Download AP Environmental Science Scoring Guidelines and more Exams Environmental Science in PDF only on Docsity!
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Scoring Guidelines
Question 2: Analyze an Environmental Problem and Propose a Solution
The graph below shows temperature anomalies from 1900 to 2016 globally and in the Arctic.
CHANGES IN AVERAGE TEMPERATURE, 1900–
Difference from Average
Temperature (ºC)
2
1
0 1981–2010 average
1900
Arctic global
1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 2016
(a) Refer to the graph above to answer the following questions.
i. Based on the data in the graph, identify the change in the difference from average temperature in the Arctic
between 1980 and 2016.
ii. Describe the difference in the change in temperatures in the Arctic with the change in global temperatures
from 2000 to 2016.
(b) The cause of the temperature trend seen in the map is a result of increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in
the atmosphere.
i. Identify a greenhouse gas that has a global warming potential (GWP) that is greater than 1.
ii. Identify an anthropogenic source that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
iii. Explain how increasing amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are linked to a change in pH of the
ocean.
(c) Greenhouse gases can pose threats to both human health and the environment.
i. Describe TWO impacts that global climate change can have on human health.
ii. Describe one effect global climate change can have on marine organisms.
(d) In order to reduce the effect of greenhouse gases on ecosystems, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced.
i. Propose one realistic solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
ii. Justify how the solution posed in (d)(i) would lead to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
Scoring Guidelines for Question 2: Analyze an Environmental Problem
and Propose a Solution 10 points
Learning Objectives: STB-4.D STB-4.E STB-4.F STB-4.G STB-4.H
General Scoring Note
When scoring questions with multiple correct answers, only score the first response given.
(a) i. Based on the data in the graph, identify the change in the difference from average temperature in the Arctic between 1980 and 2016.
1 point 5.A
- Increased 1.5 degrees C STB-4.F
ii. Describe the difference in the change in temperatures in the Arctic with the change in global temperatures from 2000 to 2016.
1 point 5.B
- The temperature is increasing/warming faster/at a greater rate in the Arctic. STB-4.F
Total for part (a) 2 points
(b) i. Identify a greenhouse gas that has a global warming potential (GWP) that is greater than 1.
Accept one of the following:
1 point 1.A
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)/Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)^ STB-4.D - Methane (CH 4 ) - Nitrous Oxide (N 2 O)
ii. Identify an anthropogenic source that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. (^) 1 point
Accept one of the following:^ 1.A
- Burning of fossil fuels^ STB-4.D - Deforestation/Land use changes - Livestock fermentation (methane release) and waste management - Use of CFCs in products such as refrigeration systems, air conditioners, and manufacturing - Use of fertilizer
iii. Explain how increasing amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are linked to a change in pH of the ocean.
1 point 5.C
- Increased global temperature leads to increased ocean acidification because more CO 2 is STB-4.H absorbed by ocean waters which decreases the pH of the ocean water.
Total for part (b) 3 points
continued on next page
ii. Justify how the solution posed in (d)(i) would lead to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
Accept any of the following justifications.
1 point 7.F
Solution proposed in (d)(i) Justification of how solutions will reduce greenhouse gas emissions^ STB-4.H Use more energy efficient vehicles/decrease driving distances.
