubric for adjustments.

Assessments:
Connections Academy and your instructors take your education very seriously. When completing assignments or
study guides you can use: Textbook, Brain Pop, Discovery Education Video, and Kahn Academy (all found within
Connexus). You can also call your teacher for help!
Honor Code: (Plagiarism/cheating)
Internet use (or resources from outside Connexus) is NOT allowed. Please understand that the information on
the internet may be incorrect and/or off target to your level and the level of the material. Use of outside
resources is considered an Honor Code Violation. If a student is found to be in violation, the steps within the
Honor Code policy will be implemented.
During tests/quizzes: please make sure to close textbooks, notes, study guides. These should not be used
during any assessments. Make sure that you do not use the Internet before or during a test. Also there should
be no help from family or friends; Learning Coaches may help clarify questions on a test.
Please refer to your school handbook for more detailed information
Timed Tests: in Science the unit tests and semester final have time limits. Please be aware that the timer will start
when accessing a test under the student AND under the Learning Coach sign-ons. If you go over the time limit the
test will clear your answers and submit with a zero.
o Please be sure you are refreshing your Connexus home page every 15-20 minutes to avoid getting signed
out of the system. Often times you will not realize you were signed out until you try to submit the test. You
will be asked to sign in but all your answers will be cleared!
Before submitting a test: I strongly suggest students take screen shots of their tests (whether its on the computer
or using phones camera, or digital camera). If your internet goes down in the middle of the test, you wont know
until you click on the save and submit button. Then you will have lost all of your work and the test will go through
with a zero. If you are concerned that your test did not go through, email the screen shots immediately!

AP Environmental Science 2015-2016

What if your test submitted was a 0?: If your test timed out, answers were not saved, there were no screen shots
taken to provide to Mrs. Leung, at this time, you will need to contact Mrs. Leung and I will provide you with an
alternative assignment to complete.

I DO NOT reset tests and quizzes.

Topic Unit # Lesson # Assessment Date*

Second Semester: February 8 ~ June. 23

Air Pollution & Smog


1.1.Feb. 8

Ozone (2)




1.2.Feb. 9, 11

Acid Deposition (3)



1.3.Feb. 12, 16, 18

Indoor Air Pollution (2)


1.4.Feb. 19, 22

Climate Change (3)



1.5.Feb. 23, 25-26

AP Exam & Math Prep (3)

1.6.Feb. 29, Mar 1, 3

Unit 1 Exam





March. 4


Soil (2)




2.1.Mar. 7-8

Soil Conservation (3)


2.2.Mar. 10-11, 14

Agriculture & Food (3)


2.3.Mar. 15, 17-18

Pests & Pest Management (3)

2.4.Mar. 21-22, 24

Land Conservation (2)


2.5.Mar. 25, Apr. 4


Spring Break ...March 28 ~ April 3, 2016


AP Exam & Math Prep (3)

2.6.Apr. 5, 7-8

Unit 2 Exam





April. 11



Water Supply (2)



3...1.Apr. 12, 14

Water Quality (3)



3...2.Apr. 15, 18-19

Water Treatment (2)


3...3.Apr. 21-22

AP Exam & Math Prep (3)

3...4.Apr. 25-26, 28

Unit 3 Exam





April. 29


Risk (3)




4...1..May 2-3, 5

Human Health (3)



4...2..May 2-3

Toxicology (3)



4...3..May 12-13, 16

AP Exam & Math Prep (3)

4...4..May 17, 19-20

Unit 4 Exam





May 23


Solid Waste (3)



5.1..May 24, 26-27

Hazardous Waste



5.2..May 31

Recycling




5.3..June 2

Global Change & Sustainability (3)

5....4..June 3, 6-7

AP Exam & Math Prep (2)

5.5..June 9-10

Unit 5 Exam





June 13

Semester B Final Exam: ....June 14, 2016

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AP Environmental Science 2015-2016

____________________________________

- International AP Environmental Science Exam: Monday, May 2, 2016
Part I : 100 M/C ................................. 60%
Part II: 4 Free Response Questions .... 40%

