AP Environmental Science (APES) is often nicknamed "the math and law" science. The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide 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 resolving or preventing them. 

Big Ideas  -  APES is interdisciplinary; it incorporates a wide variety of topics from many different areas of study. There are several major unifying themes, or big ideas, that cut across the topics within APES. The following big ideas provide the foundation for the structure of an APES course: 

Big Idea 1: Energy Transfer (ENG) 

Big Idea 2: Interactions Between Earth Systems (ERT) 

Big Idea 3: Interactions Between Different Species and the Environment (EIN) 

Big Idea 4: Sustainability (STB)

Science Practices -  In order for students to immerse themselves in the big ideas & content of the APES course, they will apply several major scientific skills & practices that allow them to engage in authentic scientific inquiry. The following scientific processes provide the foundation for APES  exploration: 

Science Practice 1: Concept Application     Science Practice 2: Visual Representations 

Science Practice 3: Text Analysis                  Science Practice 4: Scientific Experiments 

Science Practice 5: Data Analysis                 Science Practice 6: Mathematical Routines 

Science Practice 7: Environmental Solutions 

(The College Board) Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study including biology, ecology, chemistry, geology, physics, economics, politics, et. al., and therefore it is required that you have at least an intermediate understanding of these pre-requisites.

By performing these tasks on your own, without the use of copy/paste or AI, you will take a huge step towards preparing for the upcoming year. I want you to understand that I, like you, enjoy my summer break and family time! This is not “busy work”. By completing these tasks, you will perform research and source information that we will be using throughout the year.

For more information about the AP EnviSci course, please refer to the Course and Exam Description (CED). You can also email me (psmith@acsamman.edu.jo) if you have questions/concerns. I can't promise that I will reply right away, but I will do my best!

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible!’’ —Audrey Hepburn

With that said, below you will find your task for the summer. The rationale behind this task is to help bridge the gap between prerequisite science courses and the college-level curriculum, ensuring you are prepared for the volume of content. It introduces foundational topics like biogeochemical cycles and environmental legislation, refreshes math skills, and manages the fast-paced, lab-heavy course, allowing us to dive straight into the curriculum. 

The completion of this assignment will also provide you with a strong foundation of knowledge and enhance information retention. 

Summer Assignment 2026