environmental science cape syllabus

ENVIRONMENTALSGIENGE

Effective for Examinations from May/June 2011

The Caribbean AdvancedProficiency Exam i nation

GAPE@

GontentsRATIONALE ..................

AIMS

SKILLS AND ABILITIES TO BE ASSESSED ,,..............2

PRE-REQUTSTTES OF THE SYLLABUS................ ........4

STRUCTURE OF THE SYLLABUS

UNIT 1: ECOLOGY. HUMAN POPULATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

MODULE 1: FUNDAMENTAL ECOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES.... .......s

MODULE 2: HUMAN POPULATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT....................10

MODULE 3: SUSTAINABLE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES........................16

UNIT 2: AGRICULTURE. ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

MODULE 1: AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT ..................................26

MODULE 2: ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

MODULE 3: POLLUTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT...... ..................39

OUTLINE OF ASSESSMENT 5 l

REGULATIONS FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES 6l

REGULATIONS FOR RE-SIT CANDIDATES ........61

ASSESSMENT GRID

GLOSSARY

Ic e l- | cxc,lzs/u2/Io

6)

LI AIMSThe syllabus aims to:

l. stimulate interest in the environment:

2. develop an understanding of the interdisciplinary and holistic nature of the environment;

3. develop knowledge and understanding of environmental issues and principles and the abilityto apply these to environmental management, particularly in a Caribbean context;

4. develop the ability to identifu critical research questions and formulate hypothesis or guidingstatements.

5. develop the ability to collect, collate, analyzeand interpret environmental data;

6. develop the ability to communicate environmental information and ideas logically andconcisely in a variefy of forms;

7 . provide an understanding of interactions between people and the environment;

8. increase an awareness of the importance of tiving in harmony with the environment;

. 9. recognize and evaluate the socio-economic, political and ethical issues in EnvironmentalScience;

10. foster positive attitudes, values and commitment to identifying, solving and preventingenvironmental problems;

I l. develop an understanding of how natural resources and the environment affect quality of lifeand the quest for sustainable development in the Caribbean.

O SKILLS AND ABILITIES TO BE ASSESSEDThe skills and abilities which students are expected to develop on completion of the syllabus havebeen grouped under three main headings:

(i) Knowledge and Comprehension;(ii) Application of Knowledge;(iii) PracticalAbilities.

*.l r*, o2s/u2/10

Knowledse and Comprehension

The examination will test candidates' skills and abilities to:

(i) Define terms and explain concepts;

(ii) describe processes;

(iii) state principles and properties;

(iv) explaininteractionsandinter-relationships.

Application of Knowledee


(i) analyze and discuss different environmental situations;

(ii) evaluate and justify options (for the use of resources);

(iii) compare and contrast alternative solutions to environmental problems;

(iv) select techniques and methodotogies appropriate to different environmental situations;

(v) suggest possible solutions to specific environmental problems;

(vi) draw inferences from environmental data.

Practica,l Abilities


(i) select techniques, designs, methodologies and instruments appropriate to diferentenv ironmental s ituations :

(ii) use instruments to measure environmental parameters;

(iii) collect and collate data;

(iv) analyze, interpret and present data;

(v) usequantitativetechniquesappropriately;

(vi) develop appropriate solutions to specific environmental problems.

*.1r", n2s/u2/ro

O PRE-REQUISITES OF THE SYLLABUSAny person with a good grasp of the contents of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate(CSEC) Integrated Science or Physics or Chemistry or Biology or Geography or Agricultural Sciencesyllabuses, or the equivalent, should be able to pursue the course of study defined by the syllabus.However, successful participation in the course of study will also depend on the possession of goodverbal and written communication skills.

r STRUCTURE OF THE SYLLABUS

The subject is organised in two Units. Each Unit contains a body of knowledge and skills drawnfrom several disciplines that impact on the environment. Unit 1 addresses Ecology, HumanPopulation and Natural Resource Use, while Unit 2 deals with Agriculture, Energy, andEnvironmental Pol lution.

A Unit comprises three Modules, each requiring 50 hours. The total time for each Unit, is therefore,expected to be 150 hours. Each Unit can independently offer students a comprehensive programmeof study with appropriate balance between depth and coverage to provide a basis for further study inthis field.

