IES: Overview 📖

Introduction to Environmental Science

⏳ Estimated Reading Time: 5 - 7 minutes

Introduction

Here is what the College Board has to say about the AP Environmental Science Course:

"The AP Environmental Science course is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography." (AP Environmental Science Course and Exam Description, p. 7)

🌱 To read more about the AP Environmental Science exam, please click here to download the AP Environmental Science Course Overview.

An image of Earth from space on a black background

You are embarking on an exciting journey exploring our planet and how humans interact with our planet. We will study several key areas: the atmosphere (the air surrounding us), the lithosphere (the Earth's surface), water, species interactions (how different organisms interact with one another), and biotic and abiotic factors (living and non-living elements). Each of these components plays a crucial role in helping us understand environmental science.

We will also sprinkle in a bit of chemistry (focusing on matter and molecules) and some physics (like thermodynamics) to round out our knowledge.

But that's not all - you will explore our ecosystems in depth - the services these ecosystems provide for the planet, how we utilize these ecosystems and their resources, and the potential consequences if ecosystems were no longer able to provide these services.

In this module, we will focus on familiarizing you with the AP Environmental Science exam format, the scientific method and conducting experiments, and review graphing and math skills you've probably learned in previous classes.

Watch the video below to learn more about your responsibilities in this module:

 

Learning Objectives

    • Know...
      • the format of the AP Environmental Science exam
      • the four BIG IDEAS in AP Environmental Science
      • the difference between qualitative and quantitative data and provide examples of each
    • Understand...
      • the parts of the scientific method and their importance
      • how to plan a controlled experiment
      • the three types of graphs and when each should be used
      • how to create a TESTABLE hypothesis
      • when to round up or down in science
    • Create...
      • a line graph with correctly labeled axes and a best fit line
      • a bar graph with correctly labeled axes
    • Identify the independent and dependent variables in a scientific experiment
    • Calculate...
      • with scientific notation
      • percentages
      • metric conversions
      • complex conversions
      • averages

 

Module Lessons Preview

In this module, we will study the following topics:

Welcome to AP Environmental Science (⏳ 4 - 6 mins): Review the big ideas and science practices we will focus on in this course.

AP Environmental Science Exam Format (⏳ 8 - 10 mins): Review the format for the AP environmental science exam.

AP Environmental Science Legislation (⏳ 12 - 14 mins): Review the 10 pieces of legislation you MUST know for the AP Exam.

Scientific Method (⏳ 3 - 5 mins): Review of guidelines scientists follow to answer questions about life.

Experiments (⏳ 7 - 9 mins): Learn the steps and materials needed to conduct a scientific experiment.

Graphing Review (⏳ 5 - 7 mins): Review which types of graphs work best for different types of data and using graphs to interpret data.

Math Review (⏳ 12 - 14 mins): Review the types of calculations that are required on the AP exam.

Scientific Notation (⏳ 22 - 24 mins): A refresher on how to express large and small numbers in scientific notation.

Rounding In Environmental Science (⏳ 8 - 10 mins): Learn the practicalities of rounding when discussing discrete quantities.

 

AP Classroom Connection

In future modules, connections to AP Classroom will be shown here. For now, you simply need to ensure that you have signed up for AP Classroom and have joined your instructor's AP Classroom section.

 

Textbook Alignment

You need to ensure that you have access to the AP Environmental Science Textbook.

📚 Modules 1, 2, and 3 of Chapter 1 in your Macmillan Sapling textbook cover content found in this module and offer practice videos, questions, and flash cards.

 Key Terms (click to reveal)

🖨 Click here to download a printable PDF of the Module 1 key terms. Links to an external site.

        • Accuracy: The degree of closeness between a measured or observed value and the true or accepted value. It indicates how correct the data is.

        • Bar Graph: A graph in which data is represented using rectangular bars of varying lengths, with each bar typically representing a category or group.

        • Control Group: The group in a controlled experiment that is not exposed to the experimental treatment. It serves as a baseline for comparison.

        • Controlled Experiment: An experiment in which all variables except the one being tested are kept constant or controlled. This helps in isolating the effect of the independent variable.

        • Dependent Variable: The variable in an experiment that is observed or measured as it responds to changes in the independent variable.

        • Experimental Group: The group in a controlled experiment that is exposed to the independent variable or experimental treatment.

        • Hypothesis: A testable statement or educated guess that explains a phenomenon or makes predictions. It is often the starting point for scientific investigations.

        • Independent Variable: The variable in an experiment that is manipulated or changed intentionally to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

        • Line of Best Fit: A straight line drawn on a scatterplot that best represents the trend or relationship between the plotted data points. It is used for making predictions or showing trends in data.

        • Null Hypothesis: In a statistical hypothesis test, it is a statement that suggests there is no significant difference or effect. Scientists aim to reject the null hypothesis to support their research hypothesis.

        • Observations: The act of gathering information through your senses or instruments. In science, observations are critical for collecting data and forming hypotheses.

        • Pie Graph: A circular graph divided into sections (like slices of a pie), where each section represents a proportion or percentage of a whole.

        • Precision: The degree of consistency or reproducibility in measurements. A precise measurement yields similar results when taken repeatedly.

        • Qualitative Data: Data that is descriptive and deals with qualities rather than quantities. It is often in the form of words, descriptions, or categories.

        • Quantitative Data: Data that is expressed in numerical terms and can be measured or counted. It deals with quantities, such as measurements or counts.

        • Replication: The process of repeating an experiment or study to validate its results. It helps ensure that findings are consistent and not due to chance.

        • Sample Size: The number of observations or data points collected in a study or experiment. A larger sample size often leads to more reliable results.

        • Scatterplot: A type of graph used to display individual data points on a two-dimensional plane, often used to show the relationship between two variables.

        • Scientific Method: A systematic approach used by scientists to investigate the world around them, which typically includes making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions.

        • Uncertainty: The range of values within which the true value is likely to fall. It represents the margin of error or variation in a measurement.

 

 

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