Hilary Staples has been a science educator for over 25 years, both in the field and in the classroom. She has worked with students and scientists studying the environment from Africa to Costa Rica and many Parks of the US from Yellowstone, to the Grand Canyon, to the Everglades. Hilary has been teaching APES since its early years and has been working as an AP Reader since 2003. Hilary loves teaching APES because everything around you is relevant to the course: from a trip to the student parking lot to test exhaust to a biodiversity study in a nearby open space or park. Hilary has also been a leader in technology, and the 1-1 iPad program initiated by her school in 2010 and sees it as another tool for creativity and sustainability on campus. Her work has been integral in her school receiving both an Apple Distinguished School designation and the Green Ribbon School Award in Sustainability from the Department of Education. She believes that not only do we teach our students the difficult issues our environment is facing, but also arm students with hope and solutions. One of her favorite ways to integrate scientific innovation, solutions and an appreciation for nature is through the lens of Biomimicry.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Environmental science is a dynamic course that involves students strengthening science skills as well as gaining confidence with necessary content. During this AP Environmental Science APSI, you’ll explore the course framework, the exam, and the AP resources that will help you plan and focus instruction. I will be supplying teacher-participants with a digital folder of resources to help them enjoy a successful APES class including labs, rubrics, review sheets, sample tests, and more. In addition, we will try out potential labs, projects, activities and ways to get students into the field and community. We will also talk about teaching strategies both for classroom instruction, and preparing for the AP exam. After this course teachers should have a clear idea of what their students need for success and have many resources to help them design a curriculum that works for them, their students and their school.
Why attend an in-person APSI? Meaningful discussions and collaborations! Opportunities to do hands-on activities and laboratory experiments.
Incorporating field trips for students to collect data on the types of plants and animals within a habitat helps students answer a habitat question on the AP Environmental Science Test.