UNIT l: Ecology, Human Population and Natural Resources

Module I - Fundamental Ecological PrinciplesModule 2 - Human Population and the EnvironmentModule 3 - Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

UNIT 2: Agriculture, Energy and Environmental Pollution

Module I - Agriculture and the EnvironmentModule 2 - Energy and the EnvironmentModule 3 - Pollution of the Environment

In this syllabus, the specific objectives which are denoted by an asterisk (*) are particularlysuitable for practical exercises. However, the project need not be limited to these objectives.

*.l r* o2s/u2/to

UNIT 1: ECOLOGY, HUMAN POPULATION AND NATURALRESOURCES

MODUTE l: FUNDAMENTAT ECOLOGICAI PRINCIPLES

GENERAT OBJECTIVES

On completion of this Module, students should:

l. understand the basic ecological concepts;

2. understand the processes that govern the interactions of organisms with the biotic and abioticcomponents of their environment;

3. understand the relationship between people and the environment;

4. acquire knowledge and develop practical and analytical skills.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

Students should be able to:

l. differentiate between keyecological terms and concepts;

EXPTANATORY NOTES

2. explain the relationship betweenliving organisms and theirenvironment;

Ecology: species, population, community,ecosystem, biosphere, atmosphere,hydrosphere, lithosphere, habitat, niche, biome,ecotone.

(i) The biotic and abiotic environments.

(ii) Tolerance ranges and limiting factors.

( i i i ) Ecologicalniches:(a) fundamental niche;

(b) realised niche.

*l r*, u2s/u2/to

UNIT IMODUTE l: FUNDAMENTAT ECOIOGICAL PRINCIPLES (cont'd)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES EXPI.ANATORY NOTES


3. outline the importance of (i) Carbon Cycle.biogeochemical cycles;

(ii) Nitrogen Cycle.

(iii) Phosphorus Cycle.

(iv) Water Cycle.

Include basic chemical equations and formulafor biogeochemical cycles.

4. Explain the significance ofbiogeochemical cycles lo organisms;

5. explain how energy and nutrients (i) Productivity of producers andflows within ecosystems; ecosystems.

(ii) Food chains and webs.

(iii) Trophic levels.

(iu) Ecologicalpyramids.

6. discuss types of interactions between (i) Competition.organisms in communities;

(ii) Predator-prey.

(ii i) Symbiosis:

(a) parasitisml(b) commensalism;(c) mutualism.

7. explain how ecosystems are self- Ecological succession and climax communities.sustaining;

8. explain the process of natural selection Natural selection, evolution and adaptation.and adaptation to the environment;

*l ,*, n2s/u2/Io

UNIT IMODUTE l: FUNDAMENTAT ECOLOGICAL PRINCIPIES (cont'd)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES


EXPTANATORY NOTES

9. determine population size using Population sampling methods for moving andappropriate sampling methods; non-moving organisms (for example, quadrats,

transects, capture. mark, release, recapture).

10. calculate species diversity;o - ) n ( n ' 1 ) .

N (N ,1 )

Where D-speciesDiversi ty. N - total number of orsanism of all

speciesn - total number of organism of a

particular speciesI l. analyse the relationship between (i) Diversity within species.

species diversity and ecosystemstability; (ii) Diversity between species.

(iii) Community and ecosystem stability.

12. identify factors affecting population (i) Biotic potential.growth in a natural ecosystem;

(ii) Exponentialpopulationgrowth.

(iii) Environmentalresistance.

13. explain the concept of carryingcapacity;

14. evaluate human interactions within (i) Human beings as part of the naturalnatural ecosystems; ecosystems.

(ii) Benefits of natural ecosystems

(iii) Anthropogenic impact on ecosystems andbiodiversity and the need to maintain itsintegrity.

15. investigate at least two ecosystems Consider both terrestrial and aquatic (freshwaterin a territory;* and marine) ecosystems.

*"l r*, n2s/u2/to

UNIT IMODUTE l: FUNDAMENTAT ECOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES (conl'd)

16 .measure and discuss environmentalparameters in a given habitat;*

17. apply scientific method to See suggested teaching-learning activities.experimental design and analysis;

18. Present and interpret data usingappropriate charts, table, graPhs.

Sueeested Tgachins and Learnins Activities

To facilitate students' attainment of the objectives of this Module, teachers are advised to engagestudents in the teaching and learning activities listed below.

l .

s

3 .

4.

5 .

6 .

7 .

8 .

L

l o .

D efine env ir onment al s c ienc e

Formulate hypothesis, develop guiding statements and generate and interpret data.

Discuss current environmental issues and highlight the importance of adopting an inter-disciplinary approach.

Sample an ecosystem to determine population density and distribution.

