KEY Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources PDF

TOPIC 4.1 Plate Tectonics KEY Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources ENDURING UNDERSTANDING ​ERT-4​ Earth’s systems interact, resulting in a state of balance over time LEARNING OBJECTIVE ERT-...

TOPIC 4.1 Plate Tectonics KEY Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources ENDURING UNDERSTANDING ​ERT-4​ Earth’s systems interact, resulting in a state of balance over time LEARNING OBJECTIVE ERT-4.A ​Describe the geological Draw arrows showing the direction plates move in relation to each other for each type of boundary. changes and events that occur at convergent, divergent, and transform plate boundaries. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE ERT-4.A.1​ Convergent boundaries can result in the creation of mountains, island arcs, earthquakes, and volcanoes. ERT-4.A.2​ Divergent boundaries can result in seafloor spreading, rift valleys, volcanoes, and Choose a color for each: earthquakes. ❏ Mountains forming ❏ Earthquakes ERT-4.A.3​ Transform boundaries ❏ Volcanoes can result in earthquakes. ❏ Rift valleys ❏ Island arcs Drawings will vary - ERT-4.A.4​ Maps that show the Mountains by global distribution of plate convergent, boundaries can be used to Earthquakes by all, determine the location of Look at the plate Volcanoes by divergent volcanoes, island arcs, boundaries on, and off the and convergent, Rift coast of this land mass. valleys by divergent, and earthquakes, hot spots, and faults. island arcs by With your color code, mark convergent ERT-4.A.5​ An earthquake occurs the locations you would when stress overcomes a locked expect to find each type of fault, releasing stored energy event (some will be used multiple times!). Science of Curiosity  Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources TOPIC 4.4 Earth’s Atmosphere ENDURING UNDERSTANDING ​ERT-4 ​Earth’s systems interact, resulting in a state of balance over time. LEARNING OBJECTIVE What percent of Earth’s atmosphere is made up of each gas? ERT-4.D​ Describe the structure and composition Carbon Dioxide _______ 0.04% of the Earth’s Nitrogen 78% _______ atmosphere. pie chart! Oxygen _______ 21% ESSENTIAL 0-3% varies greatly Water Vapor _______ KNOWLEDGE ​ERT-4.D.1 The atmosphere is made Argon _______ 1% up of major gases, each Create a pie chart with these values in the circle.. with its own relative abundance. Put the layers of the atmosphere in the right order in the column to the left. ERT-4.D.2​ The layers of the atmosphere are exosphere Which two layers increase in temperature as altitude increases? based on temperature gradients and include the thermosphere The stratosphere and the thermosphere troposphere, Which two layers decrease in temperature as altitude increases? stratosphere, mesosphere mesosphere, troposphere and mesosphere thermosphere, and stratosphere Which layer is the hottest? ___________________ thermosphere Why is it so hot? exosphere. troposphere Solar rays (ultra violet, visible light, and gamma radiation) are absorbed by the thermosphere, shielding the Earth troposphere Why? Which layer is the most dense? ____________ Gravity is highest closest to earth's surface as the weight of all other layers presses down on it. Which layer contains the ozone layer? stratosphere ____________ What does it do? The ozone layer absorbs Ultra Violet radiation from the sun. This protects life, which is harmed by UV rays. Science of Curiosity  KEY Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption TOPIC 6.1 Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources ENDURING UNDERSTANDING ENG-3 Humans use energy from a variety of sources, resulting in positive and negative consequences. LEARNING OBJECTIVE Listed here are the types of energy resources we will learn about in this Unit. Circle the form(s) of energy that are renewable. ENG-3.A Identify In the space to the right, jot down as many things that you already know about each type of energy resource (at least two). differences between Fossil Fuels According to figures available in 2019 from Our World in Data, about 50 years for oil and natural gas, and 100 for coal. nonrenewable and renewable energy According to the Scientific American article, current supply at current rates sources. Nuclear Power gives 200 years, but new tech could extend to tens of thousands of years. ESSENTIAL This page is designed to be an introduction to the unit, where KNOWLEDGE Energy from Biomass students can prime their thinking about each form of energy by ENG-3.A.1 writing out what they already know about them. Nonrenewable energy sources Solar Energy are those that exist in a fixed Hydroelectric Power amount and involve energy transformation Geothermal Energy that cannot be easily replaced. Hydrogen Fuel Cell ENG-3.A.2 Renewable energy sources Wind Energy are those that can be replenished naturally, at or near the rate of Put a star beside the resource that is most relied upon world wide. consumption, and For each nonrenewable resource, look up how many years remain until it runs out (at current rate of consumption). reused. Include it in the table above. What happens when the nonrenewable resources run out? ________________________________________________ they are gone! forever! Any technology or service that requires them will no longer be functional. Science of Curiosity  Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption TOPIC 6.2 Global Energy Consumption ENDURING UNDERSTANDING ENG-3 Humans use energy from a variety of sources, resulting in positive and negative consequences LEARNING OBJECTIVE ENG-3.B Describe trends in What type of energy was used the most during the preindustrial era? energy consumption. Nuclear - 4% wood (biomass) and animals Renewables - 11% ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE Which type of energy was used the most during the industrial era? Natural Gas - 24% ENG-3.B.1 The use of energy Coal - 27% coal Oil - 34% resources is not evenly source: Teal Energy distributed between developed Create a pie chart of the world’s current energy consumption of these forms of Deal and developing countries. energy: renewable energy, coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear tinyurl.com/smcnhv9 ENG-3.B.2 The most widely Developing countries become (more / less) dependant on fossil fuels as they used sources of energy globally develop. Why? are fossil fuels. Developing countries begin to adopt new technologies that run on fossil fuels, requiring more use of fossil fuels. ENG-3.B.3 As developing Of those four categories, what type of energy will humans be using less of in the next 50 years? Why? countries become more Less fossil fuels! We are running out, and some research shows they are driving climate developed, their reliance on change, so renewable clean energy sources will be increasing as fossil fuel use fossil fuels for energy decreases. increases. What is OPEC? How does it influence the world’s oil supply? ENG-3.B.4 As the world Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries - controls over 80% of the world's oil, becomes more industrialized, coordinates the production and sale, and prices of oil to the world. the demand for energy increases. During the energy crisis of 1973, energy consumption (increased / decreased). Why? Oil was scarce, and more expensive, which forced people to use less. ENG-3.B.5 Availability, price, and governmental regulations What caused the energy crisis? influence which energy sources OPEC issued an embargo and stopped selling oil to the United States. people use and how they use them. Describe one specific way the United States responded (changed) to alleviate the energy crisis. There are many - US citizens were educated in energy conservation and encouraged to conserve. Less gas available and higher prices forced people to use less. US Government put forth CAFE standards to increase efficiency of cars. US Government created the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to stockpile oil in case of emergencies. Science of Curiosity  Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption TOPIC 6.3 Fuel Types and Uses ENDURING UNDERSTANDING ENG-3 Humans use energy from a variety of sources, resulting in positive and negative consequences. LEARNING OBJECTIVE ENG-3.C As a source of energy, wood is more commonly used in (developed / undeveloped) countries. Explain