This APES Unit 6 alignment guide was created by Lynn Kistler, a former AP Environmental Science teacher with 30 years of classroom experience and Program Specialist for Switch Classroom. Drawing from more than a decade of teaching APES Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption, Lynn outlines a proven instructional sequence that emphasizes clear visuals, structured note-taking, real-world data, and repeated connections to APES learning objectives.
The resources below reflect the exact lessons and activities Lynn uses to surface misconceptions, build foundational energy literacy, strengthen data and math skills, and prepare students for both multiple-choice and FRQ questions on the AP exam.
For more information on Lynn’s approach to teaching Unit 6, read her blog post here: APES Unit 6 Switch Classroom Guide.
Exam Prep
Lynn introduces Unit 6 using this objectives checklist, so students clearly understand what they are expected to learn in the APES curriculum. Students consistently share that “checking the boxes” greatly improves their understanding and reveals gaps they may not have noticed.
Exam Prep
Lynn uses this structured note-taking guide consistently throughout Unit 6. Students track details about each energy source, its advantages, disadvantages, and environmental impacts. This consistency across the unit makes the content more manageable and reinforces key vocabulary and concepts.
Lynn shows the first 3:44 of the Switch Complete Film and then introduces the phenomenon question: Can we make the switch? Students discuss this idea in groups and then make a list of ideas on the board about their wonderings and questions. As students continue watching the film, they talk in groups to fill in sections of the Note Taking Guide.
LO 6.3, 6.4, and 6.6
Lynn begins the Science of video sequence with coal during class. Students complete note pages while watching, then compare with a partner to fill in any gaps. Follow with a class discussion where students map the content directly onto the Unit 6 Learning Objectives—especially LO 6.3, 6.4, and 6.6 related to fossil fuels and coal extraction.
LO 6.3, 6.4, and 6.6
Understanding the basics of each energy source is foundational to Unit 6. Switch Classroom’s “Science of” videos deliver clear, concise explanations with videos that greatly enhance comprehension. This lesson is typically assigned outside of class once students are comfortable with the note-taking format.
LO 6.3, 6.4, and 6.6
Understanding the basics of each energy source is foundational to Unit 6. Switch Classroom’s “Science of” videos deliver clear, concise explanations with videos that greatly enhance comprehension. This lesson is typically assigned outside of class once students are comfortable with the note-taking format.
LO 6.3, 6.4, and 6.6
Understanding the basics of each energy source is foundational to Unit 6. Switch Classroom’s “Science of” videos deliver clear, concise explanations with videos that greatly enhance comprehension. This lesson is typically assigned outside of class once students are comfortable with the note-taking format.
LO 6.3, 6.4, and 6.6
Understanding the basics of each energy source is foundational to Unit 6. Switch Classroom’s “Science of” videos deliver clear, concise explanations with videos that greatly enhance comprehension. This lesson is typically assigned outside of class once students are comfortable with the note-taking format.
LO 6.3, 6.4, and 6.6
Understanding the basics of each energy source is foundational to Unit 6. Switch Classroom’s “Science of” videos deliver clear, concise explanations with videos that greatly enhance comprehension. This lesson is typically assigned outside of class once students are comfortable with the note-taking format.
LO 6.3, 6.4, and 6.6
Understanding the basics of each energy source is foundational to Unit 6. Switch Classroom’s “Science of” videos deliver clear, concise explanations with videos that greatly enhance comprehension. This lesson is typically assigned outside of class once students are comfortable with the note-taking format.
LO 6.3, 6.4, and 6.6
Understanding the basics of each energy source is foundational to Unit 6. Switch Classroom’s “Science of” videos deliver clear, concise explanations with videos that greatly enhance comprehension. This lesson is typically assigned outside of class once students are comfortable with the note-taking format.
LO 6.3, 6.4, and 6.6
Understanding the basics of each energy source is foundational to Unit 6. Switch Classroom’s “Science of” videos deliver clear, concise explanations with videos that greatly enhance comprehension. This lesson is typically assigned outside of class once students are comfortable with the note-taking format.
LO 6.1 and 6.2
While students complete most Science of videos outside of class, Lynn devotes class time to analyzing global energy data. These activities help students identify trends, interpret visuals, and practice skills commonly tested on the AP exam.
LO 6.1 and 6.2
While students complete most Science of videos outside of class, Lynn devotes class time to analyzing global energy data. These activities help students identify trends, interpret visuals, and practice skills commonly tested on the AP exam.
LO 6.1 and 6.2
While students complete most Science of videos outside of class, Lynn devotes class time to analyzing global energy data. These activities help students identify trends, interpret visuals, and practice skills commonly tested on the AP exam.
Exam Prep
There is almost always at least one energy-math computation on the AP exam, and Switch Classroom’s computation modules are perfect for building familiarity and fluency. The Science of Nuclear Computation contains dimensional analysis, percent difference, and half-life calculations.
LO 6.1 and 6.2
While students complete most Science of videos outside of class, Lynn devotes class time to analyzing global energy data. These activities help students identify trends, interpret visuals, and practice skills commonly tested on the AP exam.
Exam Prep
This activity focuses on dimensional analysis and efficiency calculations.
Exam Prep
This activity focuses on cost comparisons and CO2 emissions for air versus car travel, building real-world context.
Exam Prep
Lynn assigns this comprehensive resource to students who want more math practice problems.
Hands-On Lab
This activity gives students a break from note-taking and calculations while reinforcing core energy concepts. Students build a simple windmill using recycled materials – water bottles, cardboard, and other repurposed items. This also provides a natural preview of Unit 8’s focus on solid waste disposal and waste reduction. As they experiment with blade shape, angle, and number of blades, students explore how design choices affect electricity generation, reinforcing engineering design and the real-world factors that influence wind energy efficiency.
Hands-On Lab
This is another project that Lynn uses to make student learning more hands-on. In this lab, students learn how to use an anemometer to measure wind speed and use their data to calculate the wind energy potential of a wind turbine.
Hands-On Lab
This activity provides another hands-on project for student learning. In this lab, students explore how the height of water affects flow rate and pressure, which are key principles behind how hydroelectric dams generate energy.
Hands-On Lab
This activity provides another hands-on project for student learning. This simulation engages students in exploring the real-world complexities of coal mining and coal-based power generation.
Hands-On Lab
This activity provides another hands-on project for student learning. In this lab, students evaluate different materials and methods for cleaning oil spills by conducting an experiment to test their effectiveness.
Energy efficiency brings the math and concepts of Unit 6 into a personal context. Lynn shows this video during the Personal Energy Use emphasis of the unit.
This video can be shown alongside the Introduction to Energy Efficiency Video.
Lynn uses this activity to connect energy efficiency and math to students’ personal lives. The Home Electricity Audit has students examine an electric bill, calculate the energy use of household devices, and draw conclusions from their data—building quantitative and analytical skills they’ll use on the AP exam.
Exam Prep / Synthesis
Lynn closes Unit 6 with this debate, a synthesis activity that challenges students to apply everything they’ve learned about energy sources, trade-offs, consumption patterns, and environmental impacts. This activity reinforces higher-order thinking and prepares students for FRQs where they must evaluate environmental decisions from multiple perspectives.
Another synthesis activity that challenges students to apply their comprehensive knowledge of energy sources and trade-offs is the Energy Matchmaking Gallery Walk.
