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AP Environmental Science
Summer Assignment

The Summer Assignment is due on the first day of class

and will count as 15% of your First Quarter Grade.

Questions? Email Mr. Schultze @ tschultze@mtoliveboe.org

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AP Environmental Science Summer Assignment

(This assignment is due on the first day of class!)

Part 1 - Concept Formation and Review Basic Science Knowledge and Skills = 60%
Part 2 - Information Processing, Critical Thinking and Decision Making = 40%
Congratulations on your decision to take AP Environmental Science (APES). It is a
challenging and rewarding course. As a precursor, you will be required to complete
the following assignment as part of your preparation. The assignment is due on the
FIRST DAY OF CLASS, and will count as 15% of your first marking period grade.
PART 1: Review (60 points)
The questions below are to help you review basic math and science skills as well as
knowledge from your previous courses. When you begin AP Environmental Science,
you should already be familiar with these concepts. You may use references attached
to this assignment and any other resources as needed. Answer questions in the space
provided. You may use additional paper if needed. Show all work, where applicable.
1. Contrast environmental science with ecology.

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2-3. Draw an example of a food chain containing at least four organisms. Correctly
label each organism in your food chain with all of the terms that apply (each organism
may have more than one label): abiotic, biotic, herbivore, omnivore, carnivore,
decomposer, autotroph, heterotroph, producer, primary consumer, secondary
consumer, tertiary consumer

Questions? Email Mr. Schultze @ tschultze@mtoliveboe.org

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4. What is the Greenhouse Effect?

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5-7. Discuss three primary factors that determine climate zones.

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8. What is Climate Change?

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9-12. What is a biome? Give a brief general description of each of the following
biomes (including location, general flora and fauna):
Define: Biome -________________________________________________________________

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Desert- _______________________________________________________________________

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Grassland -____________________________________________________________________

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Taiga -_______________________________________________________________________

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Deciduous forest-______________________________________________________________

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Questions? Email Mr. Schultze @ tschultze@mtoliveboe.org

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13. What is a hectare?______________________________________________________________

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14-15. What are Prokaryotes? Eukaryotes? How are they similar/different? Answer this
question using a chart or a Venn Diagram.

16. What is the relationship between Photosynthesis and Cellular respiration?

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17-20. For each of the following four types of molecules, explain what it is used for in
living things, and provide at least one example:
Carbohydrates - ___________________________________________________________________
Lipids - ____________________________________________________________________________
Proteins - __________________________________________________________________________
Nucleic acids - _____________________________________________________________________
21. What is evolution? Explain how evolution happens.

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Questions? Email Mr. Schultze @ tschultze@mtoliveboe.org

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22-23. What are the three main parts of an atom and how do they relate to atomic
number and atomic mass? How is an atom different from a molecule?

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24. What is concentration? What is pH? What is the equation for pH?

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25-26 Explain the Law of Conservation of Matter. Explain the First and Second Laws of
Thermodymanics. What is Entropy?

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27-28. Balance the chemical equation below; identify the reactants and the products.
_____CO2 + ______H2O _______C6H12O6 + ______O2

29-30. The specific heat of ethanol is 2.46 J/g oC. Find the heat required to raise the
temperature of 193g of ethanol from 19oC to 35oC.

Ans.______________
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30-31. What is the volume of 3116.05 mg of a substance with a density of 1.8 g/cm3?

Ans._________________
32-34. Write the proper formula for the following six ions:
a. Nitrate

Ans._________________

b. Nitrite

Ans._________________

c. Phosphate

Ans._________________

d. Sulfate

Ans._________________

e. Carbonate

Ans._________________

f. Ammonium

Ans._________________

35-36. What is the formula for the following compounds?

a. Ozone

Ans.________________

b. Sulfuric acid

Ans.________________

c. Nitric acid

Ans.________________

d. Carbon dioxide

Ans.________________

e. Methane

Ans.________________

37-38. What factors create carbonic acid? Write the balance equation for how it forms
from two common molecules.