why. Identify types of fuels Technologies available in developed countries rely more on fossil fuels, while wood and other biomass and their uses. is readily available and cheap in developing countries. Wood is a (renewable / nonrenewable) source of energy. What is one disadvantage wood? ESSENTIAL Can lead to deforestation, burning can produce pollution and impact human health. KNOWLEDGE ENG-3.C.1 What type of biome can form peat? __________________ wetland habitat Briefly describe how (and from what) peat coal is formed. Wood is commonly Peat forms from partially decayed plant material (mosses, bog plants) that build up in acidic anaerobic conditions. used as fuel in the Peat slowly accumulates over thousands of years. It can be harvested and dried for fuel. forms of firewood and charcoal. It is often With more time, peat can become ________ coal (what type of fuel). How long does this process take? millions _________of years used in developing countries because it is Compare each type of coal easily accessible. Lignite coal Bituminous coal Anthracite coal ENG-3.C.2 Appearance aka brown coal, black, layered look, shiny, deep black to Peat is partially crumbly softer rock metallic, hard rock decomposed organic material that can be Carbon content / amount least amount of medium carbon very high carbon burned for fuel. of impurities carbon content content ENG-3.C.3 Value as a fuel (relative least amount of mid range value holds the most energy, Three types of coal amount of energy held) energy most valuable - most rare used for fuel are lignite, bituminous, and In the United States, coal is most commonly used for ______________________________. generating electricity anthracite. Heat, pressure, and depth of What type of biome forms crude oil (petroleum)? ______________Briefly describe how (and from what) crude oil is the ocean burial contribute to the formed. development of various coal types and their Accumulation of algae and zooplankton from the ocean gets trapped below layers of sand. With heat and pressure, qualities. and millions of years, these organisms become oil and natural gas. Science of Curiosity ENG-3.C.4 Tar sands are (solid / liquid / gas) depositess that can be refined to make crude oil, which is a (solid / liquid / gas) Natural gas, the cleanest of the fossil Oil is primarily used for _________________________________________________. powering combustion engines in motor vehicles. fuels, is mostly methane. Briefly, how is crude oil processed to separate the different hydrocarbons for various uses? Crude oil contains many types of hydrocarbons that are separated by heat. Each ENG-3.C.5 hydrocarbon has a different boiling point. The crude oil is placed in tall tanks that are hot at Crude oil can be the bottom and cool at the top. Each hydrocarbon condenses inside the tank it its specific recovered from tar boiling point, resulting in their separation. sands, which are a In the distillation tank to the right, (larger / smaller) hydrocarbon fuels would be found at the top, gasoline combination of clay, while (larger / smaller) hydrocarbon fuels would be at the bottom. sand, water, and jet fuel bitumen. Place these fuels in order as they would be in the tank from bottom to top: ​gasoline, methane, diesel, jet fuel, lubricating oil ENG-3.C.6 diesel fuel Fossil fuels can be What refined type of petroleum powers most motor vehicles? _________________ gasoline made into specific fuel lubricating oil types for specialized Natural Gas is often found along with (coal / oil) and is mostly composed of ____________. methane uses (e.g., in motor vehicles). Between coal, oil, and natural gas, which type of fossil fuel is most versatile (meaning, can be used in the greatest variety of ways) _____________ natural gas ENG-3.C.7 Cogeneration occurs when a fuel source is What is synfuel? What is it designed to replace? What is its benefit? used to generate both Synfuel = synthetic fuel. It is designed to be a replacement for gasoline. Synfuel is made through the liquefaction of useful heat and coal or biomass. The benefit is to extend the availability of fuel for the combustion engine, and lessen reliance on electricity foreign oil. Also, the process takes many of the pollutants out of coal, making it a clearer fuel source. Finally, synfuels made with biomass can be renewable. Provide a specific What example ofWhy is cogeneration? howiscogeneration it so great? works. Find one example of a cogeneration system. Also known as combined heat and power (CHP), answers will vary! generating electricity with steam, and then using the left over thermal energy to heat nearby homes and industry. By recovering what would otherwise be wasted heat, cogeneration can make a power plant upwards to 80% efficient or better. Science of Curiosity  Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption TOPIC 6.4 Distribution of Natural Energy Resources ENDURING UNDERSTANDING ENG-3 Humans use energy from a variety of sources, resulting in positive and negative consequences. LEARNING OBJECTIVE During what period in geologic history did most coal reserves form? ENG-3.D 300-350 mya ________________ carboniferous How many years ago was this? _______________ Identify where natural energy Describe the primary landscape at this time in history that led it to resources occur. produce so much coal.. Vast swamp forests, with abundant vegetation, bogs and marshes. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE ENG-3.D.1 The global Choose a color for each type of fossil fuel. In the maps to the right, distribution of color and label the top two counties with the largest reserves for each. natural energy resources, such Does having the largest reserve mean that country will also be the as ores, coal, largest supplier of that fossil fuel? Explain. crude oil, and gas, is not uniform and No, the country must also have the ability to reach the depends on reserve (it may be inaccessible) and the technology regions’ geologic necessary to extract it. history. What is the difference between Proven Reserves and Unproven Reserves? Proven reserves have a high probability of being recovered, while unproven reserves are less recoverable - either due to their location (hard to reach) or economic or political factors. In your own words, what does the term ‘peak oil’ mean? What happens after the peak? It is the estimated, or realized, point at which oil production is at its highest, after which production is reduced. This is due to the fact that oil is non-renewable, so at each site the oil will eventually be extracted to the point of depletion. Science of Curiosity  Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption TOPIC 6.5 Fossil Fuels ENDURING UNDERSTANDING ENG-3 Humans use energy from a variety of sources, resulting in positive and negative consequences LEARNING OBJECTIVE ENG-3.E Fill in the chemical reaction that happens during the combustion of fossil fuels: Describe the use and methods of fossil fuels in power generation. oxygen CO2 H2O ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE ENG-3.E.1 The combustion of fossil What chemical reaction from nature does this remind you of? Why are they so similar? fuels is a chemical Just like cellular respiration! Cellular respiration takes organic matter (glucose, a carbon compound of stored reaction between the chemical energy) and burns it to release energy, with the same two waste products.With time, heat and pressure, that same organic matter can become fossil fuel, which when burned, releases energy. fuel and oxygen that yields carbon dioxide In the box to the right, create a simple drawing that illustrates the process of and water and releases generating electricity from burning fossil fuels (described in ENG-3.E.2). Begin with energy. the fossil fuel at the bottom, and electricity at the top. Label each part. ENG-3.E.2 Energy from What type of fossil fuel is most often used for this method of generating electricity? fossil fuels is produced ____________ coal, up until very by burning those fuels recently, now natural gas to generate heat, which then turns water into Besides CO2, name another harmful gas that is emitted during the burning of fossil steam. That steam fuels. How is it harmful to the environment? turns a turbine, which Sulfur dioxides and nitrogen oxides combine with water vapor and produce acid rain, which harms trees and aquatic