AP Environmental Science Summer Assignment
Due: First day of school
Unit 1 task:
The Living world: Ecosystem: Ecosystems are the result of biotic and abiotic interactions.
Content
TOPIC 1.1 Introduction to Ecosystems: Explain how the availability of resources influences
species interactions.
TOPIC 1.2 Terrestrial Biomes: Describe the global distribution and principal environmental
aspects of terrestrial biomes.
TOPIC 1.3 Aquatic Biomes: Describe the global distribution and principal environmental aspects
of aquatic biomes.
TOPIC 1.4 The Carbon Cycle: Explain the steps and reservoir interactions in the carbon cycle.
TOPIC 1.5 Required Course Content The Nitrogen Cycle: Explain the steps and reservoir
interactions in the nitrogen cycle
TOPIC 1.6 The Phosphorus Cycle: Explain the steps and reservoir interactions in the phosphorus
cycle.
TOPIC 1.7 The Hydrologic (Water) Cycle: Explain the steps and reservoir interactions in the
hydrologic cycle.
Task 1: Video
Everything you need to know about the Ecosystem
Watch this video AP Environmental Science Unit 1 Review (Everything you Need to Know!)
and take notes, your notes will be graded.
Task 2: Building the Biosphere - A Story of Earth’s Cycles and Biomes
Objective: Creatively show how Earth’s ecosystems, biomes, and nutrient cycles work in
harmony to sustain life and how the availability of resources influences species interactions.
Instructions: Imagine you are the designer for a new eco-documentary series, Planet Earth: The
Hidden Connections. Your job is to produce an interactive digital piece-slideshow, brief video,
infographic, podcast episode or illustrated journal-that highlights one ecosystem and reveals its
story through the lenses of biomes and cycles.
Your Mission: Select either a terrestrial or aquatic biome from Topics 1.2 and 1.3 to serve as
your main setting. Then complete the following parts:
Part 1: The Setting
Pinpoint your biome on a world map and describe its global distribution.
Briefly outline the climate, soil types, temperature range, rainfall patterns, dominant plants, and
typical animals found there.
Highlight at least one distinctive feature that sets this biome apart from its neighbors.
Part 2: The Cycles in Motion
Tell the story of the carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and water cycles as they move within your
chosen biome. You may use a narrated script, infographic, comic strip, or illustrated journey.
For each cycle, outline the central steps and main reservoirs.
Show how the four cycles overlap and influence each other inside the ecosystem.
Finally, explain what occurs when one segment of a cycle breaks down, giving concrete
examples.
Part 3 :Who Lives Here & Why
Using Topic 1.1:
●​ Explain how the availability of resources affects interactions between species in this
biome (competition, predation, mutualism, etc.).
●​ Choose at least three species and describe their interactions.
●​ Include an example of what happens when resources become limited.
Product Options (Pick One):
Narrated video (2-3 minutes)
Illustrated comic or journal (hand-drawn, then scanned)
Podcast recording (with music and sound effects)
Interactive infographic (make with Genially or Canva)
Tips for Success: Be creative but accurately show scientific understanding in a fun way. Support
your ideas with visuals, maps, or sketches. Cite at least one reliable source: textbook, NOAA,
National Geographic, or EPA.
Submission Format: Upload your finished piece to Google Classroom before school starts.
During the first week, give a one-minute trailer of your product.
Also, note one real-world threat to this biome, such as plastic pollution, warming seas, or coastal
development.