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Course Profile   The Environment and Resource Management (CGR4M), Grade 12, University/College Preparation, Public

 

Course Overview

Policy Document:  The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, Canadian and World Studies, 2000.

Prerequisite:  Any University, University/College, or College Preparation course in
                                    Canadian and World Studies, English, or Social Sciences and Humanities

Course Description

Geography is an integrative subject that brings a variety of perspectives, both social and physical, to the study of people, places, and environments around the world. Understanding the processes that shape the earth and knowing how life-forms interact with the environment allows students to view events from an ecological perspective. The Environment and Resource Management course investigates the complexity and fragility of ecosystems and the effects of human activities on them. Students will study the principles of sustainability and resource management and evaluate various approaches to achieving a more sustainable relationship between the environment, society, and the economy.

Course Notes

This course was created within the parameters of the strands outlined in The Ontario Curriculum,
Grades 11 and 12, Canadian and World Studies, 2000
document. Expectations from the strands were clustered to form five broad units. These units were further subdivided and organized into activities that combine to create a framework for delivery. The sequencing of units takes the student from a global perspective of the earth’s natural systems to the human interactions and impacts on these systems. The culminating activity requires students to create an individual ‘Environmental Bill of Rights’ based on their cumulative understanding of the ‘rights and responsibilities’ of individuals within a global environmental system. This profile represents one interpretation of the way the course could be delivered. Teachers are encouraged to organize the course in a way that reflects their strengths and expertise and meets the needs of the students.

The Environment and Resource Management course is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of concepts contained in the course material. Students develop practical skills and apply the knowledge and skills to assist their understanding of the impact of human interactions with the natural environment. Students are provided the opportunity to improve decision-making and problem-solving skills by completing tasks that require geographic inquiry into a variety of topics including environmental assessment and resource management. Many activities are designed to focus on the local area. Teachers are encouraged to provide their students with as many hands-on learning experiences as possible. This University/College Preparation course is also designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for specific programs offered at universities and colleges. This course should be relevant to both destinations and emphasize theoretical aspects and related concrete applications of the course content. (Ontario Secondary Schools,
Grades 9 to 12, Program and Diploma Requirements, 1999
)

The four Achievement Chart categories appear in The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 and 10, Canadian and World Studies, 1999 and The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, Canadian and World Studies, 2000. The chart provides a reference point for all assessment practice and a framework within which to assess and evaluate student achievement. Teachers should employ a variety of methods and strategies to assess student achievement. The suggested procedures for assessment and evaluation of student work are outlined in the document Program Planning and Assessment, 2000. Thirty per cent of the grade will be based on a final exam and two final culminating activities. At the start of the course it is essential for teachers and students to be familiar with the course culminating activity, the Development of an Environmental Bill of Rights. Teachers need to introduce and develop skills that are required for this activity throughout the course. This activity, in the form of an independent study, requires students to spend additional time outside the classroom researching and reflecting on their topic. It is essential that students and teachers develop organizational strategies for tracking progress.

Seventy per cent of the grade is based on assessments and evaluations conducted throughout the course. It is essential that teachers are careful to measure student performance often and in conjunction with the four categories of the Achievement Chart. Student tasks should be clearly stated and based on the expectations of the course. Rubrics should be used when appropriate and should be constructed in a way that clearly identifies for the student the expectations that are being measured, the level at which they are achieving, and a place for personalized comment. This University/College Preparation course provides students with many opportunities to engage in hands-on learning and to express their understanding in various ways. Students develop their reading and writing skills, and have numerous opportunities to research, model, debate, interpret, and apply the products of their inquires. Complex tasks, such as using technology for research, problem-solving, and making predictions for planning courses of action, draw on all categories of the Achievement Chart. Health and safety considerations relate to the physical and personal well-being of students in class, in community-based learning activities, and in the workplace. Teachers must take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of students, helping them understand the importance of health and safety issues and the need to assume responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.

Units:  Titles and Time

Unit 1

Geographic Foundation and Environmental Systems

25 hours

Unit 2

Human-Environmental Interaction: The Consequences

25 hours

* Unit 3

Impact Assessment and Environmental Protection: Monitoring Change

25 hours

Unit 4

Planning for a Sustainable Future

25 hours

Unit 5

Development of an Environmental Bill of Rights – Final Summative Activity

10 hours

* This unit is fully developed in this Course Profile.

 

Unit Overviews

 

Unit 1:  Geographic Foundations and Environmental Systems

Time:  25 hours

Unit Description

This unit examines the relationships between the earth’s major components: the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Students gain an understanding of energy flows, the structure of ecosystems and the processes that form them. In the culminating activity, students will have an opportunity to complete a geographic inquiry by conducting field research in the local area. Students begin the process of creating an Environmental Database by researching information on different components and issues concerning the natural environment. Information is collected throughout the entire course and is evaluated at the end of the semester.

Unit Overview Chart

Activity

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus/Task

1.1

SSV.01, SS3.04

Knowledge/ Understanding

Earth’s Components

- gather information on the earth’s spheres and write a scenario based upon the life of an organism

- a discussion recognizing that life on earth is a gift and should be protected

- produce a checklist of personal dependence on earth’s spheres

- research an article and write a critical analysis exploring issues

1.2

SS3.01, GI1.01, GI2.03

Knowledge/ Understanding Communication

Spaceship Earth and Systems

- defines systems

- prepare a systems diagram based upon a model

- explore inputs, outputs and boundaries relating to systems

- produce a map of events that have an effect on the earth’s spheres

1.3

SS1.03, SS2.02, SS2.03, GI2.03

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry Application

Flow of Energy and Matter Through Ecosystems

- defines ecosystems

- outlines role of producers, consumers, and decomposers

- create a flow chart of energy moving through an ecosystem and of a food chain

- presentations of a nutrient cycle

- class discussion of interdependent systems and how this relates to the development of a just and compassionate society, e.g., human influences on the food chain