life. These gases can also impact human generates electricity. health, causing respiratory problems.Particulate matter causes respiratory problems. Coal burning releases mercury, which bioaccumulates and harms top ENG-3.E.3 Humans predators - including humans. use a variety of Which fossil fuel is considered the cleanest? _______________ Describe one methods to extract environmental disadvantages to this fuel type. natural gas fossil fuels from the Natural gas is primarily methane, which has a global warming potential 100 earth for energy times greater than CO2. generation. Science of Curiosity LEARNING OBJECTIVE Name and briefly describe one method for extracting each type of fossil fuel. ENG-3.F Describe the Coal Oil Natural Gas effects of fossil fuels on the environment Surface and subsurface mining, Drilling down into the ground digging coal out of the ground. and pumping oil out to the Drilling down into the ground and surface. pumping gas to the surface - ESSENTIAL more commonly fracking is KNOWLEDGE another means of extraction. ENG-3.F.1 Hydrologic fracturing (fracking) can cause groundwater contamination and the The process of fracking extracts what type of fossil fuel? __________________ natural gas release of volatile organic compounds. This fossil fuel resource is found trapped inside what type of rock? _____________ shale Describe the process of fracking. How does it work? Include the purpose of the water, sand, and chemicals used. Fracking (hydrolic fracturing) involves drilling deep into the ground, in to shale rock. The rock fractures during the drilling process. Water, sand and chemicals are then pumped into the drilled hole at very high pressure, causing further cracking of the shale rock. Sand wedges into the cracks to keep them open. The chemicals break down the rock - all of this releases trapped bubbles of natural gas. which are then pushed back up the well and collected. Name two pros of fracking, and four cons. Pro: Pro: More abundant local sources of natural gas. Keeps prices down, which boosts the economy. More natural gas replacing coal as an energy source for electricity, which is a cleaner burning fossil fuel. Con: Con: Con: Con: Increased availability of natural gas can slow the progress of switching to renewable energy resources. Natural gas is mostly methane, which has a higher global warming potential than CO2. Fracking has been shown to contaminate ground water. Chemicals used in fracking are very hazardous. A LOT of fresh water is needed for fracking which can not afterwards be cleaned. Fracking activity has been linked to earthquakes. Science of Curiosity  Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption TOPIC 6.6 Nuclear Power ENDURING UNDERSTANDING ENG-3 Humans use energy from a variety of sources, resulting in positive and negative consequences. LEARNING OBJECTIVE ENG-3.G Describe the use What is the half - life of uranium-235? In your own words, what does ‘half-life’ mean? of nuclear energy in power The amount of time it takes for half of a radioactive isotope to decay. The half life of generation. uranium 235 is 700 million years If the half life of a radioactive isotope is 50 years, about what percent of the original material will remain after 200 ESSENTIAL 50% in 50 years, 25% in 100 years, 12.5% in 150 years, 6.25% in 200 years years? ________ KNOWLEDGE ENG-3.G.1 Nuclear power is generated through fission, During a nuclear reaction, ____________ neutron (type of small subatomic particle) strikes the large atomic nucleus of where atoms of uranium 235 __________________, causing it to break into small pieces and release energy. Uranium-235, which are stored in fuel rods, are split into smaller parts after True or False: Nucular is considered a clean energy source. Explain why: being struck by a neutron. Nuclear fission releases a Nuclear does not produce any carbon dioxide or other harmful emissions. H2O large amount of heat, which is used to generate What is the primary (and most concerning) waste from a nuclear plant? What steam, which powers a happens to it? turbine and generates Radioactive waste from spent fuel rods, it is cooled for 2-5 years in water tanks, electricity. then sealed in concrete and stored on-site. Permanent storage sites are still under development, and debate (as of 2019) ENG-3.G.2 Radioactivity To the right is a nuclear reactor. What is being emitted into the air (the cloud)? Label occurs when the nucleus it on the drawing. of a radioactive isotope loses energy by emitting What is the function of water a nuclear power plant? radiation. Water is heated to steam and used to spin a turbine to make electricity. Water is also used as a coolant to prevent the reactor from overheating. Also, spent fuel rods are kept in water until they cool off enough for storage. ENG-3.G.3 Uranium-235 remains radioactive for a Consider the following words. Circle the words that relate to BOTH Nuclear and Coal Burning power generation. long time, which leads to Cross out the words that ONLY apply to Coal Burning power plants. the problems associated with the disposal of fuel rods - steam - generator - turbine - uranium - CO2 emissions - nonrenewable - radiation - heat nuclear waste. Science of Curiosity ENG-3.G.4 Nuclear power Describe the function and purpose of control rods. generation is a The control rods can be lowered between the fuel rods to slow down the reaction and prevent the reaction nonrenewable energy from getting out of control. source. Nuclear power is All of the following are part of use and maintenance of a nuclear power plant, Circle the items that are considered considered a cleaner low level radiation, and underline the items that are considered high level radiation. energy source because it does not produce air used nuclear fuel - uniforms - mops - shoe covers pollutants, but it does release thermal pollution How does Nuclear Power generate thermal pollution? How does thermal pollution harm the environment? and hazardous solid Water is used to cool the reactors. This hot water may then be released into rivers, lakes or oceans. Some waste. aquatic species are killed directly by the hot water. Warm water holds less oxygen than cool water. Warm water also speeds decomposition, leading to increased nutrients in the water, which causes algae blooms and more LEARNING OBJECTIVE decomposition which uses up even more of the oxygen leading to hypoxic zones that can not support fish. ENG-3.H Describe the effects of the use of Describe one way thermal pollution can be controlled. nuclear energy on the Cooling lakes or cooling towers that allow excess heat to be lost to the atmosphere before put back into the environment. environment. Cogeneration is a method for using the heat to warm buildings, rather than dumping it as waste/ ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE ENG-3.H.1 Nuclear energy production peaked in the mid 2000’s. It is likely that interest in nuclear power will increase in Three Mile Island, Since then, many of the nuclear plants that were the near future. Why? Chernobyl, and Fukushima planned to be built, were not. Why? are three cases where The world is focused on finding ways to obtain energy accidents or natural The public is afraid of nuclear power due to the without the production of CO2 - nuclear energy has accidents that have happened at Three Mile Island, zero emissions. While uranium is a non-renewable disasters led to the release Chernobyl and Fukushima. In the minds of many, the resource, it will last far longer than fossil fuels. of radiation. These risks seem to outweigh the benefits. Nuclear is likely to grow as fossil fuels are phased out releases have had short- and renewable become more economical and and long-term impacts on widespread. the environment. Choose one of the three nuclear disasters mentioned in ENG-3.H.1. Describe the event - where and when, what led ENG-3.H.2 A radioactive up to the event, what happened, some of the environmental results. element’s half-life can be Answers will vary. used to calculate a variety of things, including the rate of decay and the radioactivity level at specific points in time. Science of Curiosity  Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption TOPIC 6.13 Energy Conservation ENDURING UNDERSTANDING ENG-3 Humans use energy from a variety of sources, resulting in positive and negative consequences. LEARNING OBJECTIVE