Mission: Planet Earth

Introduction

Embark on a mission to examine the current state of our planet, focusing on climate, biogeochemical cycles, and biodiversity. Students will analyze the impact of human activities on global temperatures, extreme weather, and the natural processes that recycle essential elements like carbon and nitrogen.

Explore the variety of life forms on Earth and how human expansion threatens this diversity. This exploration not only delves into pressing environmental issues but also empowers students with sustainable practices and conservation strategies to mitigate human impact.

Through discussions, interactive projects, and hands-on activities, students gain a deep understanding of Earth's ecosystems and leave equipped with strategies for making a positive difference, highlighting the crucial role humans play in sustaining our planet's health.

Important Information: This expedition is the Cycle 1 Environmental Science/Financial Literacy Pathway expedition option

Essential Questions

• How do plants and animals interact with each other and their environment?

• How does energy transfer between organisms in an ecosystem?

• Why is an understanding of thermodynamics important in studying ecosystems?

• What constitutes an expected short-term climate fluctuation?

• What are the causes and evidence of climate change?

• How does human activity impact biodiversity and ecosystems?

• Why do scientists believe humans are responsible for global climate change?

• Why is it important to study and track biodiversity?

Learning Objectives

• Evaluate ecosystems to identify roles of plants and animals within the ecosystem.

• Describe the laws of thermodynamics and their application to the transfer of energy in ecosystems.

• Explain (and/or model) the carbon, water, nitrogen, and/or phosphorus cycle.

• Create food webs.

• Describe and differentiate between biomes.

• Differentiate between short-term climate fluctuations and long-term climate change.

• Identify the causes and evidence for global climate change.

• Describe the composition of our atmosphere.

• Explain the importance of biodiversity in a particular ecosystem or region.