Unit 1: Exploring Science and the Environment Mr. Ross Brown Brooklyn School for Law and Technology

In this unit we will learn about: The many areas of study included in environmental sciences The things living things need to survive How life on Earth has changed over time Major environmental problems How we’ll apply the scientific method Why this class is important for the rest of your life!

How do we interact with our environment(s)? 2 February 2016 Do now: What do you think are the 3 greatest environmental problems today?

What is environmental science? The study of how organisms (living things,) including humans, affect and interact with their environment Environment:an organism’s natural and human-made surroundings.

How do organisms interact with their environments?

What are our environments? NaturalBuilt

What science will we use? Biology Earth Science Chemistry Physics Social Sciences – This is an Applied Science. Goal is to find practical solutions to environmental problems.

What science will we use? Many sciences, so many types of scientists studying: – Conservation – Air, water, land systems – Geography and anthropology; cultures

Homework #1 2 February 2016 Name a natural resource and why it is important to people.

Why is the Earth a “living planet?” 4 February 2016 Do now: What makes the Earth a planet that can support life?

Why is the Earth a “living planet?” Diversity of Life

Why is the Earth a “living planet?” Water – Needed by all living things – Humans need to drink 1.9 liters each day – Humans use 379 liters each day – More than 2 billion people don’t have enough

Why is the Earth a “living planet?” Other uses of water

Why is the Earth a “living planet?” Air – We breathe oxygen into our lungs – Oxygen helps us get energy from food – Dissolved oxygen in water supports fishes

Why is the Earth a “living planet?” Energy – To grow, heal move, think – To reproduce Almost all energy comes from our Sun – Heat and Light – Stored in plants as food, nutrients – Becomes fossil fuels

Why is the Earth a “living planet?” Species: a group of organisms that can breed with each other Most species have different needs – It is important to be sensitive to other cultures as we study environmental issues Long-term, global impacts of short-term, local actions – Pesticides – Deforestation – Strip-mining

Homework #1, pt 2 4 February 2016 Why is the Earth the only planet in the universe with life (as far as we know?) Give 3 reasons and explain.

Aim: How have humans interacted with their environment? 5 February 2016 Do now: List 4 ways your needs are addressed in 2016 differently than they would have been during the Neolithic Era. Neolithic: “New Stone”

How have humans interacted with their environment? Earth is 4.6 billion years old Life appeared 3.5 billion years ago Humans appeared 100,000 years ago – How have we survived throughout the eons?

How have humans interacted with their environment? First humans lived in small groups – Hunter-gatherers, nomadic – Required knowledge – Dangerous How did this lifestyle affect social structure?

How have humans interacted with their environment? Agricultural Revolution – 11,000 years ago – Planting seeds and raising animals – Stayed in one place

How have humans interacted with their environment? Agriculture: farming – More efficient than hunter-gatherer lifestyle – Populations increased – Diets changed – Alteration of the landscape

How have humans interacted with their environment? Agricultural Revolution Benefits More food! 500 times more productive than hunting/ gathering Permanent, safer homes Problems Waste management Landscape degradation Population Loss of variety in diet Disease from proximity to livestock

How have humans interacted with their environment? Industrial Revolution – Mid-1700s-mid-1900s – Mass-production – Relocation to cities Benefits More produced by fewer people Prices fall New Inventions Time available for art, education, recreation… Problems Loss of habitat Pollution Energy consumption Population EXPLODES Since 1800s population has grown from 1 billon to almost 7 billion

Homework #2 11 February 2016 Explain why it is important for people to work for a sustainable society.