ENG-3.T Describe Consider the difference between energy conservation (use less) and energy efficiency (use better). Name at least two methods for conserving ways YOU or your family can both conserve energy, and be more efficient with energy in each of the following: energy. Energy Conservation (use less) Energy Efficiency (use better) ESSENTIAL Transportation Drive less (walk, ride a bike). Carpool Drive cars with high gas KNOWLEDGE or use mass transportation. mileage or hybrid cars. ENG-3.T.1 Some of the methods for conserving energy around a home At Home Keep thermostat low in winter, high in Buy energy efficient appliances (Energy include adjusting the summer. Turn off lights and Star). Use energy efficient light bulbs. Use thermostat to reduce the electronics. Turn temp down on water a laptop instead of a desktop. use of heat and air heaters. Insulate your home well. conditioning, conserving At School Turn down thermostat. Install motion Use laptops rather than desk top sensing lights in bathrooms. Keep water, use of room lights and electronics off when computers. Use energy-efficient energy efficient lights and appliances. not used. Insulate well. appliances, and conservation Battery electric vehicles reduce the use of gasoline, but there are some disadvantages to electric cars. Describe one. landscaping. Limited range, takes a long time to recharge, if electricity comes from a power plant that burns fossil fuels it will still ENG-3.T.2 Methods for be leaving a carbon footprint, charging stations are few, expensive conserving energy on a Describe two features of green building design that would increase energy conservation. large scale include improving fuel economy Passive solar energy to heat interior in the winter, heat water with solar energy, use of ground source heat pump, solar and/or wind powered electricity, high performance insulation and windows. for vehicles, using BEVs (battery electric Describe the role of government in encouraging energy conservation. vehicles) and hybrid Government can provide subsidies and tax beaks (monetary intensives) for energy conservation to individuals and vehicles, using public companies, both to use and create new ideas for conservation and clean energy. Government can also tax and transportation, and fine companies who use too much energy. Regulations can be established that mandate conservation as well. implementing green What are the CAFE standards? How have they improved energy conservation? building design features. Established in response to the oil embargo of 1973, Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards required that car companies improve the average fuel economy of cars and light trucks in order to conserve oil. Science of Curiosity  TOPIC 5.1 The Tragedy of the Commons KEY Unit 5: Land and Water Use ENDURING UNDERSTANDING ​EIN-2​ When humans use natural resources, they alter natural systems. LEARNING OBJECTIVE ​EIN-2.A Describe three ways this illustration can be an example of the Explain the concept Tragedy of the Commons - eresources that are being used of the tragedy of the depleted. or impacted by overuse. commons. There are many answers! Fossil fuels - so many cars use a lot of fossil fuels, which 1. is a non-renewable resource ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE Metals - each person with a car uses metals and materials that are non-renewable EIN-2.A.1​ The 2. tragedy of the Habitat loss - for roads and parking lots that are commons suggests necessary for so many cars that individuals will 3. Atmosphere - filling with CO2 and harmful gases use shared resources in their own Energy - it takes a lot of energy to make a car self-interest rather Disposal - filling junk yards with old cars than in keeping with Describe two solutions that would protect these common the common good, resources. thereby depleting the Many answers- resources. Public transportation, carpooling, alternative transportation (walking, biking), electric car (debatable), live and work close together (less driving), recycle parts of the car when old In each category, briefly describe a resource being threatened by individual self interest: Briefly describe a resource being threatened by individuals in each category: Agriculture: Crops Agriculture: Animals Suburban homes You personally Habitat (loss to farm land, Habitat loss (to pastures or Habitat loss (to building So many answers! loss due to pesticides or feed lots), genetic diversity homes, harming wildlife fertilizers) soil loss to farmed animals, though runoff), biodiversity loss/depletion, genetic usefulness of antibiotics, lost, building materials diversity of crop plants, water, grain (used to feed used, energy to run biodiversity of crops and animals) individual homes, gasoline insects (due to to get people to work etc pesticides), water Science of Curiosity  Unit 5: Land and Water Use TOPIC 5.9 Impacts of Mining ENDURING UNDERSTANDING​ EIN-2​ When humans use natural resources, they alter natural systems. LEARNING OBJECTIVE EIN-2.K ​Describe natural Add at least two examples to each category: Humans mine for... resource extraction Energy sources Metals Non-metals through mining. nickle, copper, gold, tin, manganese, coal, oil, natural gas, uranium iron ore, silver, bauxite (aluminum), diamonds, salt, clay, gemstones, talc, ESSENTIAL uranium etc phosphate, granite, marble KNOWLEDGE EIN-2.K.1​ As the more accessible ores are Name four ways/items you are enjoying right NOW that are a result of mining (consider what type of building you are mined to depletion, in, what you are wearing, the technology around you…) mining operations are Many answers! Building material: Clay bricks, stones, granite counter tops, concrete, gravel forced to access lower Metals - used in technology, worn as jewelry, materials for furniture, aluminum cans and other containers grade ores. Accessing Fossil fuels - anything plastic (made from oil), energy sources keeping electricity running for all appliances these ores requires increased use of What is overburden? Where does it go during a mining operation? resources that can Overburden is the material that must be removed before mining can begin. It is stored near the mining site until operations cause increased waste end, when it is put back in place as part of the reclamation process. and pollution. What are slag and tailings? Why does the mining of lower grade ores increase the amount of slag and tailings produced? EIN-2.K.2​ Surface Rock must be separated from the material being mined for. Tailings / slag refers to the left over rock material left over after mining is the removal of the extraction and purification process. large portions of soil and Where do slag and tailings go during a mining operation? rock, called overburden, Tailings are stored in huge tailing ponds near the mine. During the reclamation process, tailing ponds must be dried out, in order to access the their soil returned ore underneath. An example is strip mining, Explain how mining impacts each category below: which removes the Removes topsoil and increases erosion. Compacts soil with mining vegetation from an area, Soil equipment. Leaches harmful chemicals into soil. making the area more susceptible to erosion. Increase in dust and particulates in the air. Heavy use of equipment LEARNING OBJECTIVE Air utilizing fossil fuels - carbon dioxide emissions. EIN-2.L​ Describe Science of Curiosity ecological and economic Water - consider impacts of natural Tailings can leach into waterways. Chemicals used in the mine, or leached from the groundwater and mined rock itself, can contaminate ground and above ground water. resource extraction streams/lakes through mining. EIN-2.L.1​ Mining wastes Organism habitats For some types of mining, habitats are completely destroyed, while other types still need to create roads and infrastructure which interferes with natural habitat. include the soil and rocks that are moved to gain access to the ore Operating huge and somewhat dangerous machinery, blasting with explosives, dust in and the waste, called n health of the miner lungs (especially if underground), risk of mine collapse if underground slag and tailings that remain when the minerals have been Surface mining includes strip mining, open pit mining, mountain top removal, and placer mining. In your opinion, which removed from the ore. type of mining is the worst for the