EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT COURSE: AP Environmental Science

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1 EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT COURSE: AP Environmental Science Unit: Biological and Human Populations Subject(s): AP Environmental Science Days: 18 Grade(s): 11, 12 Pennsylvania Standards addressed: A Environment and Ecology (Ecology) C Environment and Ecology (Ecology) F Environment and Ecology (Ecology) A Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment) E Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment) F Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment) Common Core Standards: CC.3.5 (Reading in Science) CC 3.6 (Writing in Science) Big Ideas: Explain growth models, reproductive strategies, survivorship curves, and metapopulations. Discuss the process of ecological succession. Explain how latitude, time, area, and distance affect the species richness of a community. Unit Essential Question(s): How do populations change in size, density, makeup, and disruption in response to environmental stress? How do populations and communities differ? Labs/Activities: Food for Thought, Hunger Banquet, Something s Fishy, Risk Perception and Risk Reality Survey, Population Calculations. Population Growth Human Population Dynamics Population Size How do species differ in reproductive patterns? Carrying capacity Reproductive strategies Survivorship Impacts of Population Growth What are the major impacts of human activities on populations, communities, and ecosystems? Size, distribution, fertility rates, growth rates, doubling time, demographic transition, agestructure diagrams Growth Models What role does genetics play in the size and survival of a population? Strategies for sustainability National policies Population size Population density Population distribution Species Interactions What lessons can we learn from ecology about living more sustainably? How do density-dependent and density-independent factors affect population size? What are the four factors that determine the number of species found in a community? 1

2 Hunger Disease Habitat destruction Economics Resources Habitat use Exponential growth model Logistic growth model (variations) Overshoot Die-off S-shaped curve Reproductive strategies Survivorship curves Competition Competitive exclusion principle Resource partitioning Predation Herbivores Parasites pathogens 2

3 EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT COURSE: AP Environmental Science Unit: Earth Science Concepts (Matter, Energy and Cycles) Days: 10 Subject(s): Grade(s): 11, 12 AP Environmental Science Pennsylvania Standards addressed: Common Core Standards: B Biological Sciences (Genetics) CC 3.5 (Reading in Science) A Chemistry CC 3.6 (Writing in Science) F Environment and Ecology (Ecology) F Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment) Unit Essential Question(s): What is science, and what do scientists do? What factors make up an organism s environment? Why is environmental science important? Big Ideas: Define the field of environmental science and discuss its importance. Identify ways in which humans have altered and continue to alter our environment. Describe key indicators that help us evaluate our planet. Define systems within the context of environmental science. Explain the components and states of matter. Describe how natural systems change over time and space. Activities/Lab Experiences: Scientific Method Review lab, Mapping our Human Footprint, Personal Ecological Footprint, The Lorax. Scientific Processes Scientific Method Matter How are these models useful in predicting the behavior of a complex system? Scientific notation Significant figures Unit conversions Earth Science Concepts Why is the scientific method a basis for all sciences? Hypothesis Deductive reasoning Inductive reasoning Observation Data collection Matter and Energy Flow What happens to matter in an ecosystem? Atoms Elements Molecules Compounds Matter quality Matter recycling economy What is Environmental Science? Lesson Essential Question: Why is it important to study the whole system instead of just focusing on a single part? 1

4 Environment Environmental science System Ecosystem Biotic Abiotic Environmentalist Environmental studies Open system Closed system Inputs Outputs Systems analysis Steady states Feedbacks 2

5 EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT COURSE: AP Environmental Science Unit: Earth Systems & Resources Subject(s): AP Environmental Science Days: 15 Grade(s): 11, 12 Pennsylvania Standards addressed: A1 Earth and Space Sciences (Earth Structure, Processes & Cycles) A3 Earth and Space Sciences (Earth Structure, Processes & Cycles) A6 Earth and Space Sciences (Earth Structure, Processes & Cycles) A8 Earth and Space Sciences (Earth Structure, Processes & Cycles) B Environment and Ecology (Ecology) F Environment and Ecology (Ecology) Common Core Standards: CC 3.5 (Reading in Science) CC 3.6 (Writing in Science) Unit Essential Question(s): What major geologic processes occur within the earth and on its surface? What is the practical significance today of the way Earth s resources were distributed when the planet formed and cooled? How do human activities worsen the effects of droughts and floods? Big Ideas: Define the theory of plate tectonics and discuss its importance in environmental science. Explain how soil forms and describe its characteristics. Explain how elements and minerals are extracted for human use. Describe the major human uses of water. Identify the factors that will affect the future availability of water. Labs/Activities: Cookie Mining, Soil Sampling (mowed vs. non-mowed), Copper Mining, Plate Tectonics Investigation. Geologic Processes Geologic Hazards Soils What are rocks and how are they recycled by the rock cycle? Plate tectonics Rock cycle Rocks Minerals Physical weathering Chemical weathering Geologic time scale Aquatic biological resources What are the hazards from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions? Earthquakes Tsunami Volcanism Epicenter Seismic waves Drinking water availability and issues How is soil formation and climate related? Horizons Bedrock Organic matter Porosity Permeability Texture Soil degradation and erosion Water Usage How do freshwater and marine ecosystems differ? How much fresh water is available to us, and how much of it are we using? Lesson Essential Question: How do we rely on water sources? 1

