Syllabus – AP Environmental Science 2010-11

Instructor: Mr. Ficuciello (say: Fic-uh-chello) Email: pficuciello@woboe.org

Room #: 2130

Description: Full year, double period course in which the student prepares for the AP Environmental Science test in May.

Goals: Gain a college-level understanding of ecology, resources, earth systems, and environmental quality. Learn skills associated with earth and environmental science such as field sampling, sample testing, computer modeling, web-based research, mapping and report preparation.

Requirements:

1. Three-ringed-binder (2.0” or larger binding). This is an excellent way to organize readings, assignments, and class notes. May be stored in class.

2. From time to time you will be asked to bring in inexpensive household items for projects. Examples of these objects include recyclable materials, pinecones, and bugs from the back yard.

Resources:

1. Friedland and Relyea - Environmental Science for AP.

2. Printed materials provided by me. You will all be given study materials including homework, labs, readings, and notebook materials as the semester progresses. These materials should be inserted into a three-ring binder and stored in this classroom so that they are not lost. Whether or not you use the binder to hold your class materials or some other means, you will be responsible for organizing class materials into a notebook.

Attendance: Poor attendance will drive your grade downward unless assignments are made up immediately (including labs). I will also be marking attendance closely and I make no exceptions for students who exceed the maximum number of allowable absences for the year.

Assignments: All assigned work that is late will be marked down.

Evaluation: You will be evaluated as follows:

• 50% - Tests

• 10% - Quizzes

• 30% - Labs and Class work

• 10% - Class Participation

Tests: Tests are cumulative and will be given at the end of each unit. Test will be modeled after the AP test and will include multiple choice questions and free response questions.

Quizzes: Quizzes will consist of questions from the book or vocabulary and will be a check to see if you are keeping up with the homework.

Labs: Almost all labs will be completed in class since we have a double period every day. Labs are practical application of the ideas we learn in class and help build skills. The AP test is lab centered so it is important to complete all labs and understand them completely in order to be successful on the AP test. All labs must be made up if you are absent.

Homework: Hand homework in as assigned on the requested date. Homework will consist of chapter outlining, readings, textbook readings with questions, article readings, problem sets, and sometimes lab write-ups. There will be homework assignments nearly every night of the week throughout the school year. Most will be readings with short answers to be discussed the next day of class. Some of these assignments will be textbook questions. Since 40% of the AP Exam is handwritten, all these assignment must be handwritten using complete sentences and well-formed paragraphs in blue or black ink on lined paper.

Class Participation

This class is infinitely more enjoyable for all parties if there is two way communication. I will promise to limit the “coffee-fueled sermons” if you come to class prepared and ask questions. I will also put you on the spot from time to time, so do your reading. I will give you a class participation grade based on the value that you bring to the discussions in class.