Concluct study visits, to fdenttfu species diversity.

Investigate environmental parameters in a natural aquatic environment.

Create models of existing ecosystems in a specific location.

Create food webs and analyse possible disruption of feeding relationships.

Study the source(s) and distribution of a country's freshwater supply and its level ofdependence on natural water cycles.

Visit to an ecosystem to identify and quantify human use of its components.

*.l r*, n2s/u2/10

UNIT IMODUTE 1: FUNDAMENIAT ECOLOGICAI PRINCIPLES (cont'd)

RESOURCES

Botkin, D., and Keller, E. Environmental Science: Earth as a Living Planet, New York:John Wilev and Sons. 1997.

Chiras, Daniel D. nn iron*,"ntal Scienc':e. Actionfor a Sustainable Future,United States of America: The Benjamin/CummingsPublishing Company Inc., 1994.

Cunningham, W. and Saigo, B. Environmental Science. A Global Concern, New York:McGraw Hill, 2001.

Ehrlich, P. and Ehrlich, A. The Population Explosion New York: Simon and Schuster,1990.

Jackson, et al. Global Issues 1999-2000, Guilford, CT: Duskin PublishingGroup Inc., 1998.

Jordan, C. Conservation, New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1995.

Miller, G. Tyler Living in the Environment, Principles, Connections andSolutions: Wadsworth Publishing, California, I 994.

Nebel, B. and Wright, R. Environmental Science: The lI/ay the World llorlcs, NewJersey: Prentice Hall. 1997 .

The Cropper Foundation (TCF), 2009. SustainableDevelopment. Terms and concept: A referenceforteachers and student Port-of-Spain, Trinidad

Biodiversity of the Caribbean. A learning Resourcepreparedfor Eastern Caribbean States, Canada: EKOSCommunications Inc. 2009.

Websites:www.redlist.org/info/[email protected]

*l ,*, n2s/u2/ro

UNIT IMODUTE 2: HUMAN POPUTATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT

GENERAT OBJECTIVESOn completion of this Module, students should:

1. understand the historical and geographical trends in human population growth andconsumption patterns;

2. understand the socio-environmental impacts related to population growth;

3. understand the factors that affect the growth rate of human populations;

4. appreciate the need for sustainable development;

5. acquire knowledge and develop practical and analytical skills.

SPECTFIC OBJECTIVES EXPTANATORY NOTES


1. assess the relationship betwee.n people (i) Adaptation of people to the environmentand the environment; (including but not limited to how people

adapt to the environment, crops theygrow, culture, clothes, shelter).

(ii) Abiotic and biotic factors that affect thedistribution of population and theiractivit ies.

(iii) Dependence of people on ecologicalsystems and processes.

(i) Age and sex structure.

(ii) Fertility rates.

(iii) Mortality rates.

(i") Life span and life expectancy.

(u) Immigration.

("i) Emigration.

(vii) Doubling time.

2. explain the demographiccharacteristics of human population;

*"l r* n2s/u2/to 1 0

UNIT IMODUTE 2: HUMAN POPUTATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT (cont'd)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES


EXPTANATORY NOTES

3. describe historical trends in human Compare historical and current trends in humanpopulation size; population growth.

4. describe the current geographical Curent geographical distribution of humandistribution of human population population growth:growth;

(i) in developing nations;(ii) in developed nations.

5. interpret demographic tables, graphs (i) Age and sex structure.and charts;

(ii) Fertility rate, mortality rate, birth rate,

6. calculate changes in demographic (i) Population size and growth rate.' characteristics; Fertility rate; mortality rate; migration

rate. birth rate.

(ii) Percentage increase in population

(iii) Doubling time = ^; 79 : .o/o annualgrowth

7. assess the factors affecting population (i) Culture.growth rate;

(ii) Religion.

(iii) Level and cost of education.

(i") Social and economic status of women.

(u) Availability of pension schemes.

("i) Level of affluence.

(vii) Economicdevelopment.

l l*.l r*, n2s/u2/ro

UNIT IMODUTE 2: HUMAN POPUTATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT (cont'd)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES EXPTANATORY NOTES

Students should be able to:8. assess the effectiveness of population Population Control Measures:

control methods and measures;(i) Direct - Family Planning measures and

methods, government policies

(ii) Indirect - Natural disasters (floods,earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes).

9. a,r^ses.r the relationship between (i) The Indices of poverty:population growth and poverty;

(a) access to education;

(b) access to health care;

(c) access to basic needs such asfood, housing, water.

