Case Study: Water (Teacher & Student Edition)

ZIP file containing 2 PDF files 
(1 Teacher Edition and 1 Student Edition)

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
HS-LS2-1. Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales.
HS-LS2-2. Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
HS-ESS2-2. Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth’s surface can create feedbacks that cause changes to other Earth systems.
HS-ESS2-5. Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.
HS-ESS3-1. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.

AP® Environmental Science Learning Objectives:
1.7 Explain the steps and reservoir interactions in the hydrologic cycle.
3.4 Describe carrying capacity. Describe the impact of carrying capacity on ecosystems.
3.5 Explain how resource availability affects population growth.
3.8 Explain how human populations experience growth and decline. 
4.6 Describe the characteristics of a watershed.
5.5 Describe different methods of irrigation. Describe the benefits and drawbacks of different methods of irrigation.
5.10 Describe the effects of urbanization on the environment.
5.12 Explain the concept of sustainability.
5.13 Describe methods for mitigating problems related to urban runoff. 
6.1 Identify the differences between nonrenewable and renewable energy resources.
6.9 Describe the use of hydroelectricity in power generation. Describe the effects of the use of hydroelectricity in power generation on the environment. 
8.1 Identify differences between point and nonpoint sources.
8.2 Describe the impacts of human activities on aquatic ecosystems.
8.5 Explain the environmental effects of excessive use of fertilizers and detergents on aquatic ecosystems.
8.11 Describe best practices in sewage treatment.
8.14 Explain human pathogens and their cycling through the environment. 

AP® Environmental Science Practices:
1: Explain environmental concepts, processes, and models presented in written format. 
2: Analyze visual representations of environmental concepts and processes. 
3: Analyze sources of information about environmental issues. 
4: Analyze research studies that test environmental principles. 
5: Analyze and interpret quantitative data represented in tables, charts, and graphs.
6: Apply quantitative methods to address environmental concepts.
7: Propose and justify solutions to environmental problems.

 

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