Scope Sequence for Environmental Systems Incorporating Essential Learning Outcomes Prepared by Michael Delesantro Science Academy of South Texas April 27, 2009
Environmental Systems - Scope Sequence - Semester at a Glance (accelerated block course) Textbook: Kendell/Hunt Global Science Three Weeks 1 st 3 weeks 2 nd 3 weeks 3 rd 3 weeks 4 th 3 weeks 5 th 3 weeks 6 th 3 weeks Topics/ Concepts Introduction Science Methods Ecosystem Interactions The Earth Its Energy Energy Alternatives Population Biology Agriculture Water Water Air Quality; Global Climate Change L Use Sustainable Management 1 12; 14-24 25 32 33-41 42 53 54 65 13; 66 75 : Global Science Chapters 1, 2, 3 Local news media Video: Race to Save the Planet (RTSP) # Chapters 4, 7, 8 Chapters 5, 9, 10, 11 Chapters 6, 12 Chapters 12, 13 Chapters 14, 15 : c.1.a- B, c.2.a-d c.3.a-e are reinforced throughout the course. : c.4.a, c.4.b, c.4.c, c.4.d, c.4.e, c.5.e, c.6.b, c.6.c, c.6.d, c.8.b, c.8.c, c.8.d : c.4.b, c.5.c, c.5.d, c.6.a, c.6.c, c.8.a, : c.5.c, c.5.d, c.6.a, c.7.a, c.7.b, c.7.c, c.7.d, c.8.d : c.4.c, c.4.d, c.4.e, c.5.b, c.5.c, c.5.f, c.7.a, c.8.c, c.8.d : c.4.b, c.5.b, c.5.c, c.5.d, c.5.e, c.5.f, c.8.b : c.4.c, c.5.a, c.5.c, c.5.f, c.7.c, c.7.d, c.8.a
UNIT 1: Ecosystem Interactions Approximate Time: 3 weeks (accelerated block schedule) 1 st 3 weeks Topics ( in approximate sequential order) Suggested Identify indigenous plants animals, assess their role within an ecosystem, compare them to plants animals in other ecosystems biomes. Make observations compile data about fluctuations in abiotic cycles evaluate the effects of abiotic factors on local ecosystems biomes. Evaluate the impact of human activity such as methods of pest control, hydroponics, organic gardening, or farming on ecosystems. Predict how the introduction, removal, or reintroduction of an organism may alter the food chain affect existing populations. Predict changes that may occur in an ecosystem if biodiversity is increased or reduced. Analyze evaluate the significance inter-dependence of components of environmental systems Explain the flow of energy in an ecosystem. Investigate explain the effects of energy transformations within an ecosystem. Investigate identify energy interactions... Explain how regional changes in the environment may have a global effect. Describe how communities have restored an ecosystem. Examine describe a habitat restoration or protection program. c.4. A E c.5. E c.6. B D c.8. B D 1 12 14-24 Week One Introduction to Environmental Science Review of the Scientific Method black box experiment or similar opening activity Environmental Issues Ethics identify local global environmental issues offer suggestions for further study possible solutions Weeks Two Three Ecosystems ecosystem processes structure Biotic Abiotic Factors Matter cycles biogeochemical cycles Energy Flow trophic structue, food chains webs, energy pyramids Community interactions predation, competition, parasitism, mutualism, commensalism Global biomes local habitats examine habitats of the RGV their unique flora fauna 1. state the steps in the scientific method. 2. write a testable hypothesis for a science investigation. 3. identify variables in a science investigation. 4. design conduct an experiment. 5. record analyze data from a science investigation. 6. write a conclusion for a science investigation. 7. organize write a lab report. 8. state the main safety rules for laboratory field. 9. conduct themselves safely in a lab or field environment. 10. properly use lab field equipment safety gear. 11. properly use measurement devices technology. 12. use the internet other technology sources. 14. identify environmental issues that affect them. 15. identify habitats, ecosystems biomes. 16. identify native plants animals of the RGV. 17. identify biotic abiotic components of ecosystems. 18. analyze draw conclusions about the environment. 19. describe biogeochemical cycles. 20. analyze energy flow in food chains food webs. 21. recognize pyramid of energy explain relationships. 22. identify the major community interactions explain. 23. identify explain types of community succession. 24. explain the concepts of species richness diversity. Chapters 1, 2, 3 Internet resources media sources Project Wild or similar activities Lab Report PowerPoint presentation Multimedia presentation on a local habitat: ppt, posters, video, etc. Unit Test or Quiz 1, 2, 3
