UNITS 3 & 4 Environmental Science
Unit 3: How can biodiversity and development be sustained?
In this unit students focus on environmental management through the application of sustainability principles. They explore the value of the biosphere to all living things by examining the concept of biodiversity and the ecosystem services important for human health and well-being. They analyse the processes that threaten biodiversity and evaluate biodiversity management strategies for a selected threatened endemic animal or plant species. Students use a selected environmental science case study with reference to sustainability principles and environmental management strategies to explore management from an Earth systems perspective, including impacts on the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.
A student-designed scientific investigation involving the generation of primary data related to biodiversity, environmental management, climate change and/or energy use is undertaken in either Unit 3 or Unit 4.
Key Skills Achieved:
Assessment:
Unit 4: How can climate change and the impacts of human energy use be managed?
In this unit students explore different factors that contribute to the variability of Earth’s climate and that can affect living things, human society and the environment at local, regional and global scales. Students compare sources, availability, reliability and efficiencies of renewable and non-renewable energy resources in order to evaluate the suitability and consequences of their use in terms of upholding sustainability principles. They analyse various factors that are involved in responsible environmental decision-making and consider how science can be used to inform the management of climate change and the impacts of energy production and use.
Measurement of environmental indicators often involves uncertainty. Students develop skills in data interpretation, extrapolation and interpolation and test predictions. They recognise the limitations of contradictory, provisional and incomplete data derived from observations and models. They explore relationships and patterns in data, and make judgments about accuracy and validity of evidence.
A student-designed scientific investigation involving the generation of primary data related to biodiversity, environmental management, climate change and/or energy use is undertaken in either Unit 3 or Unit 4.
Key Skills Achieved:
Assessment:
VCAA ASSESSMENT - THE OVERALL STUDY SCORE WILL CONSIST OF:
Prerequisites:
Entry into Unit 4 requires prerequisite of Unit 3.
Recommendations:
Students entering Unit 3 without Units 1 and/or 2 may be required to undertake additional preparation as prescribed by their teacher.
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