AICE Environmental Management at GHS
Welcome to AICE Environmental Management! This course seeks to educate students about environmental issues, systems, patterns and mechanisms while emphasizing what impact humans have had on the world around us and how we may manage this impact sustainably. Through this class, you will learn to analyze and consider environmental issues on both local and global scales. As a future voter, it is important that you understand not only how the world around us works but why we should protect it and what we can do to achieve these goals. The environment is a complex social and political issue frequently debated by governments and non-governmental organizations alike, but there is still an important role for all individuals to play.
Throughout the year, we will discuss how rapid human population growth is the fundamental environmental issue. Humans are affected by the environment constantly, and in turn impact it through use of resources. Because of this, we will discuss the importance of sustainability in resource management and the necessity of a global perspective when considering these diverse issues.
The AICE curriculum guide defines the environment by segmenting it into four “spheres” on Earth. The spheres are:
• The biosphere: all living organisms that have established themselves on Earth and the
area they are found within.
• The lithosphere: the upper mantle and crust of the Earth which makes up the ever
moving tectonic plates.
• The hydrosphere: the entire body of water on Earth, in the form of fresh and salt
water, ice caps, and water vapor.
• The atmosphere: the gaseous shell that surrounds the other two non-living spheres.
By studying the components and make-up of the world around us, it is hoped that candidates will gain an appreciation for the environment and a desire to help work towards a more sustainable world. As the single greatest stressor to the Earth, it is critical that humans understand the role we play and how best to sustainably manage the environment around us.
Throughout the year, we will discuss how rapid human population growth is the fundamental environmental issue. Humans are affected by the environment constantly, and in turn impact it through use of resources. Because of this, we will discuss the importance of sustainability in resource management and the necessity of a global perspective when considering these diverse issues.
The AICE curriculum guide defines the environment by segmenting it into four “spheres” on Earth. The spheres are:
• The biosphere: all living organisms that have established themselves on Earth and the
area they are found within.
• The lithosphere: the upper mantle and crust of the Earth which makes up the ever
moving tectonic plates.
• The hydrosphere: the entire body of water on Earth, in the form of fresh and salt
water, ice caps, and water vapor.
• The atmosphere: the gaseous shell that surrounds the other two non-living spheres.
By studying the components and make-up of the world around us, it is hoped that candidates will gain an appreciation for the environment and a desire to help work towards a more sustainable world. As the single greatest stressor to the Earth, it is critical that humans understand the role we play and how best to sustainably manage the environment around us.
LAB NOTEBOOK PAGES:
First Nine Weeks:
- Isopod Ethology Lab
- Perfect Nation Reflection
- Nature Journal: Observing the Biosphere
- Ecobottle Observations (x6)
- Nature Journal: Temperate Forest Food Webs
- Nature Journal: Succession
Third Nine Weeks:
Fourth Nine Weeks:
General Documents:
| AICE Environmental Syllabus |
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| Research Guidelines |
| Research Paper Final Draft Requirements |
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| Cambridge Case Studies Assignment |