Section I: Multiple Choice

80 Questions 

1 Hour 30 Minutes 

60% of Exam Score

• Individual questions

• Set-based questions

  • 3–5 sets include quantitative data, such as data tables, charts, or graphs. These questions primarily assess Practice 5, but can also assess Practices 1, 4, 6, or 7.

  • 3–5 sets include qualitative data or information, such as models, representations, or maps. These questions primarily assess Practice 2, but can also assess Practices 1, 4, or 7.

  • 2 sets include text-based sources. These questions primarily assess Practice 3, but can also assess Practices 1, 6, or 7.

Section II: Free Response

3 Questions 

1 Hour 10 Minutes

40% of Exam Score

Question 1—Design an investigation: Students are presented with an authentic environmental science scenario accompanied by a model/visual representation (Practice 2). Students apply their understanding of the scientific method to analyze the scenario, identify environmental problems, and propose solutions to environmental problems.

Question 2—Analyze and interpret quantitative data: Students are presented with an authentic environmental science scenario accompanied by quantitative data in the form of a table, chart, and/or graph (Practice 5). Students apply their understanding of environmental science to interpret the data presented and propose solutions to environmental problems.

Question 3—Analyze an environmental problem doing calculations: Students are presented with an authentic environmental science scenario accompanied by quantitative data. Students use calculations to analyze the scenario (Practice 6) and propose solutions to environmental problems.