UNIT 2 (part): The Earth Its Energy Approximate Time: 3 weeks (accelerated block schedule) 2 nd 3 weeks Topics (in approximate sequential order) Suggested Make observations compile data about fluctuations in abiotic cycles evaluate the effects of abiotic factors on local ecosystems biomes. c.4. B c.5. C, D Week One Structure of the Earth layers, rocks minerals, the rock cycle, plate tectonics rock mineral identification Chapters 4, 7, 8 1, 4, 5 Document the use conservation of both renewable non-renewable resources. Identify renewable non-renewable resources that must come from outside an ecosystem such as food, water, lumber, energy Summarize forms sources of energy. Investigate explain the effects of energy transformations within an ecosystem. Analyze describe the effects on environments of events such as fires, hurricanes, deforestation, mining, population growth, municipal development. c.6. A, C c.8. A 25 32 Weeks Two Three Energy in all its forms laws of thermodynamics, KE, PE, energy conversions Non-renewable energy resources fossil fuels, nuclear energy, economic environmental impacts of a non-renewable energy lifestyle Comparing fuels energy content, cleanliness Resource Supply Dem calculating current energy reserves predicting our energy future 25. describe the structure of the earth. 26. identify the core, mantle, crust of the earth describe their roles in plate tectonics. 27. describe the five main outcomes of plate tectonics. 28. identify 20 common minerals 20 common types of rocks using stardized tests of properties such as hardness, luster, cleavage, etc. 29. analyze the environmental impacts of mineral extraction. 30. make conversions among various types of kinetic potential energy using equations for work, energy, force, power. 31. analyze renewable nonrenewable fuels for their energy content environmental impacts. 32. analyze sources consumption of various energy types, especially fossil fuels, on a local, regional, global basis. Internet resources
UNIT 2 (part): Energy Alternatives UNIT 3: Population Biology Approximate Time: 3 weeks (accelerated block schedule) 3 rd 3 weeks Topics (in approximate sequential order) Suggested Document the use conservation of both renewable non-renewable resources. Identify renewable non-renewable resources that must come from outside an ecosystem such as food, water, lumber, energy. Summarize forms sources of energy. Relate carrying capacity to population dynamics. Calculate exponential growth of populations. Evaluate the depletion of non-renewable resources propose alternatives. Analyze make predictions about the impact of geographic locales, natural events, diseases, birth death rates on populations. Analyze describe the effects on environments of events such as fires, hurricanes, deforestation, mining, population growth, municipal development. c.5. C, D c.6. A c.7. A D c.8. D 33-41 Week One Conclude previous unit Renewable energy alternatives solar, wind, water, biomass, etc. Energy Conservation Unit test on energy Weeks Two Three (part of week one as well) Population Biology demographics, limits to growth, rule of 70, population dynamics growth equations Population in the RGV comparison of local, state, nation world growth Global Impacts of an exping population 33. calculate current energy reserves predict future supplies dem. 34. analyze pros cons of alternative energy sources. 35. calculate population growth rates from birth death rates rates of immigration emigration. 36. calculate population doubling times using rule of 70. 37. construct interpret population histograms showing rapid, moderate, slow growth. 38. graph exponential logistic growth curves use them to explain doubling time carrying capacity. 39. explain the concept of the demographic transition. 40. estimate the human carrying capacity for earth. 41. discuss the causes effects of rapid human population growth over the past few hundred years the economic environmental impacts of that growth. Chapters 9, 10, 11 Chapter 5 Internet resources media sources Video presentations Solar Home design competition Analysis of energy use conservation Energy Test Presentation on population changes in the RGV city comparisons Unit Test on population 1, 3, 5 Activities/Methods: Discussion of solar home designs Power Point presentation on population ecology human population issues Student presentations on population issues in the Valley, US, world Calculation of carrying capacity of Earth; graphing of population changes over time Video presentations of world population issues (BLA resources)
