• Welcome To Mr. Kernan's AP Environmental Science Website

    AP® Environmental Science differs significantly from the usual high school course with respect to the kind of textbook used, range and depth of topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done, and the time and effort required of students.  The six themes, which provide a foundation for the structure of the AP® Environmental Science (APES) course are:

    • Science is a process as well as a body of knowledge.

      • Science is a method of learning more about the world.

      • Using science can change the way we understand and affect the world.

    • Energy conservation underlies all ecological processes.

    • Energy cannot be created; it cycles through systems.

    • As energy flows through systems, at each step more of it becomes unusable.

    • The Earth itself is one interconnected system.

    • Natural systems change over time and space.

    • Biogeochemical systems vary in the ability to recover from disturbances.

    • Humans alter natural systems.

    • Humans have had an impact on the environment for millions of years.

    • Technology and population growth have enabled humans to increase both the rate and scale of their impact on the environment.

    • Environmental problems have a cultural and social context.

    • Understanding the role of cultural, social, and economic factors is vital to the development of solutions.

    • Human survival depends on developing practices and perhaps technology that will result in sustainable systems.

    • A suitable combination of conservation and development is required.

    • Management of common resources is essential.

     

    Goals for the Class:

    • Learn the constituents of our environment and the role of humanity in its changes.

    • Prepare students for the AP Exam in May.

    • Help prepare students for college.

    One Note

    In our class your student has been doing all their work in the Class Notebook. You can have your student share their OneNote Class Notebook with you if you wish to see what they are completing for the class. 

    Canvas

    In this class we will be using Canvas for Quizzes, Assignments, and to be informed of upcoming course events.

     

    See the Shutdown due to Co-Vid 19 Information Page for information how to access the Educational Opportunities that are available during the Shutdown.

     

    APES

    Course Requirements and Expectations Course Credit Acknowledgment

     
     
     

     Class Expectations

    Respect teachers, other students and school property. Behavior that interferes with my ability to teach or your classmate's ability to learn will not be tolerated and appropriate action will be taken. No one has the right to deprive another student of his or her education.

    Students are expected to be in their seats and prepared for class when the bell rings. Otherwise you will be marked as tardy. Excessive tardiness will result in detention. (F.Y.I detentions in a science lab can be disgusting!)

    Water in clear containers is allowed in class (but not in lab), all other food and beverages (including gum) are not allowed in the classroom or in the science building.

    All electronic devices will be turned off and removed from your desk when the bell rings. Electronic devices must be turned off and out of sight at all times! If a disruption occurs, these items will be confiscated.

    Appropriate clothing must be worn at all times.

    Students are working towards becoming a self-directed learner.

     

    Classroom Interventions

    Disciplinary actions for student behavior in this classroom will follow the steps below. Please note that school policies concerning automatic referrals override the following steps.

    Step 1 Informal warning of the student for not following the classroom expectations or school policies.

    Warning ranges from a verbal to a gesture.

    Step 2 Formal warning of the student for not following the classroom expectations or school policies.

    Formal warning is a written warning that documents the behavior of the student.

    Step 3 The student will serve class detention for between ten and thirty minutes before or after school for not following the classroom expectations or school policies.

    The student will complete cleaning tasks assigned by teacher and create a plan to not receive a detention in the future. The detention will be served within one week of date issued either before or after school. If detention is not served a call will be placed to home or other appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

    Step 4 The student's parent or guardian will be called in regard to the actions taken concerning the students behavior.

    Step 5 Student will be referred to the Vice Principal, Counselor, or other appropriate school officials.

    Automatic Student Referrals to the Vice Principal, Counselor, or other appropriate school officials will be given for the following student behaviors.

    Defiance

    Unsafe laboratory practices

    Bringing any type of weapon to school

    Fighting

    Harassment of any kind

    Wanton destruction of school property

    Illegal drug use