6 Freshwater ecosystems Marine ecosystems Recharge Groundwater Hydrologic cycle Cone of depression Saltwater intrusion Agriculture Irrigation Hydroponic agriculture Industry Households Water ownership Water Conservation 2

7 EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT COURSE: AP Environmental Science Unit: Energy Resources & Consumption Subject(s): AP Environmental Science Days: 12 Grade(s): 11, 12 Pennsylvania Standards addressed: Common Core Standards: A Earth and Space Sciences CC 3.5 (Reading in Science) F Environment and Ecology (Ecology) CC 3.6 (Writing in Science) A Environment and Ecology (Natural Resources) B Environment and Ecology (Natural Resources) C Environment and Ecology (Natural Resources) A Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment) E Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment) Unit Essential Question(s): What earth materials and resources are beneficial to man? What are the major fuels that are used to generate electricity in the United States? What are the major considerations involved in the future of fossil fuels? How do you know if an energy resource is nondepletable, potentially renewable, or nonrenewable? Big Ideas: Compare the energy efficiencies of the extraction and conversion of different fuels. Discuss the uses and consequences of using coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy. Describe strategies to conserve energy and increase energy efficiency. Describe the environmental and economic options we must assess in planning our energy future. Labs/Activities: Are We Consuming our Biosphere? Sustainable Island, Energy Resource Project, Electric Power Calculations (Wind & Solar) Nonrenewable Energy Hydraulic Fracturing Renewable Energy How do we find and extract mineral resources from the Earth? Coal Oil Natural gas Nuclear energy What impact has this technology had on Pennsylvania s economy? Natural gas Slurry Marcellus Shale Industry water usage Which type of energy would best be suited for our area? Solar Hydropower Wind power Biomass Biofuels Geothermal Hydrogen Global Energy Consumption Will there be enough nonrenewable resources for future generations? Economics, Politics, and Sustainability How can we monitor economic and environmental programs? Energy Conservation How can we use less energy? 1

8 Economy Trade Reliance Full-cost pricing Economic systems Poverty Sustainable economy Energy conservation Tiered rate system Peak demand Sustainable design Passive solar design Thermal inertia 2

9 EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT COURSE: AP Environmental Science Unit: Global Change and a Sustainable Future Subject(s): AP Environmental Science Days: 15 Grade(s): 11, 12 Pennsylvania Standards addressed: Common Core Standards: A Environment & Ecology (Ecology) CC 3.5 (Reading in Science) B Environment & Ecology (Ecology) CC 3.6 (Writing in Science) D Environment & Ecology (Ecology) F Environment & Ecology (Ecology) A Environment & Ecology (Humans and the Environment) C Environment & Ecology (Humans and the Environment) F Environment & Ecology (Humans and the Environment) Unit Essential Question(s): What are some of the challenges associated with understanding which species are threatened with extinction? In what ways are human involved in global change? What are some variables associated with well-being? Which can be measured directly? Which are harder to measure? What is the connection between poverty and inequity? What is environmental justice? Give an example Big Ideas: Explain the ecosystem approach to conserving biodiversity and how size, shape, and connectedness affect the number of species that will be protected. Discuss how carbon dioxide concentrations and temperatures have changed over time. Distinguish among global change, global climate change, and global warming. Discuss sustainability in a variety of environmental contexts including human well-being. Define and discuss the relationship among sustainability, poverty, personal action, and stewardship. Labs/Activities: Home Energy Audit, Academy Awards for Climate, Applying & Analyzing Cost-Benefit Analysis lab, Wanted Poster (endangered species), Non-native species graphic organizer, Endangered species graphic organizer. Sixth Mass Extinction Causes of Declining Biodiversity Global Change What are the reasons for the declining genetic diversity of domesticated plants and animals? Extinction Inbreeding depression Endangered Data-deficient species Threatened species Near-threatened species Least concern species How has habitat loss influence species extinction? Habitat loss Alien species Native species Overharvesting Plant and animal trade Pollution Climate change How is current global change different from historic global change? Global change Global climate change Global warming Greenhouse effect Greenhouse warming potential Climate Models Sustainability Measuring and Achieving Sustainability 1

