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EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
THE ENVIRONMENT LESSONS
THE ENVIRONMENT LESSONS
Lessons are intended to take 1-2 days to complete (1.5-2 weeks)
Table of Contents
Click on the link in the Table of Contents to be taken to the lesson below.
Clean Water - What does it take?
7.ESS.1: The hydrologic cycle illustrates the changing states of water as it moves through the lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.
Overview: Students will be introduced to the field of Environmental Engineering, review the basics of water pollution, examine a water contamination issue facing the Ohio River Valley, and think like an engineer to create a water quality monitoring plan for a local water resource.
Lessons Developed by Corrie Nelson
Introduction to Environmental Engineering
Introduction to Environmental Engineering
Description: Students will learn about the work of environmental engineers through studying the problems they solve, with a focus on water, air and land quality issues.
The Basics of Water Pollution
The Basics of Water Pollution
Description: Students are invited to study the types of problems that environmental engineers solve, specifically focusing on water quality issues. Topics include the importance of clean water, the scarcity of fresh water, tap water contamination sources, and ways environmental engineers treat contaminated water.
Why do We Care About Water Quality?
Why do We Care About Water Quality?
Description: Students will realize the factors that affect water quality and the conditions that allow for different animals and plants to survive. They will assume the role of an engineer and use water quality information to make decisions about stream modifications and create a water quality monitoring plan for a local water resource.
Water Contamination in the Ohio River Valley
Water Contamination in the Ohio River Valley
Description: Students will apply the information regarding environmental engineering and water issues a really Ohio River Valley contamination issue that harmfully affects many people. Students will study the issue and read an article about the legal actions taken. They will then choose 3 of the activities on the Choice Board to show their understanding from the reading.
Create a Water Filtration Investigation
Create a Water Filtration Investigation
Description: Students will watch a short Clean Water Challenge Video and are invited to complete the Clean Water Challenge with their families. They may then add to their understanding from the week by choosing from several Science based activities allowing them to practice the work of an environmental engineer.
TAKING IT FURTHER
TAKING IT FURTHER
Environmental Science: Finding Solutions to Address Climate Change
ENV.ER.2: Air and air pollution • Primary and secondary contaminants • Greenhouse gases Quantifiable field and/or lab data are used to analyze and draw conclusions regarding air, water or land quality. Comparative analysis of scientific field or lab data should be used to quantify the environmental quality or conditions. Local data can also be compared to national and international data.
ENV.GP.3: Climate change This topic is a culminating section that incorporates the previous topics and applies them to a global or international scale. Technology can be used for comparative studies to share local data internationally so that specific quantifiable data can be compared and used in understanding the impact of some of the environmental problems that exist on a global scale. Researching contemporary discoveries, new technology and new discoveries can lead to an improvement in environmental management.
Lessons developed by Paula Roberts
How Science Works
How Science Works
Description: Students will gain a better understanding of the Nature of Science through a comparative study of the Scientific Process and the Scientific Method. They will then apply this knowledge when analyzing the process to determine the cause of ozone depletion and the creating the Montreal Protocol.
The Greenhouse Effect
The Greenhouse Effect
Description: Students will study and review the Greenhouse Effect and the causes. They will gain a better understanding of the factors that contribute to increased global temperature. They will then apply this knowledge when graphing and analyzing carbon dioxide concentrations and temperature changes over time.
Global Dimming
Global Dimming
Description: Students will be introduced to a phenomenon that contradicts global warming called global dimming. They will learn about the causes of global dimming and consider the ramifications of addressing global warming without addressing global dimming and vice versa.
Carbon Sequestration
Carbon Sequestration
Description: Students will determine if carbon sequestration is an effect means of off setting the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. They will consider sequestration of carbon vs. reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
What's Your Solution?
What's Your Solution?
Description: Students will practice the steps of creating a scientific argument. Then they will research and develop a scientific argument for a plan to address Climate Change.
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