Introduce the components of the environment which provide the boundaries for ecosystems.
Discuss ecosystems with well defined boundaries, like a cave or lake, and others with more subjective boundaries like the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Define and discuss the biosphere.
View photographs on the Serengeti Plains and introduce the difference in biomass required due to energy loss.
Elicit a list of human needs, then divide then into basic and more complex human needs.
More complex needs are based on "biophillia" or love of life.
These include the need for natural areas, beauty, social connections, friends, entertainment, and learning.
Introduce and determine the ecological footprint of an individual.
Discuss why developed and developing countries have a different effect on the ecological footprint
Redefine ecosystems in terms of location and mix of interacting abiotic and biotic factors.
Elicit that ecosystems control the movement of energy, water, and nutrients needed for growth and reproduction.
Discuss the characteristics which given ecosystems are dependent upon.
Introduce the components which
provide boundaries for ecosystems and discuss examples.
Introduce by using verbal true o false questions.
Read article "working toward sustainability", managing environmental systems in the Florida everglades.
Answer critical thinking questions free response questions at the end of the article.
Discuss in detail the interacting systems present in the everglades, and the adaptive measures being taken to preserve and protect.
Discuss sustainable development for future generations.
Outline and discuss how to achieve sustainability through conservation and alternative to non renewables.
Use examples of alternatives to steel which is made from non renewable iron.
Discuss alternatives to fossil fuel consumption.
Determine why developed countries affect the environment more than developing countries do.
List and discuss the impacts of our activities and lifestyle on the environment.
Discuss the interdependent nature of each.
Define and discuss the "ecological footprint" and how individuals affect the footprint.
From a computer app. Determine the students footprint.
Review renewable and nonrenewable resources.
Elicit why even renewable resources may become depleted.
Discuss alternatives for nonrenewable resources, pros and cons.
Define per capita consumption.
Distinguish between developed and developing countries.
Discuss the per capita consumption of each.
Elicit a list of human needs from student, in no particular order.
Rearrange them into basic needs and more complex human needs.
Discuss the human desire for more complex needs.
Introduce the term biophilia.
Read and discuss report on how greenhouse gases produce their affect.
List and discuss renewable and nonrenewable resources.
Discuss the pros and and cons of nuclear power production.
Discuss what factors account for the USA, Canada, Australia, and developed European countries using the majority of the world's resource.
