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APES Exam Review
OVERVIEW
Below is a list of exam review options. Read each option carefully, then choose 5-12 you would like to complete for
exam review. Remember the exam is cumulative so you will benefit from choosing a variety of assignments and topics.
Refer to the course outline on the next few pages for unit breakdown. Every assignment must be completed correctly,
thoroughly, IN YOUR OWN HANDWRITING (with the exception of option 10), and on time. Assignments are due the day
of your final exam, April 25 (blue) or April 26 (gold). This review assignment is worth a (summative) test grade.
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One credit (except option 5) is earned for each complete, correct, thorough, high quality, on-time assignment.
To earn a B (89%), you must earn at least 5 credits. (6 credits = 93%, 7 credits = 96%)
To earn an A (100%), you must earn at least 8 credits. (9-11 credits = 100%)
To earn an extreme A (110%), you must earn at least 12 credits.
More than 12 assignments will not earn you any extra points, but will definitely help you be extra prepared for the
course final exam and the national exam.
OPTION 1: FRQS/FRQ PEER REVIEW*
*This option will need to be completed with a classmate. For one credit, both parts must be completed by each person.
Part 1: Complete four released FRQs (all can be found online), covering four different units. All FRQs must be written in
complete sentences (except math). On all math questions, you must show ALL your work, include units (at every step),
and circle your final answer. You may not use a calculator. Be sure to indicate the year and question number for each
question.
Part 2: Once your FRQs are completed, exchange with a classmate and complete a peer review. First, find the scoring
guidelines online for each of the questions and check the answers for correctness. Then mark on the FRQs with feedback,
including positive comments and constructive criticism. Highlight and draw a line to where each point is earned.
Comment on where points are earned and where points are missing. Your comments should help your classmate see the
answers that would receive 10/10 points.
Almost every FRQ will require you to explain, describe, analyze, discuss, etc. These all mean basically the same
thing…SUPPORT YOUR ANSWER with details, explanations, examples, etc. Be very specific. Read some completed
example FRQs online for ideas. You may earn two credits for this assignment by completing a total of eight FRQs and
peer reviewing a total of eight FRQs each. Pick up four or eight FRQ worksheets from your teacher.
OPTION 2: APES ALPHABET REVIEW BOOK
For two credits, create an APES Alphabet Review Book. Your book should have a title page and then twenty-six pages,
one for each letter of the alphabet. For each page, choose a topic that begins with the letter (ex. E=eutrophication) and
include an explanation of the topic and a photo or illustration. Keep your writing simple, but scientific. All pages must be
handwritten and in color. Bind the pages together before you turn it in. You should cover 26 different topics from all the
different units. You may get paper from your teacher.
OPTION 3: STUDY CARDS
Think of these as flashcards on steroids. For one credit, choose one unit of study and create 20 handwritten index cards,
each with information pertaining to a specific topic. These should be concept based, not just vocabulary. For example, a
study card about biomagnification may have an explanation, some examples, a case study reference, and a drawing. You
may earn two credits by completing a total of 40 cards for two separate units (20 each unit). Put each set of cards in a
baggie so it can be attached to your review packet to turn in. You’ll need to get your own cards and baggies.
OPTION 4: MATH REVIEW
For one credit, complete the math review worksheet. You must show ALL your work, include units at every step, and
circle your final answer for each problem. You may not use a calculator. Once completed, have your answers checked,
and then rework any problem you missed. Repeat until all problems are correct. Pick up a worksheet.
OPTION 5: REVIEW BOOK ANNOTATIONS
For five credits, purchase an APES exam review book, read the entire book, and make quality annotations as evidence.
You may highlight, but this will not count as annotating. Your annotations should show that you have processed the
most important information, noted where you still lack understanding, and revisited each topic until you have mastered
the content. You will also need to complete the quizzes at the end of each section (multiple choice and FRQ) and use the
answers/explanations to check your work. If you are interested in reusing/selling the review book, consider using postits for your annotations. See this AP Central site for more information:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/teachers_corner/197454.html
Some options for review books are Barron’s AP Environmental Science, Cracking the Environmental Science Exam (The
Princeton Review), or 5 steps to a 5; AP Environmental Science (Linda D. Williams). The best deals are on Amazon, but if
you want to look through the books first, try Barnes & Noble. This assignment covers all the units. You’ll need to get
your own review book.