--- Thank you for enrolling in AP Environmental Science ---
Namaste

Course Description

In a word, this course is interdisciplinary, involving the fields of ecology, biology, ocean and atmospheric sciences,
climatology, chemistry, geology, physics, toxicology, geography, economics, politics, and ethics, to name a few. Because
of this blend of academic disciplines, this course is often perceived as a class somewhat different from what many
students have encountered in their previous coursework. This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college
introductory environmental science course, both in the wide range of topics explored, and in the depth, specificity and
detail of course material.
The goals of the AP Environmental Science course are to (1) provide students with the scientific principles, concepts,
and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships in the natural world, (2) to identify and analyze
environmental problems or challenges (both natural and human-made), (3) to evaluate the relative risks associated with
these problems, and (4) to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.
While this course explores many different topic areas, the following themes serve as a foundation for the course and
a recurring interconnectedness theme [with the Earth itself as one (quite large) Interconnected System] .
1. Human Population Growth: 1. 14% annual growth, 7.25 billion as of 8-22-14; the demographic transition model and
affluence, choices, consumption, numbers, and ones ecological footprint.
2. People and Nature: Human beings affect/alter natural systems; Human Systems rely on Natural Systems
3. Sustainability: the environment functioning indefinitely without decline due to overuse.
4. A Global Perspective: solutions to some environmental challenges may best be met with approaches which go
beyond local, regional, and/or national spatial scales.
5. Urbanization: the trend toward city-dwelling continues
6. Science and Values: science can provide data used in choosing solutions; choice is in part a value judgment.

--Additional large themes in the course:

--Environmental Challenges (Problems): these often have a Social & Cultural context.
--Energy Conversions: they underlie all Ecological Processes.
--Environmental Science as a Process: Experimental Design, Critical Thinking

Who is taking AP Environmental Science?

As you know, the prerequisites for this course are successful completion of one year of biology and one year of
chemistry. Given these prerequisites, the majority of students are juniors and seniors, with a smaller number of
sophomores enrolled. Historically, approximately 60% of the students in this course have been seniors, 35% juniors and
about 5% sophomores.
Perhaps the most important prerequisite is a students interest, initiative, and motivation in the class.

The degree to which a student becomes involved in AP Environmental Science is often indicative of the

AP Environmental Science 2015-2016

letter grade that is earned. If you are willing to devote the time, energy, and focus, you will likely do quite
well in the course.

For some students, this course marks the tenth, eleventh, etc., AP course which they have taken. For others, APES is
the initial AP science course they have enrolled in and/or the first AP course in any discipline which they have taken. The
diversity of students in the course is one of the unique, and in my opinion, truly outstanding aspects of APES. This
diversity very frequently contributes to an outstanding class discussion component of the course. I encourage you to
ask questions, offer comments, and to share your ideas and perspectives on the environmental science topics that we
explore. Many of the topics & issues explored in the course do not necessarily have right or wrong answers; there
are typically many shades of gray and a spectrum of potential options. It is my hope that you will feel sufficiently
comfortable in this class to actively participate on a regular basis.

AP Environmental Science General Course Outline

[as constructed by the College Boards (CB) AP Environmental Science Development Committees]

Given the relatively general nature of the following CB/AP outline, you may soon ask yourself why give this information
to students at this early point in the course? I would be happy to discuss this if there is interest.

Outline of Topics: The following is an outline of major topics and serves to define the scope of both the AP
Environmental Science Course and the May AP Exam. The order of the topics in the outline holds no special
significance, since there are many different sequences in which the topics could be appropriately addressed in the
course. The percentage after each major topic heading indicates the approximate proportion of questions on your
Monday, May 2nd, 2016 International AP Environmental Science examination which pertain to that heading; thus the
percentage also indicates the relative emphasis that will be placed on the topics in the course.

Seven Major Environmental Science AP Topic Areas

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

A. Earth Science Concepts
(Geologic time scale; plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanism; seasons; solar intensity and latitude)
B. The Atmosphere
(Composition; structure; weather and climate; atmospheric circulation and the Coriolis Effect; atmosphere-ocean
interactions; ENSO)
C. Global Water Resources and Use
(Freshwater/saltwater; ocean circulation; agricultural, industrial, and domestic use; surface and groundwater
issues; global problems; conservation)
D. Soil and Soil Dynamics
(Rock cycle: formation; composition; physical and chemical properties; main soil types; erosion and other soil
problems; soil conservation)

II. The Living World: (10-15%)
A. Ecosystem Structure
(Biological populations and communities; ecological niches; interactions among species; keystone species; species
diversity and edge effects; major terrestrial and aquatic biomes)
B. Energy Flow
(Photosynthesis and cellular respiration; food webs and trophic levels; ecological pyramids)
C. Ecosystem Diversity
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AP Environmental Science 2015-2016

(Biodiversity; natural selection; evolution; ecosystem services)
D. Natural Ecosystem Change
(Climate shifts; species movement; ecological succession)
E. Natural Biogeochemical Cycles
(Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, water, conservation of matter)

