Love the environment? Curious about public health or how to fix big global issues? AP Environmental Science dives into it all—and it’s no joke. Getting ahead during the summer helps you tackle tough topics like ecosystems, pollution, and sustainability before they pile up. That’s why ambitious students are starting now. With less pressure during the school year, you’ll be set up to earn top grades and a high exam score. In this blog, we’ll show you how the proven watch, read, and practice method makes it easy to prep smarter (not harder) all summer long.
Why Prep for AP Environmental Science Over the Summer?
AP Environmental Science (APES) covers a wide range of real-world issues, from climate change to water pollution to energy use. It challenges you to think critically about how natural systems work—and how human actions impact the planet.
Prepping over the summer gives you the chance to:
- Build a strong understanding of ecosystems and environmental processes
- Learn to analyze data and models
- Master scientific concepts before the school year ramps up
- Feel more confident tackling labs, case studies, and free-response questions
- Get a head start toward careers in environmental science, public health, or policy
Starting early keeps you from feeling overwhelmed and helps you connect classwork to the bigger picture.
The “Watch, Read, Practice” Method for AP Environmental Science
The watch, read, practice method breaks APES prep into simple, achievable steps, making it easy to build your skills over the summer.
Step 1: Watch – Understand Complex Systems with Short Video Lessons
Begin each study session with our AP Environmental Science video lessons. These engaging, easy-to-follow videos explain critical scientific processes and real-world issues clearly.
Topics to Focus On:
- Ecosystem dynamics
- Biogeochemical cycles (like the carbon and nitrogen cycles)
- Renewable vs. nonrenewable energy
- Human impacts on biodiversity and climate
Short videos help you tackle challenging concepts without feeling overloaded—perfect for summer learning.
Step 2: Read – Build Real-World Context with the Study Guide
After watching a video, use our AP Environmental Science Study Guide to deepen your understanding. The guide explains key ideas, models, and case studies in simple language that’s easy to connect to current events.
- Colorful diagrams
- Clear explanations
- Built-in knowledge checks
How to Use It:
- Read the section related to the video you just watched
- Highlight examples that link science to real-world problems
- Take short notes summarizing causes and effects for major issues
Reading with purpose strengthens your ability to analyze environmental data and scenarios, which are essential for the AP exam.
Step 3: Practice – Apply Scientific Thinking with QBank Questions
Finally, put your skills to the test using UWorld’s APES QBank. These practice questions mirror the style and difficulty of real AP exam questions, helping you sharpen multiple-choice and free-response skills.
Every question comes with:
- A detailed explanation
- Visual breakdowns and diagrams
- Insights into why an answer is correct or incorrect
How to Practice Smart:
- Answer 5–7 practice questions per study topic
- Carefully review explanations for all answer choices
- Keep track of tricky concepts or terms to review later
The more you practice applying your knowledge, the more natural scientific thinking will feel.
Sample AP Environmental Science Summer Study Plan
Here’s a flexible study schedule to help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
8-Week Sample Plan
| Week | Focus Area | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Environmental Systems | Watch 2–3 videos, read guide sections, and answer 10 QBank questions |
| 2 | Ecosystem Ecology | Focus on energy flow, food webs, and cycles |
| 3 | Populations and Biodiversity | Study species interactions and population dynamics |
| 4 | Earth Systems and Resources | Learn about soil, water, and geologic processes |
| 5 | Land and Water Use | Dive into agriculture, fishing, and urban development |
| 6 | Energy Resources and Consumption | Study fossil fuels, renewables, and energy efficiency |
| 7 | Pollution | Understand air, water, and land pollution sources and effects |
| 8 | Climate Change and Sustainability | Complete a review of major environmental challenges |
Bonus: Use the UWorld Study Planner to Stay Organized
UWorld’s Study Planner helps you build a personalized study schedule, track your progress, and stay on target all summer. You can:
- Drag and drop topics into your calendar
- Set reminders for video lessons and QBank sessions
- Sync your plan across devices
It’s perfect if you want structure without feeling boxed in.
Why APES Matters for Students Interested in Environmental Studies and Public Policy
Environmental science isn’t just about passing a test—it’s about understanding our world's challenges and how to solve them.
Strong APES skills help you:
- Analyze data and scientific models
- Understand connections between environmental, economic, and social systems
- Communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
Mastering APES concepts early gives you a significant advantage if you’re considering careers in environmental law, public health, sustainability, or climate policy.
Final Thoughts: Get Ahead, Stress Less
Prepping for AP Environmental Science over the summer isn’t about memorizing facts—it’s about building a solid foundation for understanding and action. The watch, read, and practice method helps you study smarter and stay motivated without overwhelming your summer plans.
Start Strong with UWorld AP Environmental Science Review Tools
With clear video lessons, a practical study guide, realistic QBank questions, and customizable study plans, UWorld has everything you need to succeed in APES and make a difference for the future.
Try the method. Trust the process. Walk in ready.
Start the Free Trial Today
