ILLUMINATION LEARNING

Environmental Science 𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡

Name: Environmental Science 𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡
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Term Term 1 𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 Term 2 𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 Term 3 𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 Term 4 𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡

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About the Course

This course, Earth Science, is intended for high school students who want to earn extra credits or are repeating the course. It highlights key concepts and discusses the Earth's processes, properties, structure, and biotic evolution. This course also touches upon key phenomena that are essential for the maintenance of life on our planet. All courses are written to the Common Core.

The book offers two kinds of end-of-chapter questions for students:

Review Questions: Basic recall questions from every module in the chapter are either in open-choice or MCQ format.

Critical Thinking Questions: Advanced-level conceptual questions allow students to showcase their understanding by applying their learnings from every module to the entire chapter. These questions require out-of-the-box reasoning and thinking about the concepts.

Environmental Science – Term 1

Chapter 1: Understanding Ecological Systems

Developing Models to Analyze Biological Organization Levels

1. Introduction

Definition and Importance of Ecological Systems
Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling
The Role of Biodiversity
Levels of Biological Organization Overview

2. Levels of Biological Organization

2.1 Organism: The Fundamental Unit of Life

Definition of Organism Level
Importance of Studying Organisms
Examples of Organisms

Plants (Oak Tree, Sunflower, Grass, Algae, Moss)
Animals (African Elephant, Monarch Butterfly, House Sparrow, Great White Shark, Red Fox)
Bacteria (E. coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Nitrosomonas, Lactobacillus, Cyanobacteria)
Fungi (Shiitake Mushroom, Yeast, Penicillium, Mycorrhizae, Black Bread Mold)

2.2 Population: The Building Blocks of Ecological and Evolutionary Dynamics

Definition of Population
Population Dynamics (Size, Density, Distribution, Age Structure, Genetic Diversity)
Population Models

Exponential Growth
Logistic Growth

Examples of Populations

Deer in a Forest
Bacteria in a Petri Dish
Penguins in Antarctica
Trees in a Rainforest

2.3 Community: The Network of Interactions within Ecosystems

Definition of Community
Types of Species Interactions

Competition
Predation
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism

Community Models

Food Webs
Interaction Networks

Examples of Communities

Coral Reef Community
Forest Community
Grassland Community

2.4 Ecosystem: The Interconnected Web of Life

Definition of Ecosystem
Energy Flow Diagrams and Energy Pyramids
Nutrient Cycling Models
Examples of Ecosystems

Pond Ecosystem
Desert Ecosystem
Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem
Coral Reef Ecosystem

2.5 The Biosphere: Understanding the Global Interconnectedness of Earth's Systems

Definition of the Biosphere
Impact of Human Activities
Global Climate Models (GCMs)
Carbon Cycle Models
Importance of Biosphere Studies

3. Developing and Using Models

Student Activity: Modeling a Pond Ecosystem

Introduction to Pond Ecosystem
Data Collection (Fieldwork or Data Sets)
Model Construction (Food Web Diagram, Graphing Relationships)
Analysis

Invasive Species Impact
Water Quality and Algal Blooms

4. Chapter Review

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (10 questions)
Multiple Choice Questions (10 questions)

Chapter 2: Investigating Abiotic Factors in Ecological Systems

1. Introduction

Definition of Abiotic Factors
Importance of Abiotic Factors in Shaping Ecosystems
Examples of Temperature, Soil, and Water Interactions

2. Key Abiotic Factors

2.1 The Role of Temperature in Ecological Systems

Impact on Metabolic Rates and Physiology

Ectothermic and Endothermic Organisms
Effects on Plant Photosynthesis

Influence on Reproduction and Life Cycles

Temperature-Dependent Breeding
Sex Determination in Reptiles

Temperature as a Determinant of Species Distribution

Adaptations to Warm and Cold Environments
Impacts of Climate Change on Species Range

Broader Ecological and Societal Implications

Coral Bleaching and Ocean Warming
Agricultural Impacts
Climate Adaptation Strategies

2.2 The Role of Soil Composition in Shaping Ecosystems

Soil pH and Plant Communities

Acidic vs. Alkaline Soils
Effects on Vegetation and Food Webs

Mineral Content and Nutrient Availability

Roles of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium
Nutrient Deficiency and Ecosystem Productivity