III. Population: (10-15%)
A. Population Biology Concepts
(Population ecology; carrying capacity; reproductive strategies; survivorship)
B. Human Population
1. 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)

IV: Land and Water Use: (10-15%)
A. Agriculture
1. Feeding a growing population
(Human nutritional requirements; types of agriculture; Green Revolution; genetic engineering and crop
production; deforestation; irrigation; sustainable agriculture)
2. Controlling Pests: Pesticide types, costs & benefits of pesticide use, IPM, and relevant laws.
B. Forestry
(Tree plantations; old growth forests; forest fires; forest management; national forests)
C. Rangelands
(Overgrazing; deforestation; desertification; rangeland management; federal rangelands)
D. Other Land Use
1. Urban land development
(Planned development; suburban sprawl; urbanization)
2. Transportation infrastructure
(Federal highway system; canals and channels; road less areas; ecosystem impacts)
3. Public and federal lands
(Management; wilderness areas; national parks; wildlife refuges; forests; wetlands)
4. Land conservation options
(Preservation; remediation; mitigation; restoration)
5. Sustainable land-use strategies
E. Mining
(Mineral formation; extraction; global reserves; relevant laws and treaties)
F. Fishing
(Fishing techniques; overfishing; aquaculture; relevant laws and treaties)
G. Global Economics (Globalization; World Bank; Tragedy of the Commons; relevant laws and treaties)

V. Energy Resources and Consumption: (10-15%)
A. Energy Concepts
(Energy forms; power; units; conversions; Laws of Thermodynamics)
B. Energy Consumption
1. History
(Industrial Revolution; exponential growth; energy crisis)
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AP Environmental Science 2015-2016

2. Present global energy use
3. Future energy needs
C. Fossil Fuel Resources and Use
(Formation of coal, oil, and natural gas; extraction/purification methods; world reserves and global demand;
synfuels; environmental advantages/disadvantages of fossil fuel energy sources)
D. Nuclear Energy
(Nuclear fission process; nuclear fuel; electricity production; nuclear reactor types; environmental
advantages/disadvantages; safety issues; radiation and human health; radioactive wastes; nuclear fusion)
E. Hydroelectric Power
(Dams; flood control; salmon; silting other impacts)
F. Energy Conservation
(Energy efficiency; CAFE standards; hybrid electric vehicles; mass transit)
G. Renewable Energy
(Solar energy; solar electricity; hydrogen fuel cells; biomass; wind energy; small-scale hydroelectric; ocean waves
and tidal energy; geothermal; environmental advantages/disadvantages)

VI. Pollution: (25-30%)
A. Pollution Types
1. 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 amendments to it) and other relevant laws)
2. Noise Pollution
(Sources; effects; control measures)
3. Water 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)
4. Solid Waste
(Types; disposal; reduction)
B. Impacts on the Environment and Human Health
1. 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)
C. Economic Impact
(Cost-benefit analysis; externalities; marginal costs; sustainability)

VII. Global Change: (10-15%)
A. Stratospheric Ozone
(Formation of stratospheric ozone; ultraviolet radiation; causes of ozone depletion; effects of ozone depletion;
strategies for reducing ozone depletion; relevant laws and treaties)
B. Global Warming
(Greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect; impacts and consequences of
Global warming; reducing climate change; relevant laws and treaties)
C. Loss of Biodiversity
1. Habitat loss; overuse; pollution; introduced species; endangered and extinct species
2. Maintenance through conservation
3. Relevant laws and treaties
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AP Environmental Science 2015-2016

Laboratory Experiments and Field Investigations

Laboratory experiments and field investigations are designed to complement the indoor classroom, lecture-
discussion portion of the course. Examples of lab and field work include the following:
-Ecosystem Dynamics -Soil Analysis -Ecological Succession -Air Pollution
-Population Studies -Ozone Testing -Carrying Capacity -Solid Waste
-Energy Consumption -Toxicity Testing -Water-Quality -Water Inventory
-Rainbow Trout Raising -Urban Planning -UV Light Intensity

These labs and others are intended to encourage and promote students to:
1. Think critically about environmental systems
2. Develop and conduct well-designed experiments
3. Utilize appropriate techniques and instrumentation
4. Analyze and interpret data, including statistical and graphical presentations
5. Think analytically and apply concepts to the solution of environmental problems
6. Form conclusions and to evaluate their quality and validity
7. Propose further questions for study, and
8. Communicate accurately and meaningfully about observations and conclusions.

