SSHS: Introduction to ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 120
Teacher: DAVID GBONGBOR
2014/15
Email: david.gbongbor@nbed.nb.ca
You are welcome to Mr. Gbongbor’s 2014/15, Introduction to Environmental Science 120 class. I
am very pleased to have you. My main goal is to help you succeed by all means. Together we will
work out plans that are most suitable to your own style of learning so that you will fill very
comfortable and relaxed as we journey through this course. My expectation is that you do THE
BEST YOU CAN to participate constructively in all class assignments, homework and project. The
very little feedback you can give can make a huge difference for you to succeed. Do not hesitate to
give back, even if you think it is not important. BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN MAKE IT AND I WILL
TAKE CARE OF THE REST.
Course Description:
Environmental science is the study of the relationship between abiotic, or nonliving components
and the biotic, or living components on the sustainability of ecosystems. The combination of abiotic
and biotic components determines the flow of energy between and within ecosystems. Sustainable
ecosystems are able to perpetuate themselves not only now but also in the future. Of great interest
is the human impact on abiotic sources, particularly nutrient availability, such as carbon, nitrogen,
oxygen, or sulfur of ecosystems. Other major components of sustainability of ecosystems are direct
and indirect alteration of ecosystems such as sprawl engulfing land which comprised an ecosystem
or alteration of water flow when water availability is usually the forcing function of ecosystems.
Current environmental issues will be another topic of discussion.
Course Objectives: The student will:
1. Integrate the flow of energy through biogeochemical cycles from land, to water, and to the
atmosphere.
2. Relate the biological demand to the carrying capacity of the ecosystem
3. Compare the distribution of resources to geographical location of population centers.
4. Evaluate economic forces and society’s influence on conservation and consumption of resources.
Skills: The student will:
1. Develop critical thinking skills.
2. Generate and analyze data in laboratory and/or outdoor experiences.
3. Obtain, analyze and evaluate data in problems and essay questions.
4. Research current global environmental issues and recommend possible solutions.
5. Actively take part in solving the current environmental issues in our school and the local
community.
The student will prepare and keep essays/journal of current environmental issues on a weekly.
Evaluation: Grades will be based on points earned from the following evaluative instruments:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Test
Quiz
Projects
Journals
Homework/Assignments
Exams
15%
10%
15%
15%
10%
35%
Methods of Instruction:
1. Project based learning.
2. Class discussion with emphasis on integrating and analyzing data.
3. Laboratory experiments/Outdoor activities (Weather permitting).
4. Lecture with focus on developing critical thinking skills.
5. Demonstrations illustrating methods of experimentation.
6. Computer simulations.
It is the student’s responsibility to meet with the teacher to arrange for any make up work. All
work must be turned in for grading; late work (without reasonable excuse) loses 5% of the
total mark.
D. Gbongbor
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SSHS: Introduction to ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 120
2014/15
Tentative Field Trip/Guest Speaker Dates (all local):
1. Recycling depot (Date to be determined)
2. Guest Speaker: (Dates to be determined)
a. Conservation of Natural Resources
b. Careers in Environmental Science/Studies
c. Other
Time line
Unit 1 An Overview of Environmental Science (25 hours)
The Issues (5 hrs.)
 current understanding of issues – environmental, economic and social justice perspectives
Population Growth and Resource Limitations (10 hrs.)
 population dynamics in natural systems
 human population trends and influences
 resource limitations and carrying capacity
Researching Current Environmental Issues (10 hrs.)
 class investigation of current issues, modeling research and investigative skills
 start of student project
Unit 2 Sustainable Development (30 hours)
Ecology (10 hrs.)

interrelated systems that support living systems

human impact on natural systems
Environmental Awareness: (10 hrs.)
 Indigenous ways of knowing nature
 historic and current attitudes to the environment
 early European settlers’ attitude to the environment
 development of values for conservation and sustainability
 current land and water use
 history of the Western environmental movement
Sustainable Ecosystems and Communities: (10 hrs.)
 dynamics of healthy and sustainable ecosystems
 principles of sustainable communities
 relationships between local, regional, and global ecosystems and societies
 principles of sustainable development
Unit 3 Investigating Environmental Issues (35 hours)
 defining the issue
 investigating the natural ecosystem and human impact
 considering social, cultural, and economic aspects
 investigating human and environmental perspectives and solutions
Possible issues
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Agriculture
Forests
Fresh Water
Ocean Fisheries
Energy Resources
Climate Change
Water and Air Pollution
Student Projects
 Independent research and report [Classroom Presentations of all projects are MANDATORY]
 group presentation with research summary, exploration of solutions, and class activity
 demonstration of personal appreciation of the environment, environmental stewardship
through action, advocacy for the environment, and engagement of others in environmental
inquiry.
D. Gbongbor
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