COURSE OF STUDY UNIT PLANNING GUIDE FOR:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
5 CREDITS GRADE LEVEL: 1012 1 FULL YEAR
PREPARED BY: JAMIE KIPP
SHANNON WARNOCK SUPERVISOR OF MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE
JULY 2017
DUMONT HIGH SCHOOL DUMONT, NEW JERSEY
ALIGNED TO THE NJSLS AND B.O.E. ADOPTED AUGUST 24, 2017
Environmental Science – Grades 10 12 – Full Year – 5 Credits Environmental Science CP explores the relationships between living things and their environment. These relationships are determined by the finite
nature of the environment. Basic ecological principles are studied to understand their sustainable and renewable systems. This understanding is used
as the basis for discovering how these natural systems have been changed and broken down, as well as how they may be supported and saved.
Students examine the problems of pollution, overpopulation, global warming, ozone depletion, endangered and invasive species, the energy crisis and
the depletion of natural resources. Students will explore technologies for renewable/alternative resources, as well as strategies for bringing the Earth
back to a more cohesive balance. This course includes various lab activities and current events that support the content.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS A student will receive 5 credits for successfully completing course work. A grade of "D" or higher must be achieved in order to pass the course. The
following criteria are used to determine the grade for the course:
A. Tests 40% of the grade Tests will be given periodically. These may include alternative assessments that will count as tests.
B. Labs 25% of grade Students will be completing different labs and are expected to follow basic lab safety precautions. They will complete a worksheet or lab
report demonstrating inquiry skills. C. Quizzes 20% of the grade
Quizzes (announced and unannounced) based on class lessons or homework assignments will be given frequently to test understanding of
individual concepts. These may include alternative assessments that will count as quizzes.
D. Homework 10% of the grade Homework will be evaluated for completeness, neatness, and/or accuracy.
E. Class Participation/Class Work 5% of the grade Class Participation/Class Work will be evaluated a minimum of twice per marking period according to the departmental rubric (see page 3).
The grade is based on the student's participation/work during class. Thus, consistent attendance is imperative.
F. Final Examination Final examinations will count as follows:
FullYear Courses Weighting Semester Courses Weighting
Quarter 1 22.5% of final grade Quarter 1 45% of final grade
Quarter 2 22.5% of final grade Quarter 2 45% of final grade
Quarter 3 22.5% of final grade Final Exam 10% of final grade
Quarter 4 22.5% of final grade
Final 10% of final grade
Any work missed when the student has been absent is expected to be made up in a reasonable time. Usually one or two days are allowed for each day
absent unless there are unusual circumstances, in which case the student is to request special arrangements with the teacher. Extra help is available.
Ask your teacher where he/she will be when you are planning to come in for extra help.
UNIT: 1 UNIT TITLE : Unit 1
CHAPTERS COVERED : 12
UNIT DATES : 20 Days Performance Indicators (NJSLSS & Objectives)
Essential Questions Activities / Resources
Strategies/Methods/ Vocabulary
Assessments
HSLS24, HSLS25 HSLS26, HSESS21 HSESS22, HSESS31 HSESS32, HSESS33 HSESS35, HSESS36 HSETS11, HSETS12 HSETS13 ELAW.1112.2 ELAW.1112.4 ELARST.1112.3 1. Describe the major
environmental effects
of huntergatherers, the
agricultural revolution,
and the industrial
Revolution.
2. Distinguish between
renewable and
nonrenewable
resources.
3. Explain what the
sustainability is and
why it is a goal of
environmental science.
4. List three differences
between developed and
developing nations
5. Explain what
sustainability is, and
why it is a goal of
environmental science.
6. Describe the two
essential parts of a
good experiment.
1. What is the difference
between environmental
science and ecology?
2. What major fields of
study contribute to
environmental science?
3. What were the impacts
of the agricultural and
industrial revolutions
on the environment?
4. What is the difference
between and renewable
and a nonrenewable
resource?
5. Can our main
environmental
problems be
categorized, and if
so, how?
6. How does the conflict
between individual
interests and society’s
welfare effect
environmental science?
