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World environment day concept_ Two human hands holding earth globe and heart shape of tree

AP Environmental Science
The Fine Print

Course Goals

  • The goals of the class are aligned with the concepts the College Board considers most important:

    • The Living World: Ecosystems

    • The Living World: Biodiversity

    • Populations

    • Earth Systems and Resources

    • Land and Water Use

    • Energy Resources and Consumption

    • Atmospheric Pollution

    • Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

    • Global Change

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  • These units are categorized broadly into 4 “Big Ideas:

    • Big Idea 1: Energy Transfer | Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes.

    • Big Idea 2: Interactions Between Earth Systems | The Earth is one interconnected system. Natural systems change over time and space.

    • 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.

    • 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:

    • Concept Explanation: Explain environmental concepts, processes, and models presented in written format.

    • Visual Representations: Analyze visual representations of environmental concepts and processes.

    • Text Analysis: Analyze sources of information about environmental issues.

    • Scientific Experiments: Analyze research studies that test environmental principles.

    • Data Analysis: Analyze and interpret quantitative data represented in tables, charts and graphs.

    • Mathematical Routines: Apply quantitative methods to address environmental concepts.

    • 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.

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● 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

  • ​ Required: Bedford, Freeman & Worth's Environmental Science for the AP Course, 4th edition (2023), Friesland & Relyea, ISBN 9781319409289​

    • Can be purchased as an ebook ($55)​ through Blue Tent

    • Or as a hardcopy purchased on own.

  • Barron's AP Environmental Science 2025 (needed in second semester, approximately $25)

 

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Lab Resources and Supplies​​

  • There is NO formal lab kit to purchase.

  • A list of common supplies that can be purchased at your grocery store will be provided by the instructor.

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Technical Resources

  • Any PDF reader (free)

  • Required (for live students)

    • A reliable internet connection

    • A computer with a web-cam

    • A working microphone

  • Recommended:

    • Earbuds or a headset with a microphone (but your computer microphone will work)

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