High School Conservation Biology: Protecting Our Changing Environment (Flex)

Human population numbers have increased substantially over time putting a much greater demand on many of the natural resources that the environment can offer.  But what does that mean for the plants, animals, and organisms that live there?   An instance as simple as a new road being built could impair the ability of a healthy species to thrive by the unavoidable impacts from habitat fragmentation, rendering animals separated from their families.   But what other consequence comes from this?  Is it just separation?  What about the trees, plants, and other organisms that are impacted?  Loss of forestry and foliage could deplete available food resources as well as protective shelter for the animals that live there.   

Students will learn about the effects of development as well as other circumstances that impact the environment every day to support our ever-growing population needs. Students will explore topics such as overfishing, mining practices, habitat fragmentation, deforestation, and pollution.  We will also explore ways humans are working to stop the progression of environmental impact with sustainable practices such as organic farming using methods such as crop rotation for insect control instead of harsh chemicals.  

Week 1: Human Populations & Fossil Fuels
Week 2: Organic Farming
Week 3: The Changing Environment & Severe Storms
Week 4: Impacts of Climate Change on the Environment

Students will work with Nearpod, an interactive software program that allows students to participate in discussion boards, answer short quizzes, and watch interactive videos that pertain to course material.  There are no pre-requisites for this course, just a love for animals and the environment.
Students will also work with CK-12 an interactive learning platform, that allows students to answer practice tests, read articles, and work in interactive textbooks. Assignments will be assigned in this platform weekly. Each student will be provided with their own login information to access their assignments and readings, which the teacher will set up.