7. What economic forces
influence how we use
resources?
8. What is the difference
between developed and
developing countries?
9. Why is sustainability a
goal of environmental
science?
10. What methods do
1. Lab safety procedures
2. Scientific method lab
1. Lecture
2. Discussion
3. Notes
4. Exercises
5. Demonstrations
1. Read and outline
chapter 1
2. Research the scientific
method
3. Lab activity
4. Unit 1 test
7. Describe how scientist
study subjects in which
experiments are not
possible.
8. Describe three types of
models commonly
used by scientists.
9. Explain the importance
of conceptual and
mathematical models.
10. Explore the values that
people consider when
making decisions
about the environment.
11. Illustrate the physical
composition of Earth
and the occurrences of
volcanoes and
earthquakes.
12. Describe how wind
and water alter the
Earth’s surface.
13. Illustrate the
composition and layers
of the Earth’s
atmosphere.
14. Explain three
mechanisms of heat
transfer in Earth’s
atmosphere.
15. Describe the
greenhouse effect.
16. Name and describe the
three major processes
in the water cycle.
17. Explain how the ocean
regulates Earth’s
temperature.
18. Discuss the factors that
scientists use to study
environmental science
subjects?
11. What causes affect
environmental science
decisionmaking?
12. What resources can be
used to gather
information about
environmental
issues?
13. What are the
conditions that allow
us to survive on a
constantly changing
planet?
14. How do physical
changes in the Earth
itself affect the
environment?
15. How do the gases in
Earth’s atmosphere
affect the
environment?
16. How does the
movement and
location of water
affect the
environment?
confine life to the
biosphere.
UNIT: 2 UNIT TITLE : Unit 2
CHAPTERS COVERED : 3, 56
UNIT DATES : 23 Days Performance Indicators (NJSLSS & Objectives)
Essential Questions Activities/ Resources
Strategies/Methods/ Vocabulary
Assessments
HSLS41, HSLS42 HSLS43, HSLS44 HSLS45, HSLS46 HSLS15, HSLS16 HSLS17, HSLS21 HSLS22, HSLS23 HSLS24, HSESS34 HSESS36 ELAW.1112.2 ELAW.1112.4 ELARST.1112.3
1. Distinguish between
biotic and abiotic
factors in an ecosystem.
2. Describe how a
population differs from
a species.
3. Explain how habitats
are important for
organisms.
4. Explain the process of
evolution by natural
selection and the
concept of adaptation.
5. Describe the steps by
which a population of
insects becomes
resistant to a pesticide.
6. Explain the importance
of bacteria and fungi in
1. What is the difference
between biotic and
abiotic factors in an
ecosystem?
2. How does a population
differ from a species?
3. How are habitats
important for
organisms?
4. How do organisms
become so well suited
to their environment?
5. How can all living
things be categorized?
6. Why are bacteria and
fungi important in the
environment?
7. How is energy
transferred from the
sun to producers?
8. How do consumers
depend on producers?
9. How do organisms get
energy out of their
food?
10. What happens to
energy as it travels
through an ecosystem?
11. Why are there fewer
organisms at higher
trophic levels?
1. Lab activity on aquatic
ecosystems
2. Lab on microscopy
1. Lecture
2. Discussion
3. Notes
4. Exercises
5. Demonstrations
1. Read and outline
chapters 46
2. Research aquatic
ecosystems
3. Lab activity
4. Unit 2 test
the environment.
7. Describe how energy
is transferred from the
sun to producers and
then to consumers.
8. Distinguish between
the three types of
consumers.
9. Illustrate how energy
transfer in a food web
is more complex than
energy transfer in a
food chain.
10. Explain why an energy
pyramid is a
representation of
trophic levels.
11. Describe the short
term and longterm
process of the carbon
cycle.
12. Identify several ways
that humans are
affecting the carbon
cycle.
13. Summarize the three
basic stages of the
nitrogen cycle.
14. Describe the role that
nitrogenfixing
bacteria play in the
nitrogen cycle.