environment? Explain your answer. Mining helps to provide low cost energy and Answers will vary! material necessary to make products. The mining of coal can Which type has the least impact on the environment? Why? Why is this method not always used? destroy habitats, contaminate ground Placer mining arguably has the least impact on the environment. Typically placer mining does not involve a large amount of digging into materiel, but rather sifting though river beds. Placer mines still have some very adverse water, and release dust environmental impacts, especially of the river or stream itself - large amounts of silt and particulates are often dumped particles and methane. into the river after sifting, harming wildlife. Most often the substance to be mined is deep underground, and the placer method can not be used. EIN-2.L.2​ As coal Are the resources that we mine for renewable or nonrenewable? ______________________ non-renewable reserves get smaller, What happens when we run out of them? due to a lack of easily When they are gone, they are gone! Everything we have used them for must either be recycled to be used again (metals, accessible reserves, it plastics), or we must find a different alternative (as the case for fossil fuels) becomes necessary to access coal through What is subsurface mining? Why is the need for subsurface mining growing? subsurface mining, which is very expensive. Subsurface means below ground, using tunnels and shafts. This is increasing because the resources that were closer to the surface (easier to get to) are beginning to run out. To find new sources, we must dig deeper. What year was it put into law that mines must undergo reclamation? ___________ 1977 What is reclamation? Reclamation happens after mining activity has been completed. The return on the soil and landscaping to approximate the habitat that was there originally. Science of Curiosity  Unit 5: Land and Water Use TOPIC 5.11 Ecological Footprints ENDURING UNDERSTANDING ​EIN-2​ When humans use natural resources, they alter natural systems. LEARNING OBJECTIVE What is an ​ecological footprint​? EIN-2.N​ Explain the The environmental impact of an individual, or group, measured in terms of how much land, water, and variables measured resources are used by that individual or group. in an ecological People who eat meat have a much larger ecological footprint than people who eat mostly vegetarian diet. Explain why. footprint. Livestock need a lot of resources themselves - space, water, food (which requires its own space and water to grow), energy to keep, care for, process, and transport. Eating meat means all of the resources needed by the ESSENTIAL animal are part of your ecological footprint. KNOWLEDGE EIN-2.N.1 Consider the per capita consumption of resources for people in developing countries vs people in developed countries. Fill Ecological footprints in each box with the words ‘more’ or ‘less’ compare resource Energy consumption Number of possessions Food consumption Waste production demands and waste production required Developed Countries more more more more for an individual or a society. Developing Countries less less less less People in _________________ Developed countries have much larger ecological footprints than _________________ developing countries. What role does population size play in a country's ecological footprint? Each person has their own footprint. All else being equal (levels of consumption, etc), larger populations would mean a larger footprint. Currently, when is Earth Overshoot Day? ___________ What is Earth Overshoot Day? Overshoot Day was July 29 in 2019, will change each year. It is the (estimated) day that humans' use of resources has surpassed the amount that the Earth can regenerate in one year. Describe three things you personally can do to reduce your own ecological footprint. 1 2 3 Many answers! Conserve energy - turn off lights, use energy efficient bulbs, appliances, etc. Any way to reduce driving to save fossil fuels. Eat less (or no) meat or animal products. Recycle whenever possible. Have fewer possessions, keep your possessions for longer (replace them less). Conserve water. Use alternative energy sources (wind, solar, etc). Reduce food waste.Eat and buy locally. Science of Curiosity  Unit 5: Land and Water Use TOPIC 5.12 Introduction to Sustainability ENDURING UNDERSTANDING ​STB-1​ Humans can mitigate their impact on land and water resources through sustainable use. LEARNING OBJECTIVE STB-1.A​ Explain the If all of the needs of the whole human population were being met in ecologically sustainable ways, what day of the concept of sustainability. year would Earth Overshoot Day be on? Explain. On December 31st! Or, there would not be an overshoot day. Humans would only use the amount of resources that the ESSENTIAL Earth can replenish in a year. KNOWLEDGE ​STB-1.A.1 Some ecologists believe we are the cause of a current mass extinction. Name two things we can do (or not do) that Sustainability refers to can help to stop this trend, and live sustainably with the other organisms on Earth. humans living on Earth and Protect habitats and support groups and companies that protect habitat or restore habitat. Reduce pollution (air, their use of resources water). Stop invasive species. Captive breeding and seed banks. Reduce monocropping and GM crops. without depletion of the Reduce climate change. Buy sustainable products. resources for future Is there any way to live sustainability and still rely on forms of fossil fuels? Explain your reasoning. generations. Fossil fuels are non-renewable, so the use of fossil fuels is not sustainable. Burning fossil fuels also increase Environmental indicators CO2 which has been linked to global climate change. We must shift to use renewable forms of energy. that can guide humans to sustainability include Name three forms of energy we should use instead of fossil fuels that can increase sustainability. biological diversity, food Wind, solar, hydroelectric, hydrothermal, wave, tidal production, average global What is Sustainable Yield? surface temperatures and It describes the amount of a resource that can be removed that does not exceed the growth (replacement) of the resource CO2 concentrations, Is it possible to reach Sustainable Yield for each of these resources? Explain why or why not. human population, and Metals - aluminum, Wood Products - Fresh Water - from Uranium - used for Fish Harvest resource depletion. copper, etc paper, fiber, building aquifers,lakes, etc Nuclear Power for food materials Yes, while it is often Yes, fisheries must STB-1.A.2​ Sustainable slow, aquifers and No, it is a leave a stock of No, metals are Yes, we can plant, other fresh water non-renewable yield is the amount of a non-renewable or leave enough fish large enough sources do resource. Every to reproduce each renewable resource that resources, they can trees to regrow so replenish and can bit we use is gone not be replaced at a that the resource year and replace can be taken without sustainable level be maintained at for good. the fish that were can replace itself sustainable levels of reducing the available taken. use. supply. Besides reducing our carbon dioxide output, name two things we can do to balance the amount of carbon dioxide we make and reach sustainable levels (stop the yearly increase in atmospheric CO2). Plant and protect trees and grasslands! Recycle paper products (so new trees are not needed). No till farming reduces oxidation of carbon in the soil. Use wood (from sustainable forestry) as building material, as wood stores the carbon that was in the tree - buildings become carbon sinks. Science of Curiosity  Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution TOPIC 8.6 Thermal Pollution ENDURING UNDERSTANDING STB-3 Human activities, including the use of resources, have physical, chemical, and biological consequences for ecosystems. LEARNING OBJECTIVE STB-3.G Describe the Explain how thermal pollution can increase the negative effects of eutrophication. effects of thermal pollution Warm temperatures increase the rate that microoranisms break down nutrients in the water, and increase their on aquatic ecosystems. growth rates, which more quickly depletes the oxygen in the water. Also, warm water can hold less dissolved oxygen than cool water - further reducing the amount of oxygen available in the water for fish. