AP Environmental Science Class: Worth taking?

Hey everyone, I'm considering taking AP Environmental Science next year as a junior. I've heard mixed opinions about its rigor and how interesting the class is. Can anyone who's taken it share their experience? Like, what topics were covered and how engaging was the class overall?

Hey! AP Environmental Science (APES) is definitely a unique course with a blend of both scientific principles and real-world applications. The topics covered in the class can include ecology, biodiversity, pollution, environmental policy, energy resources, and climate change. The emphasis is on understanding how these components interact and the role humans play in shaping the environment.

The level of engagement and rigor can vary significantly based on your personal interests and the style of your teacher. Some students find the class to be quite engaging due to the real-world case studies and hands-on activities, while others may not enjoy it as much if they're not deeply interested in environmental topics. It's important to remember that, like any other class, your engagement with the subject matter will depend on how passionate you are about the topic and how well you connect with the teaching style of the course instructor.

In terms of workload and difficulty, APES is generally considered to be less rigorous than other AP science classes like AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics. However, it still requires a good understanding of scientific concepts and the ability to analyze and synthesize information from various sources.

If you're interested in the environmental field or would like to explore the connections between science and the real world, AP Environmental Science can be a valuable experience. Ultimately, the decision to take the class should depend on your personal interests and academic goals. If you find the topics intriguing and believe the class aligns well with your future plans, it can be an excellent addition to your course load.