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Ohio’s New Learning Standards:
Environmental Science
Month
Aug-May
Nature of
Science
Ohio’s New Learning Standards
Essential Understanding
Observable properties of matter
can be explained using the
scientific method.
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Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific
investigations
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Design and conduct investigations
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Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations
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Use models and analyze explanations
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Communicate and support a scientific argument
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The study of relevant, local problems can be a way to
connect the classroom to the real world.
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Apply environmental science topics to a global or
international scale. Case studies, developing and using
models, collecting and analyzing water and/or air quality
data, conducting or researching population studies and
methods of connecting to the real world must be
emphasized for this topic. Technology can be used for
comparative studies to share local data internationally.
Researching and investigating environmental factors on a
global level contributes to the depth of understanding by
applying the environmental science concepts to problem
solving and design. Examples of global topics that can be
explored include building water or air filtration models,
investigating climate change data, monitoring endangered
or invasive species, and studying the environmental
effects of increasing human population.
Performance
Assessment
Students will conduct
experiments, using lab safety
techniques, use formulas, and
graphs to visualize
experiments.
Students will connect local
problems to the real world via
case studies and current
events.
September
The Dynamic
Earth
October
Ecosystems
November –
January
Biomes,
Populations
and
Biodiversity
January –
February
Water & Air
Environmental science
incorporates the hydrosphere,
atmosphere, biosphere and
lithosphere. The areas are
interconnected and depend on
one another.
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The focus is on the connections and interactions between
Earth’s spheres (the hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere
and lithosphere). Both natural and human-made
interactions must be studied.
Students will explain verbally
and visually the connected
nature of the Earth and its
systems.
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The connections and interactions of energy and matter
between Earth’s spheres must be researched and
investigated using actual data. The emphasis is on the
interconnectedness of Earth’s spheres and the
understanding of the complex relationships between each,
including both abiotic and biotic factors.
Students will show in graphs
and visually how ecosystems
change over time and how
abiotic factors affect life.
Ecosystems connect biotic and
abiotic factors; life is diverse and
dependent on abiotic factors.
Biomes include similar species
that live together in an ecosystem.
Populations of organisms live
together and interact with other
organisms in the ecosystem.
Biodiversity is at risk due to
multiple factors.
The resources of water and air
contribute to most resources on
the planet. Water and air can be
polluted with dire consequences
to the ecosystems they support.
The connections and interactions of energy and matter
between Earth’s spheres must be researched and
investigated using actual data. The emphasis is on the
interconnectedness of Earth’s spheres and the
understanding of the complex relationships between each,
including both abiotic and biotic factors. Understanding that
some events are short-term and others have long-term
impacts.
Students will demonstrate their
understanding of various
biomes by modeling.
Populations of species will be
analyzed and compared and
contrasted based on similar
attributes.
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Students will analyze water
samples and determine the
quality of water.
-
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February –
March
Atmosphere &
Climate
Change
Climate is caused by many
factors.
Global climate trends can impact
ecosystems.
Global warming effects all aspects
of the planet.
Ground water and surface water velocities and patterns are
included as the movement of water (either at the surface,
in the atmosphere or beneath the surface) can be a mode
of transmission of contamination. This builds upon
previous hydrologic cycle studies in earlier grades.
Geomorphology and topography are helpful in determining
flow patterns and pathways for contamination.
Water, air, land, and biotic field and lab sampling/testing
equipment and methods must be utilized with real-world
application
An understanding of causes and effects of climate, global
climate (including el Niño/la Niña patterns and trends) and
changes in climate through Earth’s history, geologic
events (e.g., a volcanic eruption or mass wasting) that
impact Earth’s spheres, biogeochemical cycles and
patterns, the effect of abiotic and biotic factors within an
ecosystem, and the understanding that each of Earth’s
spheres is part of the dynamic Earth system.
Students will identify sources
of air and water pollution as
well as solutions to highly
contaminated water and air
problems.
Students will explain weather
trends and how they impact
the Earth.
Students will connect global
weather patterns using maps
and models
Students will demonstrate an
understanding of global
warming and its impact on the
planet.
March
Land, Food, &
Agriculture
April
Earth’s
Resources &
Energy
The way we use land can
drastically change the local
ecosystems.
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Urban sprawl, and agriculture
require planning to ensure the
land is sustainable for future use
of land.
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The planet offers many resources
that must be preserved for future
generations.
To understand the effects that certain contaminants may
have on the environment, scientific investigations and
research must be conducted on a local, national and
global level. Water, air, land, and biotic field and lab
sampling/testing equipment and methods must be utilized
with real-world application. Quantifiable field and/or lab
data must be used to analyze and draw conclusions
regarding air, water or land quality.
This topic explores the availability of Earth’s resources,
extraction of the resources, contamination problems,
remediation techniques and the storage/disposal of the
resources or by-products. Conservation, protection and
sustainability of Earth’s resources also are included.
New discoveries in environmental
science allow for improvements in
land, water, air, and habitat
management.
May
Waste &
Economics,
Policy, and the
Future
Humans play a large role in
controlling the change in
environments and must take on
the responsibilities to make those
changes.
Economic and environmental
policies do not always agree.
Governments must work together
internationally to find solutions.
An individual person can make a
difference to the environment.
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Researching contemporary discoveries, new technology
and new discoveries can lead to improvement in
environmental management
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Investigate and research global human population
patterns and changes over time.
Students will connect the use
of land to pollution sources and
develop sustainable practices
for local farms and/or cities.
Students will identify various
minerals and explain
sustainable mining practices.
Students will identify types of
non-renewable and renewable
energy and give the pros/cons
of each type.
Students will explain verbally
and graphically the economic
and environmental policies of
the US and other countries.
Students will explain verbally
and graphically the connection
between rising human
population and pollution.
Students will suggest solutions
to global environmental issues.