AP Environmental Science
| Department | Science |
|---|---|
| Length | Year |
| Weight | AP |
| Teacher(s) | Brassey, ?? |
AP Environmental Science, also known as APES, is an elective science course, which means that it does not conform to any core science subject, like chemistry, physics, or biology.
Course Catalog Description
AP Environmental Science is a course structured to provide a survey of earth’s geology and history, its environmental processes, disturbances to these processes, impact of human population on the environment and governmental regulation of local and international environmental issues. AP Environmental Science is taught as a project based course, where students apply the concepts they learn to real world scenarios.
The course requires a significant amount of team work. The course follows the project-based outline recommended by the College Board and is designed to enable students to successfully take the College Board Advanced Placement Examination. Course content, laboratory activities, textbook assignments, activities and projects will all be carried through with the skill and content required to be successful on the AP exam.
- Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of a biology course (for graduation requirement). Successful completion of a first-year chemistry course at Gunn High School. (Exceptions must be approved by both the Science Department Instructional Supervisor and the Guidance Department.)
- Homework Expectation: 3 to 5 hours uninterrupted time per week
Should I take this course?
AP Environmental Science is considered to be a relatively easy course compared to other science APs such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics 1. This causes many students to take it in hopes of getting an AP and a grade boost on their transcript. This class is still an AP class, though, so you should not underestimate it and still maintain good study habits. Many students have taken this course, and have underestimated the rigor of the AP exam. Because this course is project-based, many assignments include group work, with participation being graded.
If you enjoy working in groups, learning about the environment, and are willing to be an active listener in class, this course is perfect for you.