Environmental Science

A. INQUIRY SKILLS

Students will design and conduct scientific investigations Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigations Use appropriate tools, technology, and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data Organize and maintain a journal showing all phases of investigations Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence and logic Use mathematics to explain, interpret, and improve investigations and communications Construct logical relationships between evidence and explanations Identify and analyze alternative explanations, models, and predictions Demonstrate understanding about scientific inquiry Use fair test procedures
Students will communicate scientific procedures and explanations Demonstrate effective methods to organize and display scientific concepts Present investigative procedures and results to others verbally, graphically, and in writing Communicate science concepts accurately and clearly, using scientific vocabulary

B. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CONTENT

The learner will describe components of an ecosystem Distinguish the biotic factors of an ecosystem Analyze the chemical factors of an ecosystem Determine the physical factors of an ecosystem Describe an ecosystem as a complex relationship of biotic, chemical, and physical factors
The learner will understanding the flow of energy through an ecosystem Explain and model the flow of energy through an ecosystem Estimate relative energy loss in an ecosystem
The learner will analyze the role of chemical cycles in the biosphere Describe the carbon and oxygen cycle Explain the water cycle Investigate mineral cycles such as nitrogen and phosphorus
The student will determine the factors that influence rates of changes in populations Estimate population size Describe the limiting factors of a population Identify the major causes for extinction of species Explore the influence of humans on accelerating species extinction
The student will analyze adaptations of organisms within different biomes and communities Explain characteristics of world biomes Evaluate special adaptations of plants and animals Investigate a local ecosystem Explain the role of population diversity in community survival Describe the role of genetic diversity in species survival
Students will understand how ecological conditions change over time Describe how nature heals and replenishes an area after a major disruption (examples: forest fire, plowed fields, volcanic island)
Students will evaluate the effects of human behavior on environmental quality Identify sources of air pollution and determine the impact on environmental quality Identify sources of water pollution and determine the impact on environmental quality Describe land use problems and predict future impact on society
Students will make informed decisions about the use of natural resources Compare the Earth's supply of renewable and nonrenewable resources Understand the operations and use of technologies that use natural resources (examples: nuclear energy, wind power) Identify individual and group actions for conservation Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of resource usage

C. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Students will demonstrate abilities in technological design Design and construct a solution to an identified problem Determine the effectiveness of the solution Design and conduct an investigation to determine the quality of commercial "environmental friendly" products
Students will understand about science and technology Determine how science and technology relate to environmental management and monitoring Compare the intended benefits and unintended consequences of a technology Explain constraints in technological designs

D. PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES

Students will practice safety Demonstrate personal and group safety when engaged in science activities Analyze the use of personal safety devices (examples: hearing protectors, sun glasses, UV filters)
Students will evaluate factors affecting environmental quality Investigate environmental problems within the local community Evaluate criteria for environmental quality Investigate monitoring efforts for environmental quality Conduct a risk-benefit study for an environmental problem

E. HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE

Students investigate examples of science as a human endeavor Describe how environmental management involves teamwork Examine the ethical traditions of scientists and environmentalists Investigate contributions to environmental management from different genders and cultures Investigate career choices in environmental science (examples: costs, required professional preparation, job opportunities)
Students will explain the nature of scientific knowledge Explain how science is involved in the process of environmental management Analyze criteria used by industry, environmental enforcement, and environmental action groups in their research and publications
Students will understand the important historical events of environmental science Describe the efforts of scientists and nonscientists who have contributed to the awareness and management of environmental problems Explain how the center of scientific research has shifted between cultures over time Investigate how scientific and technological advances have made long lasting contributions to society