- Using more energy efficient vehicles or decreasing driving distances will decrease the amount of fossil fuels burned, which will decrease the amount of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, released into the atmosphere Use less heat/less air conditioning to reduce amount of energy to heat/ cool home. - Decreasing the use of electric heat/air conditioning will decrease the amount of fossil fuels burned for electricity generation, which will decrease the amount of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, released into the atmosphere Decrease electricity use to decrease reliance on fossil fuels. - Decreasing the use of electricity used will decrease the amount of fossil fuels burned for electricity generation, which will decrease the amount of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, released into the atmosphere Switch from fossil fuel generated electricity to electricity generated from renewable sources - Renewable sources, such as solar or wind power, do not release greenhouse gases. Switching energy source will decrease the amount of fossil fuels burned, which will decrease the amount of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, released into the atmosphere Harvest methane from landfills for energy generation - The methane gas released from landfills can be collected and used for energy generation, which reduces the amount of methane released to the atmosphere Sequester carbon through planting vegetation/ reinjection - Trees and other plans absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis which will decrease the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. - Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, can be captured and injected into geothermal reservoirs, reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Decrease use of plastics/ fertilizers/products that require fossil fuels for production
- Products such as plastics and fertilizers are made using fossil fuels so reducing in purchasing these products will decrease the demand for fossil fuels in production, which decreases the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. - Plastics releases several greenhouse gases as they degrade. Purchasing fewer plastics will decrease the amount of plastics in landfills and decrease the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere during degradation. Decrease purchasing of products with plastic packaging - Plastics releases several greenhouse gases as they degrade. Purchasing fewer plastics will decrease the amount of plastics in landfills and decrease the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere during degradation. Reduce meat consumption/ switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet - Raising livestock produce large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, specifically methane (from gut fermentation). Decomposition of manure from these operations also releases large amounts of CO 2 and/or methane so a reduction in meat consumption or switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet could significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted into the atmosphere.
Total for part (d) 2 points
Total for question 2 10 points
Question 3: Analyze an Environmental Problem and Propose a Solution
Doing Calculations
An individual has decided to convert a grassy area on property to a large garden in order to grow food, primarily
vegetables. The garden measures 50 meters in length by 7 meters in width.
(a) Describe one environmental advantage of producing food locally.
(b) Vegetable production in the garden was less than expected for the season.
i. Identify one soil property that affects crop production.
ii. The gardener applied a synthetic fertilizer to the garden for the next growing season. Describe one benefit
of using synthetic fertilizer in the garden.
iii. A neighbor proposes using compost rather than a synthetic fertilizer on the garden, stating that composting
is a more sustainable agricultural practice. Justify this claim.
(c) The gardener finds a synthetic fertilizer with 34% nitrogen and a recommended application rate of 1 kg of
nitrogen per 70.0 square meters. Calculate the number of kilograms of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer that should
be spread on the garden area. Show your work.
(d) The gardener also finds a local compost source with 2.5% nitrogen. Calculate the number of kilograms of
compost that would need to be added to the garden to provide as much nitrogen as using the synthetic fertilizer.
Show your work.
(e) The price of a kilogram of synthetic fertilizer is $3.11, while the price of a kilogram of compost is $0.04.
Calculate the savings to provide 1 kg of nitrogen per 70 square meters using compost rather than nitrogen.
Show your work.
(c) Calculate the number of kilograms of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer that should be spread on the garden area. Show your work.
2 points 6.B 6.C EIN-2.D
One point for correct setup to calculate the number of kg of synthetic N fertilizer
- Garden area = 50 m x 7 m = 350 m^2
350 m^2 × 1 kg 70 m 2 One point for the correct calculation of the number of kg of synthetic N fertilizer
- Fertilizer amount = 5.0 kg Total for part (c) 2 points
(d) Calculate the number of kilograms of compost that would need to be added to the garden to provide as much nitrogen as using the synthetic fertilizer. Show your work.
2 points 6.B 6.C EIN-2.D
One point for the correct setup to calculate the number of kg of compost
- 5 kg fertilizer × × × 5.0 kg fertilizer 1 kg fertilizer 0.025 N 0.025 N in compost
0.34 N 1 kg compost OR
0.34 N in fertilizer
One point for the correct calculation of the number of kg of compost
- Compost amount = 68 kg
Total for part (d) 2 points
(e) Calculate the savings to provide 1 kg of nitrogen per 70 square meters using compost rather than nitrogen. Show your work.
2 points 6.B 6.C EIN-2.D
One point for the correct setup to calculate the amount of savings
- Price of synthetic fertilizer =
× 5 kg fertilizer = $15. kg fertilizer One point for the correct calculation of the amount of savings
-
Price of compost = × 68 kg compost = $2. kg compost Difference in cost: (^) $15.55 − $2.72 = $12.83 per kg
NOTE: If the student did not correctly calculate part (c) and/or part (d), the response for part (e) can earn points if the incorrect values were used correctly in the equations in part (e).
Total for part (e) 2 points
Total for question 3 10 points
