An exploration of the natural world with AP Environmental Science. This course offers a deep dive into the interrelationships of Earth’s ecosystems and the environmental challenges we face today. Here’s everything AP students need to know:

Course Overview

AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course that integrates concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. You’ll investigate natural phenomena through laboratory work and field studies, analyzing both natural and human-made environmental problems.

Skills Development

In AP Environmental Science, you’ll develop a diverse set of skills, including:

• Conceptual Understanding: Explaining environmental concepts and processes.
• Data Analysis: Analyzing data, visual representations, and writings.
• Quantitative Problem-Solving: Applying mathematical methods to solve environmental problems.
• Solution Proposal: Proposing solutions for environmental issues and supporting your ideas with evidence.
• Research Analysis: Analyzing research studies to identify hypotheses and draw conclusions.

Equivalency and Prerequisites

• College Course Equivalent: Comparable to a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science.
• Recommended Prerequisites: Two years of high school laboratory science (life science and physical science) and at least one year of algebra.

Exam Information

• Exam Date: Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 8 AM Local Time.
• This is the scheduled date for the AP Environmental Science Exam.

Course Units

The AP Environmental Science curriculum is divided into nine units, each focusing on different aspects of environmental science:

Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems

• Focus: Ecosystem structure, energy flow, and nutrient cycles.
• Exam Weight: 6%–8%.

Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity

• Focus: Biodiversity’s importance and factors affecting species evolution.
• Exam Weight: 6%–8%.

Unit 3: Populations

• Focus: Population dynamics and factors affecting growth.
• Exam Weight: 10%–15%.

Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

• Focus: Geologic features, atmosphere, climate, and weather patterns.
• Exam Weight: 10%–15%.

Unit 5: Land and Water Use

• Focus: Human use of natural resources and impacts on ecosystems.
• Exam Weight: 10%–15%.

Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption

• Focus: Renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and their environmental impact.
• Exam Weight: 10%–15%.

Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution

• Focus: Air pollution causes, effects, and regulatory measures.
• Exam Weight: 7%–10%.

Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

• Focus: Pollution impacts on ecosystems and pollution management.
• Exam Weight: 7%–10%.

Unit 9: Global Change

• Focus: Global environmental changes and human influence.
• Exam Weight: 15%–20%.

Preparing for Success

To excel in AP Environmental Science, engage actively with the material, participate in lab work, and apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios. Utilize resources such as textbooks, online tutorials, and practice exams to deepen your understanding of environmental concepts.