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Environmental Science
AP Annual Conference Submission
Perri Carr
AP Environmental Science Teacher
V.R. Eaton High School
The updated AP Environmental Science exam emphasizes environmental problem analysis and potential solutions. New free response question formats are introduced: design a scientific investigation and propose a solution for an environmental problem. Citizen science in AP Environmental Science can help students improve their free responses by honing their experimental design skills. Students design investigations locally, perform data collection and analyze the data. Next, students identify environmental problems and develop proposals for solutions. This program focuses on green infrastructure. Participants will calculate urban tree benefits and see how trees can be part of an environmental toolkit to reduce air pollutants, the urban heat island effect, storm water run-off and energy use. Participants will design and evaluate controlled experiments based on models to predict effectiveness of green infrastructure. Evaluations will demonstrate expectations of the two question formats.