15. Explain how the
excess use of fertilizer
can affect the nitrogen
and phosphorous
cycles.
16. Discuss two examples
of ecological
12. How are materials
reused in an
ecosystem?
13. How do ecosystems
change?
14. How do plants
determine the name of
a biome?
15. How do temperature
and precipitation
determine which
plants grow in an
area?
16. How do latitude and
altitude affect which
plants grow in an area?
17. What are the main
characteristics of each
biome and how is each
being threatened?
18. How do freshwater
ecosystems differ from
marine ecosystems and
how is each being
threatened?
succession. 17. Explain how a pioneer species contributes to ecological succession. 18. Describe what happens during oldfield succession. 19. Identify lichens on campus and describe how lichens contribute to primary succession. 20. Describe and provide examples of how plants determine the name of a biome. 21. Explain how temperature and precipitation determine which plants grow in an area.
UNIT: 3 UNIT TITLE : Unit 3
CHAPTERS COVERED : 89
UNIT DATES : 18 Days Performance Indicators (NJSLSS & Objectives)
Essential Questions Activities/ Resources
Strategies/Methods/ Vocabulary
Assessments
HSLS21 HSLS22 HSLS26 HSLS27 HSESS31 HSESS32 HSESS33 HSESS34 ELAW.1112.2 ELAW.1112.4 ELARST.1112.3
1. Describe the three main
properties of a
population. Describe
exponential population
growth.
2. Describe how the
reproductive behavior
of individuals can
affect the growth rate
of their population.
3. Explain how population
sizes in nature are
regulated.
4. Explain the difference
between niche and
habitat.
5. Give examples of parts
of a niche.
6. Describe the five major
types of interactions
between species.
7. Explain the difference
1. In what 3 ways can
populations be
described?
2. How does a population
grow?
3. How fast can a
population grow?
4. What limits population
growth?
5. How do species
interact with each
other?
6. Why has the size and
growth rate of the
human population
changed in the last 200
years?
7. How do scientists
predict population
sizes?
8. What problems have
been caused by rapid
human population
growth?
9. How do population
growth problems differ
between developed and
developing countries?
10. What strategies
countries to reduce
population growth
may use?
11. What is the accepted
estimate for the
1. Lab activity on
population dynamics
2. PowerPoint activity on
demographics
1. Lecture
2. Discussion
3. Notes
4. Exercises
5. Demonstrations
1. Read and outline
chapters 89
2. Research population
dynamics
3. Lab activity
4. Unit 2 test
between parasitism and
predation.
8. Explain how symbiotic
relationships may
evolve.
9. Describe how the size
and growth rate of the
human population has
changed in the last 200
years.
10. Define four properties
that scientists use to
predict population
sizes.
11. Make predictions
about population
trends based on age
structure.
12. Describe the four
stages of the
demographic
transition.
13. Explain why different
countries may be at
different stages of the
demographic
transition.
14. Describe three
problems caused by
rapid human
population growth.
15. Compare population
growth problems in
more developed
countries and less
developed countries.
16. Analyze strategies
countries may use to
reduce their population
number of unknown
species on Earth and
how does it compare
with the known
number?
12. What are the benefits
of biodiversity?
13. How do humans cause
extinctions?
14. What are some areas
of the world with
critical biodiversity?
15. How can individual
species be saved?
growth. 17. Describe worldwide population projections into the next century. 18. Describe the diversity of species types on Earth, relating the differences between known numbers and estimated numbers. 19. List and describe three levels of biodiversity
UNIT: 4 UNIT TITLE : Unit 4
CHAPTERS COVERED : 1112
UNIT DATES : 14 Days Performance Indicators (NJSLSS & Objectives)
Essential Questions Activities/ Resources
Strategies/Methods/ Vocabulary
Assessments
HSLS24, HSLS25 HSLS26, HSLS27 HSLS46, HSESS25 HSESS33, HSESS34 HSESS35, HSESS36 ELAW.1112.2 ELAW.1112.4 ELARST.1112.3
1. Describe the
distribution of Earth’s
water resources.
2. Explain why fresh
water is one of Earth’s
limited resources.
