AP Environmental Science
The Fine Print
Course Goals
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The goals of the class are aligned with the concepts the College Board considers most important:
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The Living World: Ecosystems
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The Living World: Biodiversity
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Populations
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Earth Systems and Resources
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Land and Water Use
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Energy Resources and Consumption
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Atmospheric Pollution
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Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution
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Global Change
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These units are categorized broadly into 4 “Big Ideas:
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Big Idea 1: Energy Transfer | Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes.
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Big Idea 2: Interactions Between Earth Systems | The Earth is one interconnected system. Natural systems change over time and space.
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Big Idea 3: Interactions Between Different Species and the Environment | Humans alter natural systems and have had an impact on the environment for millions of years.
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Big Idea 4: Sustainability | Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems.
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This course will teach the aforementioned concepts and “Big Ideas” in as engaging a way as possible, while instilling underlying scientific practices that prep students for further Biological studies:
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Concept Explanation: Explain environmental concepts, processes, and models presented in written format.
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Visual Representations: Analyze visual representations of environmental concepts and processes.
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Text Analysis: Analyze sources of information about environmental issues.
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Scientific Experiments: Analyze research studies that test environmental principles.
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Data Analysis: Analyze and interpret quantitative data represented in tables, charts and graphs.
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Mathematical Routines: Apply quantitative methods to address environmental concepts.
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Environmental Solutions: Propose and justify solutions to environmental problems.
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● In addition, this class infuses the required 25% of course time focused on labs--both hands-on and virtual--and all
discussing data and data analysis.
● At the end of this course, students should be equipped with the information needed to succeed on the AP
Environmental Science exam.
Course Resources
Class Text
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Required: Digital Resources $55 purchased through Blue Tent include:
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ebook of class text: Bedford, Freeman & Worth's Environmental Science for the AP Course, 4th edition (2023) by Friesland & Relyea
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BFW homework platform and interactive resources aligned with class text
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Barron's AP Environmental Science 2025 (needed in second semester, approximately $25)
Lab Resources and Supplies
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There is NO formal lab kit to purchase.
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A list of common supplies that can be purchased at your grocery store will be provided by the instructor.
Technical Resources
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Any PDF reader (free)
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Required (for live students)
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A reliable internet connection
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A computer with a web-cam
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A working microphone
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Recommended:
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Earbuds or a headset with a microphone (but your computer microphone will work)
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