COURSE DESCRIPTION
Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, combining ideas and information from biology, chemistry and earth sciences, as well as the social science fields of economics and political science. Topics of study include water, energy, air and chemical cycles and systems, soil and biome processes, population and land development dynamics, human history and influences, community and ecosystem processes, natural resource exploitation and impacts, environmental economics and policy, and future choices. This is one of those sciences in which anyone can shine and all can find their niche! Hands-on laboratory, field and internet-based research and investigations will be emphasized to familiarize students with contemporary research, investigative and problem-solving techniques. Students will analyze environmental problems, evaluate risks, collect data, prepare assessments, and investigate complex issues and solutions to prevent, resolve or mitigate environmental problems. Quarterly current events reports, community outreach initiatives, extensive field investigations, field trips and problem- solving exercises will focus on in-depth analysis of specific environmental topics and issues. |
TOPICS TO BE COVERED
Term 1 Ch 1: Environmental Interrelationships Ch 2: Environmental Ethics Ch 3: Risk, Economics and Environmental Concerns Term 2 Ch 4: Interrelated Scientific Principles: Matter, Energy and Environment Ch5: Interactions: Environments and Organisms Ch 6: Kinds of Ecosystems and Communities Ch 7: Populations: Characteristics and Issues Supplemental: Environmental Health and Toxicology Supplemental: Food and Hunger Term 3 Ch 14: Agricultural Methods and Pest Management Ch 11: Biodiversity Issues Ch 12: Land-Use Planning Ch 13: Soil and Its Uses Supplemental: Geology and Earth Resources Ch 17: Climate Change: A 21st Century Issue Ch 16: Air Quality Issues Term 4 Ch 15: Water Management Supplemental: Water Pollution Ch 8: Energy and Civilization: Patterns of Consumption Ch 9: Nonrenewable Energy Sources Ch 10: Renewable Energy Sources Ch 18: Solid Waste Management and Disposal Supplemental: Urbanization and Sustainable Cities Ch 19: Environmental Regulations: Hazardous Substances and Wastes Ch 20: Environmental Policy and Decision Making |