3. Describe the
distribution of Earth’s
surface water.
4. Explain where all the
water in a river comes
from.
5. Describe the
relationship between
groundwater and
surface water in a
watershed.
6. Explain how
groundwater
accumulates and how
the water table is
different in different
regions.
7. Summarize the
importance of aquifers.
1. How is Earth’s water
distributed?
2. Why is fresh water one
of Earth’s limited
resources?
3. How is Earth’s surface
water distributed?
4. How can a rock
formation hold millions
of gallons of
groundwater?
5. What are the main uses
of water worldwide and
how do they vary by
continent?
6. How is water treated
for safe drinking?
7. What water
management
techniques supply
people with water?
8. Why should water be
conserved, and what
are some ways to do it?
9. What technologies and
strategies can help
satisfy future fresh
water needs?
10. What are the main
causes of water
pollution?
11. What are some
common water
pollutants and their
1. Lab activity on porosity
2. PowerPoint activity on
water issues
1. Lecture
2. Discussion
3. Notes
4. Exercises
5. Demonstrations
1. Read and outline
chapter
2. Research water
resources and
3. Lab activity
4. Unit 4 test
8. Distinguish between
porosity and
permeability.
9. Analyze the factors that
can affect the
sensitivity of the
recharge zone.
10. Illustrate the
relationship between a
well and the water
table.
11. Identify patterns of
global water use.
12. Explain how water is
treated so that it can be
used for drinking.
13. Identify how water is
used in homes, in
industry, and in
agriculture.
14. Describe how dams
and water diversion
projects are used to
manage freshwater
resources.
15. Identify five ways that
water can be
conserved.
16. Discuss the future
solutions of
desalination and water
transport for
preventing water
shortages.
17. Compare pointsource
pollution and
nonpointsource
pollution.
18. Classify water
sources?
12. How is wastewater
treated so it can be
returned to a river or
lake?
13. How is the natural
process of
eutrophication
accelerated by
humans?
14. How can thermal
pollution affect aquatic
organisms?
15. Why is groundwater
pollution so difficult to
clean?
16. Why do most activities
that pollute oceans
occur near the coasts?
17. How does
biomagnification work
and why should some
types of fish be eaten
in only limited
quantities?
pollutants by five types. 19. Describe how wastewater is cleaned to return to a river or lake. 20. Illustrate how artificial eutrophication promotes algal blooms, and their detrimental effects on the organisms living in a body of water. 21. Describe how even small changes in temperature from thermal pollution can cause the total disruption of an aquatic ecosystem. 22. Explain why groundwater pollution is difficult to clean. 23. Describe the major sources of ocean pollution and explain the effects of pollution on ecosystems. 24. Distinguish between accidental oil spills and oil that pollutes the oceans from cities and towns. 25. Describe six major laws designed to improve water quality in the United States.
UNIT: 5 UNIT TITLE : Unit 5
CHAPTERS COVERED : 1213
UNIT DATES : 20 Days Performance Indicators (NJSLSS & Objectives)
Essential Questions Activities/ Resources
Strategies/Methods/ Vocabulary
Assessments
HSLS27, HSESS22 HSESS24, HSESS26 HSESS27, HSESS31 HSESS32, HSESS33 HSESS34, HSESS35 HSESS36 ELAW.1112.2 ELAW.1112.4 ELARST.1112.3
1. Name five primary air
pollutants, and give
sources for each.
2. Distinguish between
primary air pollutants
and secondary air
pollutants.
3. Give an example of a
secondary air pollutant.
4. Describe the two major
sources of air pollution
in urban areas.
5. Discuss the Clean Air
Act of 1970/1990 that
gave the EPA the
authority to regulate
vehicle emissions.
6. Describe the Zero
emission vehicle
program.
7. Discuss how the Clean
Air Act regulates
pollution from industry.
8. Describe the way in
1. What are the primary
air pollutants and their
sources?
2. What are the secondary
air pollutants and how
do they form?
3. What are the major
sources of air pollution
in urban areas?
4. How does smog form?
5. How does a thermal
inversion trap air
pollution?
