Earth and Environmental Science Class Introduction

1. Earth and
Environmental Science
Class Introduction
Instructor: Robin D. Seamon

2. Earth & Environmental Science
A scientific study of the natural world and how
it is influenced by people.
MAJOR TOPICS:
Energy
Human Population
Food
Biodiversity
Global Change

3. WHAT WILL WE DO?
1. examine patterns and processes in the natural
world
2. look at how these patterns & processes are
modified by human activity
3. consider the sustainability of these human
activities on the planet

4. We’ll take a look at scientific principles and how
they interact in the natural world
• PHYSICAL PROCESSES
• CHEMICAL PROCESSES
• BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

5. -INTERCONNECTIONS-
A goal of this class is to understand the
interconnection of these processes within and
among the spheres of the Earth and to recognize
our individual roles within this system.

6. SOME QUESTIONS WE’LL CONSIDER:
Astronomy- What is the Earth’s role as a body in space?
Lithosphere- How does the lithosphere change naturally
and by human activity?
Atmosphere- What makes weather? How does it affect
climate? What human activities influence climate?
Hydrosphere- What factors influence the hydrosphere?
How do the hydrosphere and human activities affect one
another?
Energy- What is it and how do we harness it? What
effects result from our usage?
Biosphere- How do the spheres interact to individually
and collectively affect life? How does human population
and activity alter the biosphere?

7. WHAT IS AN INTERTWINING FEATURE?
ENERGY

8. As we travel through the units, we will keep
an eye out for sources and usages of Energy.
• What is the Energy Source?
• Is it able to be harnessed?
• What are the pros?
• What are the cons?
• Is it cost-effective?
• Is it sustainable?
Sustainability- ability to be maintained at a certain
rate or level without disruption to the ecological
balance

9. Finally, we’ll consider our own ecological
footprint on the planet.
ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT
- the impact of a person or community on the
environment, expressed as the amount of land
required to sustain their use of natural
resources

11. HONOR’S POSTER PROJECT
Poster Project Overview:
Students will research an environmental issue that is
prevalent in the world today. Students are going to
research and cover the following:
Introduction:
What is the issue?
History behind the issue
What effect this issue is having on the environment?
Main Section/Part:
The causes of this issue?
Environmental impact
The implication for the Earth is this issue continues or gets
worse?
What steps are or can be taken to slow
down/stop/eradicate this issue?
Future:
Are there any laws in place to combat this issue?
Plan to fix the issue
Poster must include:
Title
Introduce the issue
Discuss the issue (using the info and components above)
State environmental effect and concern from this issue
Pictures of the issue (at least 4) designed to fit in well with
the poster
Conclusion – future concerns or changes (good and or bad)
for the Earth, what can YOU do to help the issue?
Section of
Poster:
What must be included: Points
allocated
Info and Title Name, Issue, date 1
Research Issue has been researched thoroughly
using various sources (cited).
25
Environmental
Issue Effects
Stating what happens to the
environment, after effects, human
effects, animal effects, physical effects,
chemical effects
25
Combatting the
ISSUE
What measures can or have been
taken to combat this environmental
issue – laws, regulation, companies,
activists, data supporting positive
change, articles showing progress
25
Poster
Presentation
Formatted correctly, easily readable,
informative (words and pictures), start
middle and end flow
24