My background as an environmental consultant gives me an opportunity to provide my students with examples of projects, conditions, and issues and the way in which they can be managed.  I love the topic of AP Environmental Science, as it is a wonderful opportunity for me to apply both my academic and professional experience in the classroom!

In addition to the Subject Unit topics, we read two novels over the course of the school year: Ishmael, a fictional novel by Daniel Quinn, and Tales of a Shaman's Apprentice, a nonfiction novel by Mark Plotkin.  We have weekly quizzes and class discussions based on the books as we read them.

AP Environmental Science is a college-level course.  As such, it is taught and tested at a higher level than standard level environmental science.  The AP Environmental Science Exam is an optional test that students can take in May.  If the student scores a 4 or 5, many colleges and universities will give them college credit for the course (the policies on awarding college credit vary from school to school).  Registration for the AP Exam occurs in January or February of the school year.

Service Learning Project (SLP) - In conjunction with regular unit topics, we work on a Service Learning Project, a student-selected environmental project performed outside of school and presented to the class.  The Service Learning Project is often a year-long endeavor, taking place over several months (depending upon the project design of the student).  The SLP is a mandatory, important aspect to this course and the points toward its progress and completion are collectively worth approximately one exam.  Some examples of SLPs include volunteering for an environmental cause, establishing recycling at a business or facility (such as the student's place of employment), or creating goods to be sold to raise money to support an environmental group of the student's choice. Getting a good start on this project and maintaining monthly progress is an important part of this class. Click on the side link to see more information about this project.

Environmental Art - We also incorporate an Environmental Art unit that will draw upon the creative talents of each student.  It is worth 15 points.  Students receive 5 points for completing the project, 5 points for taking a photo and bringing it to class in a projectable format (such as on a flash drive or accessing it via their personal email account), and 5 points for bringing in a paper copy of the photo of their art.

Absences - The science department policy on late work is as follows: 1/3 off up to 1 week past due date. Later than one week? No credit. If the student knows they will be gone, especially for an excused field trip or appointment, it is their responsibility to get the work ahead of time.  If they don't, it will be counted late, end of story.  If the student misses a test or quiz, it must be made up on the day they return to class.  5-point quizzes are a fast little quiz I sometimes give to evaluate a reading assignment, with two of the five points awarded automatically for that day's attendance.  These are not make-upable unless the student comes in that morning or the previous day to take it separately.  To make up for legitimate absences, I add 7 points to each student’s grade report before assigning final quarter grades.  I recognize that unanticipated, extended absences happen.  If they are 3 days or more, the student should come to see me after school and we will work together to make arrangements to fully reclaim those points.   

Grading

Students earn their grades based on the following scale: 

90-100% A                 80-90% B              70-80% C               60-70% D               <60% N

Grades are based on these approximate percetages:

Homework: ~10-15%  

Lab/Activity: ~15-20%            

SLP Updates (not presentation):  ~5%       

Book Readings:  ~10%               

Quotes:   ~10% 

5-pt Quizes:   ~5%

Exams:    ~40-45%