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______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Ans.__________________________________________________
39-40. The speed limit on parts of I-80 is 65 mph. What is this speed in m/s?

Ans._________________
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40-41. In the gas law P1V1 = P2V2 at constant temperature, are pressure and volume
directly or indirectly (inversely) proportional? Explain.

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______________________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________________

42. Put the number 5,888,429 into scientific notation using 4 significant figures.

Ans.__________________
43-44. Plutonium-239 has a half-life of 24,000 years. How much will remain of a one
gram sample after it undergoes 3 half-lives?

Ans.__________________
45-49 Define the following terms:
Precautionary Principle-_____________________________________________________________

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Sustainability-_______________________________________________________________________

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Ecological Footprint- ________________________________________________________________

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Genuine Progress Indicator- _________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________
Positive Feedback Loop- ____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Questions? Email Mr. Schultze @ tschultze@mtoliveboe.org

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50-52: A scientist measures the dissolved oxygen concentration in the top 30 cm of

Budd Lake. The dissolved oxygen measurements are shown below:
Time
6 AM
8 AM
10 AM
12 PM
2 PM
4 PM
6 PM
8 PM
10 PM
12 AM
2 AM
4 AM

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration (mg/L)

0.5
1.5
2.5
3.5
4.5
6.5
6.0
5.5
3.5
2.0
1.0
0.5

Using the following graph, plot the results using a line graph.

53-55. Explain what is happening in the lake that is causing the observed results. How
might an increased level of wastes and nutrients (such as nitrates and phosphates)
flowing into the lake affect the amount of dissolved oxygen that is available for the
lakes aquatic organisms to use?

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______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________________
Questions? Email Mr. Schultze @ tschultze@mtoliveboe.org

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56. What is the term used to describe the above effect in a lake?
Ans.__________________
57-60. Convert the following measurements (use attached reference charts):
Example #1 678.9 m = _______ km (0.6789 km)

57. 50505 ms =

__________s

58. 0.033 kg =

______ dg

59. 52 mm =

_______ cm

60. 4 das =

________ ds

PART 2: Environmental Science In The News (40 points)

The field of Environmental Science is constantly changing; to help you understand
current environmental issues, media sources and possible bias, find 5 different news
items that pertain to environmental issues. You are going to use these current events to
create the front page of a newspaper, titled The Environmental Times. Each of your
items needs to be summarized into your own headline and article. Additionally, you will
write an editorial column for your front page.
STEP 1: Select your articles.
These articles can be from the newspaper, magazines, or online news sources. Each
article should be three or more paragraphs in length, and they must be dated between
January 2014 and August 2014. You will need to turn in the articles with your summer
assignment! You may turn in the original articles or make copies. Some examples of
environmental issues you may wish to look for are:
-Chemical contamination
-Population issues
-Oil spills
-Pesticides
-Air Pollution
-Climate Change

-Habitat destruction
-Endangered or threaten species
-Urban sprawl
-Energy resources (e.g., fossil fuels,
solar, wind)
-Water Pollution

Questions? Email Mr. Schultze @ tschultze@mtoliveboe.org

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STEP 2: Carefully read each of your articles.

