Take heed: APES isn’t an easy AP

Looking to take an AP science that isn’t as math heavy as AP Physics, concept-based as AP Chemistry or as memorization-based as AP Biology? Considering taking AP Environmental Science (APES) because you’ve heard that it’s an “easy AP”?

Not so. APES is no walk in the park. The class assigns AP U.S. History-style chapter notes daily, with each section ranging from five to 20 pages long. Students then start the next class with a quiz based on these readings. These notes can prove frustrating as well as time-consuming. Coupling these notes with occasional projects in APES leads to hours of weekly homework.

While the class gives rigorous homework, it is much easier than its AP science counterparts in one aspect: the labs. APES labs do not require comprehensive multiple page write-ups and lab reports. Even so, the labs in APES are effective in testing the students’ conceptual knowledge of the unit and supplement the textbook readings.

APES requires students to take an interdisciplinary approach to learning, since it combines history, science and government policy into one curriculum.

The school’s college prep biology and chemistry classes provide students with an insight as to what AP Biology and AP Chemistry will be like, therefore shining a light on what subject they show a greater interest in.

By contrast, there is no prerequisite course to expose students to the topics covered in APES. Students assume it is easier than others because the concepts seem relatively simple: the Earth needs to be saved, mortality rates and birth rates vary by country and animals live in a dog-eat-dog world.

Now throw all these topics into a test and you’ll find yourself deceptively confused.

However, APES tests are deceptively difficult.

Granted, the subjects in APES are far more concrete than other AP sciences, but simplicity by no means equates to easiness. In fact, APES exams are similar to AP U.S. History tests, forcing students to not only understand the concepts, but be able to apply their knowledge about the subjects to hypothetical situations.

The abundance of information covered by APES tests classifies it as one of the toughest AP classes offered at the school. Each covers two chapters on average, with high expectations for short response and mind boggling multiple-choice questions. Going over notes is nowhere near enough studying required for the class; students must go in depth and fully comprehend concepts and real-world examples before feeling adequately prepared for tests.

This is not to say that the class isn’t fun. APES offers entertaining movies and creative projects that offer an hands-on approach to comprehending these real world topics. While providing tips for understanding concepts, APES teacher

Kristen Thompson tells of her hilarious adventures in numerous countries, some featuring fellow science teacher Lisa Cochrum. First semester provides numerous engaging art projects, including writing and making a children’s storybook about an endangered species.

It's become a common trend where students take AP courses to obtain the coveted one point GPA boost, only to collapse in a fiery explosion of school-induced stress. If you truly enjoy the idea of integrating environmental studies with history and a variety of other disciplines, APES is your class. If you don't, and just want the AP credit, APES might be more than you bargained for.