This assignment addresses the standards HS-LS2-6 and HS-LS2-6. Students are required to evaluate the complex interactions occurring in ecosystems that result in constant numbers and types of organisms under stable conditions. Students will also evaluate their own individual interactions with the environment and brainstorm solutions for reducing the impacts of human activities on our planet. This assignment will address the important crosscutting concepts of cause and effect as students examine the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and global warming as well as the concepts of stability and change. Ecological stability on our planet is currently impossible since humans use more ecological resources than nature can regenerate.
Introduction
Welcome Ecologists! We will be evaluating the complex interactions that exist in ecosystems across our planet. Under stable conditions, ecosystems maintain relatively constant conditions and types of organisms, but changing conditions bring about fluctuation in available resources and organismal interactions. The purpose of this WebQuest will be to examine the impact of human activities on ecosystems and biodiversity and come up with solutions to take better care of our planet.
Task
Task 1. Answer the following questions before beginning your quest and bring a hard copy of your answers to our next class period.
1. What are three examples of ecological resources on our planet?
2. What is an ecological footprint?
3. What percent of the world’s population do you believe live in countries that are running on ecological deficits?
4. True or False Our annual demand on resources does not exceed what the Earth can regenerate each year.
Task 2. Read the information presented on the website below to learn about what an ecological footprint measures.
https://www.footprintnetwork.org/our-work/ecological-footprint/
Task 3. Calculate your own Ecological Footprint using the link below. Print your results and bring them in for our class discussion on this topic.
https://www.footprintcalculator.org/signup
Task 4. Watch four short videos on the following website to learn about the greenhouse effect, its impact on climate change, and what you can do to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.
https://www.overshootday.org/kids-and-teachers-corner/videos/
Evaluation
For your final assignment, you will create a poster or Powerpoint presentation that suggests ways to reduce your Ecological Footprint. Your assignment will be graded on accuracy, creativity, and organization. Try changing your lifestyle for a few days to reduce your ecological impact on the planet and calculate your footprint again. Incorporate any of your findings into your final assignment.