1. KC 6.1: SCIENCE & THE ENVIRONMENT
Period 6: Present

3. Researchers made rapid advances in science that spread throughout the world, assisted by the development of new technology

4. New modes of communication & transportation virtually eliminated the problem of geographic distance

5. New scientific paradigms transformed human understanding of the world
Theory of Relativity
Quantum Mechanics
Psychology

6. New scientific paradigms transformed human understanding of the world
Big Bang Theory

7. New scientific paradigms transformed human understanding of the world
Theory of Realtivity

8. The GREEN REVOLUTION produced food for the Earth’s growing population as it spread chemically & genetically enhanced forms of agriculture

9. Medical innovations increased the ability of humans to survive
Polio Vaccine
Antibiotics
The artificial heart

10. Energy technologies, including the use of oil & nuclear power, raised productivity & increased the production of material goods

11. As the global population expanded at an unprecedented rate, humans fundamentally changed their relationship with the environment

12. Humans exploited & competed over the Earth’s finite resources more intensely than ever before in human history

13. Global warming (climate change) was a major consequence of the release of greenhouse gasses & other pollutants into the atmosphere

14. Pollution threatened the world’s supply of water & clean air
Deforestation & desertification were continuing consequences of the human impact on the environment
Rates of extinction of other species accelerated sharply

15. Disease, scientific innovations, & conflict led to demographic shifts

16. Diseases associated with poverty persisted (Malaria, Cholera, Tuberculosis)
Other diseases emerged as new epidemics & threats to human survival (1918 Flu, HIV/AIDS, Ebola)
Changing lifestyles & increased longevity led to higher incidence of certain diseases (Diabetes, Heart Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease)

18. More effective forms of birth control gave women greater control over fertility & transformed sexual practices

19. Improved military technology (Tanks, Airplanes, Atomic bombs) & new tactics (Trench Warfare, Firebombing) led to increased levels of wartime casualties (Nanjing, Dresden, Hiroshima)