Title: Introduction to Environmental Science
Description:
This presentation for the introduction to environmental science is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the subject. It begins with an overview of environmental science, which is defined as the interdisciplinary study of the natural world and the impact of human activities on it. This is followed by a description of the various fields encompassed by environmental science, including biology, geology, chemistry, physics, ecology, economics, sociology, and political science.
The scientific method and its relevance to environmental science are explained in the next slide. The scientific method is a systematic approach to investigating phenomena in the natural world, and it involves making observations, asking questions, formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments or gathering data, analyzing the results, and drawing conclusions. Environmental scientists use the scientific method to study environmental phenomena, such as pollution, climate change, and conservation strategies.
Followed by the concept of systems thinking as a way of understanding the world as interconnected systems, rather than as isolated parts. In environmental science, ecosystems are seen as complex networks of living and non-living components that interact with each other and with the environment. Systems thinking helps to identify the connections and impacts of human activities on the environment, leading to more effective solutions.
Another slide focuses on the practical applications of environmental science in various fields, such as conservation biology, environmental policy, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, pollution control, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. These applications have the potential to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
In conclusion, the presentation on the introduction to environmental science aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the subject, its relevance, and its potential applications. It emphasizes the importance of scientific methods, systems thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration in studying and solving environmental challenges.
3. Learning objectives
● Understand the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science
● Learn about the scientific method and its application in environmental
science
● Understand systems thinking and its importance in environmental science
● Understand the practical applications of environmental science
5. Processing questions:
1. What are some specific examples of human activities that contribute to
climate change, and how might we reduce or mitigate these impacts?
2. The video discusses the concept of ecological footprint. What is meant
by this term, and how can individuals and society as a whole reduce their
ecological footprint?
3. The video suggests that environmental challenges such as climate
change are complex and require interdisciplinary solutions. What fields
of study or areas of expertise might need to be involved in addressing
these challenges, and how might they collaborate to find effective
solutions?
9. The Scientific Method and Environmental
Science
● Scientific method is a systematic approach to investigating phenomena
in the natural world
● Involves making observations, asking questions, formulating hypotheses,
conducting experiments or gathering data, analyzing the results, and
drawing conclusions
● Used in environmental science to study environmental phenomena, such
as pollution, climate change, and conservation strategies
10. Systems Thinking and Environmental Science
● Systems thinking is a way of understanding the world as interconnected
systems, rather than as isolated parts
● In environmental science, ecosystems are seen as complex networks of
living and non-living components that interact with each other and with
the environment
● Systems thinking helps to identify the connections and impacts of
human activities on the environment, leading to more effective
solutions
11. Applications of Environmental Science
Environmental science has practical applications in a variety of fields,
including:
● Conservation biology
● Environmental policy
● Sustainable agriculture
● Renewable energy
● Pollution control
● Climate change mitigation and adaptation
12. Self-Check
Answer the following 5-item quiz on your handout to check in what you
have learned for today discussion by clicking the link below or scan the
QR code provided.
https://bit.ly/3MvSziV
13. Conclusion
● Environmental science is a critical field for understanding the impact of
human activities on the environment
● Scientific methods and systems thinking are important tools for studying
and solving environmental challenges
● Applications of environmental science have the potential to create a
more sustainable and equitable future for all.
14. For your Performance Task
● Form a group of minimum 5 and maximum of 7 members.
● Choose a location that is facing environmental issues, such as pollution,
deforestation, climate change, or loss of biodiversity. Make sure that
there is enough information available on the case study.
● Conduct research on the environmental issues in the chosen location,
including the causes, impacts, and potential solutions. Use credible
sources such as scientific articles, reports, and news articles.
● Please refer to the handout uploaded in the Google classroom for more
information.
15. For your exit ticket, click the link provided or
scan the QR code;
https://bit.ly/43i9QlN
