Man+and+Nature


 * GD3-Man and Nature **//(about April 26th until the end) //
 * // Essential Questions: //**
 * 1) * What is humankind’s place in nature?
 * 2) * In SaCaI, what are the ways that humankind interacts with the natural world?
 * 3) * What will happen if humanity continues its current ecological trends in SaCaI?
 * 4) * What ways could or should humans alter their way of living or relationship with the rest of the biosphere?
 * 5) * What //theories// or //movements// currently exist to study or change mankind’s ecological behavior?

A **__biome__** is a large-scale environment characterized by climate and vegetation. They are usually divided into terrestrial and aquatic biomes. The total of all biomes together is called the “biosphere.” [] [] [] []
 * // * Important Terms and Concepts: //**
 * __Ecology__** is the study of the relationships between living organisms and their natural environments
 * __Environmental Movement__** seeks to sustain natural environments for their own sake
 * __Conservation Movement__** seeks to conserve natural areas for sustainable consumption
 * __Sustainability movement__** promotes healthy long-term environmental management and careful use of non-renewable resources
 * __Biodiversity__** is a measure of variation among life forms and a measure of the health of ecosystems
 * __Bioethics__** is the study of ethical issues generated by modern biological sciences. One aspect of Bioethics deals with balancing the rights of humans, animals, and nature.

[] __Daisyworld__ is a mathematical experiment designed to display possible ways that the earth’s biosphere might work towards homeostasis, as suggested by the Gaia theory. Daisyworld site: []
 * __The “Gaia Hypothesis”__** is a biological statement, a theory, a branch of study, and a political movement based on the idea that the planet earth is a self-regulating organism—that the biosphere called “earth” is alive. This theory was first brought forward by a chemist named James Lovelock and has been turned into a worldwide movement. Most recently, Gaia is the basis for a series of laws and initiatives giving “rights” to nature and to the earth. These laws have been written in Bolivia and debated in the U.N.


 * __Agenda 21:__** is an action plan of the [|United Nations] (UN) related to [|sustainable development] and was an outcome of the [|United Nations Conference on Environment and Development] (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. It is a comprehensive blueprint of action to be taken globally, nationally, and locally by organizations of the UN, governments, and major groups in every area in which humans directly affect the [|environment].


 * __Ecotourism:__** Tourism managed to achieve positive environmental change through economic incentives and worldwide education.


 * __The Theory of Evolution through Natural Selection__**, inspired by Darwin’s voyage on the Beagle and augmented by modern understanding of genetics and sociobiology.


 * __Earth Day:__** Plan to use one or two class periods near April 22nd to study possible local environmental activities.


 * __Ted Lectures__**: Lectures focusing on a new, powerful, idea that clearly indicate the idea’s relevance and connections to other ideas. The central idea in the lecture must be one that can influence change in the world. The lecture is always less than 20 minutes and usually has a strong audio/visual component. Samples are available at Ted.com (class should go through and each choose a favorite, post it on their Wiki with a summary, and introduce it to the class)


 * __Minor Assessment__** (group or individual): Choose a SaCaI biome and describe it in an oral presentation and/or power point with an analytical component (answer the questions "why is this biome important? What defines this biome? Is this biome changing due to human activity? What factors determine the survival or health of this biome?")


 * __Minor Assessment__** (group or individual): Find a current, significant, POSITIVE event or achievement in SaCaI relating to the environmental movement, conservation, or sustainability. Explain, in two paragraphs or more, what it is and why it is significant. Brainstorm a way to help this event to continue or to have a greater impact. Include your plan and your explanation on your wiki and present it orally in class.


 * __Minor Assessment__**__:__ (group or individual): Find a current, significant, // environmental danger or crisis // that is taking place in SaCaI and describe it in an oral presentation, with an analytical component and sources. Write a summary of your report and post it on your wikipage.


 * __Major Assessment:__** in-class written // test // on **important environmental terms and concepts, SaCaI biomes, environmental crisis, and positive events or steps towards sustainability in SaCaI.**


 * __ Major Assessment: __** Individual **//Ted-style lecture//** with written abstract (well-written summary with outline, conclusions, graphical data) and power point. This lecture must be analytical, quantitative, and predictive. Click **here** for more detailed description and rubric.