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE STB-3.G.1 Briefly describe three sources/causes of thermal pollution: Thermal pollution occurs when heat released into 1 2 3 the water produces negative effects to the Discharge from power plants using water as steam for generators - hydroelectric plants - water used as a coolant organisms in that in industry - Rain water running off of warm urban areas (streets, roofs) - sewage ecosystem. STB-3.G.2 Variations in water temperature affect the concentration of Thermal pollution leads some species to migrate out of the area. How does this impact the organisms that remain? dissolved oxygen because When a species leaves an area, it disrupts the food chain. Niches are also opened for invasive species to warm water does not move in and take over, further disrupting the natural ecosystem of the location. contain as much oxygen as cold water. Explain how thermal pollution can lead to reproductive issues with some species. Some species require particular temperatures to mature, produce eggs/sperm, and/or for fertilized eggs to grow properly. Warm temperatures can also lead to birth defects in offspring of some species. Warmer water increases the metabolic rate of some aquatic species. This means they grow (faster / slower)? Why is this a negative effect of thermal pollution? Faster metabolism requires more food - fish may grow faster than the food supply of the environment can sustain. Depletion of resources can disrupt the food chain for other organisms, and if there is no enough food organisms may starve. Science of Curiosity  Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution TOPIC 8.9 Solid Waste Disposal ENDURING UNDERSTANDING STB-3 Human activities, including the use of resources, have physical, chemical, and biological consequences for ecosystems. LEARNING OBJECTIVE STB-3.K Describe solid waste Decomposers use the waste of other organisms for their own energy and resource needs, and the waste of disposal methods. decomposers ends up being the raw materials needed for producers to use. Briefly, how is the waste of the natural world different from the waste that humans produce? ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE Human waste is generally not able to be used again by the natural world. Much of our waste is toxic to the STB-3.K.1 Solid waste is any environment. Plastics and Styrofoam take hundreds of years to break down. Even what is biodegradable (like discarded material that is not a food waste) is most often buried deep in landfills, or burned. liquid or gas. It is generated in domestic, industrial, business, Circle the largest component of municipal solid waste: and agricultural sectors. rubber - wood - paper - food scraps - plastics - metals STB-3.K.2 Solid waste is most often disposed of in landfills. Landfills can contaminate Describe two benefits of waste incineration......and one disadvantage. groundwater and release harmful gases. ash may contain pollutants that Greatly reduces the amount of waste by volume, can be used to STB-3.K.3 Electronic waste, or generate electricity, reduces odor from landfills, waste ash does not can contaminate the air, e-waste, is composed of ground, wand water - building attract rodents and germs, saves on transportation of waste, can be and maintenance is costly discarded electronic devices used to separate metals for recycling including televisions, cell phones, and computers. STB-3.K.4 A sanitary municipal What types of waste are not allowed in a sanitary municipal landfill? Why not? landfill consists of a bottom liner rubber tires, paint, motor oil, household cleaners, e-waste, batteries (plastic or clay), a storm water collection system, a leachate collection system, a cap, and a Name three toxic chemicals that are found in electronics and are a threat to human health and the methane collection system environment if not properly disposed of. lead, mercury, cadmium, flame retardants, barium, lithium, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chromium Science of Curiosity LEARNING OBJECTIVE Describe the effects of solid True or False: Methane is a natural byproduct of decomposition. waste disposal methods. True or False: Methane is a greenhouse gas that traps more of the sun’s heat than carbon dioxide. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE STB-3.L.1 Factors in landfill If methane is allowed to build up in a landfill, what might happen? decomposition include the It could EXPLODE!! It is very flammable composition of the trash and conditions needed for microbial In your own words, what is leachate? decomposition of the waste. Water that passes though a landfill and picks up waste, which can leave the landfill and contaminate soil and groundwater. STB-3.L.2 Solid waste can also Consider the regulatory measures for municipal landfills in STB-3.4. Which components are designed to... be disposed of through...prevent groundwater contamination? Briefly...prevent the release of harmful gasses? Briefly incineration, where waste is explain each part and its role. explain each part and its role. burned at high temperatures. This method significantly The bottom liner (clay and/or plastic) prevents Methane collection system gathers methane that contaminants in the waste, or leachate, from leaking reduces the volume of solid into groundwater. is produced during decomposition and either waste but releases air pollutants. burns it off, or uses it for heat and/or electricity generation. The storm water collection system and cap prevents STB-3.L.3 Some items are not rain water from being absorbed into the landfill and becoming leachate. accepted in sanitary landfills and may be disposed of illegally, The leachate collection system pumps leachate leading to environmental from under the landfill, preventing it from building up problems. One example is used and leaking out. rubber tires, which when left in piles can become breeding What is the purpose of the Superfund Act (CERCLA)? Comprehensive Environmental Response, grounds for mosquitoes that can Established in 1980, it investigates sites of pollution Compensation and Liability Act spread disease. and forces the responsible parties to perform cleanup. When the responsible party can not be STB-3.L.4 Some countries established, CERCLA funds the clean up. dispose of their waste by In the map, draw in the location of the largest dumping it in the ocean. This collection of plastic in the ocean - the Great Pacific practice, along with other Garbage Patch. sources of plastic, has led to large floating islands of trash in About how long does it take for plastic to decompose? Located between the oceans. Additionally, wildlife Hawaii and 500 - 1000 years! California - 2x the can become entangled in the size of Texas waste, as well as ingest it. Science of Curiosity  Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution TOPIC 8.10 Waste Reduction Methods ENDURING UNDERSTANDING STB-3 Human activities, including the use of resources, have physical, chemical, and biological consequences for ecosystems LEARNING OBJECTIVE STB-3.M Describe changes to current practices that could reduce Circle the best way to manage solid waste. Underline the last (and least desirable) option for solid the amount of generated waste and their waste. associated benefits and drawbacks. