Name: _____________________________
Environmental Science (L1) Unit 1 Objectives: Intro to Science and the Universe
Note: These objectives are a list of the main ideas that will be discussed in this unit. Please
make sure that you also review all book sections, labs, activities, and notes sheets from class.
Make sure to thoroughly define each term and explain each concept.
1) Be able to define the various branches of natural science and branches of earth science
and relate them to examples in the real world. (Notes Sheet and text 1.1-1.2)
2) Be able to list and describe the steps of the scientific method in logical sequence and apply
them to examples from class and of your own. (Notes Sheet and text 1.1-1.2)
3) Be able to explain Meteorite Impact Hypothesis/Theory and the evidence that supports it.
(Notes sheet and text 1.2)
4) Be able to define and differentiate the concepts of hypotheses, theories, and scientific laws.
Know several examples of each! (text 1.3 and in class notes)
5) Explain the Doppler Effect in terms of waves, and be able to apply the effect to sound and
light in relation to frequency, wavelength, pitch, and color change (Notes sheet and text 1.3)
6) Explain the Big Bang Theory and its relationship to red shift, background radiation, and the
Doppler effect. (Notes sheet and text 1.3)
7) Be able to describe earth’s spheres, zones of earth’s interior, and earth’s forces (text 2.1 and
in class notes)
8) Be able to describe the terms and processes associated with the earth’s movements,
cartographic lines, and seasons (Fill in the Blank Activity and text 2.2).
9) Be familiar with all the terms and concepts from chapter 1 & 2 including 2.3 - artificial
satellites. (text 2.3)
Environmental Science (L1) Unit 2 Objectives: Populations and Intro to Ecology
Note: These objectives are a list of the main ideas that will be discussed in this unit. Please
make sure that you also review all book sections, labs, activities, and notes sheets from class.
Make sure to thoroughly define each term and explain each concept.
You should be able to:
1) List biotic and abiotic components of various natural environments. (Outdoor activity lab).
2) Identify and link concepts and components through vocabulary (Text 1.1, vocabulary pg. 12
of text, concepts map, notes)
3) List the major unique abiotic characteristics of the 11 biomes. (Note cards, biome projects,
text 1.1)
4) Describe in detail the population sampling methods, how they work, and apply and justify
when it is appropriate to use each census method (Population lab handout, notes in class,
outdoor census activity, MRR Cricket Lab)
5) List and describe limiting factors, apply them to examples, and hypothesize how they could
affect an organism’s population in a given scenario (In-class notes and Text 1.1)
6) Explain examples of how and why an organism’s population has changed. Understand the
concept of carrying capacity and how it relates to population graph scenarios. Know
examples from the notes and class. (In-class notes, and Text 1.1)
7) Explain and give examples of various communities, habitats, and ecosystems. Be able to
describe how populations of certain species such as grouse, bluebirds, and deer have
changed due to human influence over time (In-class notes, Text 1.1)
8) Know the order and properties of the four layers of a mature deciduous forest. (handout)
9) List and recognize the characteristics of the various trees for the field study (Field study
notes) (****TREE ID WILL NOT BE ON THE TEST)
10) Know answers to assigned text book questions: Page 12, Questions: #7, #10, #11, #13-20,
#23-30
Environmental Science (L1) Unit 2 Objectives: Populations and Intro to Ecology
Note: These objectives are a list of the main ideas that will be discussed in this unit. Please
make sure that you also review all book sections, labs, activities, and notes sheets from class.
Make sure to thoroughly define each term and explain each concept.
You should be able to:
1. Define all the possible niches that an organism can fill in a food web and cite examples
for each niche. (Notes and 1.2 in text).
2. Create a food web, or analyze one given, using all the possible niches involved and
recognize a feeding niche from a chain.
3. Describe the impact a keystone species can have on a foodweb. (Notes)
4. Be able to explain all the possible paths (flow) of energy and matter in an ecosystem.
Diagram and explain the concept of a biomass and number pyramid. (Notes and 1.6 in
text)
5. Be able to diagram and define the processes involved in the carbon/oxygen cycle.
(Notes, lab activity, and 1.7 in text)
6. Be able to diagram and define the processes involved in the hydrologic (water) cycle.
(Notes and 1.7 in text)
7. Be able to identify all the processes and components of the nitrogen cycle. Recognize
which organisms are responsible for the processes and the end product of each
process. (Notes, diagram, and 1.7 in text)
8. Be able to explain the concept of ecological succession with examples. Describe the
biotic and abiotic characteristics of each stage in the succession of a pond and a forest.