STEP 3: Write a headline and a summary for each article (in your own words)
Each summary should be at least 1-2 paragraphs in length. As you summarize each
article, consider the following questions (as they apply to each article):
-When does this environmental event take place?
-Where is this happening?
-Who is involved? How are they affected?
-What is the cause of the problem or event? What are the effects?
-How severe is this problem or event?
-Why is this environmental problem or event significant?
STEP 4: Find pictures or images to include on your front page to accompany your news
stories.
Your front page must have at least three relevant pictures that help the reader
understand the article.
STEP 5: Write an Editorial Column
As the sixth item on your front page, you will write an editorial. Your editorial should
express your response to the following questions, and it must be at least 200 words in
length: What do you think is the most critical environmental problem we are facing
today? Be sure to EXPLAIN the problem. Why do you think that this problem is the most
critical? What do you think could be done to help solve this problem?
STEP 6: Assemble the front page of your issue of the Environmental Times
You can type the information and physically cut/paste each piece onto your front
page. To be more environmentally friendly, use a program like Microsoft Publisher and
submit your Environmental Times to me via email before the first class meeting:
tschultze@mtoliveboe.org.
If you create a hard copy, your front page should be at least 8.5x11 in size, and it
should not be larger than approximately 17x22 (which is about the size of 2 sheets of
paper taped together). No large poster board, please! All headlines and stories for
your front page MUST be typed! The size and font of your headlines is up to you;
however, the text of your summaries and editorial must be single-spaced and 10-12
point font. Acceptable font styles include Times New Roman, Courier New, or Century
Gothic. Remember to organize your front page so it is easy-to-read and visually
appealing. Look at the front page of a few newspapers to help you get ideas. Feel
free to be as creative as you like, as long as you include all of the necessary
components.
Questions? Email Mr. Schultze @ tschultze@mtoliveboe.org

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Scoring Rubric for Part 2:

Criteria/Level

Score

Content
Each summary
and the
editorial will be
assessed
separately for
content

Summary/
editorial
reflects an
insightful and
unique
understanding
of all of the
aspects of the
issue or event
Content is
highly relevant
to
environmental
issues.

Summary/
editorial
reflects a
thorough
understanding
of all of the
aspects of the
issue or event

Summary/
editorial
reflects a
general
understanding
of all of the
aspects of the
issue or event

Summary/
editorial
reflects a
general
understanding
of most of the
aspects of the
issue or event

Summary/
editorial
reflects an
incomplete
understanding
of the issue or
event

4 points
possible
per article
x 6 articles
=

Most of the
selections
demonstrate a
connection to
environmental
issues

A portion of
the articles are
clearly
connected to
relevant issues

No true
relevance is
shown or
interpreted.

Front page is
exceptionally
wellorganized,
contains no
mechanical
errors, and
meets all
size/font
requirements

Front page is
very wellorganized,
contains 1-2
mechanical
errors, and
meets all
size/font
requirements

Front page is
wellorganized,
contains some
mechanical
errors, and
meets all
size/font
requirements

Errors are
apparent - no
clear
connection
between the
content and
the
environment
Front page is
somewhat
organized,
contains some
mechanical
errors, and
does not
meet one of
the size/font
requirements.

Pictures and
text are
assembled in
a highly
attractive
manner that
effectively
communicate
s the key
points of the
stories
/editorial
Original
thought is
apparent and
Front page
shows a highly
unique and
creative
approach

Pictures and
text are
assembled in
an attractive
manner that
communicates
the key points
of the
stories/editorial

Pictures and
text are
assembled in
a clear,
concise
manner that
communicates
the key points
of the
stories/editorial

Pictures and
text are
assembled in
a generally
logical
manner

Some original
thought was
shown and
Front page
shows that a
generally
creative
approach was
used

Front page
shows that
some
creativity was
used

Front page
shows that
minimal
creativity was
used

Relevance

Organization
and
Mechanics

Formatting

Creativity

_______/24

_______/6

Front page
shows little
organization,
contains
many
mechanical
errors, and
does not
meet the
size/font
requirements
Pictures and
text are
incomplete or
assembled in
an illogical
manner

_______/3

______/3

Front page
shows no
creativity
_______/4

TOTAL
_______/40

Questions? Email Mr. Schultze @ tschultze@mtoliveboe.org

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APES Review Notes:

