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Introduction to Environmental Science: Understanding Human-Environment Interactions

In this lesson, we explore the fundamental concepts of Environmental Science, emphasizing the relationship between humans and the environment. We discuss the goals of Environmental Science, differentiating it from Ecology, and the historical context that has shaped our current environmental challenges. Key topics include resource depletion, pollution, and loss of biodiversity, with a focus on how human actions impact ecosystems. Students will engage in discussions and activities to deepen their understanding of environmental issues and develop critical thinking skills related to sustainability.

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Introduction to Environmental Science: Understanding Human-Environment Interactions

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  1. Agenda 1/9 • Finish Environmental Career Activity • Go over Syllabus and Safety Contract (get signed by parent/guardian for HW) • Notes: Ch. 1 Sec. 1 – Understanding Our Environment • Warm-Up: What 5 words come to mind when you hear the word “environmental”?

  2. Science & the Environment Section 1: Understanding our Environment Standards: SEV4a, SEV5d, SEV5e

  3. What is Environmental Science? • The study of the impact of humans on the environment.

  4. What are the goals of environmental science? • To understand and solve environmental problems. • 2 Main Types of Interactions btwn Humans & Env. • How we use natural resources • How our actions alter the environment

  5. How is Env. Science different from Ecology? • Ecology- study of interactions of living things with each other & their non-living environment • Env. Science- includes how HUMANS impact living & non-living things.

  6. Why is Env. Sci. called an Integrated Science? • Many fields of study:

  7. Why is env. Science often called a “Citizen science”? • Most environmental problems are first discovered & studied by citizens in a community. • Citizens then alert scientists to a problem that needs to be studied.

  8. History of environmental science • Hunters-gatherers • Nomadic- small, migrating group • Collect plants, hunt animals, scavengers • Still around in remote regions of the world • Major env. Impact- overhunting of large mammals

  9. History of environmental science • Agricultural Revolution • Began c.10,000 years ago • Began domesticating animals & saving, planting seeds • Animals plowed field • Population grew • need help on farms • consistent food source to support more people • Habitats destroyed to make way for farm land • Poor farming techniques destroyed land

  10. History of environmental science • Industrial Revolution • Mid-1700’s • Introduction of fossil fuels & machinery • Reduced need for large families b/c machines did all work • People began migrating to cities for factory work. • Improved technology= new medicine, sanitation, nutrition • Most environmental problems started during this time.

  11. History of environmental science • Overpopulation • Caused by agricultural & industrial revolution • Puts large strain on • Natural resources • Biodiversity

  12. What are our three main environmental problems? • Resource depletion • Natural resources are either… • Renewable- can be replaced quickly by natural processes • Ex: air, trees, crops • Non-renewable- cannot be replaced quickly • Ex: minerals & fossil fuels • Both can become depleted if harvested faster than can be replaced.

  13. What are our three main environmental problems? • Pollution • Negative change in air, water, or soil that affects health or survival of living things • Two types: • Biodegradable- can be broken down • Ex: sewage, food • Non-biodegradable- cannot be broken down by natural processes • Ex: lead, mercury, plastic

  14. What are three main environmental problems? • Loss of Biodiversity • Biodiversity- number & variety of species that live in an area. • Most current extinctions are due to HIPPO • Habitat loss • Introduced species • Pollution • Population growth (humans) • Overharvesting

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