Environmental Science

Elective 7
1st Quarter
(Notes on Worksheet #1)

Environmental Science

Environmental science- is the field of science that studies the interactions of the physical,
chemical, and biological components of the environment and also the relationships and effects
of these components with the organisms in the environment. The field of environmental
science can be divided into three main goals, which are to learn how the natural world works,
to understand how we as humans interact with the environment, and also to determine how
we affect the environment. The third goal of determining how humans affect the environment
also includes finding ways to deal with these effects on the environment.

Common Environmental Issues

The effect that humanity is having on the environment is becoming even-more

important. Through our actions, we are destroying habitats and endangering the lives of future
generations.
At this point there is no denying the fact that our environment is changing. Hundreds of
studies have been conducted to demonstrate that this is happening and it is having an effect on
life around us. To complicate the matter, many of these issues are linked to one another. The
key is that they are all important challenges that need to be confronted.
Here are the common environmental issues.
1. Waste Production –
The incineration of waste, while avoiding the issues of landfills, can cause
other hazardous environmental issues instead. Plastic generally produces toxins, like dioxins as
it is burning. The gases generated by incineration can pollute the air, and can contribute to the
effects that cause acid raid. In addition, the incinerators generate ash which frequently contains
heavy metals, as well as other toxins.
2. Population Growth-
The impact of so many humans on the environment takes two major forms:
consumption of resources such as land, food, water, air, fossil fuels and minerals; waste
products as a result of consumption such as air and water pollutants, toxic materials and
greenhouse gases.
3. Water Pollution –
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, usually as a result of human
activities. Water bodies include for example lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater.
Water pollution results when contaminants are introduced into the natural environment. For
example, releasing inadequately treated wastewater into natural water bodies can lead
to degradation of aquatic ecosystems. In turn, this can lead to public health problems for
people living downstream. They may use the same polluted river water for drinking or bathing
or irrigation. Water pollution is the leading worldwide cause of death and disease, e.g. due
to water-borne diseases.
4. Deforestation –
Deforestation refers to the decrease in forest areas across the world that are lost for
other uses such as agricultural croplands, urbanization, or mining activities. The loss of trees
and other vegetation can cause climate change, desertification, soil erosion, fewer crops,
flooding, increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and a host of problems for indigenous
people.
5. Urban Sprawl –
Urban sprawl, also called sprawl or suburban sprawl, the rapid expansion of the
geographic extent of cities and towns, often characterized by low-density residential housing,
single-use zoning, and increased reliance on the private automobile for transportation. Urban
sprawl is caused in part by the need to accommodate a rising urban population; however, in
many metropolitan areas it results from a desire for increased living space and other residential
amenities. Urban sprawl has been correlated with increased energy use, pollution, and traffic
congestion and a decline in community distinctiveness and cohesiveness. In addition, by
increasing the physical and environmental “footprints” of metropolitan areas, the phenomenon
leads to the destruction of wildlife habitat and to the fragmentation of remaining natural areas.
6. Overfishing –
Overfishing is catching too many fish at once, so the breeding population becomes too
depleted to recover. Overfishing often goes hand in hand with wasteful types of commercial
fishing that haul in massive amounts of unwanted fish or other animals, which are then
discarded.
Overfishing endangers ocean ecosystems and the billions of people who rely on seafood
as a key source of protein. Without sustainable management, our fisheries face collapse — and
we face a food crisis.
7. Acid Rain –
Acid rain, also called acid precipitation or acid deposition, precipitation possessing
a pH of about 5.2 or below primarily produced from the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2)
and nitrogen oxides (NOx; the combination of NO and NO2) from human activities, mostly
the combustion of fossil fuels. In acid-sensitive landscapes, acid deposition can reduce the pH of
surface waters and lower biodiversity. It weakens trees and increases their susceptibility to
damage from other stressors, such as drought, extreme cold, and pests. In acid-sensitive areas,
acid rain also depletes soil of important plant nutrients and buffers, such
as calcium and magnesium, and can release aluminum, bound to soil particles and rock, in its
toxic dissolved form. Acid rain contributes to the corrosion of surfaces exposed to
air pollution and is responsible for the deterioration of limestone and marble buildings and
monuments.
8. Ozone layer depletion-
Ozone depletion is a major environmental problem because it increases the amount of
ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches Earth's surface, which increases the rate of skin cancer,
eye cataracts, and genetic and immune system damage.
9. Ocean acidification –
When carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed by seawater, chemical reactions occur that
reduce seawater pH, carbonate ion concentration, and saturation states of biologically
important calcium carbonate minerals. These chemical reactions are termed "ocean
acidification" or "OA" for short. Calcium carbonate minerals are the building blocks for the
skeletons and shells of many marine organisms. In areas where most life now congregates in
the ocean, the seawater is supersaturated with respect to calcium carbonate minerals. This
means there are abundant building blocks for calcifying organisms to build their skeletons and
shells. However, continued ocean acidification is causing many parts of the ocean to become
undersaturated with these minerals, which is likely to affect the ability of some organisms to
produce and maintain their shells.
Ocean acidification reduces the amount of carbonate, a key building block in seawater.
This makes it more difficult for marine organisms, such as coral and some plankton, to form
their shells and skeletons, and existing shells may begin to dissolve.
10. Air pollution –
Air pollution is a mix of particles and gases that can reach harmful concentrations
both outside and indoors. Its effects can range from higher disease risks to rising
temperatures. Soot, smoke, mold, pollen, methane, and carbon dioxide are a just few
examples of common pollutants. Air pollution causes damage to crops, animals, forests, and
bodies of water. ... Another negative effect of air pollution is the formation of acid rain, which
harms trees, soils, rivers, and wildlife. Some of the other environmental effects of air
pollution are haze, eutrophication, and global climate change.
11. Lowered biodiversity-
Biodiversity loss is the extinction of species (plant or animal) worldwide, and also the
local reduction or loss of species in a certain habitat. Biodiversity, or biological diversity, is a
term that refers to the number of genes, species, individual organisms within a given species,
and biological communities within a defined geographic area, ranging from the smallest
ecosystem to the global biosphere. Likewise, biodiversity loss describes the decline in the
number, genetic variability, and variety of species, and the biological communities in a given
area. This loss in the variety of life can lead to a breakdown in the functioning of the ecosystem
where decline has happened.
12. Nitrogen cycle –
Nitrogen emissions such as ammonia, nitrogen oxide and nitrous oxides contribute
to particulate matter and acid rain. These cause respiratory problems and cancers for people
and damage to forests and buildings.
Nitrogenous gases also play an important role in global climate change. Nitrous oxide is
a particularly potent greenhouse gas as it is over 300 times more effective at trapping heat in
the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.
13. Fracking –
Hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking” as it is more commonly known, is just one small
method of the broader process of unconventional development of oil and natural gas. Fracking
is a proven drilling technology used for extracting oil, natural gas, geothermal energy, or water
from deep underground. One of the main pollutants released in the fracking process is
methane. In addition to fracking's global impact, there are harmful effects to those living near
extraction sites. A host of ancillary components released at well sites can lead to health
problems such as irritation of the eyes, nose, mouth and throat. Local air pollution can
aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions. Regionally, fracking-related processes
release nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, forming smog that can deprive
workers and local residents of clean air. Another major concern is water contamination, as
there is risk chemicals used in the fracking process might leak back into local water supplies.
14. Melting Ice Cap –
Melting ice causes more warming. As global warming causes
more snow and ice to melt each summer, the ocean and land that were underneath the ice are
exposed at the Earth's surface. Because they are darker in color, the ocean and land absorb
more incoming solar radiation, and then release the heat to the atmosphere. While
sea ice exists primarily in the polar regions, it influences the global climate. When warming
temperatures gradually melt sea ice over time, fewer bright surfaces are available to reflect
sunlight back into the atmosphere. More solar energy is absorbed at the surface and ocean
temperatures rise.
15. Climate change –
Climate change is a change in the pattern of weather, and related changes in oceans,
land surfaces and ice sheets, occurring over time scales of decades or longer. Climate change
destabilises the Earth’s temperature equilibrium and has far-reaching effects on human beings
and the environment. During the course of global warming, the energy balance and thus the
temperature of the earth change, due to the increased concentration of greenhouse gases,
which has a significant impact on humans and the environment. The direct consequences of
man-made climate change include: rising maximum temperatures, rising minimum
temperatures, rising sea levels, higher ocean temperatures, an increase in heavy precipitation
(heavy rain and hail), and shrinking glaciers.

