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Environment and Ecology
Introduction Page 1 of 4 Chapter 4 Definition of Environment and Ecology To understand environment and ecology is to understand the components of ecological systems and their interrelationships with social systems and technologies. These components incorporate the disciplines of resource management, agricultural diversity, government and the impact of human actions on natural systems. This interaction leads to the study of watersheds, threatened and endangered species, pest management and the development of laws and regulations. The Goal of Environment and Ecology The Declaration of Rights, Article 1 of the Pennsylvania Constitution states in Section 27: "The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania’s public natural resources are the common property of all people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people." To this end, it is our responsibility to develop a citizenry that is aware of and concerned about the total environment and has the knowledge and skills to work toward solutions to current problems and the prevention of new ones. Environment and Ecology is grounded in the complexity of the world we live in and our impact on its sustainability. The human interactions with the ecosystem and the results of human decisions are the main components of this academic area. Environment and Ecology examines the world with respect to the economic, cultural, political and social structures, as well as natural processes and systems. This integration across systems is what sets this academic area apart from all others. Environment and Ecology places its main emphasis in the real world. It allows students to understand, through a sound academic content base, how their everyday lives evolve around their use of the natural world and the resources it provides. As we move into a more technologically-driven society, it is crucial for every student to be aware of his/her dependence on a healthy environment. The 21st century will demand a more sophisticated citizen capable of making sound decisions that will impact our natural systems forever. Academic Standards for Environment and Ecology These standards establish the essential elements of what students should know and be able to do at the end of grades four, seven, ten and twelve. The sequential nature of the standards reflects the need for rigorous academic content that students will be expected to achieve. The standards will help students understand decision-making processes, the art of compromise and problem-solving skills. The standards reinforce all areas across the grade levels with increasing degrees of difficulty as the students mature intellectually. Environment and Ecology is an engaging academic area that captivates students’ innate interests in their surroundings of the natural and human-created environment. The skills and knowledge that are addressed in this area of study will serve as tools for student participation in a democratic world of constantly evolving issues and concerns. As they achieve these standards, students will become aware of the role they play in the community in reaching decisions related to the environment. The study of Environment and Ecology will allow students to be active participants and problem-solvers in real issues that affect them, their homes, their schools and communities. |
4.1 Watersheds and Wetlands
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4.5 Integrated Pest Management
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4.2 Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources
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4.6 Ecosystems and Their Interaction
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4.3 Environmental Health
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4.7 Threatened, Endangered and Extinct Species
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4.4 Agriculture and Society
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4.8 Humans and the Environment
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4.9 Environmental Laws and Regulations
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