Welcome to Environmental Science at North-Grand!
Course Purpose and
Description:
The Environmental Science course will introduce students to
the interdisciplinary study of how humans interact with the natural
environment. The course combines biology, ecology, Earth science, chemistry,
physics, and social sciences to uncover the complex relationships between
humans and living and non-living systems on the Earth. Topics include
ecosystems, food webs, populations dynamics, biodiversity, the atmosphere,
climate, air, water, land, soil, food and agriculture, renewable and
non-renewable resources, energy, waste, sustainability, economics and decision
making related to these issues.
Course Objectives:
1. Students
will learn the concepts, methods, and vocabulary of environmental science at a deep level.
2. Students
will learn to design and run experiments and investigations into the nature and function of environmental
systems.
3. Students
will develop critical thinking and science skills so they can analyze, understand, and affect the world in a
positive way.
4. Students
will prepare to succeed in other science classes including AP science during their
time at NGHS.
5. Students
will prepare to succeed on the ACT exam to give them options for college and careers.
Texts:
Environmental Science, Holt Publishing 2004
Climate Changed, Squarzoni, Abrams Publishing 2014 (honors)
The Cartoon Guide to the Environment, Gornick and Putwater,
Harper Resources, 1996
Silent Spring, 14th ed., Rachel Carson, Houghton
Mifflin, 1962
Periodicals such as Scientific
American, National Geographic,
Discover, etc.