1.4

SSV.02, SS1.01, SS2.04, UC1.01, GI1.01

Knowledge/ Understanding Application Thinking/ Inquiry

Ecosystems-Ecological Processes

- discussion on the dynamic nature of ecosystems

- an exploration of the concept “eco-justice” – write a report applying the concept of succession using a Canadian example

- create a written report based on research pertaining to ecological change

1.5

SSV.03, SS1.02, SS1.04, SS2.01, SS3.02

Knowledge/ Understanding Communication Application

Natural Systems

- a discussion on the definition and characteristics of biomes

- explores the influence of temperature and precipitation on biome regions

- complete an organizer by gathering information from student presentations of biome regions

- investigation of the properties of soil

- write a report on soil-conservation practices illustrating respect for the environment and wise use of resources

1.6

GIV.02, SS3.05, GI1.04, GI2.08, GI2.09

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry Communication Application

Field Research Culminating Activity:

- a discussion on student expectations for field research

- each member of the field team writes a report from a field study based on the local bioregion (effective communications, decision-making, problem-solving, and management skills are required)

- create a visual presentation based on field research

 

Unit 2:  Human-Environmental Interaction: The Consequences

Time:  25 hours

Unit Description

This unit provides students with the opportunity to investigate the roles and effects of human linkages to the Biosphere and Ecological systems. Humans have a dramatic effect on the natural landscape, and this unit focuses on the impact of rural and urban land use practices, as well as environmental degradation and global consumption. On our planet, resources are not distributed evenly. Students examine the spatial distribution of the planet’s resources, and the short- and long-term consequences of promoting and maintaining sustainability. In the culminating activity, students will research the relationship between environmental degradation caused by humans altering the natural environment to meet their needs and its effects on human health, or the impact of an introduced species into an environment. Students continue to add to their Environmental Data Base.

Unit Overview Chart

Activity

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus/Task

2.1

HE1.01, HE1.02, HE1.04, GC1.03, GC3.05, GI1.02, HEV.01, GC3.01

Knowledge/ Understanding Communication Thinking/ Inquiry

Humans in Systems

Human linkages to Biosphere/Ecological Systems

- short- and long-term effects

- the differences between wants and needs

- a review of different viewpoints

- traditional ecological knowledge

2.2

HE2.05, HE3.02, HE3.04, UC3.02, HEV.02, GC3.01

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry

Interrelationships between the Environment/ Economy/Society

- impact of urban and rural land use practices

- interaction between human and natural systems within local bio regions

- threats to spaces and species/preservation

2.3

HE2.01, HE2.02, HE2.04, GI1.02, HEV.03

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry

Resources: Availability and Use

- spatial distribution of a resource

- factors that determine distribution and short and long-term availability

- distribution of inhabited areas vs. resource availability

- patterns of habitation vs. resource availability

- dependence of individual or groups on a resource

2.4

UC1.02, GC2.01, GI2.01, GI1.02, GI2.04, GI3.01, GCV.03

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry

Environment and Resources Management: Examples on a Global Scale

- impact of human activity in a place, e.g., Chernobyl

- patterns of global consumption vs. environmental degradation

- media presentations of environmental and resource management issues

2.5

HE1.04, HE2.04, GC1.01, GI2.04, GI3.01, GI1.02, GCV.02

Knowledge/ Understanding
Thinking/ Inquiry

Population Growth, Consumption and Sustainability on a Global Scale:

- perceptions of nature, views of environmental population growth

- economic activity and pressure on resources and natural systems

2.6

HE1.03, HE2.03, HEV.02, HE2.05, HE3.01, HE3.02, GI2.04, UC3.03, GI3.01, GI1.02, UC2.04

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry

Positive and Negative Impacts of Economic, Social, Political and Technological Changes on the Environment:

- proliferation and use of chemicals/the effects on people and the environment

- human activities that alter the environment

- the impact of rural and urban land use on the environment

- personal and class consumption of resources (renewable/non-renewable) and waste production

2.7

HE3.01, HE3.03, SS3.03, GI2.06, GI3.03, GI1.02, HEV.03

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry
Application
Communication

Research and report on the relationship between environmental degradation caused by humans altering the natural environment to meet human needs and its effects on human health/or the impact of a introduced species into an environment

This maybe done as a poster assignment

Unit 3:  Impact Assessment and Environmental Protection: Monitoring Change

Time:  25 hours

Unit Description

Throughout this unit, students identify and explore issues related to the management of the environment and resources at the local, provincial, national, and international levels. Students apply an Environmental Impact Assessment template to model ways that environmental or resource management issues may be analysed. Analysis of an international environmental and resource management issue such as air quality leads to a series of one-on-one debates. Students write a Position Paper on an international environmental issue. Students review and assess the effectiveness of Canadian environmental legislation by local, provincial, and federal governments for the sustainability of a specific resource. A summative activity, designed to reinforce the steps of the planning process and how it applies to managing change, takes the form of a student role-playing activity. In this simulation of an arbitration hearing, groups of students represent the major interest groups in a land use dispute over development in the local area. This model may be applied to a local study appropriate to the geographic location of the student. Students continue to add to their Environmental Data Base.

Unit Overview Chart

Activity

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus/Task

3.1

UC1.04, GI1.04, GI2.03, GI2.09, GIV.01

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry

What is an Issue? Environmental versus Resource Management Issues

- purpose/nature of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

What is an EIA model?

- environmental principles and initiatives for sustainability and implications for the environment and the economy

3.2

UCV.03, GCV.01, GCV.02, GCV.03, UC2.02, UC2.05, GI2.02, GI2.03, GI2.09, GC3.01

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry

International Environmental and Resource Management Issues

- What is the international community doing? How effective are their efforts?