Give examples of disturbances that can change the rate of succession (Notes and 1.8 in
text)
9. Be able to answer all the assigned questions regarding the text and the case studies.
(1.2 - #2-9) – pg. 16
(1.3 - #1-6) – pg. 18
(1.4 - #2-4) – pg. 20
(1.5 – #2, 3,4,7,8,10,11,12) – pg .24
(1.9 - #3,7,8,12,14,16) – pg. 42
(1.12 - #1,5,7,8,10) – pg. 60
Unit 4: Forestry and Invasive/Endangered Species
Forestry -class notes text 44 - 60
1) List the important facts of PA forest history. (notes) Explain the relationship of various old growth
organisms to the forest.
2) Explain the concept of multiple use, and the distinction between different forest management strategies on
public land (notes and Forest Wars Questions)
3) Explain how to manage for wildlife biodiversity in a forest. Describe the practices that should be avoided.
(notes)
4) Explain which factors should be considered in order to determine if a forest should be logged, and what
should be done after logging to help a forest recover. (notes)
5) Describe the various harvesting methods, and the advantages and disadvantages for each (notes)
**Know the answers to the “forest wars” questions. (handout)
** Know answers to questions 1.10 in your green Science Books. (#2-8, 10-11, 13-14)
** Read text for terminology and concepts.
Introduced and Invasive Species - class notes - text 61 - 71
6) Give examples of introduced species. (notes)
7) Discuss the impacts of various invasive species. Explain the vectors, why it is a problem, and what is being
done about it. Explain why invasive species are invasive, and the various types of control methods (handout
–notes, homework).
8) Describe the four different types of control methods using examples
**Read text for terminology and concepts.
Endangered species - class notes - text 72 - 81
9) Explain the ESA. Who does it involve, what does it do, and what are its criticisms? (handout – notes)
10) Explain the main causes of endangerment of species and support with examples (handout – notes)
**Know answers to questions 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, and 20 of the text book page 81.
(notebook - homework)
**Read text for terminology and concepts.
Vocabulary list
Forestry
Tannic acid
Snags
Mast
Forage
Browse
Truffle
Fisher, pine marten, wolverine
Biodiversity
Federal Forests
National Parks
Multiple Use
Clear Cutting
Seed- Tree Logging
Selection Cutting
Diameter limit cutting (high grading)
Forest Mosaic
Introduced and Invasive Species
Exotic / Introduced Species
Invasive Species
APHIS
Vector
Control Methods
Zebra Mussel
Chestnut blight
Gypsy Moth
Purple Loosestrife
Starling
Parrots
Ring-necked Pheasant
Red Fox
Multi-flora rose
House Sparrow
Norway Rat
Endangered Species
ESA
Endangered
Threatened
Candidate
Extinct
Telico Dam and the Snail Darter
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Marine Fisheries
Causes of Endangerment (list)
Critical Habitat
HCP
Keystone Species
Chemistry Unit Objectives
1. Understand all the terminology and concepts from Chapter 8 (Earth Science Book). Outline chapter
and do the section review
2. Be able to connect concepts for the terminology (Concepts maps and notes)
3. Understand the basic concepts of atomic theory and how subatomic particles differ from one another
(notes and book)
4. Be able to write, create, and read compounds from chemical and structural formulas. (notes)
5.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Be able to read the periodic chart in order to complete the following:
Determine the various numbers of subatomic particles in an atom (notes)
Draw the electron configuration of an atom (notes)
Determine the ion of an atom (notes)
Create balanced ionic and covalent bonds (notes)
6. Be able to determine the difference and give examples of compounds, mixtures, alloys, and elements.
(book and notes)
7. Be able to explain and read the pH scale as well as all the terms from the handout. (pH handout)
Environmental Science (L1) Unit 6-Energy
1. Energy basics
A. Define and give examples of various forms of energy and energy transformations (potential
and kinetic)
B. Define and apply the laws of energy or Laws of Thermodynamics. (energy notes)
2. Fossil fuel notes - coal, oil, natural gas, synthetic fuels.
A. Compare uses, abundance, etc. of the different fossil fuels (notes)
B. Explain the process of how they are formed, as well as the stages/types of coal (notes)
C. Discuss the various environmental impacts associated with each. (notes)
D. Explain the various processes and components involved in turning natural gas into plastic
(Hydrocarbon Lab.)
