LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Advanced Placement Earth and Environmental Science

Goal 5: The learner will build an understanding of air, water and soil quality.

Objective 5.02. Investigate the effects of pollutants on:

  • Aquatic systems (Eutrophication).
  • Vegetation.
  • Natural features, buildings and structures.
  • Wildlife.

Additional related resources

We’re in the process of aligning our content for students to the Standard Course of Study. As we do, you’ll find it here.

General resources

Aligned lesson plans

StreamWatch
This lesson is intended as a long term project to determine the overall health of a stream or wetland. Students identify seasonal changes that occur within the ecosystem, ideally with a minimum of bimonthly or monthly monitoring.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
By B. Carl Rush.

Resources on the web

Water, water everywhere
In this Xpeditions lesson, students examine differences in the availability of fresh drinking water around the world. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Water resources in Asia: Change and challenges
This Xpeditions lesson uses China's water issues as case studies to examine the delicate balance between using resources to improve the standard of living for citizens and preserving resources to protect natural biodiversity and environment. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Finding the toxic dose
This lesson is part of a three-part series on toxicology, the scientific study of poisons and their affect on biological systems. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Exploring manatee conservation in Latin America
During this virtual tour, your students will have access to real-life, current examples of manatee conservation. Through this web site, your students will have the opportunity to experience research as it takes place and to develop a broader understanding... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 and 8–12 Science and Social Studies)
Provided by: Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Estuaries: Finding the balance
In this Xpeditions lesson, students examine the conflict between development and the environment, and the attempt to find a sound compromise. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Environmental issues in the polar regions
The polar regions are frequently neglected in discussions of the environment, but they shouldn't be. The environment of this area is particularly susceptible to human impacts such as pollution and the depletion of the ozone layer. In this lesson from National... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: Xpeditions