6. What are the possible
shortterm and long
term effects of air
pollution on human
health?
7. What causes indoor air
pollution and how can
it be prevented?
8. What are some human
health problems caused
by noise pollution?
9. What causes acid
precipitation?
10. How does acid
precipitation affect
living things?
11. Why is acid
precipitation so hard to
control?
12. What factors
determine climate?
1. Lab activity on
temperature inversions
2. PowerPoint activity on
global warming
3. Global Warming Debate
1. Lecture
2. Discussion
3. Notes
4. Exercises
5. Demonstrations
1. Read and outline
chapter
2. Research air pollution
sources
3. Lab activity
4. Unit 5 test
which smog forms. 9. Explain the way in which a thermal inversion traps air pollution. 10. Describe the short term effects of air pollution on people’s health. 11. Describe the longterm effects of air pollution on people’s health. 12. Explain how the quality of air inside a home or building could be worse than the quality of the air outside. 13. Explain the condition called sickbuilding syndrome. 14. Summarize the dangers of radon gas and asbestos. 15. Discuss the health problems associated with noise pollution. 16. Define decibel, and examine the levels of intensity for various sounds, as well as the dangers of excessive decibel intensities. 17. Explain how although light pollution does not cause direct hazard to human health, it does negatively affect our environment.
13. Why do different parts of the Earth have different climates? 14. What causes the seasons? 15. How does the ozone layer shield Earth from harmful radiation? 16. How do CFCs damage ozone? 17. Why is UV radiation so dangerous? 18. How successfully has the ozone layer been protected? 19. How is Earth’s atmosphere like the glass in a greenhouse? 20. Why does CO2 in the atmosphere appear to be increasing? 21. Why do many scientists think the Earth’s climate is becoming warmer? 22. What are the consequences of a warmer Earth? 23. What economic, political, and social factors make it difficult to attempt to slow global warming?
18. Explain the causes of
acid precipitation and
the related pH values.
19. Explain how acid
precipitation affects
plants, soils, and
aquatic ecosystems.
20. Describe three ways
that acid precipitation
affects humans.
21. Explain why acid
precipitation is so hard
to control.
22. Describe ways that
countries are working
together to solve the
problem of acid
precipitation.
23. Distinguish weather
from climate.
24. Identify and illustrate
four factors that
determine climate.
25. Explain why different
parts of the Earth have
different climates.
26. Explain what causes
the seasons.
27. Explain how the ozone
layer shields the Earth
from much of the sun’s
harmful radiation.
28. Describe how CFCs
damage the ozone
layer.
29. Explain the process by
which the ozone layer
thins.
30. Describe the damaging
effects of ultraviolet radiation. 31. Explain why the threat to the ozone layer is still continuing today. 32. Explain why Earth’s atmosphere is like the glass in a greenhouse. 33. Explain why carbon dioxide in the atmosphere appears to be increasing. 34. Explain why many scientists think that the Earth’s climate may be becoming increasingly warmer. 35. Describe what a warmer Earth might be like. 36. Examine the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol treaty.
UNIT: 6 UNIT TITLE : Unit 6
CHAPTERS COVERED : 1415
UNIT DATES : 19 Days Performance Indicators (NJSLSS & Objectives)
Essential Questions Activities/ Resources
Strategies/Methods/ Vocabulary
Assessments
HSLS15, HSLS21 HSLS27, HSLS45 HSLS46, HSESS25 HSESS27, HSESS31 HSESS32, HSESS33 HSESS34, HSESS35 HSESS36 ELAW.1112.2 ELAW.1112.4 ELARST.1112.3
1. Distinguish between
urban and rural land.
2. Describe three major
ways in which humans
use land.
3. Explain the concept of
ecosystem services.
4. Describe the urban
crisis, and explain what
people are doing to deal
with it.
5. Explain how urban
sprawl affects the
environment.
6. Explain how open
spaces provide urban
areas with
environmental benefits.
7. Explain the heatisland
effect.
8. Describe how people
use the geographic
information system as a
1. What is the difference
between urban and
rural land?
