AP Environmental Science A/B SyllabusInstructor: Mr. Andy Stephens
Phone: 720-561-8729
Email: stephensteach@gmail.com
This course holds many exciting adventures in
science. During this academic year, you will learn how to apply
scientific processes to analyze and solve problems by interpreting
scientific data and drawing logical conclusions. The class will be
unique in that the concepts learned can be widely applied to real life.
Emphasis will be on developing process laboratory skills including data
collection & analysis, evaluation of information, and oral &
written communication of experimental results. In addition to lab work,
we will learn about the following units. Note that units 1-4 will be
covered in APES A and units 5-7 will be covered in APES B. |
Category | Percent |
Tests1 | 30% |
Lab/Fieldwork2 | 25% |
Formative Assessments3 | 25% |
Participation4 | 10% |
Final Project5 | 10% |
2. The major assignments in this category are lab reports and field studies.
3. The major assignments in this category are schoology homework assignments, quizzes, and in class assignments.4. The major assignment in this category is a participation self evaluation.
5. The only assignment in this category is the final project.
A | A- | B+ | B | B- | C+* | C* | C-* | IP |
|
93-100% | 90-92% | 87-89% | 83-86% | 80-82% | 77-79% | 73-76% | 70-72% | <70% |
An A means the student has completed proficient work on all course content standards and class requirements, and advanced work on some course content standards and class requirements. You will also automatically receive an A if you earn a 4 or 5 on the AP exam.
A B means that the student has completed proficient work on all course content standards and class requirements. You will also automatically receive a B if you earn a 3 on the AP exam.
A C means that the student has completed proficient work on some, but not all, of the course content standards and class requirements. For continuing classes a student has demonstrated enough proficiency to continue on to the next level.
A C minus means that the student has completed partially proficient work on the course content standards and class requirements. For sequential classes a student may not continue on to the next level.
An IP means that the student has demonstrated insufficient progress in course content standards and class requirements.
Updated grades are posted on schoology and then transferred to infinite campus at the end of grading periods.
Textbook
The class textbook is Environment: The Science Behind the Stories, 3rd Ed. The College Board administers all Advanced Placement classes and requires that we provide you with a textbook. The text is geared towards the AP exam and will be a great resource for you. Please use it.
Late Work
If at the end of the grading period for the course you have earned a grade below a B, you have not met expectations. If there were extenuating circumstances that prevented you from meeting expectations you may write a typed one page request for an extension that outlines why you deserve more time, a list of your missing work, a timeline of when you will turn in each assignment and a signature from a parent/guardian. Such requests will be considered if received by the end of that quarter’s exhibition day.
Academic Honesty
AP Exam
The AP Environmental Science test will be on May 4th! The test includes multiple choice and free response questions. It is graded on a scale of 1-5. If you receive a 3, 4, or 5, you are recommended by the College Board to receive college credit. Credit policy varies by school, but this is a great opportunity to earn one semester's worth of credit without paying to take a class. College and university admissions view AP courses very highly.
I expect everyone in this class to take the APES exam
and expect everyone to do well. This entire year will be spent learning
and exploring environmental science in a quest to understand and reach
sustainability and pass the APES exam.
The three hour AP exam will include 100 multiple choice questions that emphasize fact recall and conceptual understanding. This section will be weighted as 60% of your grade. The exam will also include four free response questions that require in depth answers to broad questions. These essay questions require answers that show skills in analysis, reasoning, and synthesis. Of the four free response questions one will be based on a data set, one will be based on a document, and two will be based on synthesis and evaluation. You will be given equal time for both sections.
Letter of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are an important component of college admissions and I love writing letters of recommendation for students who excel in my classes. However, these letters do take time and must be revised so that I can make you sound as awesome as you are. Therefore I have developed some guidelines:
- Ask me in person.
- Give me at least 7 full days of notice before the due date.
- Complete a one page resume in which you answer the questions I am asked and include personal highlights you want me to hit upon.
- Give me all of the paperwork with self-addressed and stamped envelopes.
- Don't ask me if you have proven unworthy in my classes.