Significant Figures, Scientific Notation, SI/Metric System
SIGNIFICANT FIGURES: Sig.Fig Review
General Rules
1) ALL NONZERO DIGITS ARE ALWAYS SIGNIFICANT.
4.2 and 27 both have two sig.figs.
2) ZEROES BETWEEN TWO NONZERO DIGITS ARE ALWAYS SIGNIFICANT.
ZEROES BETWEEN TWO SIGNIFICANT DIGITS ARE ALWAYS SIGNIFICANT.
(Sig. Fig. Sandwich) 8.909 and 1005 both have four sig.figs.
3) ZEROES TO THE LEFT OF NONZERO DIGITS ARE NOT SIGNIFICANT.
0.0006 and 0.06 both have only one sig.fig.
4) TERMINAL ZEROES AFTER THE DECIMAL POINT ARE ALWAYS
SIGNIFICANT. 1.000 and 9.820 both have four sig.figs.
5) TERMINAL ZEROES NOT INVOLVING A DECIMAL POINT ARE NOT
SIGNIFICANT... UNLESS WRITTEN IN SCIENTIFIC NOTATION FOR
CLARIFICATION or UNLESS A DECIMAL POINT IS PLACED AFTER THE
LAST ZERO.
3

1230 written as 1.23 x 10 has three sig.figs.

3

1230 written as 1230. or 1.230 x 10 has four sig.figs.

Rounding Rules
1) Round up if the number after the last sig.fig. is 5 or greater 4.26 4.3
2) Round down if the number after the last sig.fig. is less than 5 4.21 4.2
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division rules
1) IN ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION, THE ANSWER MAY CONTAIN ONLY
AS MANY DECIMAL PLACES AS THE LEAST ACCURATE VALUE.
5.2208 + 0.1 = 5.3208 5.3 adjusted
2) IN MULTIPLICATION AND DIVISION, THE ANSWER MAY CONTAIN
ONLY AS MANY DECIMAL PLACES AS THE LEAST ACCURATE VALUE
USED. 49.600 / 47.40 = 1.0464135 1.046 adjusted
n

SCIENTIFIC NOTATION: M x 10 format

Exponent examples
0

10 = 1 10 = 10 10 = 100 10 = 1000
-1

-2

-3

10 = 0.1 (1/10) 10 = 0.01 (1/100) 10 = 0.001 (1/1000)

Scientific notation rules
1) POSITIVE EXPONENTS INDICATE MAKING A NUMBER LARGER.
2

MOVE DECIMAL POINT TO THE RIGHT. (3.11 x 10 = 311)

2) NEGATIVE EXPONENTS INDICATE MAKING A NUMBER SMALLER.
-2

MOVE DECIMAL POINT TO THE LEFT. (3.11 x 10 = 0.0311)

Questions? Email Mr. Schultze @ tschultze@mtoliveboe.org

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THE METRIC SYSTEM SI = International System of Units

SI BASE UNIT
NAME
length
meter
mass
kilogram
time
second
temperature
Kelvin
amount of substance
mole
electric current
ampere
luminous (light) intensity
candela

SYMBOL
m
kg
s
K
mol
A
cd

Common SI DERIVED UNITS

NAME

SYMBOL

area

square meter

volume

cubic meter

(1L = 1 dm
speed
velocity

&

2
3

1 mL = 1 cm = 1 cc)
meter per second
meter per second

m/s
m/s (with direction)

acceleration

meter per second squared

density

gram per cubic centimeter

m/s
3

g/cm (mass/volume)

METRIC PREFIXES

Factor

Name

Symbol

24

yotta

10

21

zetta

10

18

exa

10

15

peta

10

12

tera

10

giga

10

mega

10

kilo

10

hecto

10

deka

da

10

-1

deci

10

-2

centi

10

-3

milli

10

-6

micro

10

-9

nano

10

-12

pico

10

-15

femto

10

-18

atto

10

-21

zepto

10

Questions? Email Mr. Schultze @ tschultze@mtoliveboe.org

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Questions? Email Mr. Schultze @ tschultze@mtoliveboe.org