Environmental Science (Year Long: Grades 7-12)

Environmental Science (Year Long: Grades 7-12)

Environmental Science

Self Paced

Full Year Course

2 Semesters Long



Grades: 7-12th    

Prerequisites: Biology  (recommended, but not required).

Description of Class: 

This course discusses the basic concepts of nature, species interactions, human impact, energy usage, and pollution. The course will integrate different components of biology, chemistry, and physical science to fully understand and conceptualize the different aspects of environmental science.


Class Approach: Students will work in Canvas and/or Google Classroom on 5-7 weekly assignments. Along the way, students will add assignments, notes, and diagrams to their science spiral notebook. 


Goals:

1. Understanding that science is a process.

Science is a method of learning more about the world. Science constantly changes the way we

understand the world.

2. Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes. Energy cannot be created; it must

come from somewhere. As energy flows through systems, at each step more of it becomes

unusable.

3. The Earth itself is one interconnected system. Natural systems change over time and space.

Biogeochemical systems vary in ability to recover from disturbances.

4. Humans alter natural systems. Humans have had an impact on the environment for millions

of years. Technology and population growth have enabled humans to increase both the rate and

scale of their impact on the environment.

5. Environmental problems have a cultural and social context. Understanding the role of cultural,

social and economic factors are vital to the development of solutions.

6. Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems.

A suitable combination of conservation and development is required. Management of common

resources are essential

.

Textbook: Various resources will be used in the class, but all chapters will be provided via pdf from Cengage, CK-12, Holt and Glencoe resources. 


Main Supplies/Resources Needed:

• Webcam, microphone, printer, and computer

• Spiral notebook for note-taking (90 pages or more)

• Notebook (journal), pens, pencils, scissors, tape, glue, computer paper, construction paper,

coloring pencils, markers, general craft supplies

• Play-doh or clay

• Cardboard box for diorama (small homemade or store bought themed pieces)

• Notecards, highlighter, and something to hold notecards for each week (ziploc bags)

• Newspaper, cardboard, and one poster board

• Dry erase mini board, dry erase markers for diagrams

• Various size plastic water bottles for mini biosphere project.

An additional lab supply list will be supplied to all registered families.


Requirements: The student will need access to a computer and wifi. Students will need to be able to upload images of work, upload video responses, and complete assignments.


Weekly Homework: Students will have 5-6 min assignments each week. In addition to weekly assignments, labs and online interactives are part of the curriculum. This course provides lots of hands-on activities and labs. 


Anticipated Weekly Course Topics:


Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems

You’ll begin to explore a view of planet Earth as one system made up of regional ecosystems

composed of interdependent environmental features, processes, and relationships between

species.


Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity

You’ll learn about the importance of biodiversity within ecosystems and the impact of outside

factors on the evolution of organisms.


Unit 3: Populations

You’ll examine how populations within ecosystems change over time, and the factors that affect

population growth.


Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

You’ll study the natural components that make up the environment, from geologic features to

the atmosphere and climate.


Unit 5: Land and Water Use

You’ll examine how humans use and consume natural resources, and the ways in which we

disrupt ecosystems, both positively and negatively.


Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption

You’ll learn about renewable and nonrenewable sources of energy, where they’re used, and

their impact on the environment.


Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution

You’ll learn more about air pollution, including how human actions can cause it, and you’ll

analyze legislation intended to regulate emissions and improve air quality.


Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

You’ll examine the impact of pollution on ecosystems and learn how to determine its source.


Unit 9: Global Change

You’ll come to understand the global impact of local and regional human activities and evaluate

and propose solutions.


Energy Resource Brochure Activity, Conservation Project, Review, Final Exam


Self Paced Option

$10/Week for 36 Weeks (2 Semesters)

=$360


Live Zoom Option

$25/Zoom for 36 Weeks (2 Semesters)

=$900

Payment plans available.


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