Curriculum synopsis
Students explore the links between their personal choices and the health of the Puget Sound ecosystem. Through activities that are multi-sensory, including games that simulate real-life choices, students study the impact of their transportation choices, purchasing choices, water use, and electricity use on the Puget Sound ecosystem. As students grapple with complex environmental issues, they explore the difference between resource use and resource waste.
The program begins with a discussion of the concept of an ecosystem. Using a satellite image of the Puget Sound, students consider the health of the ecosystem in which they live. Students explore why it is important to study their impacts on the ecosystem and how changing one part of the ecosystem will affect its health.
Once students understand why the Puget Sound ecosystem is unique, they study specific aspects of the ecosystem such as air, water, land, and electricity sources. Students participate in group work, small group discussions, and have nightly homework. The homework contains review questions, critical thinking questions, and preparatory questions for the next day's materials. All activities are aligned with the Washington state Essential Academic Learning Requirements.
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