Foundations of Environmental Science

This unit establishes foundational knowledge and skills in environmental science, emphasizing systems thinking, the scientific method, and core concepts of matter, energy, and Earth systems. Students will practice using common tools, models, and data visualization to assess ecosystems, resources, pollution, and sustainability, preparing them for applied investigation and management in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze interactions within and among Earth’s systems and ecosystems using maps, models, and climate drivers to explain patterns related to latitude, altitude, and biogeography
• Apply the scientific method and common environmental science tools to design investigations, collect and present data graphically, and interpret results about populations, resources, and pollutants
• Demonstrate understanding of matter and energy by describing atomic structure, states of matter, types of energy, and thermodynamic principles and relating these concepts to energy transfer and alternative energy options
• Evaluate human impacts and sustainability strategies by assessing freshwater and land resource management, biodiversity and food security challenges, waste life cycles, and case studies (e.g., Ramsar wetlands, Grand Banks fisheries) to propose conservation or mitigation actions