Earth & Environment
Teacher: Jacob Davison
Earth and Environmental Science allows students to gain an understanding of the ways in which humans discover, extract and then use the resources of the Earth, as well as how global demand for resources such as water and energy impacts the sustainability of modern society. Students will gain a deep understanding of both natural and human induced climate change. There are 4 topics spread over the year;
Topic 1: Earth system– This topic lays the foundational skills students will use in planning and implementing the Earth system study. There is a focus on the spheres of the Earth and how they interact
Topic 2: Earth’s resources- How humans have used Earth’s resources such as coal, oil, gas and metals such as gold and copper to survive and build infrastructure, how are these resources produced by the Earth, and then discovered and extracted by humans, the environmental impacts of mining
Topic 3: Earth’s sustainable future- How the global demand for vital resources such as energy, soil and water has changed over time and impact on the sustainability of modern society, how do humans dispose of materials once they have fulfilled their purpose, how can we live a more sustainable lifestyle
Topic 4: Climate change- How has the climate of the Earth changed over time and how do we know this, how does climate change influence Earth systems such as ocean circulation and weather systems, how are humans driving climate change and what processes naturally influence the Earth’s climate, how can we predict future climatic changes?
Assessment:
School based Assessment (70%)
- Assessment Type 1: Investigations Folio (30%)
- Assessment Type 2: Skills and Applications Tasks (40%)
External Assessment (30%)
- Assessment Type 3: Earth Systems Study (30%)
Pathways:
Earth & Environment can lead to further study in tertiary institutions in very diverse ranges of fields. Students might choose to study a general degree such as a Bachelor of Science. Other pathways may be in more specific areas of study such as Environmental Science, Geology Majors or Geo Science degrees.