Geosystems

The question of why not study AP Environmental Science instead of geosystems is sometimes asked.  AP Environmental Science requires no prior physics knowledge and is not nearly as rigorous or quantitative as geosystems.  Geosystems was designed explicitly to exploit the prior science and mathematical preparation of the Thomas Jefferson senior which is unique on such a large scale.  Additionally, AP Environmental Science introduces no computer modeling, remote sensing, or the manipulation of large, real time data bases.  Geosystems provides the opportunity to see how the sciences really work together at a level that is unachievable without the degree of preparation of our students.  Yes, AP Environmental Science does offer an AP credit, but given that every Jefferson student takes a minimum of four (with an average of six) AP courses, the benefit was considered to be largely outweighed by the opportunity to become the most scientifically literate high school graduates in the nation.

Can TJ seniors take the AP Environmental Science test?  Yes they can, and most do very well. 

So, why not include the AP Environmental Science curriculum in the geosystems course?  While on one hand, all the geosystems teachers are fully qualified to teach the material in AP Environmental Science, they cannot do justice to the time needed to include many of social studies aspects of environmental overview agencies and the legal and social aspects of the material.  To do so would take away from the quantitative and technological material that is more in keeping with the science and tech goals of TJ.

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