Conservation Biology & Species Endangerment (Ages 14-18)

There are many circumstances that are impacting the health of our environment.  For example, invasive species of plants and organisms have brought about significant environmental challenges that in many cases are unforeseen.  Humans often introduce animal and plant species to areas outside their natural range. Sometimes this is done intentionally and sometimes not, but often it can lead to serious environmental problems. For example, domestic pets may kill local wildlife, while non-native garden plants may escape and become established in a new area, taking over from native species, perhaps because they have no natural predators in their new environment. 

Waste disposal is another issue that is having negative impacts on the environment. The over consumption of resources and creation of plastics are creating a global crisis of waste disposal. Developed countries are notorious for producing an excessive amount of waste or garbage and dumping their waste in the our land and aquatic environments.  Nuclear waste disposal has tremendous health hazards associated with it. Plastic, fast food, packaging and cheap electronic wastes threaten the well being of humans. 

In addition to these issues, students will continue to explore some of the other concerns relating to climate change as well as how animals have been impacted by these conditions. They will explore topics such as  habitat fragementation, deforestation, atmospheric pollution, ozone layer depletion, and how the warming of the environment has brought about many other challenges to not only humans, but animals as well. 
 
In the first 4 classes of this course students will learn about the effects of pollution on our land and aquatic environments from factors such as manufacturing, development, human contribution, and invasive species. They will have the opportunity to learn about events in history that changed our aquatic environment for years to come like oil spills and natural disasters. 

 In the second 4 classes of this course, we will also explore different habitats and how they have been altered or changed due to effects like global warming and climate change and what conservation groups are doing to find a solution to the damage as well as recommendations to prevent future damage.

In classes 8-12, students will explore areas that have already shown signs of climate change and how current practices are still impacting the progression. And in the last 4 classes (weeks 13-16), students will explore many of our beautiful endangered animals in the environment.  They will look at animals in different locations and habitats and explore what has led to their population declines as well as efforts in place to save them. They will explore topics such as over fishing, habitat loss & fragmentation, and pollution in considering what puts animals at risk.

This is the sequel to part I, but students are not required to take part I to take part II.  Different topics and animals are discussed in both sections.