AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (APES) BOOM REVIEWs

Background

       Last summer, I invested in several courses to improve my skills as a TPT seller, focusing on how to create high-quality products that teachers genuinely need. Throughout the courses, one platform kept coming up that I hadn't heard of before—BOOM Learning. Initially, I assumed it was more suited for elementary education and might not be relevant to my high school teaching. I’m so glad I was wrong! After exploring BOOM Learning, I was thrilled to incorporate new resources into my high school curriculum. From engaging reviews to interactive escape rooms, BOOM Learning offers a refreshing alternative to the usual, uninspired worksheets often given to older students. 

About the BOOM Learning Platform

     From Boom Learning: "Boom Learning is a platform and set of tools for creating and assigning Boom Cards, which are cloud-based digital learning resources." No one can explain the platform better than the company itself. I do encourage you to visit their main information page. You can also peruse through their YouTube playlist of introductory videos if you are interested in making your own BOOM Cards!

Using BOOM to Review for AP Environmental Science 

      Reviewing for the APES exam is essential. The vast amount of material covered ensures that even the strongest students will inevitably forget some of it. So, how can we effectively review? Practice questions, flashcards, worksheets, YouTube videos, and games are all useful methods, but each fall short in some way.

       I made a short video to explain how I use the platform to create self-paced, interactive resources...

​       By using the Flow Magic feature in the studio, I created review materials that:

• Are colorful and eye-catching
• Are interactive
• Are fully aligned with standards
• Provide instant feedback
• Don’t require grading (Can I get a Hallelujah?)
• Offer opportunities for repetition and practice
• Require ZERO prep and printing
• Are genuinely enjoyable!      

     
        How do I implement these in the classroom? My students can work independently or in pairs to complete the reviews. I find that when students collaborate, they tend to need less assistance from me, as two minds are often better than one. I have my students complete the BOOM reviews before every test, and then we revisit them just before the big exam in May. Additionally, we focus on FRQ training throughout the year. Altogether, I now do three things for my own "ultimate review" - the BOOM reviews, FRQ practice (which includes grading), and 3-5 full-length practice tests. The results are significantly boosted my test scores! While test scores aren’t the real measure of success, in my opinion, we all want our students to get those college credits. 

     
           Here is my all-in-one-money-saving bundle. It includes units 1-8. All I have to do is add unit 9, which I will do sometime in January or February. If you bought the curriculum or activities bundle, it's already in the drive. I have gotten a few emails from people who aren't using them because it "costs money" to use the platform. I assure you it doesn't! ​

       I will end by saying that BOOM Learning is trying to cut down on unauthorized sharing by essentially punishing the seller. Each time a teacher activates my resource on BOOM (i.e. puts it into their library) without purchasing it themselves, I am charged 10% of the original price. PLEASE do not share my BOOM reviews with your colleagues. If I keep getting charged, I will have to discontinue everything I have built, which would be devastating. I truly appreciate your professionalism and respect for copyright. 
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      Definitely let me know in the comment section or by email ([email protected]) if you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback! I do have an email list if you would like to get notifications of new products, blog posts, or TPT sales. ​