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Independent and Dependent Variables - identify the independent variable, dependent variable, experimental and control groups in three studies [not interactive]
Use a globe to explain the global circulation of the atmosphere integrating the uneven heating of Earth’s surface and Earth’s rotation. 1.1
Sketch and label a diagram of the layers of the atmosphere indicating distance above Earth’s surface, temperature changes and other significant characteristics for each layer. 1.2
Use a one gallon container of water as a scale model to explain what percentage of water on Earth occurs as oceans, glaciers, freshwater and groundwater. 1.3
Compare heat transfer in the atmosphere and the oceans. 1.4
Describe how gases in the atmosphere affect climate. 1.5
Differentiate between divergent, convergent and transform plate boundaries. 1.6
Create a concept map depicting the rock cycle. 1.7
Relate erosion (weathering and transportation) to soil formation. 1.8
Differentiate between the hydrosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere. 1.9
Trace energy flow from the sun through living things. 2.1
Diagram an energy/food pyramid that illustrates the ‘Rule of 10’. 2.2
Create a food web characteristic of a Tennessee ecoregion composed of at least four trophic levels. Extract two different, four trophic level food chains. 2.3
Describe how species biodiversity relates to ecosystem stability. 2.4
Describe plant and animal adaptations found in each of earth’s major biomes. 2.5
Identify the locations of earth’s major biomes using a globe or map. 2.6
Develop a visual display to compare and contrast primary and secondary biological succession in one of earth’s major biomes or aquatic habitats. 2.7
Explain how human activities such as lawn mowing, gardening, farming, logging, planting trees, mining, and urban development advance, halt, or slow succession. 2.8
Draw and explain diagrams illustrating each of the following biogeochemical cycles: water, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. 2.9
Differentiate between renewable and nonrenewable resources. 4.1
Summarize how environmental problems (e.g., erosion, desertification, acid deposition, simplified ecosystems, and soil salinization) are associated with farming practices and soil conservation practices. 4.2
Investigate the impact of the green revolution on world food production and on the environment. 4.3
Investigate the pros and cons of producing crops through genetic engineering. 4.4
Summarize the ecological services and economic benefits provided by forests. 4.5
Summarize the environmental impact of extracting, processing, and using mineral resources. 4.6
Conduct a controlled experiment to determine effects of soil salinization on seed germination. 4.7
Use an environmentally significant case study (e.g., oil exploration in the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge) to explain the difference between preservation and conservation. 4.8
Summarize the roles of various public and private organizations (e.g., Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation, World Wildlife Fund, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, Department of Interior, Tennessee Wildlife resource Agency, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation) involved in natural resource protection and use. 4.9
Research a Tennessee city, such as Chattanooga. Incorporate green design features into a plan for sustainable development in your community. 4.10
Research and summarize U.S. environmental laws related to natural resources (e.g., Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, Food Quality Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, Soil Conservation Act, and National Park Service Act). 4.11
Differentiate between point and non-point sources of pollution as they apply to air and water. 6.1
Conduct a watershed analysis of a local stream. Test for chemical and biological (infectious) pollutants include a survey of macro invertebrates. 6.2
Investigate a state or local environmental issue involving pollution of land, air or water. 6.3
Explore case studies of human health problems related to pollutants. 6.4
Research major U.S. Environmental Legislation such as National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), The Clean Air Act, The Clean Water Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund), Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA), The Pollution Prevention Act (PPA), The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), The Safe Drinking Water Act (SWDA), The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 6.5
Compare and contrast industrial agricultural practices emphasizing use of petroleum based pesticides and fertilizers with organic methods of food production that utilize integrated pest management and organic composting. 6.6
Conduct a survey about waste management/recycling habits and opportunities in your community. Report findings in an article written for a local newspaper, a pod-cast or on a local talk radio show. 6.7
Investigate what watershed your school is located in and how wastewater, municipal solid and hazardous wastes are handled. 6.8
Interview a senior citizen about past use and disposal of resources and compare with common practices today. 7.1
Compare and contrast industrial agriculture and sustainable agriculture. 7.2
Identify how environmental protection can be carried out on a local level and explain choices that can be made to lessen the impact on the environment. 7.3
Choose three endangered species and predict how their removal would affect the ecosystems in which they live. 7.4
Research the effectiveness of the U.S. Endangered Species Act. 7.5
Research major international environmental issues and how they are addressed by international agreements (Kyoto, Montreal, CITES, etc.). 7.6
Compare and contrast stratospheric and tropospheric ozone. 7.7
Define chlorofluorocarbons and explain how they break down ozone molecules. 7.8
Explain the trend in atmospheric CO2 levels indicated by ice core data and CO2 measurements recorded at Mauna Loa since 1958. 7.9
a site for teachers | 
a PowerPoint show | 
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sound | 
video format | 
interactive lesson | 
a quiz | 
to print
