Course title

Pre-requisite

Course description

Environmental Science offers a unique and compelling way to learn about the world you live in. Course curriculum is designed to give students authentic thought-provoking experiences about the relationship humans have with their environment . Lessons incorporate data derived from real-world case studies with modern collection and analysis techniques. Applying the science empowers students to make choices and interact as both local and global citizens. Hands-on and minds-on experiences reinforce that science is grounded in real events and real places. Environmental Science shows students how they can use science to change the world they live in.

Texts and Materials: Environmental Science
Essentials of Oceanography

Essential questions for the course include:
How do Scientists uncover; research; and solve environmental problems?
How can we best balance our own interests and the needs with the health of the environment?
How do the nonliving parts of Earth’s systems provide the basic materials to support life?
How do changes in populations relate to environmental conditions?
Why is it so important to protect biodiversity?
What is the relationship between environmental health and our own health?
How can we use Earth’s resources sustainably?
What are the potential uses and limitations of renewable energy sources?
What are the causes and consequences of a warming Earth?
How do our choices as consumers and waste producers affect our environment?

Course Scope and Sequence:
Economics and Environmental Policy
Case: Cleaning the Tides of San Diego and Tijuana
Earth’s Environmental Systems
Case: The Gulf of Mexico’s Dead Zone
Population Ecology
Case: Finding Gold in a Costa Rican Cloud Forest
Biomes and Aquatic Ecosystems
Case: Too Much of a Good Thing?
Biodiversity and Conservation
Case: Saving the Siberian Tiger
Human Populations; Environmental Health; and Urbanization
Case: China’s One Child Policy and The rise and fall and rise? of DDT.
Forestry and Resource Management
Case: Battling Over Clayoquot’s Big Trees
Soil; Water; and Atmospheric Resources
Case: Looking for Water in the Desert. Charging toward cleaner
Air in London
Global Climate Change
Case: Rising Seas May Flood the Maldive Islands
Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy
Case: Oil or Wilderness on Alaska’s North Slope?

Methodology:
Students will engage in a variety of individual and group laboratories; research data; and present laboratory data and conclusions individually or in group presentations. Lessons and Laboratories are designed to challenge students to learn; apply; demonstrate; engage and defend their knowledge and proficiency of the material.

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High school

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Requested competency code

Date submitted

Approved

Approved competency code

• LINT
• Integrated science

Approved date

Online / Virtual