September Principles of Ecology

Transcription

1 Advanced Placement Environmental Science Curriculum Map Instructor Mr. Ron Smith Text: Living in the Environment, Miller, G. Tyler 15 th Edition Thomson/ Brooks Cole Publishing September Principles of Ecology Essential Questions: What is the need for environmental studies? What are the human activities that have brought us to our current environmental state? How do earth s ecosystems function? What role do individuals play in the causes and solutions to environmental problems? What natural processes have occurred over earth s history that have resulted in the current biodiversity? What are the critical environmental issues facing us on a local, regional and global scale? Why must we consider ecological footstep when considering environmental problems? What are the major classes of water pollutants? What is the watershed approach to examining environmental problems? Content: Environmental Problems, Causes and Sustainability (chapter 1) Environmental History (supplement 5) Ecosystems What are they and how do they work? (chapter 3) Evolution and Biodiversity (chapter 4) Water Pollution (chapter 21) Skills: Establish connection between abiotic and biotic factors in an ecosystem. Identify watershed boundaries and basic topographic map features. Calculate gross and net productivity. Collect, analyze and display water quality data. Utilize statistics to assess experimental outcomes. Utilize excel and powerpoint (Microsoft) to display and analyze data. Determine which water quality parameters are within a healthy range or not. Identify specific species in the field using field guides and keys. Present a special interest point of view as part of a mock town meeting. Activities: Town Meeting Living Machine proposed conversion of a local pond into a Living Machine Watershed Study Lab water chemistry and habitat assessments. Productivity Lab determining net and gross productivity using the light/dark bottle method. Vegetation Diversity Study Lab comparing wetland and upland plant diversity abiotic factors that affect biotic factors. August

2 Canoe Trip Lab investigating the abiotic and biotic factors of the NJ Pine Barrens Ecosystem Guest Speaker Pinelands Preservation Alliance Topographic Map Study Lab identifying basic map features. Technology: Pasco Explorer water quality probes Sympodium Microsoft Powerpoint Microsoft Excel Graphing Calculator Assessments: Content Exams Ecology (chapters1, 3, and 4 and supplement 5) Water Pollution (chapter 21) Lab Reports Vegetation Study exploring connections between abiotic and biotic factors study Net and Gross Productivity study Presentation Town Meeting Living Machine Integration Areas: History and Culture Math Art Chemistry Biology Geography October/November Population and Community Ecology Essential Questions: What are the population dynamics that allow one to understand the conservation status of an imperiled species? What are the natural and anthropogenic factors that affect natural populations? What are the trends in population growth in nature? In what ways do species interact in the environment? How do species interactions affect the structure and functioning of ecosystems? What factors determine the biodiversity status of a given ecosystem/area? What have been the historical patterns of human population change? What is the current status of human population in developed and developing countries? How does demographic transition impact humans and the environment? August

3 Content: Population Ecology (chapter 8) Community Ecology (chapter 7) Human Population and Impact (chapter 9) Skills: Collect and analyze data on population dynamics; dispersal, density, population size. Utilize various methods to estimate population size quadrat sub-sampling, removal sampling, mark-release-recapture. Calculate population change over time. Calculate biotic index. Identify carrying capacity. Graph population change overtime. Identify invertebrates, birds, and plants as part of population studies using field guides. Calculate Biodiversity Indices Simpsons, Shannon-Wiener, Macroinvertebrate BI Utilize transects to establish biodiversity patterns in an ecotone. Collect population and community data for Citizen Science program. Present special interest point of view as part of participation in a mock town meeting. Collect, analyze and display water quality data. Activities: Town Meeting Bears, Berries and Barrens proposed re-introduction of Black Bears Town Meeting On a Wing, a Prayer and a Beach conservation plan for shorebird protection. Watershed Study chemistry, habitat assessments and macro-invertebrate index - Lab Earthworm population dynamics Lab Plankton and Fish population Lab Lemna biotic potential and carrying capacity Lab Field Trip - Shorebird conservation study at N. Brigantine Citizen Science project Guest Speaker Conserve Wildlife Foundation. Field Trip Population Study of Saw Whet Owls. Technology: Pasco Explorer water quality probes Sympodium Microsoft Powerpoint Microsoft Excel Graphing Calculator Assessments: Content Exams Population Ecology (chapters 8 and 9) Community Ecology (chapter 7) Lab Reports Earthworm population dynamics study Lemna biotic index and carrying capacity study August

