Course code:
FLVS_APENVIRON
Course name:
AP Environmental Science Online
Course length:
2 semesters
Grade:
10 - 13
Partner:
FLVS - Florida Virtual School Global
Description
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world.
The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.
The goal of AP Environmental Science is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world and to identify and analyze environmental problems that are both natural and human-made. Students will evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing problems. Required laboratory Internet-based activities are included with each unit, each taking a minimum of one hour to complete. Additionally, hands-on laboratory assignments are included in each unit to challenge student abilities on the following tasks:
- Critically observe environmental systems
- Develop and conduct well-developed experiments
- Analyze and interpret data , including appropriate statistical and graphical presentations
- Think analytically and apply concepts to the solution of environmental problems
- Make conclusions and evaluate their quality and validity
- Propose further questions for study
- Communicate accurately and meaningfully about observations and conclusions Environmental science is interdisciplinary; the course includes a wide variety of topics from different disciplinary areas.
Throughout the course, students are given the opportunity to participate in critical thinking exercises which require research, analysis and presentation. Lessons, written with a global perspective in mind, enable students to collaborate with students around the world on projects, presentations, and assignments. Students develop 21st century skills, including cross-border perspectives and solutions, and apply “tangible” skills such as language proficiency as well as skills that are less tangible, including greater sensitivity to cultural differences, openness to new and different ideas, and the ability to adapt to change (as stated by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills).
This course is designed to be highly teacher facilitated. Instructors give a great deal of specific and timely feedback per lesson as students progress through the course. Students have opportunities for oral examinations, discussions, and whiteboard interactions. Additionally, teachers conduct online synchronous Elluminate sessions that require critical thinking and analysis.
In addition, this course is accompanied by an online tutorial and review that uses released AP Exams. Students are given systematic and timed practice for all portions of the exam. Students receive specific feedback on progress and mastery levels on the practice exams.
Course Structure
Segment One
Module 01 - Ecosystems
- Introduction to Ecosystems
- Biomes
- Biogeochemical Cycles
- Primary Productivity
- Trophic Levels and Energy Flow
- Food Chains and Food Webs
Module 02 - Biodiversity and Populations
- Biodiversity
- Ecological Relationships
- Natural Disruptions to Ecosystems
- Adaptation
- Ecological Succession
- Types of Species and Survivorship
- Population Growth
- Demographics
- Human Populations
Module 03 - 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 04 - Natural Resources
- Tragedy of the Commons
- Agricultural Practices
- Food Production
- Mining and Urbanization
- Ecological Footprints
- Sustainability
- Integrated Pest Management
Segment Two
Module 05 - 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 06 - Air Pollution
- Introduction to Air Pollution
- Smog
- Thermal Inversion
- Air Pollutants
- Acid Deposition
- Noise Pollution
Module 07 - 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 08 - Global Change
- Ozone Depletion
- Greenhouse Effect
- Global Climate Change
- Effects on Oceans
- Invasive Species
- Endangered
- Threats to Biodiversity
Course syllabus
Syllabus AP Environmental Science
AP Environmental Science Course and Exam Description
Materials required
For this course you need to secure the following textbook and materials (if lab kit is listed, check first the possibility of using your school lab prior to buying the lab kit):
Description | Number | Type | Source |
---|---|---|---|
Lab materials | Lab Material | provided by student | |
Price
course fee: 811,- EUR / 19 300,- Kč
Student’s Experience
Thanks for your patience and generosity, I wouldn't succed without you!
Hela, 2023
I have enjoyed this course, I have already done 4 of the AP courses and I must say I enjoyed this one the most.
Tereza I., 2023
First of all thank you for everything!
In summary, despite the occasional drawbacks, the online Environmental Science course has been a valuable experience. The interactive exercises and the exceptional support from the course administrator greatly contributed to my understanding of environmental science. The advantages of online learning, such as flexibility make it a valuable option for students seeking to expand their knowledge in environmental science.
Zdeněk H., 2023
I am aware of the final grade I will be receiving for completing the course. Overall, the course has given me valuable knowledge and also helped me improve my time management. I enjoyed the interactivity and variation of activities. Completing the course definitely pushed my boundaries, but overall it was a positive experience.
Markéta H., 2020