Ecology

Recommended Prerequisites: Biology I and Physical Science, Chemistry I or Physics

Grades Offered:  10 - 12

Credit:  ½ - 1

SDE Course Code:  3255

MNPS Course Code:   SCI6501

 

Course Description:

 

Students will study the many living and non-living cycles in nature, ecological populations and communities, nutritional relationships in nature, food webs and pyramids, ecological succession, energy sources and human interactions with the environment. Concepts from Biology I and Chemistry I will be applied.  Many labs and field experiences are included to assist students in learning the science content, as well as addressing personal and civic responsibility and the challenges facing our world – pollution, extinct species, abuse of natural resources and overpopulation.

Course of Study:

·        Ecological Principles

o       Understand the structure and function of ecosystems.

o       Explore the major biomes of the earth and the biodiversity associated with these biomes.

o       Analyze and interpret population dynamics.

o       Relate earth processes to ecosystem dynamics.

o       Understand interdependence in ecosystems.

o       Explore factors affecting the vulnerability of a species to extinction.

·        Human Population Dynamics

o       Examine factors affecting human population dynamics.

o       Consider the consequences of human population growth.

o        Investigate approaches that address overpopulation.

·        Natural Resources

o       Explore the types, uses, and history of non-energy renewable and nonrenewable resources.

o       Investigate methods of conservation of common non-energy resources.

o       Determine the impact of waste production and management on the environment.

·        Energy

o       Explore both conventional and alternative energy sources.

o       Understand the types of energy related pollution.

o       Compare various methods of energy conservation.

·        Human Interaction with the Environment

o       Understand causes, environmental effects, and methods for controlling pollution.

o       Investigate the environmental impact on human health.

o       Explore the relative sustainability of various practices in the areas of watershed management, agriculture, solid waste management, wastewater management, and development.

·        Personal and Civic Responsibility

o       Evaluate and articulate his/her personal views concerning the environment.

o       Recognize his/her rights and responsibilities as a citizen in maintaining a healthy environment.

Standards:

MNPS standards for Ecology can be accessed at:
http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=3353

State Ecology standards can be found at:  http://www.state.tn.us/education/ci/cistandards2001/sci/cisciecology.htm

Textbook:

      Holt Environmental Science, Arms, 2000, Holt, Rinehart, Winston (basal)     

 

Recommended/Required Resources:

• Laboratory facility with access to a source of water and electricity for lab equipment; required
• Field guides, recommended.
• Access to computers that are web-accessible; recommended
• Various types of lab equipment and apparatus for inquiry investigations; required