10 Why are climate models important? What are some challenges associated with them? Climate model Recent temperature increase Biological measurements Chemical measurements Emissions from developed and developing countries What is sustainability? Sustainability Well-being Supply Demand Market GDP GPI Kuznets Curve Technology transfer What are some potential conflicts between human well-being and environmental protection? Human Development Index (HDI) Human Poverty Index (HPI) Poverty Inequity Environmental justice Individual and community action Deterrents and incentives US Policies for Sustainability 2

11 EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT COURSE: AP Environmental Science Unit: Land Use Subject(s): AP Environmental Science Days: 15 Grade(s): 11, 12 Pennsylvania Standards addressed: F Environment and Ecology (Ecology) A Environment and Ecology (Natural Resources) B Environment and Ecology (Natural Resources) C Environment and Ecology (Natural Resources) A Environment and Ecology (Agriculture and Society) B Environment and Ecology (Agriculture and Society) C Environment and Ecology (Agriculture and Society) D Environment and Ecology (Agriculture and Society) E Environment and Ecology (Agriculture and Society) F Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment) Common Core Standards: CC 3.5 (Reading in Science) CC 3.6 (Writing in Science) Unit Essential Question(s): What are two principle of sustainability derived from learning how nature works? Explain the development of modern industrial agriculture, the role played by inputs such as irrigation water, fertilizers, and pesticides, and the environmental consequences of modern farming methods. Describe the function, operation, and efficacy of the four major public land management agencies in the United States. Big Ideas: Describe the concepts of tragedy of the commons and maximum sustainable yield, and explain how they pertain to land use. Understand the causes and consequences of urban sprawl. Describe the approaches and policies that promote sustainable land use. Describe alternatives to industrial farming methods. Explain the environmental impacts of various approaches to raising and harvesting meat and fish. Labs/Activities: Tragedy of the Commons lab simulation, How to Feed India, 400 Acre Wood, Urban Sprawl Assignment Tragedy of Commons Forest and Grassland Resources Land Management Why do humans value land? Externalities Maximum sustainable yield Raising and harvesting meat and fish. Why are forest resources important? Ancient forest Old growth forest Uneven-aged management Residential Land Use What is NEPA, and what is an environmental impact statement? Timber harvest practice Rangelands Selective cutting Logging, deforestation, reforestation Fire management NEPA EIS Alternatives to Industrial Farming Methods 1

12 What are the environmental impacts of raising and harvesting meat and fish? Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) Aquaculture Concentrated animal waste Overharvest Pesticides GMOs Genetic engineering How can zoning help reduce urban sprawl? Urban sprawl Causes and effects Governmental policies Smart growth What are some alternatives to industrial farming? Interfarming Crop rotation Agroforestry Contour plowing No-till agriculture IPM Organic agriculture 2

13 EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT COURSE: AP Environmental Science Unit: Living World Subject(s): AP Environmental Science Days: 15 Grade(s): 11, 12 Pennsylvania Standards addressed: A Environment and Ecology (Ecology) C Environment and Ecology (Ecology) D Environment and Ecology (Ecology) E Environment and Ecology (Ecology) F Environment and Ecology (Ecology) C Environment and Ecology (Watersheds and Wetlands) D Environment and Ecology (Agriculture and Society) Common Core Standards: CC 3.5 (Reading in Science) CC 3.6 (Writing in Science) Unit Essential Question(s): How does climate determine the type of ecosystem that forms? Why are estimates of species diversity valuable to environmental scientists? In what ways are atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns similar? How are they different? What is the difference between resistance and resilience in an ecosystem? What are the main similarities and differences among the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles? Big Ideas: Discuss the values of ecosystems and how humans depend on them. Describe how carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycle within ecosystems. Explain the forces that drive global circulation patterns and how those patterns determine weather and climate. Describe the major terrestrial and aquatic biomes. Explain the concept of biodiversity and how it is measured. Explain how environmental change affects speciation and extinction. Labs and Activities: Primary Productivity and Energy Flow lab, Predator-Prey Interactions, Butcher the Biomes activity, Nitrogen Cycle game, Eating at a Lower Trophic Level. Ecosystems Species Interactions Climate What are the major components of an ecosystem? Food chains Food webs Trophic level Energy transfer Photosynthesis Cellular respiration How reliant are species upon one another? Competition Differential reproduction Ecological niche Food web What key factors determine the earth s climate? Weather climate trends El Nino Biomes Biodiversity Species Diversity 1

