AP Environmental Science

What Students Learn

Students examine natural systems and the environmental effects of human activity and compare approaches to resource use. Environmental cases and quantitative data support analysis of causes and consequences and the development of justified responses.

Course Units

The units and learning focuses below follow the official AP course framework.

Unit 1: Ecosystems

Unit 2: Biodiversity

Unit 3: Populations

Unit 4: Earth systems and resources

Unit 5: Land and water use

Unit 6: Energy resources and consumption

Unit 7: Atmospheric pollution

Unit 8: Aquatic and terrestrial pollution

Unit 9: Global change

AP Assessment

The digital AP exam includes 80 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, worth 60%, and three free-response questions in 70 minutes, worth 40%. Written tasks cover investigation design and quantitative data interpretation, with another task requiring calculations to analyze an environmental problem. Students propose environmental responses and justify them with evidence or calculations.

References (2026–2027): College Board course framework; assessment information