Soil Texture and Water Retention

Sandy, Clay, and Loamy Soils
Influence on Plant and Animal Communities

Cascading Effects on Ecosystem Dynamics

Impacts of Soil Degradation
Soil's Role in Carbon Sequestration

2.3 The Critical Role of Water Availability in Ecosystem Dynamics

Water Availability and Plant Growth

Photosynthesis and Turgor Pressure
Plant Adaptations to Water Scarcity

Cascading Effects on Herbivores and Predators

Adaptations in Arid Environments
Predator-Prey Dynamics

Extreme Cases: Desertification and Biodiversity Loss

Causes and Consequences
Effects on Ecosystem Services and Climate

Broader Ecological and Societal Implications

Impacts on Agriculture and Water Resources
Climate Change and Hydrological Cycle Disruptions

2.4 The Pivotal Role of Light Intensity in Ecosystem Dynamics

Light Intensity and Photosynthesis

Productivity in Sunlit vs. Shaded Environments
Grasslands vs. Forest Understories

Adaptations to Varying Light Conditions

Behavioral and Physiological Adaptations
Nocturnal and Crepuscular Species

Light Intensity and Ecosystem Structure

Vertical Stratification and Microhabitats
Deep-Sea Ecosystems and Chemosynthesis

Implications of Light Intensity on Global Change

Effects of Climate Change and Land-Use Alterations
Agricultural Adaptations to Light Changes

2.5 The Crucial Role of Nutrient Availability in Ecosystem Productivity and Stability

Nitrogen and Phosphorus: Essential and Limiting Nutrients

Effects on Plant Growth and Ecosystem Productivity
Nutrient Limitation and Food Web Simplification

Consequences of Nutrient Scarcity

Impacts on Biodiversity and Resilience
Vulnerability to Environmental Disturbances

The Profound Impact of Human Activities on Nutrient Cycles

Agricultural Practices and Nutrient Depletion
Consequences of Over-Fertilization and Eutrophication
Sustainable Agriculture and Nutrient Management

The Role of Nutrient Cycling in Ecosystem Stability

Importance of Decomposers
Nitrogen Fixation and Phosphorus Cycling

Conclusion: The Future of Nutrient Management

3. Investigative Activities

3.1 Temperature and Plant Growth Experiment

Objective, Materials, Procedure, and Open-Ended Questions

3.2 Soil Composition and Plant Distribution Survey

Objective, Materials, Procedure, and Analysis Questions

3.3 Water Availability and Animal Behavior Study

Objective, Materials, Procedure, and Analysis Questions

4. Chapter Review

Multiple Choice Questions

Desertification, Nutrient Cycles, Water Scarcity, Light Intensity, and Ecosystem Productivity Topics

Chapter 3: Energy Transfer and Biogeochemical Cycles in Ecological Systems

1. Introduction to Ecological Systems

Definition and Importance of Ecological Systems
Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling Overview
Human Impacts on Ecosystem Sustainability

2. The Flow of Energy in Ecosystems

2.1 Energy Capture by Primary Producers

Photosynthesis and Energy Storage
Role of Autotrophs (Plants, Algae, Bacteria)

2.2 Energy Transfer Through Food Chains and Webs

Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Consumers
Decomposers and Nutrient Recycling

2.3 Energy Loss Across Trophic Levels

Inefficiencies of Energy Transfer
Pyramid Structure of Ecosystems

3. Biogeochemical Cycles

3.1 The Carbon Cycle

Photosynthesis and Respiration
Decomposition and Fossil Fuels
Human Impacts: Global Warming and Climate Change

3.2 The Water Cycle

Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation
Infiltration and Runoff
Disruptions from Urbanization and Agriculture

3.3 The Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen Fixation and Assimilation
Nitrification and Denitrification
Effects of Synthetic Fertilizers

3.4 The Phosphorus Cycle

Weathering and Soil Absorption
Human Disruptions and Eutrophication

4. Energy Transfer Through Trophic Levels

4.1 Structure of Trophic Levels

Producers, Primary Consumers, Secondary and Tertiary Consumers
Role of Decomposers

4.2 Energy Loss at Each Trophic Level

Respiration, Movement, Digestion Losses
Ecological Efficiency (5%-20%)

