Take a look at our planet; what do you see? In the modern world, environments around the planet are being destroyed, desecrated, and polluted, all of which are easy to battle. If these things make you feel discontented, and you want to do something about it, then AP Environmental Science (APES) is the elective for you. 

Mirah Levine (11) says her interest in APES started with the Environmental Club.

“I took this class because I was president of the environmental club this year, and I was like, ‘I should probably learn more about the environment,'” Levine says. 

APES is a good elective for those interested in a career that involves teamwork, working with your hands and empathy for the environment, says Zachary Tam (12).

“It teaches you a lot about agriculture, and it talks about the different types of nutrient cycles and what goes into healthy ecosystems,” Tam says.  

Levine appreciates that APES might provide insight on her future career, which is “something in the science field.”

“This could help me in my future job because I learn about science skills, the process of how to conduct an experiment, and how to make sure you go through all the safety procedures, so that could be helpful if I ever choose to become a scientist someday,” Levine explains. 

As APES is an AP elective, the workload is intensive, compared to other electives. 

“It’s not that much of an easy A as you think it might be; I thought it was, but then I got a D on our first test,” Tam says. “[In] this class, you have to know what you’re talking about.”

Levine encourages people to prepare for working outside of their comfort zones and manage their time to the best of their ability.

“Make a calendar of what you need to do,” Levine says. “Then I would also say to ask for help if you need it ‘cause your teacher is always available to help you.”