1. Science Starter: A candle flame consumes oxygen and produces water vapor and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air. So…?

2. Energy & Resources Environmental Science

3. Matter & Energy pass through ecosystems and biomes Matter energy Matter is recycled, but energy is NOT. (atoms & molecules) Carbon, oxygen, water, nitrogen Food chains & webs Energy is used and degrades, but it is not recycled

4. Inputs Combustion (burning fossil fuels) Respiration Decomposition Output photosynthesis The Carbon Cycle

5. How is the carbon cycle currently out of balance? Why is the carbon cycle out of balance…. How are humans contributing to this problem?

6. The Water Cycle  Evaporation  Condensatio n  Precipitation  Transpiration Water is recycled… but, the amount of usable water can be restricted by the amount frozen (in icebergs, glaciers, and polar ice caps) and the amount affected by pollution.

7. The nitrogen cycle The atmosphere is 70%+ nitrogen (N2). Animals and plants need nitrogen for DNA and proteins. We rely on bacteria in soil to convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates and ammonia for uptake by plants. Animals get their nitrogen from plants.

8. Phosphorous cycle Phosphorous is necessary for cell membranes, DNA, and proteins. Phosphorous occurs naturally in soil/rock. Eutrophication throws phosphorous out of balance.

9. Non-renewable Resources– not recycled or only very slowly recycled Gold Tin Uranium Fossil Fuels– coal, oil, gas are limitedly renewable because we use them too fast!!!

10. Renewable resources Water Wind Sunlight Wood Crops

11. How do we harness energy for human use? Combustion of fossil fuels Non-renewable Produces tons of pollution

12. How do we harness energy for human use? Hydroelectric Renewable & clean Has geographic limitations

14. How do we harness energy for human use? Nuclear Power Plant Produces tons of energy Radioactive elements are non-renewable Produces nuclear waste

15. How do we harness energy for human use? Solar energy Renewable & clean Solar cells are very expensive

16. How do we harness energy for human use? Wind Turbines Renewable & clean Loud & can harm birds Have geographic limitations

17. Experimental Forms of Energy Generation Tidal energy Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Hydrogen– Fuel Cells Co-generation (using fuels twice)

18. To improve energy consumption, utilize efficiency & conservation Efficiency– lightbulbs, appliances, engines. Designs that waste less energy. Conservation– use less, waste less