E. Text book questions - pages 434 - 447 Homework questions pg. 447 - 448
# 12, 13, 18, 19, 21, 24, 26, 31,
3. Alternative energies
A. Explain how each of the renewable energies work, as well as their benefits and limitations as
energy sources. This includes the various types of solar energy. (notes)
B. Explain the basic mechanism of how an energy source can be used for electricity pg. 449 450
C. Explain which energies are renewable, reliable and pollution free. (notes)
D. Explain the basic process of nuclear fission and fusion as well as the concerns and impacts
associated with fission. (notes)
E. Read the Three-mile-island article in book (pg. 464 -466) for information on the “studies”
and results.
F. Text book questions – pages 450 - 456 Homework questions pg. 457
# 4, 7, 10, 11, 13, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22
Study tips
* Go through all notes and highlight key phrases and terms. This will help with the completion
questions
* Make up essay questions about each form of energy. Assign point values to the questions.
* Don’t was time on memorizing numbers unless it is a significant date. Instead use the
numbers to make comparisons. EX coal supplies more electricity than oil
ESL1: Unit 7 Objectives- Mineral and Rocks
1. Be able to explain all characteristics and facts associated with minerals. (notes and
chapter 9
2. Be able to group minerals based on their chemical formula (notes and chapter 9)
3. Be able to explain the characteristics used to identify minerals including unusual
properties. (notes and chapter 9)
4. Read chapter 9 for all concepts.
5. Be able to draw the rock cycle with all its stages and processes (notes, diagram and
chapter 10.1)
6. Be able to group igneous rocks based on their formation and mineral content and know
the examples of intrusive/extrusive. (igneous rock lab, notes, and chapter 10.2)
7. Be able to define all igneous intrusions and extrusions (homework)
8. Be able to group sedimentary rocks based on their formation and sediment. Know the
examples of each grouping. (notes and chapter 10.3)
9. Be able to describe all sedimentary features (homework and chapter 10.3)
10. Be able to group metamorphic rocks based on their formation and description. Know the
examples of each grouping. (notes and 10.4)
Suggestions
 Read chapters and notes for key phrases and concepts (fill in the blank questions). Define
these terms in your notes
 Concept map all information on rocks and examples of rocks.
Geo-History Exam Objectives
1) Be able to explain Isostasy, Continental Drift and Sea Floor Spreading
(Paleomagnetism) in regards to what they revel about the Earth. (notes – pgs. 67-71,
83-84)
2) Be able to state the major occurrences during the break-up of Pangaea (notes – pgs.
365-369)
3) Be able to list the major divisions of geological time. (Handout, pgs. 345-346)
4) Be able to list four facts from each era and two facts form each period in the geological
timeline (homework – pgs. 347-359)
5) Be able to define plate tectonics. Describe and diagram all the ways that tectonic plates
move along boundaries and what causes this motion. Explain the feature associated
with each movement. Ex. (Volcanoes, earthquakes, ridges …) (notes – pgs. 72-75)
6) Be able to explain relative dating and the four exceptions to superposition (notes – pgs.
323-326) (handout)
7) Be able to order a rock layer diagram by superposition (notes and handouts)
8) Be able to explain absolute age, radioactive elements, index fossils and half life. (pgs.
327-333, 338) (handout)
9) Be able to do a simple half-life problem. (handouts)
Objectives for Soil and Agriculture Exam
1) Be able to recognize and define various type of weathering from a description or situation.
Be able to describe the factors that affect the rate of weathering. (concept map) Read pgs. 219 226 from your Blue Earth Science Book for reinforcement.
2) Be able to name and describe all the components of soil. Be able to describe the qualities of
each of the three texture particles. (notes, pgs 211-216 for reinforcement in green book, soil
texture lab)
3) Be able to name and describe the four soil horizons as well as the processes that occur in
each (handout – diagram & chart). Be able to answer the review question from the notes and
readings (handout-readings)
4) Be able to describe the difference between transported and residual soil. Define the various
types of transported soil. (notes)
5) Be able to list key facts, terms, and occurrences in our countries history of erosion. (notes,
pgs. 218 - 220 for reinforcement)
6) Be able to recognize types of erosion through description. Be able to apply appropriate soil
conservation techniques to various erosion situations. (two handouts, read pages 220-227 for
reinforcement)
7) Be able to define urban sprawl and its environmental and economic effects (handout)
8) Be able to explain the three type of human population pyramids (handout)
9) Be able to list and explain ways in which overpopulated countries use agriculture. Read 3.6
pages 232 - 240 in environmental book to answer questions # 1(vocabulary), 9, 13, 15, 18, 19,
24, 26, 27, 30, and 31.
