Environmental science is an interdisciplinary, investigative science that explores the interactions and interconnectedness between humans and their environments and analyses the functions of both living and non-living elements that sustain Earth systems.
In this unit students examine the processes and interactions occurring within and between Earth’s four interrelated systems – the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. They focus on how ecosystem functioning can influence many local, regional and global environmental conditions such as plant productivity, soil fertility, water quality and air quality. Students explore how changes that have taken place throughout geological and recent history are fundamental to predicting the likely impact of future changes. They consider a variety of influencing factors in achieving a solutions-focused approach to responsible management of challenges related to natural and human-induced environmental change.
Areas of Study:
How are Earth’s systems organised and connected?
How do Earth’s systems change over time?
How do scientific investigations develop understanding of how Earth’s systems support life? (Barwon River Water Monitoring Project)
In this unit students consider pollution as well as food and water security as complex and systemic environmental challenges facing current and future generations. They examine the characteristics, impacts, assessment and management of a range of pollutants that are emitted or discharged into Earth’s air, soil, water and biological systems, and explore factors that limit and enable the sustainable supply of adequate and affordable food and water.
Areas of Study:
How can we manage pollution to sustain Earth’s systems?
How can we manage food and water security to sustain Earth’s systems?
How can we manage food and water security to sustain Earth’s systems? (Research Project)
Student assessment will be based on internally set and corrected school-assessed coursework. Formal assessment tasks include
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Students need a scientific calculator
Students will order the textbook from the booklist