Syllabus

=Topic= c) describe some impacts of human activities on ecosystems. || The 2 revision activities will reinforce the students existing knowledge in these areas. The Grime Scene Investigation will expand their understanding and synthesis their prior knowledge with the new information they discover during the investigation. || b) identify excessive use of fossil fuels as a contributing factor to a greenhouse effect c) discuss strategies used to balance human activities and needs in ecosystems with conserving, protecting and maintaining the quality and sustainability of the environment. || Outcomes a,b and c are revised and expanded upon in the revision activities and will be expanded upon in the class discussion that follows. The Grime Scene Investigation will probably involve further independent research and learning about these issues. || =Skills= Outcome 5.14: A student undertakes first-hand investigations independently with safety and competence. || Students learn about: ||  Students learn to: ||  Map to syllabus || 5.14 performing first-hand  investigations ||  a) follow the planned procedure when performing an investigation b) use time and resources effectively c) safely and efficiently construct, assemble and manipulate identified equipment d) record data using the appropriate units e) evaluate and modify experimental procedures f) demonstrate the use of safe and hygienic work practices including the correct use of safety equipment. ||  Revision activity 2 covers outcomes a, b, c, d, e and f. The class discussion that follows will expand on all of these issues and the Grime Scene Investigation that follows will require skills in all of these areas. || Outcome 5.15: A student gathers first-hand data accurately. || Students learn about: ||  Students learn to: ||  Map to syllabus || 5.15 gathering first-hand  information ||  a) make and record observations and measurements accurately over a  number of trials || The Grime Scene Investigation involves students making and recording data accurately. || Outcome 5.16: A student accesses information from a wide variety of secondary sources. || Students learn about: || Students learn to: || Map to syllabus || 5.16 gathering information from secondary sources || a) use a range of sources, including databases, CD-ROMs and the internet, to access information  b) use a variety of techniques, such as keywords, skimming and scanning to identify appropriate information. || Students will have to conduct their own research prior to attending the field trip associated with the Grime Scene Investigation. Revision exercise 2 also covers this material as will the class discussion that follows the exercise. || Outcome 5.17: A student explains trends, patterns and relationships in data and/or information from a variety of sources. || Students learn about: || Students learn to: || Map to syllabus || 5.17 processing information || a) collate information from a number of sources b) distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information c) check the reliability of gathered data and information by comparing them with observations or information from other sources  d) organise data using a variety of methods including diagrams, tables, spreadsheets and databases f) identify trends, patterns, relationships and contradictions in data and information. ||   At the end of their GSI students will have to write a group report that will cover all of these outcomes. || N.B. Students who undertake the extension exercises associated with the Grime Scene Investigation and all students may achieve additional skill outcomes depending upon how they decide to construct their report. ||
 * Outcome 5.10: A student assesses human impacts on the interaction of biotic and abiotic features of the environment. ||
 * Students learn about: || Students learn to: || Map to syllabus ||
 * Students learn about: || a) distinguish between biotic and abiotic features of the local environment
 * Outcome 5.11: A student analyses the impact of human resource use on the biosphere to evaluate methods of conserving, protecting and maintaining Earth’s resources. ||
 * Students learn about: || Students learn to: || Map to syllabus ||
 * 5.11.2 waste from resource use || a) relate pollution to contamination by unwanted substances