AP® Environmental Science

Girls-Only & ​All-Gender Course; Prerequisite - Successful completion of one year of high school laboratory science or permission from the administration; Full-year course
COURSE DESCRIPTION
AP® Environmental Science provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for preventing and/or resolving them. Students make real-world connections between the topics introduced in class and those in their own “backyard.” They participate in ethical discussions and collaborative projects designed to probe how different cultures and social structures affect the environment and to explore potential solutions to today’s environmental issues. Students engage authentically and creatively with their classmates through a variety of discussions, activities, labs, and projects to investigate the real-world problems that face our environment today. They study our environment and work collaboratively to understand our role in it. Students taking this course are well prepared for the AP® Environmental Science Exam in May.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY

"Taking this course opens my eyes too many of the real word problems that I am unaware of. I can see myself becoming increasingly interested in environmental science and wanting to pursue this field of study later in college."

"I saw myself grow into a better student. Throughout taking this online course, I have been inspired to educate myself further on the environment's health status. I have also been inspired to spread more awareness of the detrimental environmental effects that we humans create on a daily basis. "

WHAT STUDENTS DO
Learning is an active process at One Schoolhouse. Students design, create and apply. And, they engage with classmates and connect with their teachers through discussions, video conferences, and projects. Specifically, in this class students will:
  • Set goals that drive their learning. Students reflect regularly on their growth, and meet on video chat with their online teacher to review progress towards their goals.
  • Have choice in how they learn new content and practice new skills. Students are given agency to determine the best ways for them to learn.
  • Apply what they are learning to the real world. Learning is meaningful and connects to concepts outside the classroom.
  • Practice constructive engagement in a diverse and changing world. Students interact with classmates from across the country and around the world.
  • Gain academic maturity. Online learning takes greater discipline and independence than a traditional face-to-face classroom. Teachers support students to build this skill.
MEET A TEACHER FOR THIS COURSE
SIGNATURE ACTIVITIES
Examples of signature activities and projects for this course are:
  • Students engage in weekly Case Study Discussions where students can discuss relevant Environmental Science topics while connecting with peers from around the world. 
  • After grasping the main concepts of Ecology, as a group, students design an island. Students will describe the specific types of biomes, flora and fauna that would be present with their specific island coordinates. Students will describe the different type of organism relationships relevant to terminology used in the course. 
  • In our energy unit, students will to do a virtual energy home make-over where they digitally swap their current electronics/appliances for a more energy efficient home. Students use relevant calculations to determine true energy savings. 
COURSE APPROVAL
This course is approved by the College Board and the NCAA. 

One Schoolhouse is fully accredited with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges through December 1, 2025; we are an approved online publisher for the University of California. ​
Kim Eife
Science Teacher
BA Temple University
MS Drexel University​