2. What are the major
ways in which humans
use land?
3. How do people deal
with the urban crisis?
4. How does urban sprawl
affect the environment?
5. How do open spaces
provide urban areas
with environmental
benefits?
6. Why are landuse plans
complex to make and
often controversial?
7. What methods and
tools are available to
landuse planners?
8. Why is the condition of
rural land important for
urban areas?
9. What are the major
causes of malnutrition?
10. What is considered an
ideal food crop?
11. How do food
distribution problems
and drought lead to
famine?
12. What is the green
revolution and why is
it so important?
1. Lab activity on organic
farming
2. PowerPoint activity on
succession
3. Land use mock hearing
debate
1. Lecture
2. Discussion
3. Notes
4. Exercises
5. Demonstrations
1. Read and outline
chapter
2. Research soil erosion
sources
3. Lab activity
tool for landuse
planning.
9. Explain the benefits of
preserving farmland.
10. Describe two ways that
rangeland can be
managed sustainably.
11. Describe the
environmental effects
of deforestation.
12. Explain the function of
parks and of
wilderness areas.
13. Discuss the major
causes of malnutrition.
14. Compare the
environmental costs of
producing different
types of food.
15. Explain how food
distribution problems
and drought can lead to
famine.
16. Explain the importance
of the green revolution.
17. Distinguish between
traditional and modern
agricultural techniques.
18. Describe fertile soil.
19. Describe the need for
soil conservation.
20. Explain the benefits
and environmental
impacts of pesticide
use.
21. Explain what is
involved in integrated
pest management.
22. Explain how genetic
13. What makes soil
fertile?
14. Why is soil erosion
one of the most
serious environmental
problems the world
faces?
15. What are the benefits
and environmental
impacts of pesticide
use?
16. How can farmers use
biological pest
control?
17. How is genetic
engineering used in
agriculture?
18. How does raising
animals for food affect
the environment?
engineering is used in agriculture. UNIT: 7 UNIT TITLE : Unit 7 CHAPTERS COVERED : 1618 UNIT DATES : 18 Days Performance Indicators (NJSLSS & Objectives)
Essential Questions Activities/ Resources
Strategies/Methods/ Vocabulary
Assessments
HSPS32, HSPS33 HSESS21, HSESS22 HSESS23, HSESS24 HSESS25, HSESS26 HSESS27, HSESS31 HSESS32, HSESS33 HSESS34, HSESS35 HSESS36 ELAW.1112.2 ELAW.1112.4 ELARST.1112.3 1. Define the term mineral and give several examples of minerals. 2. Explain the difference between a metal and a nonmetal, and give two examples of each. 3. Describe three processes by which ore minerals form. 4. Explore the major uses of mineral resources. 5. Describe the manner in which mining companies explore for new mineral deposits. 6. Describe three methods of subsurface mining.
1. What role do minerals play in our everyday lives?
2. How do ore minerals form?
3. What are the important economic and industrial uses of metals?
4. How do mining companies explore for new mineral deposits?
5. What is the difference between subsurface mining and surface mining, and what are the consequences of each to the environment?
6. What are some of the federal laws that regulate mining and reclaiming mined land?
7. How do state governments regulate mining?
8. What factors influence the value of a fuel?
9. How are fuels used to generate electricity in
1. Video on Exxon Valdez disaster 2. PowerPoint activity on alternative energy 3. Oil microbe activity
1. Lecture 2. Discussion 3. Notes 4. Exercises 5. Demonstrations
1. Read and outline chapter 2. Research alternative energy resources 3. Lab activity 4. Unit 7 test
7. Describe two methods
of surface mining.
8. Define placer deposit,
and explain how placer
deposits form.
9. Describe the steps that
take place in smelting
an ore.
10. Describe seven
important potential
environmental
consequences of
mining.
11. Name four federal
laws that relate to
mining and reclaiming
mined land.
12. Explain the term
reclamation.
13. Describe two ways in
which state
governments regulate
mining.
14. Discuss factors that
influence the value of a
fuel.
