Advanced Placement Environmental Science

The purpose of this course is to become familiar with the key environmental issues that we face in the 21st Century. The course strives to illustrate global issues through scientific analysis of local problems. We examine the economic, social, cultural, and political aspects of the issues. Environmental issues are multidisciplinary problems, and it is key that all aspects are considered in order to arrive at potential solutions. Coming to a full understanding of environmental issues and analyzing potential solutions is a primary goal of this course. We undertake an in-depth study of the environmental impacts of the Ojai Valley School as they apply to sections of study in the text, Environmental Science.

We study ecosystems, human population, renewable resources, energy, pollution, economics, public policy and sustainable communities. These topics are intertwined with study of campus water and power usage, the removal of the Matilija Dam - a restoration of the Matilija Creek drainage, and the removal of exotic species from Santa Cruz Island. We use a current events assignment to keep abreast of new developments associated with our units of study, and use appropriate laboratory assignments to understand the science and data collection techniques that are the basis of Environmental Science.

Textbook(s): Environmental Science, Author(s): Enger

Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, and acceptance dependant upon department approval

Instructor: John Wickenhaeuser