UNIT 4: Agriculture Biodiversity (Approximate Time: 3 weeks accelerated block schedule) 4 th 3 weeks Topics (not in sequential order) Evaluate the impact of human activity such as methods of pest control, hydroponics, organic gardening, or farming on ecosystems. Predict how the introduction, removal, or reintroduction of an organism may alter the food chain affect existing populations. Predict changes that may occur in an ecosystem if biodiversity is increased or reduced. Evaluate the impact of human activity technology on l fertility aquatic viability. Relate carrying capacity to population dynamics. Describe how communities have restored an ecosystem. Examine describe a habitat restoration or protection program. c.4. C E c.5. F c.7. A c.8. C, D 42 53 Weeks One Two Soils soil conservation soil analysis Principles of sustainable agriculture conservation tillage, no till, strip cropping, etc. The carrying capacity of Earth how many? Week Three Biodiversity extinction human impacts on threatened endangered species Unique species of the RGV our special place in the world 42. describe the features of modern, industrial agriculture compare contrast them to traditional agriculture. 43. describe the Green Revolution(s). 44. compare diets of people in MDCs with those of LDCs. 45. describe the environmental impacts of growing food. 46. describe genetic technology related to food production. 47. discuss the problems potential solutions related to overfishing of wild fish the use of fish farms. 48. describe features of Integrated Pest Management. 49. describe the principles of organic farming discuss how these principles promote a sustainable future. 50. list describe the main factors responsible for a loss of biodiversity in natural man-made ecosystems. 51. describe some threatened or endangered species discuss their predicament measures being taken. 52. describe habitat restorations in the RGV. 53. discuss the reasons why we should attempt to maintain biodiversity around the world. Suggested Text Ch. 6 Internet media sources Analysis of soils from the RGV Presentation (ppt or poster) on T & E species in the RGV, U.S., world Unit Test or Quiz 1, 3 Activities/Methods: Soil science laboratory lab report Power Point presentation on sustainable agriculture Calculation of carrying capacity of Earth from an agricultural viewpoint Video presentations of endangered species issues (BLA resources) Biodiversity in the RGV student presentations on T&E plants animals
UNIT 5: Water Air (Approximate Time: 3 weeks accelerated block schedule) 5 th 3 weeks Topics (not in sequential order) Suggested Make observations compile data about fluctuations in abiotic cycles evaluate the effects of abiotic factors on local ecosystems biomes. Identify source, use, quality, conservation of water Document the use conservation of both renewable non-renewable resources. Identify renewable non-renewable resources that must come from outside an ecosystem, such as food, water, lumber, energy. Analyze evaluate the economic significance interdependence of components of the environmental system. Evaluate the impact of human activity technology on l fertility aquatic viability Explain how regional changes in the environment may have a global effect. c.4. B c.5. B F c.8. B 54 65 Weeks One Two Water supply dem the RGV world Water quality analysis water testing in the RGV the Water Quality Index Water treatment options Week Three The atmosphere air quality acid deposition, ozone depletion, global climate change, indoor air pollution, weather climate 54. describe water resources of Earth factors related to supply dem for fresh water. 55. describe the features of the water cycle its role as a recycling system for fresh water on the planet. 56. describe the problems of water distribution water quality offer potential solutions. 57. graph a water budget for the US showing water uses. 58. offer suggestions for ways to manage water. 59. list describe the main sources of water pollutants. 60. recognize the importance of water quality stards as set by the EPA other government agencies. 61. conduct water quality tests of water samples determine levels of inorganic organic contamination. 62. describe the steps in water treatment. 63. describe the composition layers of the atmosphere. 64. list describe the main sources of air pollution. 65. discuss the causes potential solutions to air pollution issues. Text Ch 12, 13 Internet media sources Analysis of water from the RGV Presentation on air quality issues Unit Test or Quiz 1, 3, 4 Activities/Methods: Water quality laboratory surface waters tap water Power Point presentations on water issues, water treatment Student presentations on air quality issues in the Valley, US, world Video presentations of world water air issues (BLA resources) Power Point presentations on air pollution issues
