Environmental Science

Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Biological Change: Unity and Diversity

Earth’s Systems

Earth and Human Activity

Links Among Engineering, Technology, Science, and Society

Applications of Science

Using a variety of data sources, construct an explanation for the impact of climate, latitude, altitude, geology, and hydrology patterns on plant and animal life in various terrestrial biomes.

Develop an explanation of behavioral and physical adaptations organisms have for life in aquatic habitats with varying chemical and physical features. 

Using mathematical models, support arguments regarding the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on carrying capacity for populations within an ecosystem.

Compare and contrast production (photosynthesis, chemosynthesis) and respiratory (aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration, consumption, decomposition) processes responsible for the cycling of matter and flow of energy through an ecosystem. Using evidence, construct an argument regarding the importance of homeostasis in maintaining these processes in ecosystems. 

Use a mathematical model to explain energy flow through an ecosystem. Using the first and second laws of thermodynamics, construct an explanation for: A) necessity for constant energy input; B) limitations on energy transfer from one trophic level to the next; and, C) limitations on number of trophic levels that can be supported. 

Evaluate the interdependence among major biogeochemical cycles (water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus) in an ecosystem and recognize the importance each cycle has in maintaining ecosystem stability.

Examine stability and change within an ecosystem by using a model of succession (primary or secondary) to predict impacts of disruption on an ecosystem.

Construct an explanation based on scientific evidence for mechanisms of natural selection that result in behavioral, anatomical, and physiological adaptations in populations. 

Justify claims with scientific evidence that changes in environmental conditions lead to speciation and extinction.

Evaluate the impact of habitat fragmentation and destruction, invasive species, overharvesting, pollution, and climate change on biodiversity (genetic, species, and ecosystem). 

Engage in argument from scientific evidence critiquing effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act. Give specific examples to support your argument. 

Research the development of the theory of plate tectonics. Use the theory to construct an explanation for how changes in Earth’s crust cause mountain formation, volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Provide evidence to support the explanation using information pertaining to plate boundary types (divergent, convergent, transform). 

Considering Earth’s position within our solar system, use a model to demonstrate the causes of day length, seasons, and climate. 

Analyze the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere. Obtain information and use graphs to observe patterns regarding stability and change within the Earth’s atmospheric composition (O2, N2, CO2, etc.) over geologic time.

Differentiate weather and climate and analyze and interpret data examining naturally occurring patterns pertaining to each.

Plan and carry out an investigation examining the chemical and physical properties of water and the impact of water on Earth’s topography. Analyze data and share findings. 

Develop a model to explain soil formation and the flow of matter in the rock cycle. 

Research Earth’s natural resources (renewable and nonrenewable resources). Construct an argument from evidence supporting the claim that a particular type of resource is important for humans.

Interpret graphical data representing global human population growth over time. Look for patterns within this data and construct possible explanations for the patterns. Revise the explanations as needed based on research. 

Obtain and evaluate information regarding demographics for a variety of countries. Construct an explanation for varying fertility rates and life expectancies between countries and throughout human history. Taking into account demographic transition, predict what trends are likely to occur in various countries over time.

Gather, organize, analyze, and present data on current land use trends by humans. Based on analysis, predict future trends.

Plan and carry out an investigation examining best management practices in water usage, agriculture, forestry, urban/suburban development, mining, or fishing and communicate findings.

Use a model to make predictions regarding the impact of topsoil loss due to erosion resulting from human activity. Design, evaluate, and revise a solution to preserve topsoil.

Construct an argument including claim, evidence, and scientific reasoning regarding the impact of the Green Revolution on agricultural practices, food availability, and the environment. 

Research information on the environmental impacts of genetically modified organisms and engage in debate regarding pros and cons of this agricultural technology. 

Evaluate ecosystem services provided by forests ecosystems. Construct an explanation for human impact on these services.

Using scientific data, analyze effectiveness of conservation versus preservation efforts. Obtain and communicate information on organizations involved in protecting natural resources.

Define problems and suggest solutions associated with using, conserving, and recycling energy and mineral resources taking into account economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits.

Ask questions about technology needed to develop alternative energy sources and obtain information from various sources to answer those questions. 

Analyze and interpret data on the effects of land, water, and air pollution on the environment and on human health. Propose solutions for minimizing pollution from specific sources. 

Obtain and communicate information on environmental laws pertaining to the regulation of pollution and on regulatory agencies. Provide a specific example of how a given business/industry would comply with such regulations. 

Evaluate current methods of waste management and reduction and design possible improvements. 

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate scientific information tracing the breakdown of ozone caused by chlorofluorocarbons and the effectiveness of efforts to address this environmental problem. 

Using mathematics and computational thinking, analyze data linking human activity to climate change. Design solutions to address human impacts on climate change. 

Use mathematics to calculate ecological footprints. Develop a personal plan for reducing your impact on the environment.

Engage in argument from evidence on the role engineering and technology play in a sustainable human society. 

Research and communicate information on an environmental science career. Analyze the role of society, engineering, technology, and science in that career. 

Plan and carry out an investigation of a local ecosystem to assess human impacts. Based on your findings, design and evaluate a solution to minimize impacts.