Hey guys, I'm thinking about taking AP Environmental Science (APES) next year. Can anyone clue me in on what this class really entails? I've heard a few different things, but I'd love to get the inside scoop from anyone who's been through the course. Thanks a ton!
AP Environmental Science (APES) is indeed an intriguing choice, and it's great you're considering it. The course matter revolves largely around examining the interrelationships of the natural world, and the course structure aligns itself with the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science.
Primarily, you'll explore physical, biological, and social sciences as they connect to environmental challenges. This can include anything from understanding ecosystems and biodiversity to investigating environmental policies and human demographic trends. In addition, a key part of APES is examining the real-world impact of human activities on the environment alongside ways we can mitigate the harmful consequences.
Taking APES allows you to conduct scientific experiments both in the lab and the field. This means you'll get to apply scientific principles and data analysis as part of your course work, so get ready for that kind of hands-on work. Certain areas you might look into are pollution, climate change, overpopulation and waste management.
Remember that AP classes work towards the final College Board AP Exam, so you should expect to cover a broad curriculum designed to prepare you for that assessment. On the exam, you'll have multiple-choice questions and free-response questions that test your understanding of these scientific principles and their application.
The work load can be heavy at times, with significant homework assignments, labs, and reading, much like other AP courses. However, many students appreciate the chance APES gives them to look at the world from several angles and learn practical knowledge about solving environmental issues.
While a background in biology and earth science would definitely be beneficial, it's not strictly necessary to succeed in APES. Keep in mind that your passion for the subject matter and your willingness to actively participate in the course will play a major role in determining your success. I hope this gives you a better sense of what to expect from AP Environmental Science! Best of luck with your decision.
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