Using Switch Classroom to Prepare for APES Exams

Let’s Get Ready to Test!

Many students struggle with math in science—even in AP-level courses. While calculators are allowed on the AP Environmental Science (APES) exam, math skills remain one of students’ biggest weaknesses. Exam data consistently show that many students skip questions requiring calculations.

As an AP Reader, I’ve seen this firsthand: students often forgo attempting math-based free-response questions altogether.

Unfortunately, this means students are missing out on some of the easiest points to earn on the exam. There are no formulas to memorize. The necessary data are provided in graphs or tables, and students simply need to set up their work with the correct units. In fact, students don’t even need to show their work since calculators are permitted.

Because of this, practicing math skills is essential. Regular exposure improves confidence and helps students approach these questions without hesitation. Strengthening math skills and techniques is a major focus of AP exam review.

Using Switch Classroom for Exam Prep

To prepare my students for the APES exam, I select Math FRQ assignments in Switch Classroom because the format closely mirrors what students will encounter on the exam.

The platform makes it incredibly easy to:

• Assign targeted sections of the curriculum
  
• Focus on areas where students need the most practice
  
• Use student work during structured review sessions
  

Students complete these questions independently, and we then review them together during our 30-minute advisory period built into the school day.

In addition to math-based questions, students are assigned content-focused activities to revisit some of the most challenging APES topics, including:

• Energy production
  
• Renewable and nonrenewable energy resources
  
• Air pollution
  

Below is a sample of the assignments I use as part of exam review.

Free-Response Practice

• FRQ Focus – APES Task Verbs
  
• APES FRQ Score Builder
  

Math and Calculation Free-Response Questions

• Home Electricity Audit
  
• Recycling Waste Audit
  
• Saving Energy, Saving Water
  
• Science of Coal Data Set
  
• Science of Electricity Computation
  
• The Olympic Flame: Energy & Emissions CER
  

Building Confidence Through Practice

Having such a wide range of resources housed in one place makes my job easier as I prepare students for the APES exam. I’m excited to see how students perform overall—but especially on the math questions.

We will continue practicing these skills up until test day, with the goal that every student feels more confident and prepared to tackle what often feel like daunting challenges.