• Examine how we can use rock strata and the fossil record to organize the relative order of  historical events in Earth’s history.

• Recognize that plate tectonics is the unifying theory that explains movements of rocks at Earth’s surface and geological history. 

• Understand energy flows and matter cycles within and among Earth’s systems, including the sun and Earth’s interior as primary energy sources. Study the water cycle, and how changes the properties of water and movement of water impact Earth’s systems.

• Describe the complex interactions that determine local weather patterns and influence climate, including the role of the ocean.

• Describe how humans depend on the Earth for different resources, and analyze how human activities have impacted Earth’s biosphere and climate. Map the history of natural hazards in a region and understand related geological forces.

• Evaluate ways to reduce the impact of global warming.

When Studying Earth and Space Science You May Find Students:

• Developing models to describe the cycling of water through Earth’s systems and to describe the processes that determine regional climates.

• Constructing explanations based on evidence for how geoscience processes (e.g., earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.) have changed Earth’s surface.

• Analyzing and interpreting data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects.

• Constructing an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth’s systems, and applying scientific principles to design a method for minimizing human impact on the environment

Unit 1 Ecology and Ecosystems: Overview 

Unit 1 introduces students to the core concepts of environmental science and the challenges humans must overcome to achieve sustainability. It presents students with an ecological approach to understanding energy inputs and the biogeochemical cycles and interactions among Earth’s spheres that sustain the planet’s “life support system.”

• Chapter 1 teaches the key factors of sustainability and how humans affect the environment. 

• Chapter 2 discusses the practices of science and engineering, and defines and explains matter, energy, and systems.

• Chapter 3 describes Earth’s major spheres and ecosystem components, and the flow of energy and cycling of matter within ecosystems.

• Engineering Project 1 explores possible methods to treat contaminated soil.

Unit 2 Biodiversity: Overview

In this unit, students will learn about biodiversity and how the diversity of habitats and ecosystems has influenced the abundance of species on Earth. 

• Chapter 4 explores how biodiversity and evolution are vital to sustaining life.

• Chapter 5 focuses on the relationships among individuals and populations in ecosystems.

• Chapter 6 identifies connections among Earth’s systems, focusing primarily on the major types of ecosystems and their climates.

• Engineering Project 2 explores ways to assess and monitor a local species.

Unit 3 Sustaining Biodiversity: Overview

In this unit, students will learn how to approach the important tasks of conserving ecosystems and sustaining biodiversity. They will also collect and use evidence to develop arguments for beneficial ecosystem management solutions.

• Chapter 7 explains the negative and positive roles that humans play in species and ecosystems services.

• Chapter 8 describes how to better manage forest, grasslands, and protected land and to protect terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity through an ecosystem approach.

• Engineering Project 3 explores possible designs for environmentally friendly solar cookers.

Unit 4 Environmental Quality: Overview

In this unit, students will learn about myriad solutions people are investigating to protect crucial Earth systems. They will also evaluate the benefits, costs, and viability of various proposals at different scales.

• Chapter 9 explores food security and production, environmental issues related to food production, and managing agricultural pests. 

• Chapter 10 illustrates fresh water supplies, sustainability, and pollution.

• Chapter 11 describes geological processes and Earth’s mineral resources.

• Chapter 12 defines net energy and its importance, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using fossil fuels and nuclear power.

• Chapter 13 explains the importance of energy efficiency, renewable energy resources, and a more sustainable energy future.

• Engineering Project 4 explores possible designs for energy-efficient, wind-powered generators.

Unit 5 Environmental Concerns: Overview

Students will examine various health risks associated with urbanization, economic inequality, pollution, and lifestyle choices, and evaluate different points of view about our responsibilities to each other as global citizens.

• Chapter 14 highlights the environmental concerns associated with human population growth. 

• Chapter 15 explores the risks associated with environmental and technological changes and how we can reduce them.

• Chapter 16 examines the major environmental issues related to Earth’s atmosphere.

• Chapter 17 highlights the environmental challenges involved with producing, handling, and disposing of society’s waste.

• Chapter 18 examines the intersection of environmental systems, economics, politics, and worldviews.

• Engineering Project 5 explores ways to build a carbon-capturing device.

High School Language Expectations

High School Science Language Expectations