OPTION 6: LIST REVIEW
For one credit, complete the List worksheet. The lists do not need to be in complete sentences. The numbers indicate
how many different items should be on each list. This assignment covers all the units. Pick up a worksheet from your
teacher.
OPTION 7: COMPARE AND CONTRAST REVIEW
For one credit, complete the Comparisons worksheets. Thoroughly explain the importance of each topic, and how they
compare and contrast. Comparisons should not just be separate definitions, but should refer back to one another and
show similarities and differences. This assignment covers all the units. Pick up a worksheet from your teacher.
OPTION 8: THREE THINGS TO KNOW
For one credit, complete the Three Things to Know worksheet. For each item on the list, identify three IMPORTANT
pieces of information and explain each. This should be done in complete sentences. For maximum effectiveness, look up
an FRQ that relates to each topic to see what the most important information may be. This assignment covers all the
units. Pick up a worksheet from your teacher.
OPTION 9: MY BIG FAT APES REVIEW
For three credits, complete the APES review worksheet packet. All answers must be handwritten. This assignment covers
all the units. Pick up a packet from your teacher.
OPTION 10: PLACEMAT REVIEW
Placemats are 11x17 sheets of paper that use text, diagrams, images, etc. to cover a particular topic (like a SparkChart).
The goal is to cover a lot of information in a compact study sheet. For one credit, complete one placemat covering one
unit of study (from the course outline). Again, to provide the best review, you should focus on an area of weakness. You
should complete your placemat in color and use both sides of the paper. Laminating (available in the media center) is
optional but recommended. You may earn two credits by completing two placemats, covering two different units of
study. You may get 11x17 paper from your teacher.
OPTION 11: EDPUZZLE REVIEW WITH BOZEMAN VIDEOS
EdPuzzle is a site where you watch videos and answer questions as you watch. The videos are created by an APES
teacher and cover all the units of study. For one credit, watch the introduction video, then choose one unit of study,
watch all the videos for that unit, and complete all the associated questions online. You can login to EdPuzzle and find
the videos you need, or you can access the list on Canvas and click the video links. You will need to create an account in
EdPuzzle so your answers are recorded. This assignment does not require any handwritten work. You may earn two
credits by watching videos and completing associated questions for two units of study (plus the introduction video). Pick
up the video list and instructions from your teacher.
OPTION 12: DOCUMENTARIES
For one credit, watch two documentaries from the list (from two different units), and complete a reflection sheet for
each. Your reflections must be handwritten. Please do not choose any documentary that you watched in class. For two
credits, watch two additional documentaries (from two different units), and complete two additional reflection sheets.
Pick up a video list and one or two reflection sheets from your teacher.
APES Units of Study
UNIT 1 – EARTH SYSTEMS AND RESOURCES
A. Earth Science Concepts
Geologic time scale; plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanism; seasons; solar intensity and latitude
B. The Atmosphere
Composition; structure; weather and climate; atmospheric circulation and the Coriolis Effect; atmosphere–ocean
interactions; EÑSO
C. Global Water Resources and Use
Freshwater/saltwater; ocean circulation; agricultural, industrial, and domestic use; surface and groundwater issues;
global problems; conservation
D. Soil and Soil Dynamics
Rock cycle; formation; composition; physical and chemical properties; main soil types; erosion and other soil problems;
soil conservation
UNIT 2 – THE LIVING WORLD
A. Ecosystem Structure
Biological populations and communities; ecological niches; interactions among species; keystone species; species
diversity and edge effects; major terrestrial and aquatic biomes
B. Energy Flow
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration; food webs and trophic levels; ecological pyramids
C. Ecosystem Diversity
Biodiversity; natural selection; evolution; ecosystem services
D. Natural Ecosystem Change
Climate shifts; species movement; ecological succession
E. Natural Biogeochemical Cycles
Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, water, conservation of matter
