DESCRIPTION:
This course emphasizes the study of environmental science. The course is presented in two semesters.
Semester 1 consists of four units that include an introduction to the earth, sky, and water, biogeochemical cycles and energy flow, biological hierarchy and biomes, and human populations and their effects on the environment.
Semester 2 consists of four units that include traditional fuels, alternative fuels, air and water pollution, and waste management and society’s role in the environment.
CREDITS:
1 Credit
PREREQUISITES:
There are no prerequisites for this course.
STANDARDS:
This course is aligned to Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and Colorado P-12 Academic Standards.
Unit 1: Introduction to the Earth, Sky and Water
Introduction to Environmental Science
Earth’s History
Plate Tectonics
Earth’s Atmosphere
Weather and Climate
Atmospheric Circulation
Earth’s Water
Water Use
Water Conservation
Unit 1 Test
Unit 2: Biogeochemical Cycles and Energy Flow
Rock Cycle
Soil
Soil Conservation
Ecology
Evolution and Biodiversity
Energy Flow in Ecosystems
Nutrient Cycles
Water Cycle
Unit 2 Test
Unit 3: Biological Hierarchy and Biomes
Population Ecology
Community Ecology
Ecological Succession
Threatened and Endangered Species
Protecting Biodiversity
Terrestrial Biomes
Aquatic Life Zones
Freshwater Life Zones
Unit 3 Test
Unit 4: Human Populations and their Effects on the Environment
Population Age Structure
Effects of a Growing Human Population
Food Resources
Pest Management
Forestry
Rangelands
Land Conservation
Mining
Fisheries
Unit 4 Test
Unit 5: Traditional Fuels
Introduction to Energy
Energy Consumption History
Fossil Fuels
Coal
Synthetic Fuels
Unit 5 Test
Unit 6: Alternative Fuels
Introduction to Nuclear Ene
Nuclear Power Plants
Nuclear Energy and Environment
Hydroelectric Power
Tides and Waves
Solar Energy
Wind Power
Geothermal Power
Hydrogen Fuel
Energy Efficiency
Unit 6 Test
Unit 7: Air and Water Pollution
Introduction to Air Pollution
Acid Deposition
Climate Change
Reducing Air Pollution
Noise Pollution
Water Pollution
Unit 7 Test
Unit 8: Waste Management and Society’s Role in Environment
Sewage Treatment
Solid Waste
Hazardous Waste
Environmental Health
Sustainable Cities
Environmental Economics
Unit 8 Test