Back
Online Resources Recommended by AP Teachers
We surveyed AP Environmental Science teachers about what online resources they recommend, and the list below comes directly from their responses. The list also includes teacher descriptions of the resources. This is not a comprehensive list, nor is it an endorsement of any of these resources by the College Board.
- Instructional videos for students and teachers; online instructions tutorials/resources pages for students and teachers
- Online resources directly aligned to AP Environmental Science. Videos, simulations, and virtual labs that are educational and enjoyable. Access to real-world data, combined with inquiry-based activities drawn from the work of current scientists in the field.
- Instructional videos for students
- Instructional review videos for students with great examples that walk students through problems to help prepare for the AP exam. Students say the videos are good at explaining concepts quickly in a way they can understand.
- Online simulation/laboratory experiment; online instructions tutorials/resources pages for teachers
- Lessons involving graphing and data analysis that include a connection to the scientist behind the data and the story of their research. Several different levels of scaffolding are available so they can be tailored to individual student needs.
- Online simulation/laboratory experiment; online instructions tutorials/resources pages for teachers
- Real data, simulations, manipulatives (ex. fracking simulation), and built in assessments with up-to-date science. Ties very well to curriculum in CED, has high rigor, and is available online or can be printed (easy to edit online).
- Online simulation/laboratory experiment; self-directed student practice
- The ecology section has interactive games that are a fun and effective way for students to explore and visualize difficult concepts in an engaging way.
Gizmos $
- Online simulation/laboratory experiment
- A “huge database of inquiry labs and interactive simulations” covering a variety of environmental science subjects. Allows students to manipulate variables and collect data; works on Mac and Windows.
- Self-directed student practice
- Online practice question bank with multiple choice and FRQs. Students can practice and receive feedback on why certain answers are correct/incorrect to learn from their mistakes.
- Instructional videos for students and teachers
- Brief and to the point TED videos of expert speakers on topics related to environmental science. TEDEd includes lessons with think questions and additional resources.
- Instructional videos for students
- Short video clips about renewable and non-renewable energy resources. The site needs a login, but students can watch the clips on YouTube without creating an account.
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science $
- Online instructions resources for teachers
- A collection of case studies in science that cover a wide variety of environmental topics. The cases can be downloaded for free, but you need an account to access teaching notes and answer keys.
The Habitable Planet: A Systems Approach to Environmental Science
- Online text; online laboratory experiments
- Online textbook that has readings, labs, and simulations that help students understand a range of topics.
- Online simulation/laboratory experiment
- Island biogeography virtual lab allows students to simulate different island sizes and locations, measure arrival of new species and extinction. You can also alter variables to change up the simulation.
- Online simulation experiment; instructional videos for students
- Data presentation and analysis tool that allows students to search for relationships. “The best data tool that I've used for AP Environmental Science.” There are also informative videos on the site.
- Online simulation
- Students approximate their ecological footprint. “Not only is this a topic in the new CED, it is a thoughtful way for students to consider how their daily activities impact the environment.”
National Geographic Laysan Albatross Virtual Bolus Dissection
- Instructional videos for students and teachers; online simulation/laboratory experiment
- The virtual albatross dissection provides an experience similar to a hands-on lab and allows students to investigate how marine debris harms marine organisms. There are many other activities on the education site.
$ = May require a fee = Account creation needed