LEARN NC

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

Goal 5

The learner will develop an understanding of the ecological relationships among organisms.

Objective 5.03

Assess human population and its impact on local ecosystems and global environments:

  • Historic and potential changes in population.
  • Factors associated with those changes.
  • Climate change.
  • Resource use.
  • Sustainable practices/stewardship.

Resources aligned to this objective

Strive to survive: Part 2
Students will explore the concepts of survival and natural selection from scientific and historical points-of-view using inquiry-based investigations, internet research and other strategies.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science)
By Jeffrey Bell.

Lesson plans on the web

The best hope for northern right whales
Students research current and proposed methods of assisting the recovery of northern right whale populations. Students conduct Internet research to investigate the best strategies to help save right whales. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic
Cancer risks
In this Science NetLinks lesson, students describe environmental and hereditary factors that increase the chance of developing cancer. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
The Chernobyl disaster
In this lesson, from Science NetLinks, students discover how a nuclear accident can affect biological systems. By examining the case of the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown in 1986, students study the adverse effects of high doses of radiation on biological systems. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Climate and CO2: Analyzing their relationship
In this lesson, students speculate about the future of world climate if the greenhouse effect increases. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic
The demographics of mortality
The purpose of this lesson is to use the internet to explore population distribution and survivorship curves. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
The fish trade
The purpose of this lesson is to examine the interdependence of global trade in the context of the economic and social aspects of fisheries and aquaculture. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Great Barrier Reef
This lesson will help students understand the environmental importance of coral reefs and the threats to reefs' conservation. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic
Human impacts in the African rainforest: What we can do
This lesson asks students to examine the human impacts that conservationist Michael Fay noticed on his Congo Trek as well as the areas that are so far free from human impacts. Students will write recommendations to the region's governments and businesses, explaining what should be done about human impacts and considering some of the underlying causes for environmental threats. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic
If you hear a hoot, then this site is kaput
In this EconomicsMinute, students will learn about which species are covered under the 1973 Endangered Species Act, the different organizations and their philosophies on how to protect these species, and how each group's policies are driven by self interest as they weigh each group's costs and benefits. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: National Council on Economic Education
Managing the Everglades ecosystem
This lesson uses the Internet to explore the Everglades ecosystem using the resources on the Everglades National Park website. It uses the Internet to provide students with experiences that they may not be able to acquire firsthand. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Planning for a city's future
Students work in groups to pretend they are consultants who have been hired by the city government. As consultants they will investigate the city's history and geography and report on what significant historical and geographical information the present city government, planners, and residents should take into consideration when planning for future developments. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic
The pros and cons of artificial reefs
This lesson asks students to consider whether artificial reefs are good for marine ecosystems. Students will look at pictures of artificial reefs and read articles describing the pros and cons of these structures. They will conclude by writing paragraphs explaining whether they think a new artificial reef should be created in Florida waters. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic
Research and conservation: Doing the legwork
Students learn about the ways in which geographical studies can be put to practical use, such as in helping to preserve the rain forest. Students will think about the importance of counting and studying all the species in an ecosystem, such as the Congo River Basin. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 and 9–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic
Save the moonflowers
Students learn about botanical artist Margaret Mee and her impact on the preservation of rare flowers in the rainforests, including the moonflower. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: National Council on Economic Education
A trip to the beach?
Students investigate the truth behind common myths about sharks and shark attacks, learning why sharks are important members of the ecosystem. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic
Wild horses: Public property?
This lesson introduces students to the challenge of maintaining balance among the “competing” species that coexist on public lands. Students will discuss how the Chincoteague wild ponies have adapted to their environment. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic
Wildlife conflicts
In this lesson, students learn about the conflicts relating to humans and wildlife in prairie habitats. Students perform some of the research, evaluation, and decision-making functions necessary to understand and resolve such conflicts. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: National Geographic