Introduction to Environmental Science

(Chapter One)

Bell Ringer, 8/14 Check the Cone of Shame for your

name Pick up Exit Slips on the back lab table Answer the following question on your

bell ringer paper:› Explain the difference between a

hypothesis and a guess.

Bell Ringer, 8/15 Get your EXIT SLIP from the back lab

table Check the CONE OF SHAME for YOUR

NAME Answer the following questions:

› Explain the difference between pollution and resource depletion. USE AT LEAST THREE SENTENCES

What is environmental science?

The study of how humans interact with the environment

Major focus: Solving environmental problems

Environment: everything that surrounds us, including the natural and man-made environment

The classroom environment

List TEN things that are included in our classroom environment.

(Ex. Students)

Why study environmental science?

Past generations didn’t worry about the environment

Now, we have begun to wonder if we are paying too high of a price for our lifestyle› Water quality› Polluted air› Animal extinctions (fireflies)

Why study environmental science?

MUST have knowledge in order to help! Environmental problems can be solved!

› Lake Washington› Eagles

Environmental Problems Resource depletion Pollution Extinction

Resource Depletion Natural resources: Any natural substance

that organisms can use› Includes sunlight, air, water, soil, minerals,

animals, plants, fossil fuels Non-renewable resources: Natural

resources that can be depleted› Includes copper and fossil fuels

Renewable resources: Natural resources that are continually being replaced› Includes sunlight, trees, and fish

Resource Depletion Even renewable resources can be used

up if they are used faster than they can be replaced

Ex. Trees being cut down faster than they can re-grow

Pollution Introduction of harmful levels of

chemicals or waste materials into the environment

Sources of pollution› Byproducts of processes (ex. fuel

combustion)› Pesticides › Can cause harm to environment and

human health

Extinction The last individual of a species has

died and the species is gone forever 1000s of species have gone extinct Extinction occurs more today than ever

in history due to loss of natural habitat

Environmental Probs: Global Probs

Environmental problems are GLOBAL problems› Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere› Chloroflurocarbons

Biosphere: Thin layer of life around the earth (makes up .00008% of earth’s mass)

All living things exist in a CLOSE RELATIONSHIP within the biosphere

Human Population Many environmental problems are

linked to human population increase Most nations fit it two categories:

› Developed countries: Industrialized countries with high incomes (USA, Australia, Europe)

› Developing countries: Less industrialized countries with a lower income (Kenya, India)

Human Population Populations in developing countries are

rapidly increasing, despite a shortage of resources› Population crisis: Higher human

population than the resources of a region can support

Human Population Developed countries are using

resources faster than they can be replenished› Consumption crisis: When people waste,

use up, or pollute natural resources faster than they can be renewed, replaced, or cleaned up

› Developed nations use 75% of the resources used every year, even though they only make up 20% of world population

The Goal of Environmental Science

Create a sustainable world› World in which human populations can

continue to exist indefinitely with a high standard of living and health

› Non-renewable resources used sparingly› Renewable resources used no faster than

they can be replaced

What are the pros of living in a developed country? Cons?

What are the pros of living in a developing country? Cons?

Exit Slip 8/13 What are the main environmental

issues today? Why are environmental issues

considered “global issues”?

Factors in Environmental Decisions

Sound scientific research should ALWAYS BE THE FIRST STEP

Other things to consider:› Aesthetics› Economic› Environmental› Educational› Ethical› Recreation› Social/Culture› Many, many, many others!

Making an Environmental Decision

Gather all available information› TV› Well-informed people› Internet

Consider values that apply to the issue Explore consequences Make a decision

Warbler Example

Listen to the example of the warblers and use the decision-making model to decide what the best course of action would be.

Warbler Example Gather information: local news reports,

google Warblers, talk to scientists Consider values: Make a chart of

applicable values Explore consequences: List the long

and short term pros/cons of in each value

Make a decision: What would you decide?

Now you try it!

A factory owner wants to start burying waste deep under his factory. He says that it will keep it out of the landfills and save his factory money, allowing him to provide more local jobs in the area. Scientists worry that the waste will leak, polluting the water supply.

Make a chart to help you decide what the right decision is!

Bell Ringer, 8/19 Turn in any work that you have left

from Friday Answer the following questions with AT

LEAST THREE SENTENCES:› How could environmental concerns conflict

with your desire to improve your standard of living?

› Are honey bees a renewable resource? Defend your answer.

Exit Slip, 8/19 Should we limit deforestation in the

rain forest? Why or why not? Name ONE way that you can study for

your quiz using your learning style.