- What is the balance between people and their environment/the need to balance human needs and environmental protection?

- How can we improve the balance?

- Future technologies/implications

- Cause and effect of environmental change

- International solutions to environmental problems, e.g., depletion of a resource

- Bias in information relative to global environmental issues

- Student Position Paper on an issue

3.3

UCV.02, UCV.03, UC1.03, UC2.01, UC2.02, UC2.03, UC2.05, UC3.05, GI2.07, GI2.08, GI2.09, GI2.04, GI2.05, GI2.06, GI3.01

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry Communication Application

Local, Provincial and Federal Policy concerning Environmental Issues

- Environmental Legislation: purpose/effects/influences/how shaped

- Environmental policies effects on economy, e.g., job creation, environmental protection

- Future technologies-implications/evaluate

- Evaluate the efforts of individuals and groups to identify problems and the effectiveness of their goals

- What are the causes and effects of environmental change over time?

3.4

UCV.01, UC3.01, GI2.09, GI2.05, GI2.03, GI3.01, GI3.02, GI3.03, GIV.03

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry Application Communication

Role Play Simulation: ‘Local Study: A Lesson in Impact Assessment and Environmental Protection’

- Students review the environmental impact of urban development on the select local study and possible long term solutions

- Students role-play the different interest groups concerning development and prepare a series of presentations to an arbitration panel

- Students prepare a rebuttal to the arbitration panel in the form of a Letter to the Editor

 

Unit 4:  Planning for a Sustainable Future

Time:  25 hours

Unit Description

This unit begins with an examination of the rights and responsibilities of individuals to preserve the natural environment. Students investigate the contributions of various non-governmental organizations in identifying and solving environmental issues. In particular, the focus is on the impact these organizations have on planning at the local, regional, national and international levels. Students investigate and evaluate Canada’s roles and responsibilities in shaping a sustainable future. In planning for a sustainable future, students are asked to predict the impacts of resource management on environmental problems to be faced this century. Students continue to add to their Environmental Database.

Unit Overview Chart

Activity

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus/Task

4.1

UC1.05, GI1.04, GI3.04, UCV.01

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry

Introduction:

- identify and evaluate a variety of ways to resolve environmental concerns

- determine the rights and responsibilities of individuals to preserve the environment

4.2

UCV.03, UC1.06, GI1.04, GI1.05, GC2.04, GIV.04, GI3.04, UCV.02

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry

Local Planning

- explain how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) assist in solving environmental issues

- critique or defend a local sustainability or resource management decision

- research careers in local environmental and/or resource management

4.3

UCV.03, UC1.06, GI1.04, GI1.05, GC2.04, GIV.04, GI3.04, UCV.02

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry

Regional Planning

- examine the role of NGOs in solving issues of local or regional concerns, e.g., STORM, N.E.C.

- critique or defend a regional NGO’s efforts in promoting sustainability

- research careers in regional environmental and/or resource management

4.4

UCV.03, GI1.05, GIV.04, GI1.04, UC1.06, GC1.02, GC2.04, GI3.04, UCV.02, GI3.06

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry

National Planning

- examine the role of NGOs in solving issues of national concern, e.g., Evergreen, Sierra Club

- critique or defend a national NGO’s efforts in promoting sustainability

- identify the need for national cooperation and understanding

- justify the choice and distribution of Canada’s World Heritage Sites

- research careers in national environmental and/or resource management

4.5

UCV.03, GI1.05, GC1.02, GC1.04, GC2.02, GC2.03, UC1.06, GC2.04, GI1.04, GI1.03, GI3.04, GIV.04

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry

International Planning

- examine the role of NGO’s efforts in solving issues of global concern, e.g., United Nations, Greenpeace, World Wildlife Fund

- critique or defend an international NGO’s efforts in promoting sustainability

- evaluate Canada’s participation in international organizations

- identify the need for international cooperation in managing resources and in the protection of the environment

- research careers in global environmental and/or resource management

4.6

UCV.03, UC3.06, GI1.04, UC3.01, HE3.05, UC1.05

Knowledge/ Understanding Thinking/ Inquiry Communication Application

A Sustainable Future

- predict impacts of resource management or environmental problems throughout the next century

- produce a case study to determine the impact of our continued use of resources and the need to plan for a sustainable future (This may be at the local, regional, or national level)

 

 

Unit 5:  Developing an Environmental Bill of Rights- Final Summative Activity

Time:  10 hours

Unit Description

Students submit their Environmental Database which was compiled throughout the course, and a reflection paper of their compilation for a summative evaluation. As a culminating activity, students create an individual Environmental Bill of Rights based on their cumulative understanding of the ‘rights and responsibilities’ of individuals within a global environmental system. This activity is presented to the class. A class discussion creates a consensus for the creation of a final product to be called CGR4M: An Environmental Bill of Rights.

Unit Overview Chart

Activity

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus/Task

5.1

GI1.04, GIV.02

Knowledge/Understanding Application
Communication
Thinking/Inquiry

Students submit their Environmental Database and a five-page reflection paper of their compilation for a summative evaluation.

5.2

GI3.05, GI3.02, HEV.01, UCV.01

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Students develop and present an individual Environmental Bill of Rights. A class consensus will create a final product called CGR4M: An Environmental Bill of Rights.

5.3

 

 

Final Exam

Teaching/Learning Strategies

Recognizing the diverse backgrounds and the multiple intelligences of our students, it is essential that a variety of teaching/learning strategies be employed to ensure student success. Opportunities to develop critical thinking skills such as formulating a hypothesis, identifying bias and viewpoints, collecting and analysing research data are essential. Using computers to research and record data as well as to indicate spatial relationships (GIS) will help students develop essential technological skills. Individual, small group, and whole class activities that provide opportunities for reading, writing, and the sharing of information will develop thinking skills and understanding of concepts. Following are some Teaching/Learning Strategies the teacher may wish to employ in the geography classroom.

