NEWARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCECURRICULUM GUIDE (Draft)

2008

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NEWARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

2008-2009

Mr. Samuel Gonzalez, Chairperson

Ms. Shanique L. Davis-Speight, Vice Chairperson

Mr. Tharien Arnold

Ms. Barbara King

Mr. Anthony Machado

Ms. Eliana Pintor

Ms. Arelis Romero

Mr. Felix A. Rouse

Mr. Carlos Valentin, Jr.

NEWARK PUBLIC SCHOOLSA D M I N I S T R A T I O N

2008-2009

State District Superintendent.............................................................................................................................................Dr. Clifford B. Janey

State District Deputy Superintendent...................................................................................................................................................................

Chief Financial Officer...............................................................................................................................................................Mr. Ronald LeeSchool Business Administrator

Chief of Staff.............................................................................................................................................................................Ms. Sadia White

Assistant Superintendent...........................................................................................................................................Ms. Joanne C. BergamottoSchool Leadership Team I

Assistant Superintendent............................................................................................................................................................Mr. Roger LeonSchool Leadership Team II

Assistant Superintendent...........................................................................................................................................Dr. Glenda Johnson-GreenSchool Leadership Team III

Assistant Superintendent............................................................................................................................................................Ms. Lydia SilvaSchool Leadership Team IV

Assistant Superintendent.........................................................................................................................................................Dr. Don MarinaroSchool Leadership Team V

Assistant Superintendent....................................................................................................................................................Dr. Gayle W. GriffinDepartment of Teaching and Learning

Assistant Superintendent............................................................................................................................................................Dr. Kevin WestDepartment of Special Programs

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................1

Board Members................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2

Administration.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................3

Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................4

District Mission Statement...............................................................................................................................................................................................................5

District Goals and Guiding Principles.............................................................................................................................................................................................6

Curriculum Committee....................................................................................................................................................................................................................8

Course Philosophy...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................9

Course Description.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................10

Recommended Textbooks..............................................................................................................................................................................................................11

Course Proficiencies......................................................................................................................................................................................................................12

Course Units and Suggested Pacing Guide....................................................................................................................................................................................13

Standards, Goals, and Objectives...................................................................................................................................................................................................14

Appendix........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................63

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Mission Statement

The Newark Public Schools recognize that each child is a unique individual possessing talents, abilities, goals, and dreams. We further recognize

that each child can only be successful when we acknowledge all aspects of that child’s life – addressing their needs, enhancing their intellect, developing

character, and uplifting their spirit. Finally, we recognize that individuals learn, grow, and achieve differently; and it is therefore critical that as a district, we

provide a diversity of programs based on student needs.

As a district, we recognize that education does not exist in a vacuum. In recognizing the rich diversity of our student population, we also

acknowledge the richness of the diverse environment that surrounds us. The numerous cultural, educational and economic institutions that are part of the

greater Newark community play a critical role in the lives of our children. It is equally essential that these institutions become an integral part of our

educational program.

To this end, the Newark Public Schools is dedicated to providing a quality education, embodying a philosophy of critical and creative thinking and

designed to equip each graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to be a productive citizen. Our educational program is informed by high academic

standards, high expectations, and equal access to programs that provide and motivate a variety of interests and abilities for every student based on his or her

needs. Accountability at every level is an integral part of our approach. As a result of the conscientious, committed, and coordinated efforts of teachers,

administrators, parents, and the community, ALL CHILDREN WILL LEARN.

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

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GOALS AND GUIDING PRINCIPLESReaching for the Brass Ring

GOALS

Goal 1 IMPROVE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Provide all students with equal access to opportunities that demonstrate high academic standards, high expectations, instructional rigor and alignment with the NJCCCS, and which embody a philosophy of critical and creative thinking.

Goal 2 DEVELOP STUDENT MORAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Equip students to be productive citizens by addressing needs, enhancing intellect, developing character, and instilling pride and hope.

Goal 3 STRUCTURE THE ORGANIZATION TO BE EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE AND ALIGNED WITH THE DISTRICT MISSION

Allocate and align resources on the basis of student needs with high achievement as the ultimate goal.

--Schools and district offices will have effective and efficient programs, processes, operations and services to assure that all students and other customers will have access to certificated, highly trained professionals.

--Budget and fiscal systems will support the focus on student achievement through timely and accurate processing of documents.

Goal 4 ENFRANCHISE COMMUNITY / EMPOWER PARENTS

Engage community and family in meaningful decision-making and planning for Newark children.

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GOALS AND GUIDING PRINCIPLESReaching for the Brass Ring

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

FOCUS ON STUDENTS

Every Newark Public Schools employee must be committed to high achievement for all students and assume responsibility for that success. Everyone clearly communicates the vision, focus, and goals of the district. All district policies, procedures and activities are aligned in support of student achievement.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS / STANDARDS DRIVEN

All district personnel are constantly analyzing data and feedback to ensure high standards and support to enable all students to be successful.