4.3 Implications for Ecosystem Structure

Food Chain Length Limitations
Low Top Predator Populations

4.4 Human Impact on Trophic Levels

Deforestation, Overfishing, and Climate Change Effects

5. The Interdependence of Organisms

5.1 Chain Reactions in Food Webs

Example: Grassland Ecosystem Collapse

5.2 The Role of Biodiversity

Ecosystem Stability and Resilience

5.3 Consequences of Reduced Biodiversity

Simplified Food Webs
Loss of Ecosystem Services

5.4 Conservation Strategies

Protecting Habitats and Species
Restoration and Sustainable Management

6. Human Impact on Energy Flow

6.1 Deforestation and Agriculture

Monocultures and Biodiversity Loss
Carbon Cycle Disruptions

6.2 Urbanization

Fragmentation and Energy Inefficiency
Urban Heat Islands

6.3 Overfishing

Trophic Downgrading in Marine Ecosystems

6.4 Climate Change

Altered Growing Seasons and Mismatched Energy Cycles
Coral Bleaching and Ocean Acidification

6.5 Sustainable Practices

Agroforestry, Sustainable Fishing, Climate Mitigation

7. Visual Representation of Energy Flow

7.1 Energy Pyramids

Structure and Significance
Energy Loss Across Levels

7.2 Food Webs

Complexity and Multiple Pathways
Trophic Cascades Explained

7.3 Importance of Visual Aids in Understanding Ecosystems

8. Investigative Activities

8.1 Energy Flow Model Construction

Drawing Food Webs Based on Local Ecosystems

8.2 Biogeochemical Cycle Simulation

Modeling Water and Carbon Cycles
Observing Effects of Abiotic Changes

9. Chapter Review

Multiple Choice Questions

Chapter 4: Biodiversity and Ecological Succession in Ecological Systems

1. Introduction

The Role of Biodiversity and Succession in Ecosystem Health
Interconnections Between Biodiversity, Resilience, and Succession

2. Biodiversity

2.1 Definition and Importance

Genetic, Species, and Ecosystem Diversity
Biodiversity as an Indicator of Ecosystem Stability

2.2 Types of Biodiversity

Genetic Diversity: Variability Within and Between Species
Species Diversity: The Variety and Abundance of Species
Ecosystem Diversity: Variety of Habitats and Ecological Niches

2.3 The Interconnectedness of Biodiversity

How Different Types of Biodiversity Support Each Other

3. The Multifaceted Benefits of Biodiversity

3.1 Ecological Benefits

Pollination, Nutrient Cycling, and Climate Regulation

3.2 Economic Benefits

Resources for Food, Medicine, and Industry
Biodiversity’s Role in Tourism and Ecosystem Services

3.3 Cultural Benefits

Biodiversity’s Influence on Cultural Heritage, Recreation, and Well-Being

3.4 Conclusion: The Imperative to Protect Biodiversity

4. Ecological Succession

4.1 Definition and Significance

Succession as a Mechanism for Ecosystem Recovery

4.2 Types of Succession

Primary Succession: Colonization of Lifeless Environments
Secondary Succession: Recovery After Disturbances

5. Stages of Ecological Succession

5.1 Pioneer Stage

Role of Hardy, Early Colonizing Species

5.2 Intermediate Stage

Increase in Species Diversity and Habitat Complexity

5.3 Climax Community

Characteristics of Stable, Mature Ecosystems

5.4 The Dynamic Nature of Succession

Disturbances and Non-Linear Successional Paths

6. The Importance of Ecological Succession

6.1 Ecosystem Recovery

Healing After Natural and Human-Induced Disturbances

6.2 Biodiversity Increase

Succession as a Driver of Species Richness

6.3 Habitat Creation

Formation of New Niches Supporting a Variety of Species

6.4 Succession’s Role in Ecosystem Sustainability

Carbon Sequestration and Long-Term Ecological Health

6.5 Succession and Ecosystem Management

Restoration, Conservation, and Land Management Strategies

7. Investigative Activities

7.1 Questions for Reflection

Biodiversity’s Role in Ecosystem Stability
Primary vs. Secondary Succession
Human Influence on Successional Processes

7.2 Multiple Choice Questions

Topics: Biodiversity Types, Ecological Succession, Climax Communities

Environmental Science Term 2

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Understanding Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Sources (Page 5)

Introduction
Section 1: Types of Energy Resources

Renewable Resources
Nonrenewable Resources

Section 2: Formation of Fossil Fuels

Coal
Oil and Natural Gas

Section 3: Pros and Cons of Energy Resources

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels
Benefits and Challenges of Renewable Energy

Section 4: Energy Efficiency and Conservation

Strategies to Reduce Energy Use
Technologies for Efficiency

Section 5: Future of Energy

Emerging Technologies
Global Energy Trends

Activities and Assessments

Chapter 2: Origins, Consumption Patterns, and Impacts Introduction (Page 40)

