AP Environmental Science (APES) covers a broad range of interconnected topics—from ecosystems and biodiversity to energy resources and global change. Without an effective note organization system, reviewing before the exam can feel overwhelming.
In this RevisionDojo guide, we’ll walk you through proven strategies to organize APES notes so you can quickly recall key concepts, identify weak areas, and save valuable time in the weeks leading up to your test.
Why Note Organization Matters for APES
- Speeds Up Review – You’ll quickly find what you need instead of scanning through messy pages.
- Improves Retention – Structured notes help your brain categorize and store information effectively.
- Supports APES Exam Structure – Well-organized notes mirror the College Board’s unit breakdown, making it easier to target specific question types.
Step 1 – Organize Notes by APES Units
The College Board divides APES into 9 units, each with a specific percentage weight on the exam. Structure your notebook or digital folder like this:
- Unit 1: Ecosystems
- Unit 2: Biodiversity
- Unit 3: Populations
- Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources
- Unit 5: Land and Water Use
- Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption
- Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution
- Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution
- Unit 9: Global Change
Within each unit, break down into subtopics (e.g., for Unit 1: biomes, food webs, productivity, ecological succession).
Step 2 – Choose a Note-Taking Method
For APES, the best note-taking formats are:
- Cornell Method – Great for summarizing key terms and adding review questions.
- Mind Maps – Useful for visualizing environmental systems and cycles.
- Outline Method – Perfect for hierarchical topics like environmental laws or energy flow.
Step 3 – Use Color Coding
Assign colors to categories for faster scanning:
- Green – Ecological concepts (e.g., succession, biodiversity).
- Blue – Data, graphs, and math formulas.
- Red – Key environmental laws and policies.
- Yellow – APES lab investigations and experimental design notes.
Step 4 – Incorporate Diagrams and Charts
APES relies heavily on visual understanding—nutrient cycles, energy pyramids, climate graphs. Include:
- Flowcharts for processes like the nitrogen cycle.
- Graphs for population growth or pollution levels.
- Concept maps linking human activities to environmental impacts.
Step 5 – Add a “Rapid Review” Section
At the end of each unit, dedicate 1–2 pages for:
- Key definitions.
- Common FRQ prompts from past exams.
- Formulas and constants.
This becomes your last-minute crash sheet before test day.
Step 6 – Integrate Past FRQ Notes
After practicing FRQs, summarize your mistakes and add them under the relevant unit. For example, if you missed a question on biodiversity hotspots, place the correction in Unit 2.
Step 7 – Go Digital for Searchability
If you prefer tech, apps like Notion, OneNote, or Google Docs make it easy to:
- Tag notes by topic.
- Insert images of diagrams.
- Search for any term instantly.
FAQ – Organizing APES Notes
Q: Should I rewrite my notes before the exam?
A: Rewriting can help reinforce memory, but focus on summarizing instead of copying word-for-word.
Q: How often should I review my APES notes?
A: Ideally, review after every class, at the end of each week, and intensively in the final month.
Q: Can I just use a review book instead of my notes?
A: Review books are helpful, but personal notes are tailored to your learning and teacher’s emphasis.
Final Thoughts
A well-organized APES note system is like a map to your exam success—it guides you directly to what you need, when you need it. By aligning your notes with College Board units, color coding, and incorporating FRQ practice, you’ll cut down your study time and increase your confidence.
For more AP Environmental Science resources, visit RevisionDojo—your hub for expert AP prep strategies.