4 Plankton and Fish removal sampling population study Ecotone Biodiversity study Presentations Town Meeting Bears, Berries and Barrens Town meeting On a Wing a Prayer and a Beach Citizen Science Shorebird Conservation Data Integration Areas: History and Culture Math Art Chemistry Biology Geography November/December The Current State of Biodiversity Essential Questions: What is the current state of biodiversity? What are the main causes of biodiversity decline/ extinction? How has human activity compromised the sustainability of potentially renewable resources? What are some specific examples of failures and successes of biological resource sustainability? How has GIS improved our capacity to conserve species? What are the best land use practices to ensure ecological security? What are ecological services and how do we/ should we account for the value of these services? How have modern forestry and fisheries practices impacted terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems? Content: Climate and Terrestrial Biodiversity (chapter 5) Terrestrial Biodiversity (chapter 10) Aquatic Biodiversity (chapter 12) Sustaining Biodiversity (chapter 11) Skills: Identify species from DNA fingerprints. Interpret features on a topographic map. Utilize map and compass to navigate in the field. Utilize field guides to identify species in the field. Utilize GIS software to analyze, query and display data on imperiled species. Produce a ranking of biodiversity hotspots on a national and global level. Present special interest point of view as part of a mock town meeting. August

5 Identify land use designations of the NJ Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan Review development case studies. Activities: Town Meeting The Rattlesnake in the Preserve conflict and compromise with endangered species Endangered Species and DNA Technology Lab Analysis and Ranking of Biodiversity Hotspots Lab Video - Web of Life Endangered Species GIS natural history and conservation project Pinelands Preservation Alliance and NJ Audubon fundraising hike Guest Speaker Leatherback Trust Sustainable Forestry Practices Lab Whales Conservation and Management case study NJ Pinelands Water Quality and Non-native species GIS Lab Map and Compass Lab GPS and Bird diversity Lab Introduction of student independent study IPE (Improvement Plan for the Environment) Watershed chemistry, habitat and biological sampling Lab Technology: Pasco Explorer water quality probes Sympodium Microsoft Powerpoint Microsoft Excel Graphing Calculator GIS software DNA electrophoresis GPS Assessments: Content Exams Biogeography and Terrestrial Biodiversity (chapters 5,10) Aquatic Biodiversity and Sustaining Biodiversity (chapters 11,12) Lab Reports Endangered Species and DNA technology study NJ Pinelands water quality and non-native species study Sustainable Forestry study Presentations Town Meeting The Rattlesnake in the Preserve Biodiversity Hotspots Investigation Endangered Species GIS project. August

6 Integration Areas: Art Chemistry Biology Geography January/ February Geology, Resources and Energy Essential Questions: How do internal and external geologic processes shape the earth s surface and impact human populations? What are the major mineral and non-mineral resources extracted from the earth and what are the techniques of extraction? How has energy use and resources changed in the recent and distant past? What are the environmental and human health problems associated with the extraction, processing and use of geologic resources? What will be required of technology, economics and culture in the near future as the availability of current energy resources diminishes? What role will efficiency play in these changes? What are the sustainable energy choices and what are the pros and cons of their use? How can sustainable energy choices be best introduced and supported in society? How can the individual contribute immediately to moving towards a more sustainable energy future? Content: Geologic and Non-renewable Resources (chapter 15) Non-renewable Energy (chapter 16) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (chapter 17) Skills: Calculate bond energies and determine energy efficiency. Calculate total energy use in comparing energy choices. Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed mine site. Establish the most sustainable energy choice given technology and geography. Identify and describe the methods used to extract geologic resources. Establish a protocol for oil spill cleanup. Itemize the species impact of hydro and wind power. Present special interest point of view as part of participation in a mock town meeting. Activities: Town Meeting One Family One Car tough choices and compromise in a convenient world. Mines in the Pines Environmental Impact Statement Combustion reactions and bond energy calculations Dam Fishways the hidden costs of hydropower Lab August

7 Sustainable Energy marketing and public perception Video Dead Ahead, The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Oil Spill Simulation Lab Watershed chemistry, habitat and biological sampling Lab Technology: Pasco Explorer water quality probes Sympodium Microsoft Powerpoint Graphing Calculator Assessments: Content Exams Geology, Mineral Resources and Fossil Fuels (chapters 15,16) Renewable Energy and Improved Efficiency (chapter 17) Lab Reports Dam Fishways study Oil Spill Simulation study Mines in the Pines study Presentations Town Meeting One Family - One Car Sustainable Energy Poster Integration Areas: History Art Math Chemistry Biology Geography March Atmosphere, Climate and Global Climate Change Essential Questions: What are the layers of the atmosphere and how do they impact life on earth? What human activities have compromised the functioning of the atmosphere? What are the main categories of atmospheric pollutants and what are the associated human health issues and environmental problems? What is the difference between weather and climate? How do scientists determine past climatological patterns? What is ENSO and is El Nino linked to global climate change? What are the causes and effects of acid deposition? What steps can be taken to ameliorate atmospheric problems? August