Introduction
Section 1: Historical Perspectives on Energy Use

Early Human Use of Energy
Industrial Revolution and Energy

Section 2: Current Energy Consumption Patterns

Global and National Trends
Energy Consumption by Sector

Section 3: Environmental Impacts of Energy Use

Air and Water Pollution
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change
Habitat Destruction and Biodiversity Loss

Section 4: Health and Societal Impacts

Public Health Effects
Socioeconomic Impacts

Activities and Assessments

Chapter 3: Designing Sustainable Energy Plans (Page 68)

Introduction
Section 1: Principles of Sustainable Energy Planning

Sustainability Concepts
Integrated Energy Approaches

Section 2: Developing a Local Energy Plan

Assessing Energy Needs and Resources
Setting Goals and Priorities

Section 3: Renewable Energy Solutions

Solar, Wind, Hydro, and Biomass Options
Energy Storage and Smart Grids

Section 4: Policy and Community Engagement

Energy Policies and Incentives
Community Involvement Strategies

Section 5: Evaluating and Revising Plans

Monitoring Progress
Adaptive Management Approaches

Capstone Project: Create a Sustainable Energy Plan
Activities and Assessments

Environmental Science – Term 3

Table of Contents

Chapter 1:

The Importance of Natural Resources

Introduction to Natural Resources
Types of Natural Resources
Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Resources
The Role of Natural Resources in Human Survival
Environmental Impacts of Resource Exploitation
Conservation and Sustainable Use of Resources
Conclusion
Written Questions
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

Chapter 2:

The Role of Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources in Our Lives

Introduction
Renewable Resources: Definition and Examples
Benefits of Renewable Resources
Challenges of Using Renewable Resources
Non-Renewable Resources: Definition and Examples
The Advantages and Limitations of Non-Renewable Resources
Transition to Renewable Energy Sources
Conclusion
Written Questions
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

Chapter 3:

Why Governments and Organizations Manage Natural Resources

Introduction
The Importance of Resource Management
Key Reasons for Management:

Sustainability
Environmental Protection
Economic Stability
Equitable Distribution

The Role of Government and Legislation

Establishing Regulations and Policies
Enforcing Environmental Standards
Promoting Conservation Efforts
Incentivizing Sustainable Practices
Monitoring and Assessment

Effects of Management Plans

Sustaining Natural Populations
Enhancing Market Value
Reducing Environmental Impacts
Promoting Economic Development
Fostering International Cooperation

Examples of Government and Organizational Management

Clean Air Act (USA)
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
Paris Agreement
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

Conclusion
Written Questions
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

Chapter 4:

Availability, Use, and Management of Natural Resources

Introduction
Key Aspects of Natural Resource Management

Availability and Distribution
Use and Demand
Environmental Impact
Sustainability Principles
Socioeconomic Factors
Technological Innovations
Policy and Governance

The Need for a Proactive Approach
Problem Definition in Resource Management

Water Scarcity
Air Pollution
Deforestation and Habitat Loss
Soil Degradation
Biodiversity Loss

Steps to Design a Resource Management Plan

Step 1: Define the Problem
Step 2: Identify Criteria and Constraints
Step 3: Develop Possible Solutions Using Models
Step 4: Test Solutions and Collect Data
Step 5: Refine and Optimize the Plan

Example Project: Sustainable Water Management Plan

Defining the Problem
Establishing Criteria and Constraints
Developing and Testing Solutions
Optimization and Final Plan Development

Reflection and Next Steps
Conclusion
Written Questions
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

Environmental Science – Term 4

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Sustainability and Human Impacts Both Local and Global

Introduction
Human Use of Natural and Energy Resources
Resource Depletion
Environmental Degradation
Energy Consumption and Its Effects
Human Population Growth and Its Impact on Natural Resources
Fill in the Blanks
Multiple Choice Questions
Short Answer Questions:

Discuss the economic and political barriers that slow down the transition to renewable energy.
Explain why energy storage solutions are critical for the success of renewable energy.

Chapter 2: Population Growth and Environmental Impact

Population Growth and Quality of Life
Education and Sustainable Development
Gross National Product (GNP) and Environmental Impact
Sustainable Practices: Supporting Both Humans and Nature
Conclusion
Short Answer Questions:

Explain how rapid urban population growth affects natural ecosystems and human quality of life.
Discuss the relationship between education and sustainable development.
Describe the concept of "environmental outsourcing" and its connection to globalization.