PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

1. The learner will collect and interpret data utilizing various sources and techniques.

2. Given an example of a living organisms (e.g. physical specimen or description on paper), the learner will use various characteristics for identification and the interpretation of its relationship to the environment.

3. The learner will trace the energy flow in an ecosystem by use of charts, diagrams or models.

4. The learner will research the various energy sources available to mankind and devise a system that is best suited to use in their community (including reasoning for their choice).

5. The learner will target a source of pollution within their community and propose a solution to significantly reduce or eliminate the pollution problem.

6. When given a list of current conservation techniques being used in society, the learner will make decisions concerning the management of natural resources in a simulation or model.

7. The learner will explore the various career opportunities available dealing with the study of environmental science.

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES

The learner will :

A. SCIENCE PROCESSES AND SKILLS

1. develop skills in observing, classifying, predicting, making inferences, measuring, communicating findings to others, and collecting, interpreting and recording data.

2. demonstrate skills in using space/time relationships.

3. engage in scientific experimentation including formulation of hypotheses, decision making skills, drawing conclusions and the development of models.

4. distinguish necessary science skills that will be useful in the world of work.

B. CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING THINGS

1. develop the skills necessary to decide whether something is a living organism.

2. demonstrate the ability to identify and classify living organisms according to their characteristics (e.g. using proper manuals or dichotomous keys).

3. list the requirements of living things.

4. investigate and recognize interrelationships of living things within a given system.

C. ENERGY RELATIONSHIPS

1. recognize the importance of the transfer of the energy from the sun into the use of that energy by green plants to carry out their life functions.

2. investigate the reliance and relationships of other living things to that of green plants.

3. list and investigate the various cycles involved in the life process.

4. develop an understanding of the role that plants play in the capturing of energy in fuel sources such as wood, coal, petroleum and natural gas.

5. investigate the chemical changes that take place during photosynthesis, respiration, and oxidation.

6. recognize the energy connections among the processes of photosynthesis, respiration, and oxidation that occur in living things.

D. ENERGY SOURCES AND SUPPLY

1. list the various energy sources available for current use.

2. explain why there are shortages in various energy sources.

3. investigate the effects of the different energy shortages on humankind.

4. analyze some of the various types of energy related vocations.

E. POLLUTION

1. develop a definition for the term pollution.

2. define the term ecosystem.

3. identify and define the following chemical and physical aspects concerning water pollution: oxygen; carbon dioxide; acidity, alkalinity, and hardness; nitrogen; phosphorus; suspended and dissolved solids; and other pollutants.

4. identify and define the following biological aspects of pollution: eutrophication, bottom fauna, bacteria, algae, zooplankton, and fish.

5. identify and define the following aspects concerning air pollution: our atmosphere, air pollution (its causes and nature), airborne particles, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydro-carbons, ozone, lead, other pollutants, nature at work, photochemical smog, and air quality standards.

6.explain in detail and define the following topics in pollution: population explosion, noise pollution, solid wastes disposal, sewage treatment, pesticides in the environment, thermal pollution, radiation pollution, oil pollution, and pulp mill pollution.

F. CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

1. list the various natural resources.

2. investigate, in detail, the current methods of management and use of natural resources as it relates to soils, forest, minerals, and other raw materials.

G. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE WORK APPLICATIONS

1. recognize occupational opportunities in the environmental sciences.

2. relate the importance of jobs found in environmental science and technology to the possibilities for personal accomplishments.

3. identify working conditions to a variety of environmental science careers.

4. recognize education needed for a variety of environmental science careers.

5. identify skills needed for environmental science careers.