UNIT 3 – POPULATION
A. Population Biology Concepts
Population ecology; carrying capacity; reproductive strategies; survivorship
B. Human Population
1. Human population dynamics
Historical population sizes; distribution; fertility rates; growth rates and doubling times; demographic transition;
age- structure diagrams
2. Population size
Strategies for sustainability; case studies; national policies
3. Impacts of population growth
Hunger; disease; economic effects; resource use; habitat destruction
UNIT 4 – LAND AND WATER USE
A. Agriculture
1. Feeding a growing population
Human nutritional requirements; types of agriculture; Green Revolution; genetic engineering and crop production;
deforestation; irrigation; sustainable agriculture
2. Controlling pests
Types of pesticides; costs and benefits of pesticide use; integrated pest management; relevant laws
B. Forestry
Tree plantations; old growth forests; forest fires; forest management; national forests
C. Rangelands
Overgrazing; deforestation; desertification; rangeland management; federal rangelands
D. Other Land Use
1. Urban land development
Planned development; suburban sprawl; urbanization
2. Transportation infrastructure
Federal highway system; canals and channels; roadless areas; ecosystem impacts
3. Public and federal lands
Management; wilderness areas; national parks; wildlife refuges; forests; wetlands
4. Land conservation options
Preservation; remediation; mitigation; restoration
5. Sustainable land-use strategies
E. Mining
Mineral formation; extraction; global reserves; relevant laws and treaties
F. Fishing
Fishing techniques; overfishing; aquaculture; relevant laws and treaties
G. Global Economics
Globalization; World Bank; Tragedy of the Commons; relevant laws and treaties
UNIT 5 – ENERGY RESOURCES AND CONSUMPTION
A. Energy Concepts
Energy forms; power; units; conversions; Laws of Thermodynamics
B. Energy Consumption
1. History
Industrial Revolution; exponential growth; energy crisis
2. Present global energy use
3. Future energy needs
C. Fossil Fuel Resources and Use
Formation of coal, oil, and natural gas; extraction/purification methods; world reserves and global demand; synfuels;
environmental advantages/disadvantages of sources
D. Nuclear Energy
Nuclear fission process; nuclear fuel; electricity production; nuclear reactor types; environmental advantages/
disadvantages; safety issues; radiation and human health; radioactive wastes; nuclear fusion
E. Hydroelectric Power
Dams; flood control; salmon; silting; other impacts
F. Energy Conservation
Energy efficiency; CAFE standards; hybrid electric vehicles; mass transit
G. Renewable Energy
Solar energy; solar electricity; hydrogen fuel cells; biomass; wind energy; small-scale hydroelectric; ocean waves and
tidal energy; geothermal; environmental advantages/disadvantages
UNIT 6 – POLLUTION
A. Pollution Types
1. Air pollution
Sources—primary and secondary; major air pollutants; measurement units; smog; acid deposition—causes and
effects; heat islands and temperature inversions; indoor air pollution; remediation and reduction strategies; Clean
Air Act and other relevant laws
2. Noise pollution
Sources; effects; control measures
3. Water pollution
Types; sources, causes, and effects; cultural eutrophication; groundwater pollution; maintaining water quality; water
purification; sewage treatment/septic systems; Clean Water Act and other relevant laws
4. Solid waste
Types; disposal; reduction
B. Impacts on the Environment and Human Health
1. Hazards to human health
Environmental risk analysis; acute and chronic effects; dose-response relationships; air pollutants; smoking and other
risks
2. Hazardous chemicals in the environment
Types of hazardous waste; treatment/disposal of hazardous waste; cleanup of contaminated sites; biomagnification;
relevant laws
C. Economic Impacts
Cost-benefit analysis; externalities; marginal costs; sustainability
UNIT 7 – GLOBAL CHANGE
A. Stratospheric Ozone
Formation of stratospheric ozone; ultraviolet radiation; causes of ozone depletion; effects of ozone depletion; strategies
for reducing ozone depletion; relevant laws and treaties
B. Global Warming
Greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect; impacts and consequences of global warming; reducing climate change;
relevant laws and treaties
C. Loss of Biodiversity
1. Habitat loss; overuse; pollution; introduced species; endangered and extinct species
2. Maintenance through conservation
3. Relevant laws and treaties