All school communities are constantly monitoring data and feedback to ensure that each student has the necessary personalized support and quality-learning environment to meet high standards and expectations for learning.

CARING AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT

The district is committed to safe, clean, aesthetically pleasing educational work environments. Students’ and employees’ diverse backgrounds, abilities, interests, and needs are respected. Structures and practices that promote personalization and equity of access are provided.

SHARED DECISION MAKING

The district participates openly and honestly in productive, collaborative and reflective communication and systemically solicits feedback from multiple stakeholders. Systemic feedback loops are established to ensure that all stakeholders (including district offices, administrators, teachers, parents and students) are engaged in dialogue for the purpose of shared decision-making.

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CURRICULUM COMMITTEE

Joylette Mills-Ransome - Director Joseph Stanish - Supervisor

Hafeezah Abdullah – Biology Teacher

Sobakin Akinronbi – Chemistry Teacher

Ivory Kilpatrick – Biology Teacher

Sonya Rolle-Hinton – Biology Teacher

LaKeisha Sewell – Biology Teacher

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Newark Public SchoolsEnvironmental Science

Course Philosophy

"The weight of our civilization has become so great, it now ranks as a global force and a significant wild card in the human future along with the

Ice Ages and other vicissitudes of a volatile and changeable planetary system".

Dianne Dumanoski, Rethinking Environmentalism

It has been a longstanding belief that nature should be controlled by humans and that the earth was designed for humanity (Cicero 106-43 BC).

Ironically, the human quest to bend the environment to suit its growing needs has decreased the environment’s ability to sustain our life demands. It

is our belief that through this course, students will gain insight and an understanding of the balance that must exist between humankind and the

environment.

Students will identify, analyze and evaluate both natural and man-made environmental issues. Through the use of critical thinking and problem-

solving skills and the application of scientific principles students will be able to assess the associated risks and benefits of environmental policies and

practices. Ultimately, this course will enable them to become more informed and conscientious agents of environmental change!

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Newark Public SchoolsEnvironmental Science

Course Description

Environmental Science Course DescriptionEnvironmental Science is designed to prepare students for entrance into their high school level Biology course. This is a multidisciplinary course that draws from all the sciences, as well as other disciplines. Traditional lecture is integrated with demonstrations, critical thinking and problem solving activities to enable students to gain a better understanding of the relationship between humans and the world in which we live. The essential themes of the course include: Introduction to Environmental Science, Ecology, Populations, Air, Water and Land, Mineral and Energy Resources, and Our Health and Our Future.

The following unifying concepts form the foundation of this course:

1. Science is a process. Science is a method of learning more about the world. Science constantly changes the way we understand the world.

2. An Ecosystem is a system of interdependent living and non-living factors necessary for life. Ecosystems can be as large as the earth or as small as a puddle of water. The earth is a large ecosystem.

3. An ecosystem can continue perpetually; it is dynamic due to energy conversions. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed. As energy flows through systems, at each stem more of it becomes unusable.

4. Humans alter natural systems. Humans have had an impact on the environment for millions of years. Technology and population growth have enabled humans to increase both the rate and scale of their impact on the environment.

5. Environmental problems have a cultural and social context. Understanding the role of cultural, social and economic factors is vital to the development of solutions.

6. Human Survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems.

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Recommended Textbooks/Resources

The required student text for this course is:

Karen Arms. (2008). Environmental Science. Austin: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. ISBN-13:978-03-078137-7

Teacher Reference TextsThere are extensive teacher reference materials that are designed to supplement the Holt, Rinehart, and Winston 2008 ed. Text. Teachers using this guide should make sure to obtain the following reference materials:

Holt Environmental Science: Teacher’s Edition; ISBN-10: 0-03-078137-XHolt Environmental Science: Teacher’s One-Stop Planner [CD-ROM]; ISBN# 0030931088Holt Environmental Science: Chapter Resources; ISBN# 0030413036Holt Environmental Science: NOVA Videos; ISBN# 0030742730Holt Environmental Science: Teaching Transparencies; ISBN# 0030931002Holt Environmental Science: Active Reading Workbook; ISBN# 0030931010Holt Environmental Science: Guided Reading Audio Program (CD); ISBN# 0030931037Holt Environmental Science: Study Guide, Holt Environmental Science ISBN# 0030931126Holt Environmental Science: Lab Generator CD-ROM; ISBN# 0030941709Holt Environmental Science: Chapter Resources on CD-R; ISBN# 0030425549Holt Environmental Science: Dissection Labs (CD-ROM), Holt Environmental Science ISBN# 0030932424Holt Environmental Science: Transparencies [CD-ROM]; ISBN# 0030951089Holt Environmental Science: Mindpoint Quiz Show CD-R; ISBN# 0030992516Holt Environmental Science: Spanish Study Guide; ISBN# 0030931134Holt Environmental Science: Spanish Assessments; ISBN# 0030931142