Aerial Photo Analysis – examine photos of landforms for common characteristics

Brainstorming – group generation of initial ideas expressed without analysis

Case Study – investigating a real or simulated problem

Classifying – grouping according to an identified pattern

Cooperative Learning – small group investigation or problem solving

Conferencing – student–to–student and student-to-teacher discussion

Computer –Assisted Learning– use of a computer to learn or reinforce material

Debate – informed research topics articulated in a formal process

Diagramming – synthesizing concept information into visual illustration

Direct Instruction – teacher-led lessons

Discussion – exchange of ideas on an issue for clarification of views

Field Trips – practical application of geographic inquiry skills

Games – team quizzes

Graphing – visual tool for problem solving

Guest Speakers – experts in the field

Journal writing – reflective writing to share goals, ideas

Lectures – dissemination of information by speakers or teachers

Mapping – representing physical, demographic, numerical data through visual forms

Mind Mapping – mental images drawn on paper

Note Making – summarizing text

Organizers – an organized outline, based on a pattern, provided as a direction to be followed leading to a                           desired product

Portfolio – collection of student’s work

Poster Making – synthesizing information or concepts to deliver a message or advertisement

Presentation/Report – oral, written, and visual presentation of researched topic to a specific audience or                                      person

Reading – periodicals, articles, journals, newspapers, magazines, or scripture for information on a selected topic or issue

Role playing/Simulations – enhances metacognition and serves as a hypothesis for predicting actions

Scenario Writing – describes a situation

Seminars – presentation of an opinion or thesis

Statistical Analysis – collection and reporting of data

Video Analysis – viewing with a purpose

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

The primary purpose of assessment and evaluation is to improve student learning. In order to give students an opportunity to improve their learning in this course, a variety of formative and summative assessment tools are used. The Achievement Chart found on page 246 of The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, Canadian and World Studies, 2000 provides a reference point for all assessment practices and a framework within which to assess and evaluate student achievement The four categories identified on the Achievement Chart are identified as Knowledge/Understanding, Thinking/Inquiry, Communication, and Application. The categories encompass the curriculum expectations in all courses in Canadian and World Studies. The Ontario Curriculum, Program Planning and Assessment,
 Grades 9 to 12, 2000
, outlines the philosophy and guiding principles concerning assessment and evaluation for Ontario teachers. Teachers ensure there is a balance of approaches to assessment, with students actively involved in the establishment of task criteria and assessment tools. Prior learning and level of skill are determined by the teacher through diagnostic assessment. Assessment strategies should be directly linked to specific expectations based on established criteria. Teachers collect exemplars of student tasks to support student achievement. As outlined in The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 to 12, Program Planning and Assessment, the final evaluation accounts for 30% of the grade and 70% is assigned to the evaluations conducted throughout the course. In this profile, Developing an Environmental Bill of Rights is used as the course culminating activity and it is recommended that it count for 5% of the final evaluation.

The model below could be used to assess and evaluate student achievement:

Formative Ongoing Assessment And Summative Unit Evaluation 70%

·         Assignments

·         Lab Exercises

·         Tests and Quizzes

·         Independent Field Study (Process)

Summative Final Evaluation 30%

·         Exam

·         Environmental Data Base

·         Environmental Bill of Rights

 

Accommodations

With assistance and appropriate teaching and learning strategies, students are expected to achieve success in Geography. Appropriate adaptations in planning, assessment, and evaluation should include strategies that provide students every opportunity to meet the expectations of the course. Working in collaboration with special education personnel, the teacher must become familiar with the Individual Education Plans (IEPs) of all students with special needs and the specific learning strategies that work best with each student. Some students may require modifications to expectations (see Ontario Secondary Schools, Grades 9 to 12, 1999). Geography teachers are encouraged to review exceptional student IEPs and decide how best to assist the individual in meeting the expectations of this course.

Specific accommodations that may be required are:

·         provide extra time for completion of assignment;

·         provide opportunities for oral conferencing

·         cue the student to record information;

·         provide reading materials at the students’ instructional level;

·         provide access to a computer for word processing;

·         permit taping of notes;

·         provide a printed copy of overhead or board notes;

·         chunk assignments into manageable parts and monitor progress.

Accommodations for students with learning or physical disabilities may include the following:

·         providing for flexible timelines regarding the completion of projects and assignments;

·         modifying handouts in terms of language and content used, and in terms of size and easy-to-read fonts;

·         arranging for peer assistance;

·         providing a simplified list of terminology prior to the activity;

·         providing oral preplanning of activities;

·         allowing students to work in a alternate setting (e.g., resource room) where students can receive one-on-one assistance;

·         providing opportunities to redo all or part of a task

·         adapting tests and exams as recommended in IEP, e.g., time, use of technology, use of a scribe

·         providing multicultural elders and members of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples to share their perspectives on the environment

Consideration for students learning English as their second language is also necessary. The classroom teacher should be familiar with the Ontario Curriculum Grades 9 to 12, English As a Second Language and Literacy Development where an ESL/ELD teacher is not available.

Accommodations for ESL/ELD students may include the following:

·         providing a specialized geographic vocabulary;

·         activities such as reading/listening tasks (case study/ video viewing) need a specific and concrete product of students;

·         providing student/teacher conferencing;

·         arranging for peer assistance;

·         combining both written and verbal instructions;

·         highlighting keywords/phrases to be incorporated into the students dictionary

·         grouping students according to first language for brain-storming sessions;

·         allowing practice sessions for oral presentations;

·         providing sets of reference notes, outlines, or critical information, as well as models of charts, timelines or diagrams;

·         reinforcing main ideas by using the think/pair/share peer-assessment strategies.

