SEEd - Environmental Science
Lesson Plans

Strand ENVS.4: SUSTAINABILITY AND HUMAN IMPACTS BOTH LOCAL AND GLOBAL

Human use of natural and energy resources has an effect on the environment. Population growth generally requires an increased use of these resources and has an increased effect. Humans have found solutions to some of these effects. There is a relationship between the quality of life and human impact on the environment. Some human impacts can have lasting effects on environments around the world and adjusting practices can reduce and reverse the effects. Global climate change is occurring and has an effect on both human populations and environments. Sustainability plans help individuals, cities, or regions reduce their impact on environments.

Standard ENVS.4.3

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information for how humans cause an impact on the environment and how individuals, state and local management plans, and government legislation have identified and adjusted practice to reduce and/or reverse these impacts. Emphasize the process and time necessary to pass Examples of impact could include water and air pollution, climate change, ozone depletion, deforestation, ocean acidification, or urbanization. Examples of adjusted practice could include the reduction of fossil fuel use, criminalization of dumping waste, or outlawing the use of chlorofluorocarbons.

• Water in Our World: Exploring Storage and Movement in Different Environments
  This resource is a USGS lesson plan designed to help teachers utilize the "Where is the Water" posters and images from the Modern Water Cycle collection by BYU. The resources emphasize the two-way connection between humans and water and examines the water cycle in various environments: desert, forest, urban, suburban, coastal, and agricultural.

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Milo  Maughan and see the Science - Secondary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.