Test Objectives for Soils and Water Chemistry
1) Review Soil texture Properties (notes on sand, silt, and clay)
2) Soil nutrients N-P-K. Be able to determine and recognize the various components of the
major nutrients in soil as well as the effects of pH a (notes) Read 3.7 pgs. 242 – 247 for
reinforcement.
3) Be able to read N-P-K and choose an organic and synthetic fertilizer as well as the various
substances that either raise or lower pH. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of synthetic
and organic fertilizers pg. 247 and Fertilizer lab.
4) Be able to describe the history of pesticides and the effects of chlorinated hydrocarbons on
the environment. Be able to explain the various techniques of integrated pest management.
(Notes and readings pgs. (249 - 256) ( 275 -281)
5) Be able to explain the major physical and chemical factors that affect water (temp. D.O. etc.).
Be able to recognize which values aquatic organism would prefer based on the ranges measured
in ppm. Be able to recognize values that would indicate pollution (homework readings and
questions 4.4 pgs. 305 – 311. Pg. 312 questions 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 18, 20, 22)
6) Be able to describe the major sources of water pollution in PA as well as the pollutants
involved and their effect on the environment (handout and chart in your notebook)
7) Be able to define the following: MCL, coliform bacteria, indicator organism,
cryptosporidiosis, giardasis, potable water, chlorination, UV light, heat, carbon filter,
superchlorination (pgs. 392 - 398)
8) Be able to explain the concepts of watersheds and stream order. Be able to compare and the
various transitions of aquatic environments in PA by explaining how the physical composition
of those environments determines what live there. (Handout - Headwaters to the Bay with
review questions)
9) Be able to explain and recognize the three wetland types, the three factors used to determine
a wetland, and the various benefits of wetlands to the environment and society. (Handout with
questions)
Exam Objectives for Unit 11-Intro to Meteorology
A) Be able to explain the concept and problems with the ozone layer. (Green Environmental
Science Text pgs. 90 - 96)
B) The following objective are from Chap 23 in Blue Earth Science Text and note sheets:
1. Be able to list all the components of the atmosphere
2. Be able to describe the two types of barometers and their units of measurements.
3. Be able to describe the various layers of the atmosphere including why they change and their
various characteristics.
4. Be able to explain the electromagnetic spectrum, its order, and how and why each form of
energy is different.
5. Explain radiation, scattering, reflection, absorption, and why the sky can be various colors.
6. Explain the greenhouse effect in terms of energy and wavelengths. Explain the possible
environmental consequences of global warming.
7. Explain how various substances heat up the earth and different rates
8. Explain conduction and convection
9. Diagram and explain the global winds as well as the Coriolis effect and the jet stream.
10. Diagram and explain local breezes.
11.Read chapter 23 for vocabulary and concepts
Test Objectives Meteorology Exam 2- Weather
1) Be able to explain the saturation curve and how it relates to relative humidity and dew
point.
2) Be able to compare and contrast the major cloud types and how clouds are formed.
3) Be able to describe how precipitation is formed and a description of each type including
the formation of hail.
4) Be able to name, characterize and describe the seven air masses that affect North
America
5) Be able to describe and diagram the four types of fronts
6) Be able to recognize the effects of isobars and frontal symbols on a weather map.
7) Be able to explain the formation, life and death of thunderstorms through updrafts and
downdrafts.
8) Be able to give a step by step explanation of lighting, including an explanation of
thunder.
9) Be able to compare the differences between high and low pressure systems and how they
affect the weather.
10)
Be able to explain the formation of a wave cyclone, troughs and ridges. Explain
this in relationship to converging and diverging jet streams. Explain the formation of cold
and warm fronts in regards to wave cyclones.
11)
Be able to list the characteristics and terms associated with tornadoes and
hurricanes.
12)
Read chapter 24 for terms and concepts (types of fog not included). Read chapter
25 for reinforcement only.