Teachers are encouraged to be flexible in their planning and assessment to best meet the needs of individual students with special needs.

Resources

Books

Abram, David. The Spell of the Sensuous. 1997. ISBN: 067977639-7

Allen, John L. Student Atlas of Environmental Issues. 2001. ISBN: 0697365204

Andrews, W.A. and S.J McEwan. Investigating Aquatic Ecosystems. Prentice-Hall Canada, 1987.
ISBN: 0-13-5013129-X

Andrews, W.A. and D.K. Moore. Investigating Terrestrial Ecosystems. Prentice Hall Canada, 1986.
ISBN: 0-13-503186-9

Arms, Karen. Environmental Science. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2000. ISBN: -03-052019-3

Bailey, Ronald. Earth Report 2000: Revisiting the State of the Planet. 1999.
ISBN: 0071342605

Benfield, F. Kaid, et al. Once There Were Greenfields: How Urban Sprawl is Undermining America’s Environment, Economy, and Social Fabric. 1999. ISBN: 1893340171

Berry, Thomas. The Great Work: Our Way Into The Future. 1999. ISBN: 0609804995

Blair, Cornelia, Alison Landes, and Jacquelyn Quiram. The Environment - A Revolution in Attitudes. 1996. ISBN: 1573020281

Botkin, Daniel B. Discordant Harmonies: A New Ecology for the Twenty - First Century. 2000.
ISBN: 0195074696

Botkin, Daniel B. Forces of Change: A New View of Nature by Daniel B. Botkin (Editor). National Geographic Society, 2000. ISBN: 0792275969

Brower, Michael, and Warren Leon. The Consumer’s Guide to Effective Environmental Choices: Practical Advice from the Union of Concerned Scientists. 1999. ISBN: 060980281X

Brown, Lester R. State of the World 2002. Worldwatch Institute Books, 2002.
ISBN: 0393322793

Campbell, Neil A, and Jane B. Reece. Biology 2001. Longman, Addison Wesley. ISBN: 0-8053-6624-5

Carson, Rachel. Silent Spring. Reprint Edition. 1994. ISBN: 0395683297

Chamber, Nicky, et. al. Sharing Nature’s Interest: Ecological Footprints as an Indicator of Sustainability. 2001. ISBN: 1853837393

Chiras, Daniel D., et. al. Natural Resource Conservation: Management for a Sustainable Future. 2001.
ISBN: 0130333980

Christie, Ian, and Diane Warburton (editors). From Here To Sustainability. 2001. ISBN: 1853837350

Commonor, Barry. Making Peace with the Planet.1992. ISBN: 1565840127

Cozic, Charles P. Global Resources: Opposing Viewpoints. 1998. ISBN: 1565106733

Cronon, William. Uncommon Ground: Rethinking the Human Place in Nature. 1996.
ISBN: 0393315118

Draper, Dianne. Our Environment: A Canadian Perspective, 2nd Edition. 2002 ISBN: 0176222367

Dwivedi, O.P., et al. Sustainable Development and Canada. 2001. ISBN: 1551113236

Dudley, William. The Environment: Opposing Viewpoints. 2001. ISBN: 0737706538

Ehrlich, Paul R. How the Diversity of Life Sustains Us. 1998. ISBN: 1559635207

Goldfarb, Theodore D. Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Environmental Issues.
2000. ISBN: 0072430974

Harrison, Paul. Aaas Atlas of Population and Environment. 2001. ISBN: 0520230841

Huber, Peter W. Hard Green: Saving the Environment from the Environmentalists (A Conservative Manifesto). 2000. ISBN: 0465031129

Klare, Michael T. Resource Wars: The New Landscape of Global Conflict. 2001. ISBN: 0805055754

Knudtson, Peter, and David Suzuki. Wisdom of the Elders. 1997. ISBN: 0773756523

Leopold, Aldo. A Sand Country Almanac. 1966. ISBN: 0345345053

Meadows, Donella H., et. al. Beyond the Limits: Confronting Global Collapse, Envisioning a Sustainable Future. Reprint Edition. 1993. ISBN: 0930031628

McNeill, John. Something New Under The Sun: An Environmental History of the Twentieth-Century. World Global Century Series, 2001. ISBN: 0393321835

Miller, G. Tyler. Living in the Environment: Principals, Connections and Solutions. 2001.
ISBN: O534380700

Nadakavukaren, Anne. Our Global Environment: A Health Perspective. 2000. ISBN: 0765601885

Novacek, Michael J. The Bio-diversity Crisis: Losing What Counts. American Museum of Natural History Books. 2001. ISBN: 1565845706

Penna, Anthony N. Nature’s Bounty: Historical and Modern Environmental Perspectives. 1999.
ISBN: 0765601885

Pimm, Stuart L. The World According To Pimm: A Scientist Audits the Earth. 2001.
ISBN: 0071374906

Pointing, Clive. A Green History of the World: The Environment and the Collapse of Great Civilizations.