Source
Renewable Rources Co. 2016. Environmental Problems. Retrieved July 14, 2020 from
https://www.renewableresourcescoalition.org/top-environmental-problems/

Earth Watch Europe. 2020. Environmental Charity. Retrieved July 14, 2020 from
http://eu.earthwatch.org/

DW Made for Minds. 2016. Five of the Biggest Environmental Problems. Retrieved July 13, 14,
2020 from https://www.dw.com/en/five-of-the-worlds-biggest-environmental-problems/a-
35915705
 Environmental Science
Elective 7
1st Quarter
(Worksheet #1)
Name: ____________________________ Year & Section: ______________________ Date: _____________

Most Essential Learning Competencies:

Explain environmental science as an interdisciplinary science and relate these disciplines to common
environmental issues.

Objectives:
Identify and analyze environmental issues.

Activity 1:
“Describing Environmental Issues ”
Direction:
Describe the environmental issues shown in the pictures using the given vocabulary words.

1 2 3 4

6
5 7 8
Useful Vocabulary
Bacterial infections biohazards
Deforestation contamination
hunting endangered species
pesticides garbage consumerism
fracking Air pollution
global warming flooding acid rain
9 10
1. Air pollution from factories is bad for our health.
2. ________________________________________ 8. ______________________________
3. ________________________________________ 9. ______________________________
4. ________________________________________ 10. ______________________________
5. ________________________________________
6. ________________________________________
7. ________________________________________

Activity 2: “Elements of the Contemporary Environment Vocabulary and Questions”

Direction:
Match the vocabulary to the pictures. There may be more than one answer
to each picture. Then answer the questions below.

Poor air quality

1. ______________
Water crisis pollution 11. _____________

Extreme weather

flooding

Sustainable environment

Oil spill carbon print

2. _______________
Melting ice cap 10. _______________
drought

Wind power fracking

Forest fires

3. _____________________ 9. _______________

8. _______________

4. __________

7. ___________
5. _______________

6. ___________________
1 What do you know about wind power?…………………………
2 What are some examples of extreme weather events?…………………………………………………………
3 Are you worried about poor air quality ? Explain. ……………………………………………………
4 How can you reduce your carbon foot print? ……………………………………………………………………
5 What is the biggest environmental crisis in your country?………………………………………………………
6 How can you help create a sustainable environment? …………………………………………………………
7 What other environmental problem are you concerned about?……………………………………………
Activity 3. “Environmental Issues”
Direction: Identify the problem, cause, effect and solution in the pictures.

1
Problem: carbon footprint 2
Cause: people drive cars and fly in planes Problem:
Effect: climate change Cause:
Solution: people should use public Effect:
transportation and travel less Solution:

3 4
Problem: Problem:
Cause: Cause:
Effect: Effect:
Solution: Solution:

5 6
Problem: Problem:
Cause: Cause:
Effect: Effect:
Solution: Solution:

7 8
Problem: Problem:
Cause: Cause:
Effect: Effect:
Solution: Solution:
Activity 4
“Biodegradable and Nonbiodegradable”
Objective
Compare biodegradable and nonbiodegradable materials

Materials
Soil 2 shoe boxes
Water plastic bottle
Spray bottle fruit peelings

Science in Action
1. Fill the two shoe boxes with soil. Label them boxes A and B.
2. Put the fruit peelings on top of the soil of box A and the plastic bottle on top of the
soil of box B.
3. Spray water in each box everyday for three weeks. Observe each box at the end of
each week.

