About Dr. Cooper
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I received my Ph.D. in geology from Miami University in 1991 and worked for the U.S. Department of Energy on the Yucca Mountain Project in the early 1990s. Since 1996, I've taught either part-time or full-time at UNC Charlotte, Countryside Montessori School, and Mallard Creek High School. I am passionate about educating today's youth about environmental issues, especially energy resources and potential solutions. I believe it is critical to teach students how to think and problem solve so that they will be ready to solve the environmental challenges that face our global society. In my spare time, I like to participate in any physical activity that is outdoors, especially running, hiking, ice skating, and watersports. I also enjoy music, reading, and working on creating a sustainable lifestyle for myself and my family. For more information, see the link to my resume below.
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About the courses
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Earth Science is the study of the Earth and its neighbors in space. It involves learning about the 4 main components of the Earth System: Atmosphere (Air), Lithosphere (solid Earth), Hydrosphere (water), and Biosphere (living organisms). It is an exciting science with practical applications. For example, Earth scientists use their knowledge of the Earth to locate and develop energy and mineral resources. They study the impact of human activity on Earth's environment, and design methods to mitigate issues such as climate change.
Some use their knowledge about Earth processes such as volcanoes, earthquakes,
and hurricanes to plan communities which can withstand the major impacts of these
natural disasters.
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AP Environmental Science
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a
one semester introductory college course in environmental science. This is
an advanced science course that combines the disciplines of biology, chemistry,
geology, and math to investigate global environmental issues. We discover how
the Earth's systems function together and how humans have affected our planet.
We also examine our personal consumption habits and learn ways to be responsible global citizens in the face of serious environmental issues.
Earth & Environmental Science
This course is a laboratory-based science class emphasizing the function of the earth's systems. Emphasis is placed on the human interactions with the earth's geologic and environmental systems, predictability of a dynamic earth, origin and evolution of the earth system and universe, geochemical cycles and energy in the earth system.
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