Syllabus

Environmental Issues

Structure and nature of the subject
Modern society is to a very high degree based on the natural sciences and technology. For this reason, the individual needs knowledge of the natural sciences, both as an individual and as a member of society. Energy, environmental and resource issues place demands on a broad knowledge of the natural sciences. At the same time, the speed of development in the natural sciences gives rise to new questions, not least of an ethical nature.

Modern natural sciences are characterized by division into many specialist areas, at the same time as many questions require an interdisciplinary approach. This course is interdisciplinary, where issues concerning the natural sciences can be studied from several perspectives. The course takes up environmental issues, and also issues concerning ecology, energy and the use of resources.

Working methods will be varied, a heavy emphasis on enabling students themselves to search for answers and information and present them, fostering good critical thinking skills in the process. Material will be dealt with in active manor, including but not limited to small informal student presentations, posters, displays and the use of drama. Creativity and humor are a must!
Aim of the subject

Students shall examine the connection between lifestyle choices (as consumers and voters) and their effect the environment. The aim of the subject is to provide knowledge of the natural sciences to enable pupils to determine their views on issues, which are important for the individual and society such as e.g. genetics, sustainable development and energy issues.

Goals to aim for
Pupils should:
Have knowledge of the importance of lifestyle for the environment and sustainable ecological development.

Develop their ability to interpret and critically examine different types of information, take part in discussions on different societal issues, and form their views on the basis of a natural scientific and ethical perspective.

Be able to understand the difference between statements based on fact and value viewpoints in the natural sciences.

Be able to describe environmental problems from a natural science perspective, and actively take part in discussions on the possibilities for influencing development.

Develop their ability and interest in searching, critically examining and assimilating knowledge about current research in the natural sciences from different sources of information.

Develop their knowledge of the research and investigative methods used in science, and how results can be presented.

Develop their ability to understand and use the language and theoretical concepts of the natural sciences.

Assessment
The course will be assessed continuously via weekly logbook entries, quizzes participation in smaller presentation and assignments as well as a major essay exam, book report, and a final project (five page academic paper ) and associated presentation (good deal of room for creativity here, could be a film, PR campaign or dramatization).

Grading
Your Grade is determined by your percentage of total points earned. Grades will consist of approximately 50% logbooks (blog), 5% effort/conduct/participation. The other 50% comes from quiz scores, final projects, bookreport, presentations and other major assigments. Your progress and grades will be printed out regularly, so you will know what your letter grade is AT ALL TIMES.

Grading scale
A+ 98-100% B+ 88-89% C+ 78-79% D+ 68-69%
A 94-97% B 84-87% C 74-77% D 64-67%
A- 90-93% B- 80-83% C- 70-73% D- 60-63%

Syllabus (list of potential subject areas)
Units or Subject Areas (Student interest can change these)

Introduction to Scientific Philosophy and Critical thinking
What science is and isn’t
The nature of scientific fact, opinion and theory
The art of taking a stand
A brief overview of ecology
Ecological terminology
Natural cycles
The flow of energy and materials in ecosystems
Photosynthesis
Greenhouse effect
Ozone layer
Ocean currents
Energy
Physics background (work/power/energy, energy types, energy quality)
Power production
Types and their effects on the environment
Transportation
Negative environmental impacts

Acid rain
Over fertilization
Erosion
Desertification
Impacting Ozone and Greenhouse
Sustainable development
Overpopulation?
Issues of land use (Earth, Air, water)
§ Things like:
· Reef , wetland and rainforest destruction
· Tourism effect on the environment
· Cities effect on ecosystems
· Industry
Renewable vs. consumable resources
Biodiversity
Packaging
Food production and consumption
Genetics
The effects of modified organism
Local Issues