Think Critically
1. Complete the table below with your observations.
Week Box A Box B
1
2
3

2. Which of the two materials decayed easily? Name five other materials that decay easily.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

3. Name five other materials that do not decay easily.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

4. Based on the activity, what can you suggest to help lessen pollution on your school?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Conclusion
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
EVALUATION

Direction:
I. Identify the term described in each item. Write your answer on the blank before each number.

__________________1. The contamination of water bodies, usually as a result of human

activities
__________________2. It reduces the amount of carbonate, a key building block in seawater.
__________________3. The rapid expansion of the geographic extent of cities and towns
__________________4. It increases the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches
Earth's surface.
___________________5. It is a mix of particles and gases that can reach harmful
concentrations both outside and indoors.
__________________6. The irresponsible cutting down of trees
__________________7. The extinction of species (plant or animal) worldwide, and also the
local reduction or loss of species in a certain habitat
__________________8. A change in the pattern of weather, and related changes in oceans,
land surfaces and ice sheets, occurring over time scales of decades or
longer.
__________________9. It is formed when gases like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide from the
burning of fossil fuels.
__________________10. It is a proven drilling technology used for extracting oil, natural gas,
geothermal energy, or water from deep underground.

II. List down what is asked for.

A. Effects of deforestation
1. _________________________________
2. _________________________________
3. _________________________________
B. Some problems in the community caused by overpopulation
1. _________________________________
2. _________________________________
3. _________________________________

Goodluck!

Prepared by:
_________________________
CRISTY ANN P. PAANOD
T-III

APPROVED:
__________________________
Dr. MARY CHERRY LYNN M. DALIPE
Education Program Supervisor-Science and Research
 Key Answers
Activity 1 (Possible Answers)
2. Dirty water causes bacterial infections.
3. Nuclear power plants are potential biohazards.
4. Pesticides kill many kinds of wildlife.
5. Consumerism creates a lot of garbage.
6. Global warming is increasing the temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere.
7. Fracking can contaminate water supplies.
8. Acid rain kills trees, plants, and animals.
9. Elephants are an endangered species due to hunting.
10. Deforestation leads to increase flooding.

Activity 2
1. forest fires 5. extreme weather 9. pollution/poor air quality
2. fracking 6. oil spill 10. wind power
3. water crisis/drought 7. sustainable environment 11. melting ice cap
4. carbon footprint 8. flooding
Activity 3 (Possible Answers)
2. Problem: deforestation
Cause: cutting down trees
Effect: floods/loss of wildlife. Soil quality etc
Solution: grow trees/protect forests
3. Problem: water crisis/polluted water
Cause: overuse/pollution/global warming
Effect: health problems/ water shortages for farming /industry
Solution: manage water resources/protect forests
4. Problem: Hunting
Cause: sport/animal products (ie. Ivory)
Effect: loss of endangered wildlife
Solution: laws against hunting/ effective enforcement of laws
5. Problem: melting ice cap
Cause: global warming
Effect: rising level of ocean/loss of polar ice caps/ loss of wildlife
Solution: all countries should try to reduce carbon emissions
6. Problem: using toxic sprays for agriculture/farming
Cause: protect plants against pests/disease
Effect: kills wildlife/dangerous for workers/contaminated produce
Solution: ban chemical/toxic sprays
7. Problem: plastic waste
Cause: convenient carrying bags for customers of shops
Effect: kills sealife/ destroys the ocean environment
Solution: persuade supermarkets/shops to stop using plastic containers or legislate to stop
them
8. Problem: pollution from transportation
Cause: people use cars/buses/trucks for transportation
Effect: bad for health/contributes to global warming
Solution: emissions controls for cars/ alternatives to transportation using fossil fuels

Evaluation
Test I.
1. water pollution 5. air pollution 9. acid rain
2. ocean acidification 6. deforestation 10. fracking
3. urban sprawl 7. biodiversity loss
4. ozone layer depletion 8. climate change
Test II. (Answers may vary)