UNIT 5: Water Air (concluded Global Warming) UNIT 6: L Use Planning Our Throwaway Society (Approximate Time: 3 weeks accelerated block schedule) 6 th 3 weeks Topics (not in sequential order) Suggested Evaluate the impact of human activity such as methods of pest control, hydroponics, organic gardening, or farming on ecosystems. Summarize methods of l use management. Document the use conservation of both renewable non-renewable resources. Evaluate the impact of human activity technology on l fertility aquatic viability. Evaluate the depletion of non-renewable resources propose alternatives. Analyze make predictions about the impact on populations of geographic locales, natural events, diseases, birth death rates. Analyze describe the effects on environments of events such as fires, hurricanes, deforestation, mining, population growth, municipal development. c.4.c c.5. A, C, F c.7.c, D c.8.a 13 66 75 Week One The Greenhouse Effect global warming Weeks Two Three L Use planning planning zoning for the future The Problem of Waste municipal solid waste, hazardous waste, recycling clean-up Taking personal responsibility for the Earth 13. construct a web page to educate others about a science investigation they performed. 66. describe the main features of global climate. 67. describe the main forms of l use explain the concept of zoning. 68. explain the concept of sustainable l use. 69. describe l use decision-making processes. 70. describe the concept of a throwaway society. 71. describe the operation of a modern lfill. 72. show the approximate proportion of various wastes. 73. underst how changes in the chemistry of wastes over time have affected the way we dispose of wastes. 74. classify wastes as hazardous non-hazardous, biodegradable non-biodegradable. 75. offer suggestions for better ways to manage wastes in the future including the three Rs. Text Ch 13, 14, 15 Internet media sources Simulation of l use planning zoning Analysis of our personal waste stream Unit Test or Quiz 1, 3 Activities/Methods: Analysis discussion of global warming Waste reclamation laboratory extracting copper from solution Power Point presentations on the wasteful society Student presentations on waste issues in the Valley, US, world Web sites of world environmental issues (BLA resources) Discussion of personal responsibility to the environment
ELO Environmental Systems - These performance objectives include the. If a objective has not been restated as an ELO it will still be covered in the course but may not be emphasized. At the completion of the respective unit students will be able to: Introduction 1. state the steps in the scientific method. 2. write a testable hypothesis for a science investigation. 3. identify variables in a science investigation. 4. design conduct an experiment relating two variables. 5. record analyze data from a science investigation. 6. write a conclusion for a science investigation. 7. organize write a lab report using purpose, hypothesis, procedure, results, conclusion. Skills 8. state the main safety rules for laboratory field investigations. 9. conduct themselves safely in a lab or field environment. 10. properly use lab field equipment safety gear. 11. properly use measurement devices technology. 12. use the internet other technology sources to conduct investigations. 13. construct a web page to educate others about a science investigation they performed. Ecosystems Unit 14. identify environmental issues that affect them in their local, state, regional, global lives. 15. identify local, state, regional, global habitats, ecosystems biomes. 16. identify native plants animals of the RGV describe their roles in the environment. 17. identify biotic abiotic components of ecosystems describe their effects. 18. analyze draw conclusions about the roles of man in the environment, his impacts on ecosystems, his responsibility to conserve preserve resources. 19. describe biogeochemical cycles for the major nutrients: carbon, nitrogen, water, phosphorus, sulfur, etc. 20. analyze energy flow in food chains food webs predict impacts of alterations to these. 21. recognize pyramids of energy biomass explain the relationships of these to the laws of thermodynamics. 22. identify the major community interactions (predation, parasitism, commensalism, mutualism, competition) explain how organisms ( man) are connected to each other by these. 23. identify explain the differences between the two main types of community succession. 24. explain the concepts of species richness diversity explain how these concepts are correlated with habitat size, fragmentation, stability, climate. Mineral Unit 25. describe the structure of the four main spheres of earth: lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere. 26. identify the core, mantle, crust of the earth describe their roles in plate tectonics. 27. describe the five main outcomes of plate tectonics: divergence or rifting, subduction, trench formation, mountain building, transform faults. 28. identify 20 common minerals 20 common types of rocks using stardized tests of properties such as hardness, luster, cleavage, etc. 29. analyze the environmental impacts of mineral extraction.