Further Resources Recommended- Essential Questions Essential questions are included in this curriculum guide. Below are links that will help in understanding how essential questions are developed and used in teaching.

http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/interdisciplinary/implementation.html#4dhttp://www.tnellen.com/alt/essential.htmlhttp://www.galileo.org/tips/essential questions.html http://www.fno.org/sept96/questions.htmlhttp://www.kn.sbc.com/wired/fil/pages/listessentiaca1.html

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Course Proficiencies

Title: Environmental Science Department: Science Credits: 5.00Course Description: Environmental Science is designed to prepare students for entrance into their high school level Biology course. This is a multidisciplinary course that draws from all the sciences, as well as other disciplines. Traditional lecture is integrated with demonstrations, critical thinking and problem solving activities to enable students to gain a better understanding of the relationship between humans and the world in which we live. The essential themes of the course include: Introduction to Environmental Science, Ecology, Populations, Air, Water and Land, Mineral and Energy Resources, and Our Health and Our Future.

To successfully complete the course requirements in environmental science, students will:

COURSE CONTENT/ PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

1. Develop problem solving, decision-making, and inquiry skills.2. Integrate mathematics and metric measurements, as a tool for problem solving in science, and as a means of expressing and/or modeling scientific theories.3. Apply safety principles in the laboratory and in daily activities.4. Learn to identify systems of interacting components and understand how their interactions combine to produce the overall behavior of the system.5. Use technology and instrumentation.6. Identify ways in which the study of Environmental Science serves as a foundation for many career opportunities.7. Demonstrate an understanding of how people of various cultures have contributed to the advancement of science and technology.8. Develop an understanding of how major environmental issues have impacted on society and discuss their ethical implications.9. Develop workplace readiness skills.10. Explain the concept of open and closed systems. 11. Describe the factors which influence the proper functioning of a healthy ecosystem. 12. Describe the flow of energy and the movement of nutrients through the biosphere and their effect on organisms.13. Discuss the properties, phases, composition, and interactions of matter.14. Discuss the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration.15. Apply natural selection to changes in the inherited characteristics of a population.16. Analyze the role organisms play in a typical ecosystem.17. Explain ecological succession, differentiating between primary and secondary succession.18. Differentiate between the world’s forest biomes, identify where each is located and the man-made threats to each.19. Explain why clean fresh water is vital to life on Earth and examine the threats to the Earth’s fresh water supply.20. Describe the effects of air, water and land pollutants on both man and society.21. Describe major causes and effects of climate change. 22. Analyze possible solutions to solve the urban crisis and implement practical urban planning practices.23. Discuss strategies of food production, maintenance of soil productivity, and the challenges of feeding the world. 24. Debate the ethical and practical arguments about the feasibility of preserving biodiversity.25. Discuss the environmental consequences of relying on fossil fuels for energy and list the advantages and disadvantages of alternative fuel sources.26. Analyze the growth history of the human population.27. Identify examples of how all citizens can act as stewards for the Earth.28. Describe the flow of energy and the movement of nutrients through the biosphere and their effect on organisms.

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29. Explain why environmental cooperation is necessary on the international, national and local level.

Course Units & Suggested Pacing Guide

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SEMESTER IUNIT CHAPTER BLOCK REGULAR

Unit 1: Intro to Environmental

Science

1. Science and the Environment 3 periods 6 periods2. Tools of Environmental Science 5 periods 10 periods3. The Dynamic Earth 1 periods 2 periods

Unit 2:Ecology

4. The Organization of Life 3 periods 6 periods5. How Ecosystems Work 4 periods 8 periods6. Biomes 2 periods 4 periods7. Aquatic Ecosystems 2 periods 4 periods

Unit 3:Populations

8. Understanding Populations 3 periods 6 periods9. The Human Population 3.5 periods 7 periods10. Biodiversity 3.5 periods 7 periods

Investigative Science Project 5 periods 10 periodsREVIEWS & ASSESSMENTS 5 periods 10 periods

TOTAL 40 periods 80 periods

SEMESTER IIUNIT CHAPTER BLOCK REGULAR

Unit 4: Water, Air and Land

11. Water 3.5 periods 7 periods12. Air 3.5 periods 7 periods13. Atmosphere & Climate Change 2 periods 4 periods14. Land 3 periods 6 periods15. Food & Agriculture 3 periods 6 periods

Unit 5: Minerals and Energy Resources

17. Nonrenewable Energy 2.5 periods 5 periods18. Renewable Energy 2.5 periods 5 periods19. Waste 2 periods 4 periods

Unit 6:Our Health and Our

Future

20. The Environment & Human Health 1.5 periods 3 periods

21. Economics, Policy and the future 1.5 periods 3 periods

Investigative Science Project 5 periods 10 periodsREVIEWS & ASSESSMENTS 6 periods 12 periods

TOTAL 36 periods 72 periods

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Department of Teaching & Learning ©2008 14

The Newark Public Schools 2008 Environmental Science

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