Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics and subjects. We will examine the major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in environmental science. The following themes provide a foundation for the structure of the AP Environmental Science course.
- Science is a process.
- Science is a method of learning more about the world.
- Science constantly changes the way we understand the world.
- Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes.
- Energy cannot be created; it must come from somewhere.
- As energy flows through systems, at each step more of it becomes unusable.
- The Earth itself is one interconnected system.
- Natural systems change over time and space.
- Biogeochemical systems vary in ability to recover from disturbances.
- Humans alter natural systems.
- Environmental problems have a cultural and social context.
- Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems.
A suitable combination of conservation and development is required. Management of common resources is essential.
This course covers the following topics:
Earth Systems and Resources
- Earth Science Concepts
- The Atmosphere
- Global Water Resources and Use (
- Soil and Soil Dynamics
The Living World
- Ecosystem Structure
- Energy Flow
- Ecosystem Diversity
- Natural Ecosystem Change
- Natural Biogeochemical Cycles
Population
- Population Biology Concepts
- Human Population
Land and Water Use
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Rangelands
- Other Land Use
- Mining
- Fishing
- Global Economics
Energy Resources and Consumption
- Energy Concepts
- Energy Consumption
- Fossil Fuel Resources and Use
- Nuclear Energy
- Hydroelectric Power
- Energy Conservation
- Renewable Energy
Pollution
- Pollution Types
- Impacts on the Environment and Human Health
- Economic Impacts
Global Change
- Stratospheric Ozone
- Global Warming
- Loss of Biodiversity
The study of environmental science has never been more important. The AP Environmental Science course serves a unique need in education. It fills a niche that cannot be served easily by colleges and universities, and at the same time teaches students how to apply science to solve important social problems. It provides opportunities for students to apply scientific methods to practical and real-life problems, thereby reinforcing the value of science to society and enhancing skills learned in the classroom.
Many major environmental issues need to be addressed, such as global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain, air pollution, water pollution, habitat destruction, species extinction, energy supply and use, transportation issues, food supplies, population growth, and more. We need to focus on the facts about environmental problems and use our knowledge and wisdom to devise solutions.