8 What measures hold the greatest potential for reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions? How does global warming and greenhouse effect differ? What is the ozone hole, what caused it and what measures have been taken to fix the problem? Content: El Nino (supplement 10) Atmospheric Pollution (chapter 19) Climate Change and Ozone Depletion (chapter 20) Skills: Measuring basic weather parameters Identify main elements on a weather map Predict basic weather changes from atmospheric conditions Differentiate between global warming and greenhouse effect Quantify the impact of acids on biological systems Identify methods used to determine past climatological patterns Map change in distribution of species over time Model greenhouse effect Activities: Greenhouse simulation Lab Investigation of past climate change methods and models Acid deposition and seed germination Lab Video Hurricanes and Extreme Weather Investigation - species distribution and climate change Investigation ecosystem function and climate change Watershed chemistry, habitat and biological sampling Lab Technology: GIS software Pasco Explorer water quality probes, temperature probe Powerpoint Sympodium Assessments: Content Exams Atmospheric Pollutants (chapter 19) Global Climate Change, Ozone and El Nino (chapter 20, supplement 10) Lab Reports Modeling greenhouse effect study Acid Deposition and seed germination study Presentation Species Distribution and Ecosystem Function and Global Climate Change August

9 Integration Areas: Math History Biology Chemistry Geography Politics April Food Ecology, Environment and Waste Essential Questions: What are the major food production methods/ industries? What are the environmental and human health issues that stem from historical and modern food production industries? How has technology increased food productivity? What sustainable methods exist to maintain food production levels, but address human health and environmental concerns? What are GMOs, how are the produced and what are the concerns? What is IPM and how does it work? What are the causes and effects of the world water crisis? What are the major cases studies of water shortages and quality? How are toxins assessed for their effects on human health and the environment? What are the major classes of environmental and human health hazards? How do humans process domestic, industrial and hazardous waste? Content: Food Production (chapter 13) Water Resources (chapter 14) Hazards and Human Health (chapter 18) Solid and Hazardous Waste (chapter 22) Skills: Determine and graph LD 50 for an experimental set of data Determine and analyze plant diversity from a seed bed Compare agriculture productivity organic vs. inorganic fertilizers Demonstrate technologies used to transfer genes from one species to another Analyze soil samples for major nutrients, ph and physical soil properties Present special interest point of view as part of a mock town meeting Describe the options for domestic waste disposal recycling, compost and waste management Sketch and label types of landfills Activities: Town Meeting From Green to Gene deciding the future of agriculture. LD 50 Lab August

10 Seed bed comparison from uplands and wetland habitats Lab Soil Analysis Lab Guest Speaker EPA Guest Speaker Rutgers Co-op Field Trip Rutgers Pinelands Field Station and Marine Station Waste Collection and analysis activity Recycling school and home inventory Compost project and campaign Earth Day Celebration Watershed chemistry, habitat and biological sampling Lab Technology: GIS software Pasco Explorer water quality probes, temperature probe Powerpoint Sympodium Excel Graphing calculator Assessment: Content Exams Food and Water Resources (chapters 13, 14) Human Health and Waste Management (chapters 18, 22) Lab Reports LD50 study Seed Bed study Soil Analysis study Presentations Town Meeting From Green to Gene Compost and Recycling campaign Earth Day Integration Areas: History Art Math Chemistry Biology Geography May/June Sustainability and the Future Essential Questions: How can communities/ developments be designed or re-structured in a more sustainable manner? August

11 Who is responsible for protecting/ managing various elements of the environment, resource use and human health? Can Land Ethic permeate our societies and cultures? If so, how? How successful have restoration practices been at restoring structure and function in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems? How can total cost, the environmental costs, be factored in to our goods and services economies? Content: Sustainable Cities (chapter 23) Economics and Sustainability (chapter 24) Politics, Environment and Sustainability (chapter 25) Ethics and Sustainability (chapter 26) Skills: Design a Green community on a developed topographic map Investigate specific environmental problems and reveal the complex layers of multidisciplinary issues involved Describe and utilize the methods used for ecological restoration Identify and summarize the environmental impacts and connections of an individual s daily activities Produce and present a final watershed quality report Activities: Community Design Project Lab Video Local Hero Improvement Plan for the Environment Final Project Stream Bank Restoration Project Comprehensive Watershed Report Field Trip Amphibians and Rare Plants of the NJ Pine Barrens Field Trip Eco-Challenge A Fundraising Event for local conservation organizations Technology: GIS software Pasco Explorer water quality probes, temperature probe Powerpoint Sympodium Excel Assessment: Lab Reports Watershed Study Full year analysis Presentations Community Design Project Final Project Improvement Plan for the Environment August