Lab and field investigations/experiments will typically include a lab write-up/summary report or other written/typed
deliverable upon completion of the lab. While some of your lab reports will be fully-developed scientific lab reports,
others will be comprised of a more moderate amount of written or typed work and will require specified aspects of what
might have been a much longer lab report document.

Course 3-Ring Notebook

Please have an Environmental Science AP course 3-ring binder for Notes, Labs, Simulations, Projects, and other
assignments. Perhaps this goes without saying: Taking notes is highly recommended.

Homework, Taking Notes, Being Present

As will be the case in many of the science (and other) courses that you will take in college, homework is
primarily READING (and thinking about what is read) in AP Environmental Science. A typical reading assignment for a
given day is what is presented in your Connexus lesson. While the information presented is quite comprehensive for an
introductory, college-level Environmental Science course, all course & exam content of significance is NOT in the
textbook. You will see information on exams and quizzes which is NOT from the text.
In the event that you are not able to complete your lessons due to illness, an appointment or other reasons, it
will be helpful to check the Message Board for any information, and/or contact Mrs. Leung.
Being attentive, listening, contributing, asking questions, sharing your perspective and opinion on topics and
issues, offering comments, observing, thinking, pondering, weighing and taking notes is definitely recommended. By
taking notes on text readings, class lectures and discussions, videos, and other sources, you will be creating what
should be a very valuable STUDY GUIDE to prepare for all exams and quizzes, including the International May AP
Exam.

Taking Notes is highly recommended.



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AP Environmental Science 2015-2016

Expectations & Noteworthy Qualities
1. Please be Courteous: it is contagious, its free, and the difference that it can make in this world can be truly amazing!
2. Display honesty, integrity, responsibility, and initiative.
3. Actively contribute and participate in the course on a regular basis. Be prepared for
class. Ask Questions; Offer Comments; Share Your Perspective, Insights, Thoughts,
& Opinions -Thank You.
4. Attend LiveLessons; by enrolling in APES, you have made a commitment which you are asked to honor.
5. Exam Dates: You know these dates well in advance. Being in an online learning environment lends itself to flexible
schedule for many students. If you have plans scheduled in advanced, I will thank you in advance for taking several
moments of your time to send me a webmail or a phone call regarding your absence.
6. The California Connections Academy Academic Integrity & Honor Code will be followed.

The May AP Exam: Monday, May 2nd, 2016

It is my expectation that students enrolled in AP Environmental Science will take this exam. If you are willing to put
forth the effort and devote the necessary time, you will be putting yourself in a desirable position in terms of being very
successful on the May AP Exam. Further, you will very likely earn credit, placement, or both at the university which you
attend, with over 90% of North American universities offering credit, placement, or both for doing well on the
International AP Environmental Science May Exam.

The AP Environmental Science Exam is three hours in length and consists of two parts:
Part I: 100 Multiple-Choice Questions in 90 minutes = 60% of score
Part II: 4 Free-Response Questions in 90 minutes = 40% of score

The AP Environmental Science Exam is created by the Test Development Committee, which is supported by the College
Board and the Educational Testing Service. This group is made up of 10 people (3 E.T.S. consultants and 7 individuals
who serve a four year term on the committee.)

Part I. Multiple-Choice Questions: The number of M/C questions taken from each of the 7 major topic areas in the
course outline is reflected in the percentage next to each topic. For example, you can expect to see 10-15 M/C questions
dealing with Topic I, Earth Systems and Resources. You will see Question Sets (2-5 questions which draw upon the
same set of 5 choices), stand alone questions, as well as a few Roman Numeral format questions.

PART II. Free-Response Questions: The FRQ section emphasizes the application of principles in more depth than a M/C
question can involve. You will need to organize answers to questions, demonstrating reasoning and analytical skills, as
well as the ability to synthesize material from several sources into cogent and coherent written responses. You should
note that Environmental Science AP FRQs are best described as written responses in which the student specifically and
comprehensively addresses the question stems. Given this, Environmental Science AP FRQs are NOT five paragraph
classic essays. Unless specifically called for in the question, there is no need for an introductory paragraph, concluding
paragraph, or restatement of the questions.

There are 3 types of FRQs:
1. Data analysis/Calculation-based/Lab-based or Lab-design: (1 FRQ)
2. Document-based (could involve a Lab-design and/or a Calculation): (1 FRQ)
3. Synthesis and Evaluation: (2 FRQs)
The data analysis/calculation-based FRQ provides you with one or more data sets, or numerical values and then asks you
to respond to specific questions regarding this data.
In a lab-design FRQ you are asked to set up an experiment based on information given.