Reprint Edition. 1993. ISBN: 01400176608

Roa, Michael L. Environmental Science Activities Kit/Ready-To-Use Lessons, Labs & Worksheets for Grades 7-12. 1993. ISBN: 0876283040

Shabecoff, Philip. Earth Rising: American Environmentalism in the 21st Century. 2000.
ISBN: 1559635835

Stauber, John. Toxic Sludge is Good for You-Lies, Damn Lies and the Public Relations Industry. 1997.
ISBN: 1567510604

Stevens, William K. The Change in the Weather: People, Weather, and the Science of Climate. 1999.
ISBN: 0195074696

Suzuki, David, and McConnell. The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering Our Place in Nature. 1999.
ISBN: 1550546910

Topfer, Klaus. Global Environmental Outlook 2000. United Nations Environment Programme. 2000.
ISBN: 1853835889

Vital Signs 2001: The Environmental Trends That Are Shaping Our Future, 2001 Edition. Worldwatch Institute, 2001. ISBN: 0393321762

Wilson, Edward Osborne. The Diversity of Life. 1999. ISBN: 0393319407

World Resources 2000-2001—People and Ecosystems: The Fraying Web of Life. World Resources Institute. 2000. ISBN: 1569734437

Wright, Richard T, and Bernard J. Nebel. Environmental Science: Toward A Sustainable Future. Prentice-Hall, 2001. ISBN: 0-13-032538-4

Organizations

Greenpeace

Federation of Ontario Naturalists

Earth Roots

Sierra Club

World Wildlife Fund

Earth First

Bruce Trail Organization

Save the Rouge Valley System Inc.

Periodicals

Adbusters

Environment

Alternatives Journal

Environment: Where Science and Policy Meet

Canadian Geographic

Green Teacher

E Magazine

The Journal of Environmental Education

Earth First! – The Radical Environmental Journal

On Earth formerly Amicus Journal

The Ecologist

World Press Review

The Economist

World Watch

Multimedia and Software

Ah…the Money, the Money, the Money. Video: logging vs. wilderness preservation. National Film Board. 2001.

Champions of the Land. Video: development of conservationist movement. DiscoverySchool.Com

Footprints in the Delta. Video: Peace-Athabasca delta ecosystem. National Film Board. 1999

Natural Connections. four videos from Bullfrog Films:

·         Introduction to Biodiversity. 1999. ISBN: 1-56029-842-1

·         Forests, Biodiversity and You. 1999. ISBN: 1-56029-845-6

·         Keystone Species. 1999. ISBN: 1-56029-844-8

·         Biodiversity vs. Extinction. 1999. ISBN: 1-56029-846-4

Sustainable Development and the Ecosystem Approach. 2 video set. 1993. Produced by Environment Canada and distributed by the National Film Board.

Race to Save the Planet. 10-part video series 2002. Annennberg/CPB Channel. PBS Television

‘Worldwatch CD-ROM. Worldwatch Institute

Websites

Note: The URLs for the websites have been verified by the writers prior to publication. Given the frequency with which these designation change, teachers should always verify the websites prior to assigning them for student use.

Websites (General)

The Canadian Resource Page – http://www.cs.cmu.edu/Unofficial/Canadiana/README.html

David Suzuki Foundation – www.davidsuzuki.org

Gary’s Geographic Gnome – http://www.jgds.com/gnome/

Geographic Information Systems, K-12 – www.esri.com/industries/k-12/index.html

Geography World – http://members.aol.com/bowermanb/101.html

Eco-Portal – www.eco-portal.com

Websites (Specific)

Canada Centre For Remote Sensing – http://www.cct.rncan.gc.ca/

Canada’s Aquatic Environments – http://www.aquatic.uoguelph.ca/index.asp

Canadian Geographic Online – http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/

The Great Lakes – http://www.great-lakes.net/lakes/

The Great Lakes: An Environmental Atlas and Resource Book
– http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/great-lakes-atlas/

Green Peace – www.greenpeace.org

The International Development Research Centre – http://www.idrc.ca/

The International Institute for Sustainable Development – http://iisd1.iisd.ca/

Media Watch – http://www.mediawatch.ca/

National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy
– http://www.nrtee-trnee.ca/eng/home_e.htm

Pollution Watch Scorecard – http://www.scorecard.org/pollutionwatch/

Species at Risk in Canada – http://www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca/sar/

Sustainable Development – http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/SustainDev/overview-e.asp

Sustainable Development (F.A.O.) – http://www.fao.org/waicent/faoinfo/sustdev/index_en.htm

The World Heritage List – www.unesco.org/whc/heritage.htm

World Resources Institute – http://www.wri.org/

Worldwatch Online – http://www.worldwatch.org/

Note Concerning Permissions

Units in this Course Profile make reference to the use of specific texts, magazines, films, videos, and websites. Teachers need to consult their board policies regarding use of any copyrighted materials. Before reproducing materials for student use from printed publications, teachers need to ensure that their board has a Cancopy licence and that this licence covers the resources they wish to use. Before screening videos/films with their students, teachers need to ensure that their board/school has obtained the appropriate public performance videocassette licence from a authorized distributor, e.g., Audio Cine Films Inc. Teachers are reminded that much of the material on the Internet is protected by copyright. The copyright is usually owned by the person or organization that created the work. Reproduction on any work or substantial part of any work on the Internet is not allowed without permission of the owner.

OSS Considerations

This profile is designed to aid teachers in developing and delivering The Environment and Resource Management Course. This course would fulfill the requirements for an additional credit in Canadian and World Studies within the 18 compulsory credits required for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma in section 3.1.1 (p. 9) and Appendix 5 (p. 72) of Ontario Secondary Schools, Grade 9-12, Program and Diploma Requirements, 1999. The needs of both College and University-bound students have been considered and the activities have been constructed with a balance of theory and application. Expectations for accommodations are outlined in section 7.12 (pp. 56-8) and Appendix 6 (pp. 74-75). The basis for assessment, evaluation, and reporting practices is outlined on pp. 13-16 of The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9-12, Program Planning and Assessment, 1999. Strategies for assessment and evaluation are therefore based on the four categories of the Achievement Chart as described in The Ontario curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, Canadian and World Studies, 2000 policy document. The analytical skills that can be developed in this course can be applied in various situations. By participating in co-op programs and working in the community, students begin to understand the relevance of their studies. An essential component of geographic study is learning to use computers to research and interpret data. Geographic information systems, global positioning systems, and spreadsheet software prepares students for the future.