(ii) Per capita, Gross Domestic Product andGross National Product (GDP andGNP), Human Development Index(HDI), Gender Development Index(GDr).

(iii) Environmental impacts of populationgrowth (for example, deforestation inHaiti. Include social, biological,economic, physical considerations).

10. describe current geographical (i) Consumption patterns as quantified byvariation in human consumption statistics on:patterns;

(a) per capita water consumption;

(b) per capita food consumption;

(c) per capita fuel consumption;

(d) per capita greenhouse gasemissions;

(e) Per caPita waste Production.

r*.l r* n2s/a2/Io l 2

UNIT IMODUTE 2: HUMAN POPUTATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT (conl'd)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES


EXPTANATORY NOTES

(iD Current trends in per capitaconsumption particularly influenced bylifestyles in developed and developingcountries.

I l. explain the principal ways in which Environmental impacts of over consumptionpeople impact negatively on the in developed and developing countries.environment;

(i) Overexploitation.(ii) Habitat destruction.

(iii) Pollution.

.

(i") Introduction of exotic species.

12. explain how the impacts mentioned (i) Change in lifestyles.'

in Specific Objective l l may bemitigated; (ii) The use of substitutes.

( i i i ) Applicationofenvironmental lyfriendly technology.

(iv) Efficient use of natural resources, forexample, recycling. Refer to Module3, Specific Objective 10.

13. explain the environmental impacts (i) Causes of urbanisation.of urbanisation:

(ii) Environmental impacts of urbanization(including but not limited to sanitation,water supply, traffic congestion,housing, pollution, health care).

14. explain the relationship between (i) Concept of sustainable development.population growth and sustainabledevelopment. (ii) Goals of sustainable development.

r*l rt, n2s/u2/to l 3

UNIT IMODULE 2: HUMAN POPUTATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT (conl'd)

(iii) Population growth and changingconsumption patterns as constraints tosustainable development in a finiteworld.

(iv) Strategic Imperative for SustainableDevelopment #4 "Ensuring aSutainable Level of Population" (OurCommon Future, Brundtland RePort,1987) .

Sueeested Teachine and Learnine Activities


l. Study a local population based on census statistics; generate population age structure, for allindividuals and separately by sex.

2. Calculate crude birth rates, age-specific birth rates, total fertility rates, crude death rates, age-specific death rates, infant mortality rates, percentage annual increase in population size, anddoubling times for populations.

3. Interpret World Population Data Sheets, as produced, for example, by the PopulationReference Bureau Inc.

4. Arrange a debate on high population growth or high consumerism as principal causes ofglobal environmental problems, using, for example, reports from the 1992 Rio Conference.

5. Conduct case studies of population size management and of related changes in consumptionpatterns.

6. Organise a debate on the definitions of development and sustainable development, and on thequestion of what constitutes an acceptable standard of living.

7. Discuss the main issues addressed by:

(i) the 1972 Stockholm Conference;

(ii) the 1980 International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) WorldConservation StrategY;

(iii) the 1987 Brundtland Report (Our Common Future);

*l r*, n2s/u2/to t 4

UNIT IMODUTE 2: HUMAN POPUTATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT (conl'd)

(iv) the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (The RioConference);

(v) the 1994 United Nations Conference on Small Island Developing States;(vi) the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable DevelopmentJohannesburg.

RESOURCES

Chiras, D. Environmental Science. Action .fo, a Sustainable Future,

United States of America: The Benjamin/CummingsPublishing Company, Inc. 1994.

Cunningham, W. and Saigo, B. Environmental Science, A Global Concern: Sixth Edition, NewYork: McGraw Hill, 2001.

Ehrlich, P. and Ehrlich, A. The Population Explosion, New York: Simon and Schuster,I 990.

Jordan, c. F. conservation, New York: John wiley and Sons, 1995.

Miller, G. Tyler Living in the Environment, Prin.ciples, Contnections andSolutions: Wadsworth Publishing, California, I 994.

Nebel, B., and Wright, R. En ironmental Science: The Way the World Worlu, NewJersey: Prentice Hall. 1997.

WWF,IUCN, UNEP Caring for the Earth: A Strategy for Sustainable Living, 1981.

Websites: The Cropper Foundation (TCF), Sustainable Development.www.american.edu/TED/hp2l.htm Terms and concept: A reference for teachers and student.www.undp.org/gef/ port-of-Spain, Trinidad: 2009.www.un. org.esa/esa/sustdev/documents/agenda2l/index.htm Biodiversity of the Caribbean. A learning Resource prepared

-fo, Eastern Caribbean States, 2009. Canada: EKOSCommunications Inc.