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE STB-3.M.1 recycle - incinerate - reuse - waste reduction - recovery - disposal Recycling is a process by which certain solid waste materials are processed and converted Explain your choices: into new products. Why best option? Why last option? STB-3.M.2 Recycling is one way to reduce the Producing less waste prevents the problem - Waste disposed into a landfill may take while saving and protecting resources and decades to decompose - takes up space and current global demand for minerals, but this reducing costs can contaminate water process is energy-intensive and can be costly. STB-3.M.3 Composting is the process of organic matter such as food scraps, paper, and While it is expensive to do, there is great potential profit from recycling e-waste, why? yard waste decomposing. The product of this Electronics contain many types of precious and semi-precious metals, in much higher decomposition can be used as fertilizer. concentration than found in mines. Drawbacks to composting include odor and rodents. There is also great potential environmental and human health risk from not properly recycling e-waste, why? STB-3.M.4 E-waste can be reduced by recycling There are also harmful and toxic chemicals in e-waste. The process of separating the precious and reuse. E-wastes may contain hazardous metals from waste can expose humans to those toxins and lead to many health problems. chemicals, including heavy metals such as lead These chemicals (including lead and mercury) can also leech into the environment. and mercury, which can leach from landfills into groundwater if they are not disposed of properly. About how long does it take to compost waste? _________________ when done well, a Turning over the compost helps the process happen more quickly - why? few weeks - but can STB-3.M.5 Landfill mitigation strategies range take up to a year from burning waste for energy to restoring Bacteria that area breaking down the food waste need oxygen (they are aerobic). Anaerobic habitat on former landfills for use as parks. decomposition is much slower and produces methane. Turning the compost ensures the pile does not get too hot (decomposition produces heat), maintains an even moisture level, and STB-3.M.6 The combustion of gases produced aerates the mixture. What is ‘Waste-to-Energy’? from decomposition of organic material in landfills can be used to turn turbines and The process of getting energy from waste, in the form of electricity and/or heat. It can be generated from burning waste directly, or from collecting and burning methane that is generated generate electricity. This process reduces though the decomposition of waste. landfill volume. Science of Curiosity  Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution TOPIC 8.11 Sewage Treatment ENDURING UNDERSTANDING STB-3 Human activities, including the use of resources, have physical, chemical, and biological consequences for ecosystems. LEARNING OBJECTIVE STB-3.N Describe best practices Briefly explain the consequence of dumping untreated sewage into bodies of water... in sewage treatment. ….for the environment. ….for human health. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE Overload of nutrients can lead to eutrophication and Microorganisms in sewage can cause sickness STB-3.N.1 Primary treatment of dead zones, and massive fish death and disease. sewage is the physical removal of large objects, often through the use of screens and grates, followed by the settling of solid What happens to the sludge that settles out of sewage during Primary treatment? waste in the bottom of a tank. It is sometimes used as fertilizer, sometimes converted into biofuel. Most often sludge is taken to a landfill. STB-3.N.2 Secondary treatment is a biological process in which During secondary treatment, oxygen is pumped through the aeration tank. Why? What would happen if oxygen bacteria break down organic matter into carbon dioxide and was not provided at this step? inorganic sludge, which settles in Aerobic bacteria are most efficient at breaking down organic molecules to treat the sewage. Aerobic bacteria require oxygen. Without the oxygen, decomposition would be done by anaerobic bacteria - a less efficient the bottom of a tank. The tank is process which produces methane, which can be dangerous (highly flammable) and is a strong greenhouse gas, aerated to increase the rate at but can be used for energy.. which the bacteria break down Circle the substance that is largely still left in the water after both Primary and Secondary treatments. the organic matter. organic compounds - suspended solids - inorganic nitrates and phosphates STB-3.N.3 Tertiary treatment is the use of ecological or chemical processes to remove any pollutants left in the water after Which When step in theinwater the water treatment treatment process process is thedisinfects the water,removing water disinfected, removingbacteria? bacteria? _________________ just before discharge primary and secondary Of the three methods mentioned in STB-3.N.4, which is most commonly used? __________________ chlorine treatment. What is at least one drawback to using chlorine? What is one drawback to using ozone or UV light?] STB-3.N.4 Prior to discharge, the treated water is exposed to one low protection against protazoa, chlorine can These methods cost more and do not last as long - combine with other compounds and may lead to chlorine stays in the water and continues to kill any or more disinfectants (usually, health problems new bacteria chlorine, ozone, or UV light) to kill bacteria. Rain water and sewer water often flow to the water treatment plant together. What is Sanitary Sewer Overflow? During times of heavy rain, the treatment facility can not handle the amount of water, so it is allowed to dump untreated into waterways. Science of Curiosity  7.1 Introduction to Air Pollution KEY Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution ENDURING UNDERSTANDING STB-2 Human activities have physical, chemical, and biological consequences for the atmosphere. LEARNING OBJECTIVE STB-2.A Identify the sources and effects of air Label each type of pollution as primary or secondary. pollutants. Particulate matter from a wood stove. primary ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE STB-2.A.1 Coal combustion releases Tropospheric ozone accumulating during the day. secondary air pollutants including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, toxic metals, Carbon dioxide released from a volcano. primary and particulates. Burning natural gas forming nitrogen oxides. primary STB-2.A.2 The combustion of fossil fuels releases nitrogen oxides into Sulfur dioxide combines with oxygen in the atmosphere to make sulfur trioxide. secondary the atmosphere. They lead to the production of ozone, formation of Toxic metals are released during coal combustion. primary photochemical smog, and convert to nitric acid in the atmosphere, causing acid rain. Other pollutants produced by fossil fuel combustion include More particulate air pollution is typically found in (pre-industrial / industrial / post industrial) countries. Why? carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and Industrial countries have high reliance on coal and other fossil fuels, but they do not yet have the particulate matter. pollution restrictions and regulations of a post industrial country. STB-2.A.3 Air quality can be affected Particulate matter (PM) is regulated at 10 microns and below. Why are larger particulates not regulated? through the release of sulfur dioxide during the burning of fossil fuels, The hairs and mucus in the nose and throat can trap and eliminate particles that are larger than 10 mincrons. mainly diesel fuels. Currently, levels of CO2 in the atmosphere are ________ parts per million (ppm). Explain what this means in your own words. about 400 STB-2.A.4 Through the Clean Air This means that if you take one million (1,000,000) molecules from the air, 400 of those molecules Act, the Environmental Protection (0.04%) would be carbon dioxide molecules. Agency (EPA) regulated the use of lead, particularly in fuels, which The Clean Air Act has significantly reduced a number of air pollutants in the United States. Circle the pollutant dramatically decreased the amount that has been reduced the most by far: CO2 - NO2 - SO2 - lead - ozone of lead in the atmosphere. What single change has led to the dramatic drop of this one air pollutant? STB-2.A.5 Air pollutants can be primary or secondary pollutants Lead was removed from gasoline. Science of Curiosity  Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution 7.2 Photochemical Smog ENDURING UNDERSTANDING STB-2 Human activities have physical, chemical, and biological consequences for the atmosphere. LEARNING OBJECTIVE STB-2.B Explain the causes For each pair, circle the condition that leads to a higher incidence of photochemical smog: and effects of photochemical smog and methods to reduce it. wet climate - dry climate low wind - windy ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE cool climate - warm climate many tall buildings - few tall buildings STB-2.B.1 Photochemical smog is formed when nitrogen city in a valley - city on a hill low population - high population oxides and volatile organic hydrocarbons react with heat urban area - rural area cloudy climate - sunny climate and sunlight to produce a variety of pollutants. Choose ​three ​of the