14 How does climate determine where the earth s major biomes are found? Desert Grassland Forest Arctic Mountain What is evolution and how has it lead to the current diversity of organisms on the Earth? Natural selection Evolution Genes Mutation Genotype Phenotype Microevolution Macroevolution What is an ecological niche, and how does it help a population adapt to changing environmental conditions? Keystone species Indicator species Invasive species Endangered Species/Extinction Feedback Loops and Nutrient Cycles How do extinction of species and formation of new species affect biodiversity? What are the main similarities and differences among the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles? Natural rate of extinction Natural selection Background extinction Carbon cycle Nitrogen cycle Phosphorus cycle Sulfur cycle Water cycle 2

15 EAST PENNSBORO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT COURSE: AP Environmental Science Unit: Pollution Subject(s): AP Environmental Science Days: 20 Grade(s): 11, 12 Pennsylvania Standards addressed: A6 Earth and Space Sciences (Earth Structure, Processes, & Cycles) E Environment and Ecology (Ecology) A Environment and Ecology (Watersheds and Wetlands) C Environment and Ecology (Watersheds and Wetlands) D Environment and Ecology (Watersheds and Wetlands) A Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment) B Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment) C Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment) D Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment) E Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment) F Environment and Ecology (Humans and the Environment) Common Core Standards: CC 3.5 (Reading in Science) CC 3.6 (Writing in Science) Unit Essential Question(s): What are the harmful effects of air pollution? What are the most common types of pollutants in the water? What problems are associated with sewage? What are some major sources of anthropogenic air pollution? What are some approaches to smog reduction? What is the difference between open- and closed-loop recycling? Which acts authorize which agencies to regulate and oversee hazardous waste? What is the outlook for disease in both developing and developed nations? How is each different? Big Ideas: Distinguish between point and nonpoint sources of pollution. Identify the major types of heavy metals and other substances that pose serious hazards to humans and the environment. Discuss the hazards of indoor air pollution, especially in developing countries. Describe how each of the three Rs Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle as well as composting can avoid waste generation. Define waste generation from an ecological and systems perspective. Explain the factors that go into a risk analysis and distinguish between the two major philosophies of chemical regulation. Labs/Activities: Field Experience with CBF and trip to EP Wastewater Treatment Plant, Cultural Eutrophication lab, Biomagnification Through the Food Chain lab, Air Pollution Vehicle Exhaust Investigation, Particulate lab, Bioassay Experiment, Personal Garbage Analysis, Human Health Risk Assessment, Toxic Waste Sites. Atmosphere and Air Pollution Climate Change and Ozone Toxicology and Human Health What is acid deposition and how can it be reduced? Troposphere Stratosphere Acid deposition Outdoor vs. indoor pollution Smog How can we prevent and control air pollution? Greenhouse effect Global warming Ozone Carbon dioxide Emissions Major gases How can risks be estimated, managed, and reduced? Biohazard Chemical hazards Acute and chronic effects Dose-response relationships Air pollutants Smoking Biological hazards Risk assessment 1

16 Solid and Hazardous Waste Threats to aquatic ecosystems Environmental Laws How can we make the transition to a more sustainable low-waste society? Dioxins Recycling Solid waste Landfills Toxic waste Waste Water Treatment How are the ph and dissolved oxygen levels impacted by pollutants? Acid rain Run-off Nitrates Phosphates Surface run-off Groundwater How have Environmental laws and regulations impacted our society and the health of our environment? Clean Water & Safe Drinking Act Superfund Clean Air Act National Environmental Policy What guidelines must each facility follow? Nitrates Phosphates Dissolved oxygen Thermal pollution 2