Unit 1: How are Earth’s dynamic systems interconnected to support life?
In this unit students examine the processes and interactions occurring within and between Earth’s four interrelated systems – the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. They focus on how ecosystem functioning can influence many local, regional and global environmental conditions such as plant productivity, soil fertility, water quality and air quality. Students explore how changes that have taken place throughout geological and recent history are fundamental to predicting the likely impact of future changes. They consider a variety of influencing factors in achieving a solutions-focused approach to responsible management of challenges related to natural and human-induced environmental change.
A student-adapted or student-designed scientific investigation is undertaken which involves the generation of primary data and is related to ecosystem components, monitoring and/or change.
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Unit 2: What affects Earth’s capacity to sustain life?
A sustainable food and water system with a minimal environmental footprint is necessary to secure the food and water supplies that can meet the demands of current and future populations of Earth’s species, including humans. Both natural and human activities can generate pollution that can cause adverse effects across Earth’s four interrelated systems – the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere – and consequently affect food and water security. Pollution can make air and water resources hazardous for plants and animals. It can directly harm soil microorganisms and larger soil-dwelling organisms, with consequences for soil biodiversity, as well as impacting on food security by impairing plant function and reducing food yields.
In this unit students consider pollution as well as food and water security as complex and systemic environmental challenges facing current and future generations. They examine the characteristics, impacts, assessment and management of a range of pollutants that are emitted or discharged into Earth’s air, soil, water and biological systems, and explore factors that limit and enable the sustainable supply of adequate and affordable food and water.
A student-directed investigation will be undertaken to explore how science can be applied to address Earth’s capacity to sustain life in the context of the management of a selected pollutant and/or the maintenance of food and/or water security.
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Prerequisites:
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Recommendations:
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