AP Environmental ScienceAP
Ecosystems, energy resources, pollution.
Overview
AP Environmental Science integrates biology, chemistry, geology, and geography to study ecosystems, resources, and human impacts.
Why it matters
Builds systems thinking and data analysis for environmental problem solving and policy.
Skills you’ll build
- Field/lab data analysis
- Modeling & math
- Argumentation from evidence
- Case study evaluation
Topic Breakdown (Units)
Unit 1: Ecosystems
- Biomes
- Energy flow
- Food webs
Unit 2: Biodiversity
- Ecosystem services
- Island biogeography
Unit 3: Populations
- Growth models
- Carrying capacity
Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources
- Geology
- Atmosphere
- Soil & water
Unit 5: Land and Water Use
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Fishery
Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption
- Fossil fuels
- Renewables
- Conservation
Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution
- Smog
- Stratospheric ozone
Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution
- Water quality
- Waste management
Unit 9: Global Change
- Climate change
- Invasive species
Lessons & Notes
Unit 1: Ecosystems
Structure and function of ecosystems.
- trophic levels
- productivity
Unit 2: Biodiversity
Drivers and value of biodiversity.
- HIPPCO
- edge effects
Unit 3: Populations
Population dynamics and regulation.
- r/K selection
- logistic growth
Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources
Abiotic systems supporting life.
- plate tectonics
- El Niño/La Niña
Unit 5: Land and Water Use
Resource extraction and sustainability.
- CAFOs
- MSY
Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption
Energy choices and impacts.
- EROI
- efficiency
Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution
Sources, effects, and control.
- criteria pollutants
- CFCs
Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution
Pollution types and mitigation.
- BOD
- eutrophication
Unit 9: Global Change
Human impacts and responses.
- GHGs
- mitigation vs adaptation