Project Learning Tree’s (DRAFT)
Exploring Environmental Issues In the Places We Live module
Correlated to
Virginia’s Earth Science (ES) and Civics & Economics (CE)
Standards of Learning
Activity #1: Personal Places
ES.3
Activity #2: Community Character
ES.7, ES.9, ES.11
Activity #3: Mapping Your Community Through Time
ES.1, ES.3, ES.9, ES.12e
CE.1
Activity #4: Neighborhood Design
ES.3, ES.9, ES.12e
CE.1, CE.3, CE.7
Activity #5: Green Space
ES.1, ES.9, ES.12e
CE.1, CE.3, CE.7
Activity #6: A Vision for the Future
CE.3, CE.7
Activity #7: Far Reaching Decisions
ES.7, ES.9, ES.11e, ES.12e
Activity #8: Regional Community Issues: The Ogallala Aquifer
ES.9, ES.12e
CE.3, CE.7
Earth Science.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which
a) volume, area, mass, elapsed time, direction, temperature, pressure, distance, density, and changes in elevation/depth are calculated utilizing the most appropriate tools;
b) technologies, including computers, probeware, and global positioning systems (GPS) are used to collect, analyze, and report data and to demonstrate concepts and simulate experimental conditions;
c) scales, diagrams, maps, charts, graphs, tables, and profiles are constructed and interpreted;
d) variables are manipulated with repeated trials; and
e) a scientific viewpoint is constructed and defended (the nature of science).
#3 Mapping Your Place
#5 Green Space
Earth Science.3 The student will investigate and understand how to read and interpret maps, globes, models, charts, and imagery. Key concepts include
a) maps (bathymetric, geologic, topographic, and weather) and star charts;
b) imagery (aerial photography and satellite images)
c) direction and distance measurements on any map or globe; and
d) location by latitude and longitude and topographic profiles.
#1 Personal Places
#3 Mapping Your Place
#4 Neighborhood Design
Earth Science.7 The student will investigate and understand the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources. Key concepts include
a) fossil fuels, minerals, rocks, water, and vegetation;
b) advantages and disadvantages of various energy resources;
c) resources found in Virginia;
d) making informed judgements related to resource use and its effects on Earth systems; and
e) environmental costs and benefits.
#2 Community Character
#7 Far Reaching Decisions
Earth Science.9 The student will investigate and understand how freshwater resources are influenced by geologic processes and activities of humans. Key concepts include
a) processes of soil development; and
b) development of karst topography;
c) identification of groundwater zines including water table, zone of saturation, and zone of aeration;
d) identification of other sources of freshwater including aquifers with reference to the hydrologic cycle;
e) dependence on freshwater resources and the effects of human usage on water quality; and
f) identification of the major watershed systems in Virginia including the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
#2 Community Character
#3 Mapping Your Place
#4 Neighborhood Design
#5 Green Space
#7 Far Reaching Decisions
#8 Regional Community Issues: The Ogallala Aquifer
Earth Science.11 The student will investigate and understand that oceans are complex, interactive physical, chemical, and biological systems and are subject to long- and short-term variations. Key concepts include
a) physical and chemical changes (tides, waves currents, sea level and ice cap variations, upwelling, and salinity concentrations)
b) importance of environmental and geologic implications;
c) systems interactions (density differences, energy transfer, weather, and climate);
d) features of the seafloor (continental margins, trenches, mid-ocean ridges, and abyssal planes) reflect tectonic processes.
e) economic and public policy issues concerning the oceans and the coastal zone including the Chesapeake Bay.
#2 Community Character
#7 Far Reaching Decisions
Earth Science.12e The student will investigate and understand the origin and evolution of the atmosphere and the interrelationship of geologic processes, biologic processes, and human activities on its composition and dynamics. Key concepts include
e) potential atmospheric compositional changes due to human, biologic, and geologic activity.
#3 Mapping Your Place
#4 Neighborhood Design
#5 Green Space
#7 Far Reaching Decisions
#8 Regional Community Issues: The Ogallala Aquifer
Civics and Economics.1 The student will develop the social studies skills citizenship requires, including the ability to
a) examine and interpret primary and secondary source documents;
b) create and explain maps, diagrams, tables, charts, graphs, and spreadsheets;
c) analyze political cartoons, political advertisements, pictures, and other graphic media;
d) distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information;
e) review information for accuracy, separating fact from opinion;
f) identify a problem and recommend solutions;
g) select and defend positions in writing, discussion, and debate.
#3 Mapping Your Place
#4 Neighborhood Design
#5 Green Space
Civics and Economics.3 The student will demonstrate knowledge of citizenship and the rights, duties, and responsibilities of citizens by
b) describing the First Amendment freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition, and the rights guaranteed by due process and equal protection of the laws;
d) examining the responsibilities of citizenship, including registering and voting, communicating with government officials, participating in political campaigns, keeping informed about current issues, and respecting differing opinions in a diverse society;
e) evaluating how civic and social duties address community needs and serve the public good.
#4 Neighborhood Design
#5 Green Space
#6 A Vision for the Future
#8 Regional Community Issues: The Ogallala Aquifer
Civics and Economics.7 The student will demonstrate knowledge of how public policy is made at the local, state, and national levels of government by
a) explaining the lawmaking process;
b) describing the roles and powers of the executive branch;
c) examining the impact of the media on public opinion and public policy;
d) describing how individuals and interest groups influence public policy.
#4 Neighborhood Design
#5 Green Space
#6 A Vision for the Future
#8 Regional Community Issues: The Ogallala Aquifer