AP Environmental Science

Description

With the current changes in global climate, rising sea levels, and warming oceans, it is important for students to discover the state of Earth’s systems and the consequences of human activities. AP Environmental Science provides students with a global view of their world and their role in it. It examines the scientific principles and concepts required to understand the interrelationships between ocean, land, and atmosphere that guide the natural world and allow Earth to be a planet suitable for life. Laboratory activities within the course support their learning of these relationships through reflective, hands-on, or virtual experiences. In addition, students identify and analyze environmental problems that are natural and human-made, determining their own ecological footprint in the world to discover how their activities affect the world around them. They evaluate the relative risks associated with environmental problems and examine alternative solutions, such as clean energy, sustainable practices, and conservation, for resolving or preventing future environmental problems.

SEGMENT 1

Module 1—Ecosystems
Introduction to Ecosystems
Biomes
Biogeochemical Cycles
Primary Productivity
Trophic Levels and Energy Flow
Food Chains and Food Webs

Module 2—Biodiversity and Populations
Biodiversity
Ecological Relationships
Natural Disruptions to Ecosystems
Adaptation
Ecological Succession
Types of Species and Survivorship
Population Growth
Demographics
Human Populations

Module 3—Earth Systems
Plate Tectonics
Soil Formation and Erosion
Soil Composition and Properties
Watersheds
Earth’s Atmosphere
Global Wind Patterns
Solar Radiation and Seasons
Earth’s Geography and Climate
El Niño and La Niña

Module 4—Natural Resources
Tragedy of the Commons
Agricultural Practices
Food Production
Mining and Urbanization
Ecological Footprints
Sustainability
Integrated Pest Management

SEGMENT 2

Module 5—Energy Resources
Energy Sources
Global Energy Consumption
Fossil Fuels
Nuclear Energy
Energy from Biomass
Solar Energy
Geothermal Energy
Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Hydroelectric Power
Wind Energy
Energy Conservation

Module 6—Air Pollution
Introduction to Air Pollution
Smog
Thermal Inversion
Air Pollutants
Acid Deposition
Noise Pollution

Module 7—Water and Land Pollution
Sources of Pollution
Endocrine Disruptors
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Effect on Aquatic Ecosystems
Solid Waste Disposal
Waste Reduction Methods
Sewage Treatment
Lethal Dose Response
Pollution and Human Health
Pathogens and Infectious Diseases

Module 8—Global Change
Ozone Depletion
Greenhouse Effect
Global Climate Change
Effects on Oceans
Invasive Species
Endangered
Threats to Biodiversity

Additional Course Notes:

AP courses may require that students purchase a textbook to complete the course. eLearning Academy does not offer the AP exams or issue a teacher code for exam registration.  You do not have to take the course to register for the exam.  The course is to help  you prepare for the exam.  When you register for the exam, you can register as a homeschooler without a teacher code. If you have questions about this process, please call us before paying for the course.

Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and two years of high school science, with labs

Suggested Grade Level: 11

Credits: 1