15. Explain how fuels are
used to generate
electricity in an
electric power plant.
16. Identify patterns of
energy consumption
and production in the
world and in the
United States.
17. Explain how fossil
fuels form and how
they are used.
18. Compare the
an electric power
plant?
10. How do patterns of
energy consumption
and production vary in
the world?
11. How are fossil fuels
formed and how are
they used?
12.What are the
advantages and
disadvantages of fossil
fuel use?
13. How can fossil fuel
production be
predicted?
14. How does a nuclear
power plant work?
15. What are the
advantages and
disadvantages of
nuclear energy?
16. What are the main
forms of renewable
energy and how do
they compare in terms
of advantages and
disadvantages?
17. What other alternatives
energies are currently
being developed?
18. What is the difference
between energy
efficiency and energy
conservation?
19. How can individuals
conserve energy in
daily life?
20. What makes a material
advantages and
disadvantages of fossil
fuel use.
19. Discuss the factors that
influence predictions
of fossil fuel
production.
20. Describe nuclear
fission.
21. Describe how a
nuclear power plant
works.
22. Discuss the advantages
and disadvantages of
nuclear energy.
23. Discuss the possible
future energy source of
nuclear fusion.
24. Describe six forms of
renewable energy,
comparing their
advantages and
disadvantages.
biodegradable?
21. How do modern
landfills work and
what are the associated
environmental
problems?
22. What are the
advantages and
disadvantages of
incinerating solid
waste?
23. How can individuals
produce less waste
(reduce)?
24. What is required to
recycle an item?
25. What are the
advantages and
disadvantages of
producing degradable
plastic?
26. What are the benefits
of composting?
27. What classifies waste
as hazardous?
28. What laws govern
hazardous waste?
29. How is hazardous
waste disposed?
UNIT: 8 UNIT TITLE : Unit 8
CHAPTERS COVERED : 19
UNIT DATES : 20 Days Performance Indicators (NJSLSS & Objectives)
Essential Questions Activities/ Resources
Strategies/Methods/ Vocabulary
Assessments
HSLS21, HSLS22 HSLS23, HSLS24 HSLS25, HSLS26 HSLS27, HSESS25 HSESS31, HSESS32 HSESS33, HSESS34 HSESS35, HSESS36 ELAW.1112.2 ELAW.1112.4 ELARST.1112.3
1. Explain how scientists
use toxicology and
epidemiology.
2. Explain how pollution
can come from both
natural sources and
human activities.
3. Describe the
relationship between
waste, pollution, and
human health.
4. Explain why the
environment is an
important factor in the
spread of cholera.
5. List two changes to the
environment that can
lead to the spread of
infectious diseases.
6. Explain what scientists
mean when they say
that certain viruses are
emerging.
1. How do scientists use
toxicology and
epidemiology?
2. What is the
relationship between
waste, pollution, and
human health?
3. What are the most
common natural
sources of pollution?
4. What are the most
common sources of
pollution from human
activities?
5. What is the
environment’s role in
disease?
6. How can changes in
the environment lead to
the spread of infectious
disease?
7. What does an
“emerging virus”
mean?
8. What are some of the
challenges to achieving
sustainability?
9. What major
international meetings
and agreements relating
to the environment,
have occurred?
10. How are economics
and environmental
1. Wood Duck Activity on
Toxicology
2. PowerPoint activity on
toxins in the environment
1. Lecture
2. Discussion
3. Notes
4. Exercises
5. Demonstrations
1. Read and outline
chapter
2. Research toxins in the
environment
3. Lab activity
4. Case Study
5. Unit 8 test
7. Describe some of the
challenges to achieving
sustainability.
8. Describe several major
international meetings
and agreements
relating to the
environment.
9. Explain how
economics and
environmental science
are related.
10. Compare two ways
that governments
influence economics.
11. Give an example of a
private effort to
address environmental
problems.
12. Describe two major
developments in U.S.
environmental
history.
13. Give examples of
three federal agencies
that have
environmental
responsibilities.
14. Explain the purpose
of Environmental
Impact Statements.