Energy Unit 30. make conversions among various types of kinetic potential energy using equations for work, energy, force, power. 31. analyze renewable nonrenewable fuels for their energy content environmental impacts. 32. analyze sources consumption of various energy types, especially fossil fuels, on a local, regional, global basis. 33. calculate current energy reserves predict future supplies dem. 34. analyze pros cons of alternative energy sources for the future. Population Unit 35. calculate population growth rates from birth death rates rates of immigration emigration. 36. calculate population doubling times using the rule of 70. 37. construct interpret population histograms showing rapid, moderate, slow growth. 38. graph exponential logistic growth curves use them to explain the concepts of doubling time carrying capacity. 39. explain the concept of the demographic transition use it to predict changes in world population growth. 40. estimate the human carrying capacity for earth. 41. discuss the causes effects of rapid human population growth over the past few hundred years the economic environmental impacts of that growth. Agriculture Unit 42. describe the features of modern, industrial agriculture compare contrast them to traditional agriculture techniques. 43. describe the factors responsible for the Green Revolution(s). 44. compare the diets of people in the MDCs with those of LDCs. 45. describe the environmental impacts of growing food, especially erosion, pesticide exposure, groundwater depletion, loss of biodiversity, pollution. 46. describe the major types of genetic technology related to food production. 47. discuss the problems potential solutions related to overfishing of wild fish populations the increased use of fish farms. 48. describe the main features concepts of Integrated Pest Management. 49. describe the principles of organic farming discuss how these principles promote a sustainable future. Biodiversity Unit 50. list describe the main factors responsible for a loss of biodiversity in natural manmade ecosystems; especially habitat loss, over-consumption, non-native species, environmental degradation, other human impacts. 51. describe some of the best-known threatened or endangered species around the world discuss causes for their predicament measures being taken to address their plight. 52. describe what people are doing to restore habitats in the RGV elsewhere underst the role each individual can take to help. 53. discuss the reasons why we should attempt to maintain biodiversity around the world.
Water Air Unit 54. describe water resources of Earth factors related to supply dem for fresh water. 55. describe the features functions of the water cycle its role as a recycling system for fresh water on the planet. 56. describe the problems of water distribution water quality offer potential solutions. 57. graph a water budget for the US showing main consumptive uses of water. 58. offer suggestions for ways to manage water for the future. 59. list describe the main sources of water pollutants categorize them as point or nonpoint sources. 60. recognize the importance of water quality stards as set by the EPA other government agencies. 61. conduct water quality tests of water samples determine levels of inorganic organic pollutants microbial contamination. 62. describe the steps in water treatment for producing drinking water from a surface source for treating waste water. 63. describe the composition main layers of the atmosphere. 64. list describe the main sources of air pollution. 65. discuss the causes potential solutions to air pollution issues including smog, acid rain, ozone depletion, global warming, indoor air pollution. 66. describe the main features of global climate weather including the greenhouse effect. L Use Waste Unit 67. describe the main forms of l use explain the concept of zoning. 68. explain the concept of sustainable l use. 69. describe the usual decision-making process used to make l-use decisions. 70. describe the concept of a throwaway society discuss why there is no such thing as away. 71. describe the features operation of a modern lfill. 72. show on a pie chart the approximate proportion of wastes from various sources. 73. underst how changes in the chemistry of wastes over time have affected the way we need to dispose of wastes. 74. classify wastes as hazardous non-hazardous, biodegradable non-biodegradable. 75. offer suggestions for better ways to manage wastes in the future including the three Rs.