Read the intriguing case study that begins each chapter and think about the environmental challenges and trade-offs that are introduced. The subjects of these studies often will spark spirited class discussion.

As you can see from case studies like this one from Chapter 8, it’s not always easy to make sustainable choices.

Chapters are divided into short Modules to help keep you on pace. Each module opens with a brief description of what topics will be covered.

A list key ideas at the beginning of the module help to keep you focused as you read.

Important key terms are set in bold type in the text and defined in a popup box when the term is clicked on.

Among the biggest challenges on the AP^® Environmental Science Exam are questions that ask you to solve environmental science math problems. “Do the Math” problems help you practice the math skills that you’ll need to tackle these problems on the exam.

Each “Do the Math” box has a “Your Turn” practice problem to help you review and practice the math skills introduced.

Once you are comfortable with the math skills introduced, you’ll be prepared for quantitative problems on the exam.

The photos and illustrations in this book are more than just pretty pictures. They have been carefully chosen and developed to help you comprehend and remember the key ideas.

To understand environmental science and succeed on the exam, you need to engage in the scientific practice of analyzing and interpreting a variety of tables, graphs, and charts.

Solidify your understanding by reviewing the main ideas in each module review.

Each module ends with multiple-choice questions similar to those on the AP^® exam. Practicing your test-taking strategies for multiple-choice questions throughout the year will pay off when you take the exam.

At the end of each chapter, take time to review the main ideas and key terms.

Check your notes against summaries of the learning objectives for each module in the chapter.

When you finish a chapter take the practice exam to check your understanding of the main ideas. The practice exam will help you become familiar with the style of questions on he AP^® Environmental Science Exam.

Each chapter exam begins with multiple-choice questions modeled after those you’ll see on the exam. Many of the questions ask you to analyze or interpret tables, graphs, or figures.

Chapter exams include two free-response questions. Points are assigned to indicate how a complete, correct answer would be scored on the AP^® exam. The more practice you have in writing answers to free-response questions, the better you will do on the exam.

The textbook is divided into 8 major units. At the end of each unit, you are provided with a longer practice exam containing 20 multiple-choice questions and 2 free-response questions. These exams give you a chance to review material across multiple chapters and to practice your test-taking skills.

At the end of the text you will find a cumulative exam with 100 multiple-choice questions and 4 free-response questions. This exam matches the actual AP^® Environmental Science exam in length and scope.

At the end of each chapter read about people and organizations that are making a difference.

Working Toward Sustainability provides questions that give you a chance to hone your critical thinking and writing skills.

At the end of each unit, the “Science Applied” feature offers you an opportunity to read about how the science you are learning is used to make decisions about environmental issues.

Science Applied includes a free-response question related to the topic in the article.