Earth, Space & Environmental Science - Semester - 2 (Environmental Science) (LAB)

Course Details:

Students study about the importance of our environment – the factors affecting it and why it’s

important to carefully watch it. The course delves into the effect of environmental degradation on

ecosystems and biodiversity – and the impact on humans. They also learn about the political factors

affecting environment sanity and the need to carefully evaluate the benefits vs. tradeoffs for various

commercial activities.

Required Materials (for labs):

• Staplers
• Scissors
• Desk lamp with a 60-watt bulb
• Black construction paper
• White construction paper
• Thermometer
• Chalk sticks 2” long – about 50mm each
• Clear glass cups
• Measuring cup
• White Vinegar
• Distilled water
• Masking tape
• Black (or any color) permanent marker
• Feathers that are at least 4” long and about the same size
• Rocks that are similar in shape and size
• Water
• Cooking Oil
• Paper towels large and absorbent
• Red Cabbage
• Kitchen Blender
• Kitchen Strainer
• Lids
• Small paper cup
• Baking soda
• Safety goggles
• Porcelain or Glass bowls
• Kitchen thermometer
• Access to Fridge with freezer
• Access to Stove / Burner to heat a pot of water
• Sheet to record data (lab sheet)

Prerequisites:

Middle School Science

Syllabus:

Section 1: Introduction

Objectives:

• Introduction to Science
• Collecting & Measuring Data
• Introduction to Environmental Science
• How Ethical beliefs affect the global climate and the efforts to aid reverse global warming like Going Green
• How personal Ethics affects the Environment
• Careers in Environmental Science

Lessons:

• Introduction to Science
• Data and Its Measurement
• Representing Data
• Introduction to Environmental Science
• Human Impact on the Environment
• Global Warming and Going Green
• Careers in Environmental Science

Section 2: The Science Behind Environmental Science

Objectives:

• The Foundations of Environmental Science
• Thinking from a System’s Perspective
• Introduction to the Concept of Energy
• Laws of Conservation of Energy

Lessons:

• Foundations of Environmental Science
• Systems Thinking
• Energy in Environmental Science
• Mechanical & Thermal Energy
• Conservation of Energy

Section 3: Biology & Environmental Science

Objectives:

• Populations and their dynamics
• Factors that affect biodiversity
• Sustainable practices & their implementation
• Global warming and its impact on the Environment

Lessons:

• Population Dynamics
• Biodiversity and Population Growth
• Sustainability
• Global Warming

Section 4: Case Studies

Objectives:

• What is DDT and what impact did DDT have on the Environment?
• Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” and its impact on policy
• Environmental issues related to the marine world
• What is MPRSA and how did it affect the wellbeing of the marine world?

Lessons:

• DDT
• Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring
• Protecting Our Marine World
• Impact of MPRSA

Section 5: Politics, Policy, Ethics & Leaders

Objectives:

• Which countries pollute the most and which countries suffer as a result
• How can countries make the environment a priority
• The role politics plays when it comes to environmental protection
• The role economics plays when it comes to environmental protection
• What can happen when our ethics guide our policies on the environment
• What role does the EPA play in the United States
• What are some of the key environmental initiatives pursued by various countries
• Who are some leaders who are risking their lives to protect the environment

Lessons:

• Who Pollutes, Who Pays
• Making Environment a Priority
• The Politics of Environmental Protection
• Economics & The Environment
• Ethics & The Environment
• Role of the EPA
• Environmental Initiatives
• Thought Leaders