*l r*, n2s/a2/ro l 5

UNIT IMODULE 3: SUSTAINABIE USE OF NATURAT RESOURCES

GENERAT OBJECTIVESOn completion of this Module, students should:

1. be aware of the maior 'natural resources' in the Caribbean;

2. understand the factors affecting natural resource use and the environmental impacts of theiruse;

3. be aware of measures and tools available for sustainable use and conservation of naturalresources;

4. understand the value ofnatural resources;

5. understand the concept of ecological sustainability and implications for natural resource use;

6. acquire knowledge and develop practical and analytical skills'

EXPTANATORY NOTESSPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

. Students should be able to:

l. explain the term natural resources; Temporal Dimensions and limitations placed bytechnology.

2. differentiate between."n"*ubl" und (i) Types and examples oJ natural resotlrces:non-renewable natural resources; renewqble qnd nontrenewable.exhaustible and inexhaustible resources;

(ii) Types and examples of exhaustible andinexhaus tib I e res ourc es.

3. differentiate between the consumptive (i) Consumptive use (logging, .fishing,and non-consumptive use of natural quarrying)-resources;

(ii) Non-consumptive use - bioprospecting,ecotourism, research.

*."1r* o2s/u2/to l 6

UNIT 1MODUTE 3: SUSTAINABTE USE OF NATURAT RESOURCES (conf'd)



4. (i) Biodiversity:identify the major categories of naturalresources in Caribbean countries; (a) species (b) genetic

(c) Ecosystems: forest; coral reefs;wetlands; seagrass beds; mangroves;freshwater and marine ecosystems.

(ii) Water as a resource, for example,waterfalls, lakes, streams, groundwater.

(iii) Minerals and hydrocarbons: bauxite; gold;sand and gravel; oil; natural gas.

(iv) Soil, landscape and seascape, (beaches,'

cliffs, mountains).

5: identify the location and distribution ofnatural resources in the Caribbean;

6. assess the importance of natural (i) Livelihood (Income generating activity).resources in the Caribbean;

(ii) Foreign exchange earner.

(iii) Food security.

(iv) Raw materialfor industrial processes.

(v) Recreation.

(vi) Sacred and spiritual value.

(vii) Ecosystem value.

(viii) Intrinsic value.

(ix) Research and teaching.

*l r*, n2s/u2/ro t 7

UNIT IMODUTE 3: SUSTAINABTE USE OF NATURAT RESOURCES (conl'd)


Students should be able to:7. evaluate factors affecting natural resource (i) Political - government policies on

use in the Caribbean; natural resource use:

(a) economic develoPmentpoliciesl

(b) environmental and naturalresources policies.

(ii) Economic: role of foreigninvestment; exPort of naturalresources os Primary Products,'sectoral activities - tourism,agriculture, mining, manufacturing,national debt.

Refe, to SPecific Objective 10'Explanatory Note (iv).

8. access the environmental impact of (i) Biodiversity:natural resource use including'tourism; (a) sPecies dePletion and

extinction;

(b) habitat disruPtion anddestruction;

(") disruPtion of ecosystemprocesses.

*l r*, n2s/a2/Io l 8

UNIT IMODUTE 3: SUSTAINABTE USE OF NATURAT RESOURCES (conl'd)


Students should be able to:(ii) Water as a resource:

(a) Pollution and depletion ofsudace and groundwater,degradation of water, depletionof aquifers.Human health rislcs (water bornedisease)

(b) watersheddestruction.

(iii) Minerals and hydrocarbons:

(u) physical conversion ofvegetation and land;

(b) transformation of landscape

(c) dust and noise pollution;

(d) pollution from the discharge ofprocess chemicals;

(") sedimentation ahd siltation;

(0 beach loss and change in rivercourse;

(g) oil spills;

(h) human health risks;

(i) social dynamics (displacement ofcommunities and introduction ofnew settlements).

*.1 ,*, n2s/a2/ro 1 9

9.

