The AP Environmental Science (APES) exam is heavy on vocabulary. From biodiversity hotspots to primary productivity, you’ll encounter hundreds of key terms that form the foundation of the course.
If you can’t recall these terms instantly on test day, you’ll struggle with both multiple-choice questions and FRQs. Here’s how to master APES vocab the RevisionDojo way.
1. Use the “Definition in Your Own Words” Method
- Write the term on one side of a flashcard and the definition in your own words on the other.
- Avoid copy-pasting from a textbook — your brain remembers personal phrasing better.
2. Group Terms by Unit and Theme
- The APES CED (Course and Exam Description) organizes terms into nine units.
- Grouping by theme (e.g., pollution, ecosystems, energy resources) helps create mental connections.
- Example: Group point source pollution, non-point source pollution, and watershed together.
3. Use Spaced Repetition Tools
- Apps like Quizlet, Anki, or Brainscape are perfect for APES vocab.
- Set up daily review sessions using spaced repetition so old terms stay fresh.
4. Create Quick Visual Associations
- Draw tiny sketches or icons for each term.
- Example: A small smokestack for point source pollution, a sun for photosynthesis.
- Visuals make terms harder to forget.
5. Teach the Terms to Someone Else
- If you can explain it without looking at notes, you truly understand it.
- Study with a classmate or teach an imaginary class.
6. Integrate Terms into Practice FRQs
- Instead of memorizing in isolation, apply the term in a full sentence as you would in an FRQ.
- Example: “An example of a density-dependent factor is predation, where the population size influences predation rate.”
7. Use the 3-3-3 Daily Rule
- Learn 3 new terms.
- Review 3 old terms.
- Quiz yourself on 3 random terms from anywhere in the course.
8. Review Before Sleep
- Studies show reviewing right before bed improves retention.
- Spend 5–10 minutes on vocab as your final task of the day.
RevisionDojo Pro Tip:
Memorizing APES terms is about connection, not cramming. You’ll retain them much longer if you tie each definition to a real-world environmental example.