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AP Environmental Science 2015-2016

The document-based FRQ presents you with a news article, an advertisement, a pamphlet, or other document, and asks
you to apply knowledge of environmental science in responding to 2-6 (a, b, --- a, b, c, d, e) question stems related to
the document.
The synthesis/evaluation FRQ is a series of 2-5 question stems which do not include a data set or a document. Most
FRQs consist of 3 (a, b, c) or 4 parts (a, b, c, d), while two part, five part, and six part FRQs are not as common.

The Course and The May AP Exam and Beyond

As previously stated, students enrolled in AP Environmental Science are expected to take the May AP
Environmental Science Exam. We will meet as a class twice a week for about 29 weeks prior to the May AP Exam. Over
the course of the academic year, we will explore every major Environmental Science topic area. Given the format of the
May AP Exam (only 100 M/C and 4 FRQs), it is not possible for this exam to be as detailed and comprehensive as the
sum or product of the class meetings which we will share this year prior to the May Exam. You will have 3 hours to
take the May AP Exam, responding to questions dealing with those major Environmental Science topic areas we have
devoted many class-time exploring, plus all of the hours devoted to text readings, note-taking, and preparation for
exams, quizzes and assignments outside of class throughout the year. The May AP Exam is One part of this course; - This
three-hour exam is important for multiple reasons, but it is not necessarily The End or The Summit.
- Your consistent interest, involvement, focus, and effort in this course will put you in fine position for doing a superb job
on the May Exam. Our class meetings, daily readings and other assignments/homework, notes, discussions, labs,
fieldwork, simulations, video segments, and other class work will prepare you for our chapter/topic exams and quizzes.
This effort, work, and dedication will also prepare you for the May AP Exam. Further, it is my sincere hope that you will
carry aspects of the course with you for the duration of your productive, full, long, and wonderful life!

The Course will take care of the Exam. The journey is the destination
Youll do great! Both in the Course and on the May Exam!

Again, thanks for choosing to be a part of AP Environmental Science. I am very glad that you are going to be with
us and hope that this course proves relevant, meaningful, practical, and applicable this year and for the rest of your life.

Kindest regards,
Rita Leung




















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AP Environmental Science 2015-2016

PLEASE RETURN THIS PAGE ONLY
This is a mandatory assignment that is worth 10-point quiz grade for this semester. Students and Learning Coaches must
print this page, initial and hand sign below acknowledging their understanding of policies and expectations for
Chemistry. Upload the signed document (either take a picture or scan) by going to the AP Environmental Science section
Message Board AP Environmental Science A 3. Class policy/Weekly Announcement under the [POST HERE] APES B
Classroom Policy Syllabus thread. This is due no later than Friday February 19th, 2016.

Student / Learning Coach (please initial below)

_____ / _____ I understand that cheating is a serious academic violation (Honor Code Violation) and any act of
plagiarism or use of anothers work that is not my own will result in disciplinary action.

_____ / _____ I agree to make contact with my teacher at least TWICE per semester.

_____ / _____ I understand the procedures I need to take when taking Unit Tests/Semester Final so my test wont time
out and score an automatic 0. If that is the case, I need to contact Mrs. Leung and understand that she will provide me
with an alternative assessment.

_____ / _____ I understand that if I fall two weeks or more behind in my lessons I will receive temporary zeroes in my
grade book which will then be replaced with results as lessons are completed.

_____ / _____ I understand that all portfolios must be submitted using Word software. Failure to submit using Word
software will result in the Dropbox being cleared and a request for proper file submission will be sent.

_____ / _____ I agree that if I need more time on a portfolio I will contact my teacher to ask for permission prior to
submitting the Portfolio Help Request form, and that failure to request an extension will result in a zero until the correct
assignment is ready to submit to the Dropbox.

_____ / _____ I understand that placeholders for portfolios are an extension for a maximum of 1 week. After 1 week,
regardless of permission, the document will receive a zero until the completed assignment is ready to submit to the
Dropbox.

I understand and agree to follow the above procedures and expectations to the best of my ability and understand that
these regulations are set forth to best support my personal academic achievement as well as maintain academic
integrity in Chemistry.


____________________________________________ __________________________________________
Student Signature
Date

Learning Coach Signature Date

Lets make this a great semester! J

Best phone number to contact you at:

Student #:

Learning Coach #:

Tell me something about yourself:

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