AP Environmental Science and AP Computer Science

Emily Lockwood

Staff Writer

AP environmental science and AP computer science are the new mind bending classes offered to students at Mira Costa. Karl Kurtz, who has taught earth science in past years, is now teaching AP environmetal science, while Mitch Williams teaches AP computer science.
Students are required to meet the pre-requisite for biology and chemistry before enrolling in AP environmental science. Because of this, the class is mainly for juniors and seniors. The class discusses ways to conserve natural resources and on how to become environmentally aware. AP Environmental Science is a combination of earth science, biology, and chemistry. Being that it is an AP class, it is similarly formatted to that of a college course.
“My goal is to keep the students aware of what is happening in their world,” Kurz said.
Major topics that will be covered in AP Environmental Science are sustainability, global perspective, urban world, and the relationship between people and their environment. Debatable topics such as the possibility of population control will also be discussed.
“I am interested in taking this class as a senior because I take an interest in how I can do more to protect the environment we live in,” sophomore Nicole Tordella said.
The demise of the Polynesian island known as Easter Island is also a topic that Kurtz is planning on teaching his students. The people who occupied the island for many generations ran the island dry of its resources. In class, students will learn how to avoid this by conserving and reusing various resources.
“This class seems like it is a great way to learn about why civilizations go extinct and how to prevent it,” Kaylee Van Der Zee said.
AP Computer Science is a class in which students learn the fundamentals of writing software programs and how computer services work. This course utilizes software called Java Programming Language, which is used for applications on Android smart phones.
“I want to learn more about computer science so I can be prepared when I attend college next year,” senior Rachel Weiner said.
The Java Programming Language is used by application developers. The students will learn how this software functions as well as will create and develop their own applications for Android smart phones.
“I think it will be a good opportunity for students taking this class because they will have the opportunity to design something that people are so familiar with,” Asia White said.
This class is not only for learning about computers but it heavily concentrates on creativity. The goal of most computer software and game developers is to design computers to look aesthetically pleasing in addition to a high functioning ability.
“The creativity of designing computer software deals with coming up with good ideas,” Williams said.
In comparison to most advanced placement classes, computer science has a lesser amount of homework. Most of the class is spent learning and working with computers. Students are expected to begin this class with minimal knowledge because it does start with the basics of computers.
“The great thing about this class is you get students who are at all different levels of knowledge when it comes to computer science,” Williams said.
In AP environmental science, students are expected to keep up with intensive reading because it is a fast paced course. Every four or five days there is a quiz and about every week there is a test. This class requires students to put forth the necessary time and commitment.
“In class, students are required to actively participate, which makes it interesting at times,” Kurz said.
AP computer science and AP environmental science go into such great detail in their subjects. These classes are a great opportunity for students to get a more in depth and rigorous learning experience.