Coded Expectations, The Environment and Resource Management, Grade 12, University/College Preparation, CGR4M

Geographic Foundations: Space and Systems

Overall Expectations

SSV.01 · analyse and explain relationships between the earth’s major components: the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere;

SSV.02 · explain key ecological processes and their significance for ecosystem health;

SSV.03 · analyse the spatial distribution of global biomes and explain the natural conditions that shape these patterns.

Specific Expectations

Understanding Concepts

SS1.01 – demonstrate an understanding of the variety, complexity, and evolutionary characteristics (e.g., primary and secondary succession) of selected ecosystems;

SS1.02 – explain the role of micro-organisms in maintaining soil fertility;

SS1.03 – demonstrate an understanding of the process of bioaccumulation of chemicals within the food chain;

SS1.04 – demonstrate an understanding of the factors that affect the survival of a species (e.g., genetic characteristics, availability of habitat, population size).

Developing and Practising Skills

SS2.01 – analyse selected relationships between the earth’s diverse natural systems (e.g., climate, soils, vegetation, wildlife);

SS2.02 – explain the flow of matter and energy through ecosystems (e.g., nutrient cycling; carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles; energy flow);

SS2.03 – explain interactions between producers, consumers, and decomposers within a selected ecosystem;

SS2.04 – analyse the factors that contribute to the fragility and/or resilience of selected ecosystems.

Learning Through Application

SS3.01 – explain how the earth is a self-sustaining system (e.g., using the analogy of a spaceship);

SS3.02 – explain the combination of biotic and abiotic factors and processes that produce a selected soil, wetland, or forest;

SS3.03 – research and report on the impact of an introduced species (e.g., zebra mussel, purple loosestrife, Asian beetle) on an ecosystem;

SS3.04 – evaluate the contributions made by various characteristics of the biosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere to their daily life;

SS3.05 – analyse interactions between the distinctive natural features (e.g., climate, watershed, plants, animals) of the local bioregion.

Human-Environment Interactions

Overall Expectations

HEV.01 · demonstrate an understanding of how humans are an integral part of an ecological system and of how human activity has short- and long-term effects on the natural environment;

HEV.02 · analyse and evaluate interrelationships between the environment, the economy, and society;

HEV.03 · analyse patterns of resource availability and use.

Specific Expectations

Understanding Concepts

HE1.01 – demonstrate an understanding of how human well-being and survival depend on complex linkages with other components of the biosphere;

HE1.02 – explain the difference between needs and wants;

HE1.03 – demonstrate an understanding of the proliferation and uses of synthetic chemicals in society and identify the effects of selected chemicals on human health and the environment;

HE1.04 – identify differences in the perceptions of nature and the views on environmental preservation of selected individuals and groups.

Developing and Practising Skills

HE2.01 – analyse spatial distribution patterns of a selected resource and identify the factors that determine its distribution and its short- and long-term availability;

HE2.02 – compare distribution patterns of inhabited regions with patterns of resource availability;

HE2.03 – analyse ways in which selected human activities alter the natural environment (e.g., the effect of clear-cutting west coast forests on salmon spawning, the effect of chlorofluorocarbon use on the ozone layer);

HE2.04 – analyse the ways in which various groups or individuals (e.g., indigenous peoples, lumber companies, pharmaceutical companies, farmers, tourists) depend on a selected resource (e.g., a tropical rain forest) and evaluate the environmental, economic, and social implications of their dependence on the resource;

HE2.05 – explain the impact of selected rural and urban land use practices (e.g., irrigation, use of pesticides on crops, development in the buffer zone of a wetland) on human and natural systems.

Learning Through Application

HE3.01 – estimate personal and class consumption of renewable and non-renewable resources and production of wastes;

HE3.02 – analyse interactions between human systems (e.g., land use, transportation networks, culture) and natural systems within the local bioregion;

HE3.03 – research and report on the relationship between environmental degradation and human health concerns;

HE3.04 – explain the factors that threaten the preservation of wild spaces and the relationship between preservation of wild spaces and preservation of species;

HE3.05 – predict the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the extraction and depletion of selected resources in a particular location (e.g., the effect of depletion of fish stocks on the Atlantic provinces, of depletion of caribou populations on indigenous peoples, of extinction of rain forest species on the pharmaceutical industry).

Global Connections

Overall Expectations

GCV.01 · analyse environmental and resource management issues on a global scale;

GCV.02 · analyse the relationships between global population growth, accelerating consumption of resources, and sustainability of ecosystems on a global scale;

GCV.03 · explain the efforts of the international community to deal with environmental and resource management issues and evaluate their effectiveness.

Specific Expectations

Understanding Concepts

GC1.01 – demonstrate an understanding of how growth in population and economic activity around the world increases pressure on natural resources and natural systems;

GC1.02 – explain the requirements for including natural sites on the World Heritage List;

GC1.03 – identify ways in which the “traditional ecological knowledge” and activities of indigenous peoples affect the environment;

GC1.04 – demonstrate an understanding of the need for international cooperation in achieving the sustainable use of global resources.

Developing and Practising Skills

GC2.01 – analyse the relationships between global resource consumption and environmental degradation;

GC2.02 – evaluate the effectiveness of selected organizations and agreements in implementing solutions to global environmental concerns;

GC2.03 – evaluate Canada’s participation in selected international organizations and agreements that deal with global environmental concerns;

GC2.04 – produce a critique or defence of selected viewpoints regarding a sustainability or resource management issue.

Learning Through Application

GC3.01 – predict the effects of climate change on a selected region of the world;

GC3.02 – compare Canada’s protection of endangered spaces and species with that of another country;

GC3.03 – describe the distribution of Canada’s natural World Heritage Sites and explain why selected sites were chosen;

GC3.04 – make recommendations for wilderness sites that could be protected in the future;

GC3.05 – produce a survey of how people in the school and local community perceive nature and classify their attitudes towards a global environmental issue.