12 Integration Areas: History Art Math Chemistry Biology Geography Lab Summary: Labs described below are included in the curriculum map above. 1. Productivity Lab utilizing light/dark bottle and Winkler Dissolved oxygen test to determine net and gross productivity. Students collect pond water samples and determine productivity values. 2. Watershed Study utilizing a variety of chemical and physical test kits water quality parameters are quantified and analyzed. Every 2 weeks throughout the school year students visit 2-4 sights within the Cooper River watershed and analyze river samples for Temperature, ph, nutrients, Dissolved Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Alkalinity, Total Dissolved Solids and Turbidity. 3. Vegetation Diversity Study with t Test analysis using quadrats in 2 different habitats, plant diversity is compared and varying abiotic factors are identified. Students identify various plant species, complete a t Test and identify abiotic factors causing the differences detected. 4. Pine Barrens Canoe Trip a full day on the Batsto or Mullica River in the NJ Pinelands complete with species identifications and examination of several abiotic parameters. 5. Earthworm Population Dynamics quadrat based study revealing several population dynamic parameters. Students sample several quadrats for earthworms. Using data collected, density, dispersal, and population estimate are calculated. 6. Plankton and/ or Fish Population Study removal sampling technique used to collect organisms from a model ecosystem or local pond to determine population estimate including 95% Confidence Intervals. Students utilize seine nets to remove fish from an area of a pond (meta-population) and calculate and graph the data to reveal population estimate. 7. Lemna Biotic Potential and Carrying Capacity Study various habitat parameters are investigated to identify Carrying Capacity and calculate Biotic Potential. Students set up model habitats and introduce small population of duckweed fronds and follow population changes over three weeks to determine biotic potential and carrying capacity. August

13 8. Shorebird Population and Conservation Study a study at North brigantine Wildlife Management Area where populations of several shorebirds are recorded and disturbance to shorebird feeding/ roosting are documented Students identify migratory shorebirds at N. Brigantine and quantify disturbances to species present. In addition students sample food items and complete a beach cleanup. 9. Endangered Species and DNA technology utilizing Gel Electrophoresis students run DNA samples and produce DNA Fingerprints to match up endangered species. 10. Biodiversity Hotspots Ranking students evaluate national and global Biodiversity hotspots and produce a ranking of the regions based on their data acquisition and analyses. 11. Endangered Species Conservation Plan utilizing GIS (arcview/ arcmap) software students research a state specific endangered species and produce a conservation management plan. 12. NJ Pine Barrens GIS Water Quality and Non-native Species Investigation students are presented with several geographic data layers and must reveal the connections among land use, sampling sites, chemistry and presence of non-native species. 13. Map and Compass Exercise after reviewing basic topographic map features, students apply compass skills to navigate to identified sites and find landscape features. 14. GPS and Bird Diversity Students identify bird species, log sighting using GPS and determine distribution and diversity. 15. Mines in the Pines students are presented with a proposed mine site in the Southern, NJ and the status of species in the area. Using a topographic map and researched data on imperiled species, students produce an Environmental Impact Statement. 16. Dam Fishways Using maps and data from several hydro-electric projects in the western United States students reveal the impact of dams and hydro-electric projects on migratory fish and river ecosystems. 17. Oil Spill Simulation Students are presented with a mock oil spill (vegetable oil in a small simulated wetland). Students must use a variety of methods to cleanup the spill and must document time, materials used and potential disturbance to habitat. 18. Greenhouse Effect Simulation Students utilize temperature probes and a graphing program to document the temperature changes within an ecosystem after manipulating abiotic factors. August

14 19. Acid Deposition and Seed Germination Study students assess the effects of various concentrations of acids on vegetable seed germination statistics are utilized. 20. LD 50 Lab presented with sets of data resulting from LD50 tests, students graph mortality and identify LD 50. Approval and use of pesticides in questions are then discussed. 21. Seed Bed Study students collect soil samples from various habitats within a local park and determine and compare seed bed diversity within the soil samples. 22. Soil Analysis Study using soil samples from their yards and gardens students evaluate soil samples for nutrients, ph and physical properties. 23. Fertilizer Study students are provided seedlings that they use to compare compost fertilizer treatments vs. inorganic fertilizer treatments. Recommendations for use are made. Statistics are used to analyze. 24. Restoration Project students participate in a local stream restoration project. Before and after diversity evaluations completed and review of Riparian habitat benefits completed. 25. Community Design Project students complete a green community design on an undeveloped topographic map. Students must include a plan for 20,000 residents housing, infrastructure, sewage treatment, waste management, agriculture area, schools, energy facility, parks and recreation and conservation sites all to be included. August