Environmental Science. Lesson 1. Definition of Basic Terms

Summary

This educational video script introduces fundamental environmental science concepts, including the environment, ecology, environmental science, and environmentalism. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these terms and their interrelationships to protect our planet. The script also discusses the history of environmentalism and the role of environmental science in addressing global challenges, urging viewers to take action for the environment.

Takeaways

• 🌏 **Environment Defined**: The script defines environment as the air, water, and land in or on which living beings exist.
• 🔬 **Ecology Explained**: Ecology is described as the relationship between living organisms and their physical environment, focusing on the balance of these relationships.
• 🌱 **Biotic and Abiotic Factors**: The script distinguishes between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors in ecology, such as plants, animals, and air/water quality.
• 🔬 **Environmental Science**: Environmental science is presented as an interdisciplinary field integrating various scientific methods to address environmental challenges.
• 🌐 **Importance of Environmental Science**: The script emphasizes the importance of studying environmental science for preserving the natural world and addressing human impacts.
• 📚 **Historical Context**: It provides a brief history of environmentalism, dating back to ancient philosophers and early human ecological awareness.
• 💡 **Environmental Protection Laws**: The script mentions laws like the Clean Air Act and the Philippine Environmental Policy that aim to protect the environment.
• 🌳 **Human Impact on Environment**: It discusses how human activities, such as pollution and deforestation, damage the environment.
• 🌿 **Environmentalism**: Defined as the interest or study of the environment to protect it from human-induced damage.
• 📈 **Concept Map Assignment**: The script assigns a task to create a concept map showing the relationship between environmental terms and factors affecting the environment.
• 📋 **Rubric for Concept Map**: It outlines a rubric for grading the concept map, focusing on relationships between concepts, hierarchical organization, and presentation.

Q & A

What are the learning goals of the first lesson in the Environmental Science course?

The learning goals are to define the basic terms environment, ecology, environmental science, and environmentalist, to create a concept map showing the relationship of these terms, and to cite the importance of studying environmental science.

How is the environment defined in the script?

The environment is defined as the air, water, and land in or on which people, animals, and plants live.

What are the biotic and abiotic factors in ecology?

Biotic factors are living things such as insects, plants, microorganisms, reptiles, mammals, and birds. Abiotic factors are non-living things such as carbon dioxide and oxygen in the air, sunlight, and water.

What does ecology study and why is it important?

Ecology studies the relationships between organisms and their environment, and the balances between these relationships. It is important because it seeks to understand the vital connections between plants, animals, and the world around them, and provides information about how to use Earth's resources sustainably.

How does the script define environmental science?

Environmental science is defined as an interdisciplinary field that integrates scientific methods and disciplines to understand and address real-world environmental challenges.

What are some of the disciplines integrated into environmental science according to the script?

Some of the disciplines integrated into environmental science include Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences.

What is the focus of environmental science according to Dr. Kelly Tripleton Hunter?

The focus of environmental science is to learn how the natural world works, understand how humans interact with the natural world, and determine how to address environmental issues to preserve the natural world.

Why was the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created and what were some of its initial actions?

The EPA was created in 1970 with the aim of addressing environmental challenges. Initial actions included the Clean Air Act of 1970, restrictions on lead-based paint, a focus on national air quality, the Clean Water Act, and studies on pesticides.

What is environmentalism and why is it important?

Environmentalism is the interest in or study of the environment to protect it from damage by human activities. It is important because it seeks to preserve the environment for current and future generations, as there is no alternative planet to inhabit.

What are some human activities that destroy the environment according to the script?

Some human activities that destroy the environment include throwing trash into the sea or rivers, burning garbage, cutting trees, and destroying natural habitats through overharvesting or poaching.

What is the assignment given to the students at the end of the script?

The students are assigned to create a concept map incorporating the terms defined in the lesson and other factors that affect the environment, such as human activities, pollution, and climate change.

What are the criteria for assessing the students' concept map?

The criteria for assessing the concept map include the relationships between concepts, hierarchical organization, cross-linkages, and presentation.