AP Environmental Science – Chapter 1 – Studying the State of Our Earth
Key Questions and Vocab
Key Questions – Answered in your own handwriting on separate paper, or the back of
this page
1. What is the connection between environmental science and environmental
studies?
2. Explain how humans impact natural systems, and explain how scientists are able
to pinpoint, monitor and observe human impacts.
3. Describe each of the 5 global indicators for environmental health, and explain
how they are used together to determine the health of the world in which we live.
4. Why does human well-being depend on sustainable practices?
5. What role do human needs and the ecological footprint play in sustainability?
6. Using the general steps of the scientific process/method, explain how a scientist
would potentially approach and move forward with the following observation:
7. Seasonal temperatures and precipitation levels have been above and below normal
respectively for the past 3 years.
8. Explain why communicating results is a vital component of the scientific process.
9. Describe and explain each of the 3 unique challenges of working in the field of
environmental science.
10. Why is human well-being a needed consideration when dealing with
environmental issues?
Vocabulary – Hand written on flash cards.
Environment
Environmental science
System
Ecosystem
Biotic
Abiotic
Environmentalist
Environmental studies
Environmental indicators
Ecosystem services
Sustainability
Biodiversity
Species
Speciation
Background extinction rate
Greenhouse gases
Anthropogenic
Development
Ecological footprint
Scientific method/Process
Hypothesis
Null hypothesis
Replication
Sample size
Accuracy
Precision
Uncertainty
Inductive reasoning
Deductive reasoning
Critical thinking
Theory
Natural law
Control group
Natural experiment
Environmental justice
*It may be beneficial to label or color code your flashcards by chapter