Unit Overview
How can we model and evaluate solutions for a sustainable future to mitigate the environmental problems caused by humans?
As the human population continues to grow so does our need for food, materials, and transportation. As humans mine for materials, use, and transport these materials, the impact can often be seen with an increase in air pollution which can impact those with health problems disproportionally. While these human endeavors often have a negative impact on the environment, as technology and innovation improve, so do the solutions to these issues. Students will explore how human activity has changed the environment and ecosystem around us using data to create arguments for potential solutions. Students will create computational models to show how human activity impacts Earth’s systems as well as design solution models to improve the stability of the Earth’s ecosystems. They will continue to evaluate the possible solutions to this multisystem problem using system and system models showing how solutions can mitigate human impacts on multiple Earth systems.
Performance Expectations:
HS-ESS3-2, HS-ESS3-3, HS-ESS3-4, HS-ESS3-6
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Unit Storyline
Unit Opening
Burning Fossil Fuels
Land Use and Biodiversity
Mining
Unit Closing
How is human activity harming the health of humans and the natural environment? How is the health of humans and the natural environment intertwined? What solutions adequately address these problems and can be implemented in the real world?
Other than climate change, how does burning fossil fuels relate to human health? How do the emissions from burning fossil fuels contribute to negative impacts on the environment both for humans and other organisms?
How have the ways in which humans have modified land influenced the health of humans and other organisms? What factors contribute to the urban heat island effect, and how can we ameliorate it? What factors contribute to the sustainability of urban neighborhoods? How does the removal of trees worldwide impact heat islands and sustainability?
How does the extraction of resources impact human and ecosystem health?
How do separate solutions work together to reduce the health burden on humans and ecosystems?
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Essential Documents
A collection of printable materials required for activities, rubrics, and work samples for the unit.