Environmental Science Fall

Students will go beyond the basic concepts of ecology learned in previous courses to investigate and discuss environmental case studies and local field research to develop an understanding of complex environmental issues. Students will explore their own value systems regarding the environment and land-use decision-making. Focus will be placed on system interactions, local and global resources, and human impact on these systems and resources. Some topics may include: population/community ecology, biodiversity, landscapes, history of conservation, low impact development, riparian restoration, and forestry management. Environmental readings and outdoor field studies will be required. Each semester of Environmental Science will build on the concepts covered in prior semesters. Students must complete Environmental Science Fall to progress to the Environmental Science Spring curriculum.

School Competencies
  • Critical Thinking (Problem Solving & Analysis - Foundational)
  • Interpretation (Problem Solving & Analysis - Foundational)
  • Logical Processing (Problem Solving & Analysis - Foundational)
  • Innovation (Problem Solving & Analysis - Advanced)
  • Sustainable Living (Wellness - Advanced)
Course Competencies
  • Ecology and Energy – Within a given ecosystem, students will predict how the interactions between biota and abiotic factors will affect the survival of populations of organisms and the ecosystem as a whole.
  • Human Interactions and Ecology – Given a specific topic, students will design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
  • Sustainability and Energy – Given a set of parameters, such as projected land use and energy needs, students will judge the sustainability of organisms, populations, ecosystems and biomes. Students will predict future outcomes through analysis and via data collection and interpretation. Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales.
Credits

.5

Grades

11-12