15. Give an example of
how citizens can
affect environmental
policy at the local,
state, and national
levels.
16. Evaluate the media as
a source of
science related?
11. How do governments
influence economics?
12. What types of private
efforts have addressed
environmental
problems?
13. What were the turning
points in U.S.
environmental
conservation?
14. Which federal
agencies have
environmental
responsibilities?
15. What is the purpose of
an Environmental
Impact Statement
(EIS)?
16. How can citizens
affect environmental
policy at the local,
state, and national
levels?
17. What role does the
media play as a source
of information about
the environment?
18. Who are some of the
individuals that have
influenced
environmental
awareness,
conservation, and
action?
19. How do your choices
affect the
environment?
information about the environment. 17. Give examples of individuals who have influenced environmental history. 18. Identify ways in which the choices that you make as an individual may affect the environment.
High School Science
Modifications/Strategies for Student Populations *Interdisciplinary
**21 st Century Themes and Skills
21 st Century Themes & Skills**
Special Education/Gifted
ELL
At Risk of School Failure
Benchmarking
Career Skills
1. Multimedia/Videos 2. Public Speaking 3. Current Event
discussions Communication
1. Presentations w/Visuals 2. Debates* 3. ThinkPairShare
Collaboration 1. Cooperative Projects 2. Peer Editing 3. Jig Saw 4. Carousel Brainstorm
Creativity
1. Diagrams/sketches 2. Creating Models 3. Designing Experiments
Critical Thinking
1. Text Analysis 2. Graphic Analysis 3. Experimental Design –
creation and critique 4. Peer Review
Special Education 1. Providing Notes/Modified
Notes a. PowerPoints b. Text with
Annotations 2. Providing Anchor Copies
with Rubrics 3. Guided Reading
a. Highlighting b. Underlining c. Providing
Definitions d. Outlining
4. Modeling 5. Chunking 6. Scaffolding 7. Repeat/Rephrase 8. Manipulatives/Visuals 9. Graphic Organizers 10. Study Guides 11. Portfolios 12. Conferencing
a. Student b. Parent c. Guidance d. Administration e. CST
1. Word to Word Dictionaries
2. Bilingual Dictionaries 3. Providing
Notes/Modified Notes a. PowerPoints b. Text with
Annotations 4. Providing Anchor
Copies with Rubrics 5. Guided Reading
a. Highlighting b. Underlining c. Providing
Definitions d. Outlining
6. Modeling 7. Chunking 8. Scaffolding 9. Repeat/Rephrase 10. Manipulatives/
Visuals 11. Graphic Organizers 12. Study Guides 13. Portfolios 14. Modified Texts 15. Conferencing
a. Student
1. Providing Notes/ Modified Notes
a. PowerPoints b. Text with
Annotations 2. Providing Anchor
Copies with Rubrics 3. Guided Reading
a. Highlighting b. Underlining c. Providing
Definitions d. Outlining
4. Modeling 5. Chunking 6. Scaffolding 7. Repeat/Rephrase 8. Manipulatives/Visuals 9. Graphic Organizers 10. Study Guides 11. Portfolios 12. Modified Texts 13. Priority Seating 14. Checking Assignments
Pads 15. Conferencing
a. Student b. Parent
1. Pre and Post SGO Assessments
5. Reading & Writing
a. Evaluate
b. Compare
c. Contrast
d. Analyze
e. Synthesize
f. Create
Technology
1. SMART Board
2. iPads
3. SMART Response
Technology
4. Virtual Field Trips
5. Quizlet
6. Wikis
7. Google Drive
8. Virtual High School
9. Virtual Labs
10. Animations
11. Graphing on Excel
12. Scientific Probes
13. Video Microscope
13. Tutoring/Extra Help
Gifted
1. SelfDirected Learning
Independent Research*
2. Individualized Pacing
3. Supplemental Texts (Higher
Lexile Levels)*
4. Virtual High School
b. Parent
c. Guidance
d. Administration
e. CST
16. Tutoring/Extra Help
c. Guidance
d. Administration
e. CST
16. Tutoring/Extra Help