Understanding and Managing Change

Overall Expectations

UCV.01 · evaluate the impact of economic, social, political, and technological change on natural environments;

UCV.02 · analyse the purpose and effects of current and evolving environmental legislation and regulations at the local, provincial, and national levels;

UCV.03 · evaluate a variety of ways to resolve environmental and resource management concerns on the local, regional and global scale.

Specific Expectations

Understanding Concepts

UC1.01 – demonstrate an understanding of concepts associated with change (e.g. paradigm shift, world view, synergy, trends, adaptation);

UC1.02 – explain the ways in which human activity in one place may cause changes to the environment in another place (e.g., effects of fallout from the Chernobyl disaster, effects of acid precipitation from distant airborne emissions);

UC1.03 – explain how environmental policies can affect the economy (e.g., job creation or reduction, health costs, future costs of lack of environmental protection);

UC1.04 – demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and nature of environmental impact assessment studies;

UC1.05 – describe the rights and responsibilities of individuals with respect to protecting the environment for future generations;

UC1.06 – explain how selected non-governmental organizations assist in finding solutions to environmental problems.

Developing and Practising Skills

UC2.01 – explain selected environmental protection principles and initiatives (e.g., voluntary compliance, polluter-pays principle, zero discharge, wildlife migration corridors, pollution taxes and credits) and predict their implications for a sustainable environment and economy;

UC2.02 – explain ways to improve the balance between human needs and the protection of natural systems (e.g., organic food production, wetland restoration);

UC2.03 – evaluate the implications for the future of developments in selected areas of technology (e.g., renewable energy technologies, biotechnology, forest-harvesting technologies);

UC2.04 – explain the economic and environmental implications of reusing and recycling selected products (e.g., computers, photocopier toner cartridges, cars);

UC2.05 – evaluate efforts by individuals and groups to achieve solutions to environmental problems.

Learning Through Application

UC3.01 – produce a case study of a particular industry or human system (e.g., transportation system) to determine its environmental impact and make recommendations for environmental and economic sustainability;

UC3.02 – analyse the effects on urban and rural environments of Canada’s dependence on cars and fossil fuels;

UC3.03 – identify household products that contain hazardous substances and describe ways of reducing their use and encouraging proper disposal;

UC3.04 – produce a plan to reduce personal levels of consumption;

UC3.05 – assess the level of risk from natural or human-caused disasters in the local community and identify requirements for personal and community preparedness;

UC3.06 – predict the major impacts of a selected resource management problem or environmental problem (e.g., tropical deforestation, climate change) on both natural and human systems over the next century.

Methods of Geographic Inquiry

Overall Expectations

GIV.01 · use geographic skills, methods, and technologies to gather, analyse, and synthesize information on environmental and resource management issues and concerns;

GIV.02 · use a variety of methods and technologies to communicate the results of geographic inquiry in written, oral, and visual forms;

GIV.03 · produce a structured plan and conduct an independent inquiry that applies geographic knowledge, skills, methods, and technologies to a selected sustainability and resource management issue;

GIV.04 · describe careers related to the environment and resource management.

Specific Expectations

Understanding Concepts

GI1.01 – define and use geographic terms correctly in written and oral communication (e.g., region, pattern, system, interdependence, rural, urban, wilderness, ecology, biodiversity, succession, biotic, abiotic, adaptation, optimal conditions);

GI1.02 – define and use terms associated with the environment and resource management correctly (e.g., global commons, carrying capacity, ecological footprint, sustainable development, sustained yield, silviculture);

GI1.03 – demonstrate an understanding of the technologies used in geographic inquiry (e.g., remote sensing, geographic information systems, hypermedia, mapping);

GI1.04 – demonstrate an understanding of the geographic inquiry process;

GI1.05 – identify careers related to the environment and resource management.

Developing and Practising Skills

GI2.01 – analyse how different media (e.g., political cartoons, government reports, advertising, alternative and mainstream periodicals) present the realities and complexities of environmental and resource management issues;

GI2.02 – explain how information may be biased, and identify the types and sources of information that are relevant to particular inquiries;

GI2.03 – use graphic organizers (e.g., Venn diagrams, semantic webs, timelines) to analyse and synthesize data;

GI2.04 – interpret maps showing environmental and resource management concerns on local, regional, national, and global scales;

GI2.05 – produce original maps, sketches, and/or photographs to illustrate the results of geographic inquiries on environmental and resource management issues;

GI2.06 – use statistical methods to effectively analyse data related to the environment and resource management;

GI2.07 – apply geotechnology (e.g., remote sensing, geographic information systems, global positioning systems) effectively to the collection and analysis of data related to environmental and resource management concerns;

GI2.08 – use field research skills to collect information about environmental and resource management issues;

GI2.09 – use written, oral, and visual communication skills to present the results of geographic inquiry and analysis effectively.

Learning Through Application

GI3.01 – use maps, aerial photographs, satellite images, and geographic information systems to analyse causes and effects of environmental change;

GI3.02 – synthesize ideas presented in a round-table discussion on a selected environmental issue, make recommendations, and rank possible solutions;

GI3.03 – develop focusing questions and apply geographic methods and technologies to conduct an independent geographic inquiry on a sustainability or resource management issue (e.g., deforestation, depletion of the ozone layer, soil depletion, loss of biodiversity);

GI3.04 – present reasoned arguments to defend a position on a sustainability or resource management issue;

GI3.05 – produce workable guidelines for and develop, as part of a team, an environmental action plan to address a concern or initiate a local environmental improvement project;

GI3.06 – analyse educational requirements, job descriptions, current opportunities, and future prospects for a selected career related to the environment or resource management.

 

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