Course Overview
Students cultivate their understanding of the interrelationships of the natural world through inquiry-based lab investigations and field work as they explore concepts like the four Big Ideas; energy transfer, interactions between earth systems, interactions between different species and the environment, and sustainability.
AP Environmental Science Labs
Nineteen AP Environmental Science laboratory investigations are available in AP Classroom for you to use with your students.
Course and Exam Description
Course Resources
Course Content
Based on the Understanding by Design® (Wiggins and McTighe) model, this course framework provides a clear and detailed description of the course requirements necessary for student success. The framework specifies what students must know, be able to do, and understand, with a focus on big ideas that encompass core principles and theories of the discipline. The framework also encourages instruction that prepares students for advanced environmental science coursework.
The AP Environmental Science framework is organized into nine commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as you like.
|
Unit |
Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section) |
|---|---|
|
Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems |
6%–8% |
|
Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity |
6%–8% |
|
Unit 3: Populations |
10%–15% |
|
Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources |
10%–15% |
|
Unit 5: Land and Water Use |
10%–15% |
|
Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption |
10%–15% |
|
Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution |
7%–10% |
|
Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution |
7%–10% |
|
Unit 9: Global Change |
15%–20% |
Science Practices
The AP Environmental Science framework included in the course and exam description outlines distinct skills, called science practices, that students should practice throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to think and act like environmental scientists.
|
Skill |
Description |
Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section) |
Exam Weighting (Free-Response Section) |
|
1. Concept Explanation |
Explain environmental concepts, processes, and models presented in written format |
30%–38% |
13%–20% |
|
2. Visual Representations |
Analyze visual representations of environmental concepts and processes |
12%–19% |
6%–10% |
|
3. Text Analysis |
Analyze sources of information about environmental issues |
6%–8% |
Not assessed in free-response section. |
|
4. Scientific Experiments |
Analyze research studies that test environmental principles |
2%–4% |
10%–14% |
|
5. Data Analysis |
Analyze and interpret quantitative data represented in tables, charts, and graphs |
12%–19% |
6%–10% |
|
6. Mathematical Routines |
Apply quantitative methods to address environmental concepts |
6%–9% |
20% |
|
7. Environmental Solutions |
Propose and justify solutions to environmental problems |
17%–23% |
26%–34% |
AP and Higher Education
Higher education professionals play a key role in developing AP courses and exams, setting credit and placement policies, and scoring student work. The AP Higher Education section features information on recruitment and admission, advising and placement, and more.
This chart shows recommended scores for granting credit, and how much credit should be awarded, for each AP course. Your students can look up credit and placement policies for colleges and universities on the AP Credit Policy Search.
Meet the Development Committee for AP Environmental Science
The AP Program is unique in its reliance on Development Committees. These committees, made up of an equal number of college faculty and experienced secondary AP teachers from across the country, are essential to the preparation of AP course curricula and exams.