conditions you circled above, and explain why the condition leads to photochemical smog. STB-2.B.2 Many environmental factors affect the formation of photochemical smog. Wet (rainy) climates tend to wash participates from the air, preventing smog. Warm climates increase the chemical reactions that bring smog. STB-2.B.3 Nitrogen oxide is A valley (and tall buildings) slow air movement, allowing pollution to build up. produced early in the day. Urban areas have more cars = more pollutants to form smog. Ozone concentrations peak in Wind blows pollutants away. High population generally means more cars and more pollution. the afternoon and are higher in Sun is required for the chemical reactions to make smog. the summer because ozone is produced by chemical reactions between oxygen and sunlight. Circle the components necessary in order to make long-lasting photochemical smog. STB-2.B.4 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), such as nitrogen oxides - CO2 - ozone - VOCs - sunlight - oxygen formaldehyde and gasoline, evaporate or sublimate at room In urban areas, nitrogen oxide builds up in the atmosphere during the (day / night). Why? temperature. Trees are a Daytime is when most cars are driving and power plants working, leading to a build up of pollutants. natural source of VOCs. Science of Curiosity STB-2.B.5 Photochemical smog often forms in urban True or False - All VOCs are anthropogenic. Explain: ______________________________________ Plants also make VOCs. areas because of the large number of motor vehicles What is the role of VOCs in forming photochemical smog? there. The sun's rays break up nitrogen oxides, freeing an oxygen atom to beind with O2 to form ozone (O3). Without VOCs, the chemical reaction will go in reverse, forming O2 and nitrogen oxide again. However, STB-2.B.6 Photochemical VOCs will bind to the nitrogen, forming other compounds which contribute to the smog, and preventing the extra oxygen in ozone from breaking down and returning to nitrogen oxide. smog can be reduced through the reduction of nitrogen oxide What is the purpose of the ozone layer in the lower stratosphere? and VOCs. Ozone in the stratosphere blocks harmful UV rays, preventing them from reaching the earth. STB-2.B.7 Photochemical Why is ozone considered a pollutant when it is formed in the troposphere? smog can harm human health Ozone can harm the respiratory tract, making it difficult to breath, damaging lung tissue. It can in several ways, including cause dizziness and nausea. Ozone also damages plants, restricting growth. causing respiratory problems and eye irritation. 7.3 Thermal Inversion ENDURING UNDERSTANDING STB-2 Human activities have physical, chemical, and biological consequences for the atmosphere. LEARNING OBJECTIVE STB-2.C Complete each picture labeling the relative air Describe thermal inversion and its temperature above the ground. Let picture 1 be relationship with pollution. normal conditions, and picture 2 be a thermal cooler cool inversion. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE cool STB-2.C.1 During a thermal warm Cool air is (more / less) dense than warm air. inversion, the normal temperature warm cool gradient in the atmosphere is Explain how this fact contributes to the trapping of altered as the air temperature at smog during thermal inversion. the Earth’s surface is cooler than Normally, warm air near the ground will rise, the air at higher altitudes. bringing pollutants up away with it. During inversions, cool dense air near the ground is trapped there by the warm air above it. STB-2.C.2 Thermal inversion traps pollution close to the ground, Name two cities that frequently experience thermal inversion. San Francisco, Beijing, Salt Lake - many to especially smog and particulates. choose from! Science of Curiosity  Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution 7.4 Atmospheric CO2 and Particulates ENDURING UNDERSTANDING STB-2 Human activities have physical, chemical, and biological consequences for the atmosphere. LEARNING OBJECTIVE STB-2.D Describe In the space below, draw a scene that depicts non-anthropogenic sources of carbon dioxide and particulate matter natural sources of CO2 (PM) pollution. and particulates Label each part of of your drawing (what did you draw?) and identify if it is a source of CO2, PM, or both. Include at least six 5 sources total - some sources may produce both types of pollution. ESSENTIAL many possibilities! KNOWLEDGE STB-2.D.1 CO2 appears CO2 and PM naturally in the atmosphere from dust - PM sources such as respiration, decomposition, and volcanic eruptions. STB-2.D.2 There are a variety of natural sources volcano of particulate matter. salt spray - wildfire - CO2 PM and PM oceans also release (and decomposition - CO2 pollen - PM respiration - absorb) CO2 CO2 Science of Curiosity  Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution 7.7 Acid Rain ENDURING UNDERSTANDING STB-2 Human activities have physical, chemical, and biological consequences for the atmosphere. LEARNING OBJECTIVE STB-2.H Describe acid deposition. Rain naturally combines with CO2 in the air and is True or False: Normal rain water has a ph of 7.0. slightly acidic. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE STB-2.H.1 Acid deposition refers to precipitation with a ph of __________ 5.6 or less. Acid rain and deposition is due to nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides from anthropogenic and natural sources in The primary pollutants _______________ nitrogen oxides and ______________ sulfur oxides emitted from _______ coal burning power the atmosphere. plants and ____________________, motor vehicles undergo chemical reactions to form the secondary pollutants nitric acid STB-2.H.2 Nitric oxides that cause acid ________________ and _____________ sulfuric acid which fall as acid deposition. deposition come from motor vehicles and coal-burning power plants. Sulfur These pollutants can travel thousands of miles by the wind. How does this fact make reducing local acid dioxides that cause acid deposition deposition more difficult? come from coal-burning power plants. The impact of acid rain is often very far away from the source of pollutants - even across the world. Regulations must be global to truly stop the problem. For example, industry in LEARNING OBJECTIVE Asia can end up in Japan. STB-2.I Describe the effects of acid deposition on the environment. How/why does acid deposition reduce biodiversity? Include both terrestrial and aquatic. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE Acid deposition changes the pH of aquatic habitats, which can lead to fish death. Acid harms plants STB-2.I.1 Acid deposition mainly affects and can kill seedlings. Acid leaches minerals from the soil which can lead to deficiencies in plants, communities that are downwind from which leads to nutrient deficiencies in herbivores that rely on them. coal-burning power plants. STB-2.I.2 Acid rain and deposition can The greatest effects of acid deposition are on (terrestrial / aquatic) ecosystems. lead to the acidification of soils and bodies of water and corrosion of Explain the connection between acid deposition linked to metal pollution (like mercury and aluminum). human-made structures. Acids leach metals from the soil, such as mercury and aluminum. These metals are toxic to both STB-2.I.3 Regional differences in soils plants and animals. and bedrock affect the impact that acid deposition has on the region—such as limestone bedrock’s ability to neutralize Regions with naturally acidic soils and granite bedrock are (more / less) susceptible to the effects of acid the effect of acid rain on lakes and deposition, while regions with limestone bedrock are (more / less) susceptible. ponds. Science of Curiosity  Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution 7.8 Noise Pollution ENDURING UNDERSTANDING STB-2 Human activities have physical, chemical, and biological consequences for the atmosphere. LEARNING OBJECTIVE STB-2.J Describe human Name at least two specific sources of noise for each category: activities that result in Transportation Construction Domestic (at home) Industrial (at work) noise pollution and its effects. Cars and trucks heavy machinery vacuum engines saws loud music industrial equipment horns hammering lawn mower engines running ESSENTIAL fans road noise drilling washer / dryer KNOWLEDGE STB-2.J.