AP Environmental Science - AP Daily Live Review Video #8

Instructor: Mr. Villarreal (Mr. V)

Overview

• Clarification of final questions and concepts from Video 7
• Brief overview of Unit 9: Global Change
• Discussion of visual representations
• Multiple choice and free response strategies
• Modeling free response questions (FRQs)
• Final tips and hints for the AP test

Video Questions and Clarifications

• Formulating Questions vs. Statements
  • If the test asks for a research question, keep it as a question.
  • If asked to make a claim, a statement should work.
• Writing Formulas
  • Write either words or formulas; avoid overthinking.
  • Ensure accuracy in chemical notation (e.g., H2CO3 should be with subscript aq).
• Timing for FRQs
  • 1 hour and 10 minutes on the digital app (timer provided).
  • In-person testing will have proctors giving time warnings.
  • Do the easiest parts first to manage time better.
• Common Solutions in FRQs
  • Solutions will vary; consider 'HIPCO' for environmental issues.
• Labeling Answers and Estimations
  • Always label answers clearly (e.g., A1, A2).
  • Avoid over-rounding numerical answers; maintain given decimal accuracy.
• Metric System Conversions Only
  • No need to convert between random units like joules to watts.
• Use of Watches
  • Non-smart watches are allowed.
• Oligotrophic vs. Eutrophic Waters
  • Oligotrophic: less nutrients, more stable.
  • Eutrophic: high nutrients, unstable, can lead to dead zones.
• Dimensional Analysis Example
  • Given scenario: calculating hectares from square yards.
  • Step-by-step conversion shown (hectares to acres to yards).
  • Emphasis on not needing to master dimensional analysis if it’s not a comfortable method.

AP Exam Information

• Three administrations: paper/pencil and digital options.
  • May 14: Paper/pencil, 12 PM local time.
  • May 27: Digital, 4 PM EST.
  • June 11: Digital, 4 PM EST.
• Exam Format
  • Multiple Choice: 80 questions, 1.5 hours, 60% of score.
  • Free Response: 3 questions, 1 hour 10 minutes, 40% of score.
  • Use of four-function calculators allowed.

Unit 9: Global Change

Key Topics

• Ozone Layer
  • Protects from harmful UV rays.
  • Depleted by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
  • Solutions: replace ozone-depleting chemicals with alternatives.
• Greenhouse Effect & Climate Change
  • Greenhouse gases: water vapor, CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, CFCs.
  • Global warming potential varies among gases; CO2 most abundant.
  • Consequences: rising temperatures, melting ice, rising sea levels, displacement, ecosystem shifts.
• Ocean Conveyor Belt
  • Transports warmth globally, affected by climate change.
• Soil and Polar Regions
  • Increased erosion, temperature changes in soil chemistry.
  • Polar regions more affected by climate change.
• Ecosystem Impacts
  • Loss of habitat for species like polar bears and seals.
  • Positive feedback loops exacerbating problems.
• Ocean Warming & Acidification
  • Impacts on species, coral bleaching, reduction of calcium carbonate formation.
  • Equation: CO2 + H2O → H2CO3 (carbonic acid).
• Anthropogenic Activities
  • Fossil fuel combustion, deforestation.
• Invasive Species & Endangered Species
  • Generalists vs. specialists, human intervention needed for control.
  • Factors affecting endangered species: hunting, diet, habitat competition.
• Human Impacts on Biodiversity (HIPCO)
  • Habitat destruction, invasive species, population, pollution, climate change, overexploitation.
  • Solutions: protected areas, habitat corridors, sustainable practices.

Legislation and Treaties

• CITES: Regulates trade in endangered species.
• Montreal Protocol: Phased out CFCs.
• Kyoto Protocol: Precursor to Paris Agreement, not ratified by the U.S.
• Endangered Species Act (U.S.): Protects endangered species and their habitats.

Science Practices

• Concept Explanation
• Visual Representations
• Text Analysis
• Scientific Experiments
• Data Analysis
• Math Routines
• Environmental Solutions

Practice Questions and Examples

• Multiple Choice Example
  • Greenhouse gas from anaerobic respiration: Methane (CH4).
• Free Response Example
  • Piping plovers, habitat identification, reasons for changes in nesting.
  • Coastal protection methods, human impact on habitats.

Final Tips and Resources

• **Use AP Daily videos and resources on AP Classroom.
• **Practice guided notes and sample questions.
• **Review environmental legislation context clues.
• **Kahoot challenges and guided notes available online.
• **Final encouragement: You got this! Read and answer everything thoroughly.

Good luck on your AP test!