UNIT IMODUTE 3: SUSTAINABTE USE OF NATURAT

SPECtFtCOBJECTIVES

Students should be ableto:

RESOURCES (cont'd)

EXPI.ANATORY NOTES

(iv) Soil, landscape and seascape:

(c)

transformation of naturallandscape to builtenvironment;

soil degradation, erosionand sedimentation; soilproductivity

beach erosion

(d) degradation anddestruction of coral reefs,seagrass beds andmangroves

The broad concept o/' naturalresource conservation including:

justify the need for (v)natural resourceconservation:

Soil, landscape and (i)seascape:

(e) transformationof naturallandscape tobuilt (ii)environment;

soildegradation,erosion andsedimentation;soil productivity

beach erosion

degradation anddestruction ofcoral reefs.seagrass bedsand mangroves

(a)

(b)

manqSement,restoration,'

rehabilitation;preservation;

(0

(e)(h)

cons ervati,on ( in-s itu and ex-s itu).

Reasons for resource conservation:

(a) ecological: depletion ordegradation of naturalresources and the threat tosustainable development;conservauon ofcomponents of life supportsystems; conservation ofendangered and threatenedspecies;

(b) ethical: sacredness; rightto exist;

(c) aesthetical value.

*.l r*, n2s/u2/to 20

UNIT IMODUTE 3: SUSTAINABLEUSE OF NATURAT RESOURCES (cont'd)

10. describe measuresand tools availablefor naturalresourcemanagement andconservation;

(i)

(ii)

Rates and techniques forexploitation of renewable."rources; Sustainable YieldManagement.

Use of substitutes for non-renewable resources; use ofappropriate technology. Refer toModule 2, Specific Objective 12.

(iii) Reduction and minimization ofwaste - recycling of solid, liquidand gaseous wastes.

(iv) Use of economic instruments: userfees; taxes; penalties; incentives;economic valuation of naturalresources; environmentalaccounting and greening ofnational budgets.

(v) Land Use Planning and ZoningRe gu lat io n ; I n te gratedDevelopment Planning andIntegrated Coastal ZoneManagement.

(vi) Environmental ImpactAssessments (A brief introductionto EIA qs a Planning and decisionmaking tool to natural resourcemanagement and conservation).

*.l r*, n2s/a2/ro 2 l

UNIT IMODUTE 3: SUSTAINABTE USE OF NATURAI RESOURCES (cont'd)

(vii) Protected Area Systems(International Union for theConservation of Nature (IUCN)Classification):a. role;b. ecotourism

(viii) Community Based NqturalResource Management(participation, monitoring andevaluation).

(ix) Environmental legislation,policies and plans (SustainableDevelopment Plans, NaturalEnvironmental Action Plans(NEAP), Forest ManagementPlans, Integrated Coastal ZoneManagement Plans ; Enforcementand implementation.

(x) Education, public awareness,advocacy and training. (Agenda21, Chopter 36).

(xi) International environmental andconservatign agreements.

(a) United NationsFrameworkConvention on ClimateChange (UNFCCC andKyoto Protocol);

(b) United NationsConvention on BiologicalDiversity (UNCBD);

(c) United NationsConvention to CombatDesertification(UNCCD);

I% l cxc,e2s/u2/to 22

UNIT IMODUTE 3: SUSTAINABTE USE OF NATURAT RESOURCES (cont'd)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES


EXPTANATORY NOTES

(d) Specifically Protected Areas andWitdtife (SPAW);

(e) Ramsar Convention;

(0 Marine Pollution (MARPOL).

I I . analyse the effectiveness of measures Refer to SO l0implemented for natural resourcemanagement and conservation;

12. describe ways in which Indigenous (i) Agriculture: rotation of fields duringPeople have used and managed their slash/burn activities, use of organicnatural resources. fertilizers, intercropping;

(ii) Use of forest: timber and non-timberforest products (NTFPS);

(iii) Fishing: traditional fishing methods

(iv) Case studies from Belize, Dominica,Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadinesond Suriname.

Suseested Teachine and Learnins Activities


l. Case studies of Community Based Natural Resources Management, for example, forest,wetlands.

2. Research on indigenous people and natural resources.

3. Field exercises: species identification; visit to industry; visits and assessment of communitybased natural resource management initiatives, visit to indigenous communities.

*"1 ,*, n2s/a2/ro Z J

UNIT IMODUTE 3: SUSTAINABLE USE OF NATURAT RESOURCES (cont'd)

4. Discuss the main issues relating to the natural obligation under UNFCCC, UNCCD and.theUNCBD.

5. Visits to or lectures by represenlatives of natural resource agencies.

6. View videos and slides of natural resource management activities and protected areas.

RESOURCES

Bossi, R. and Cintro, G. Mangroves of the wider Caribbean: toward sustainableManagement, Barbados: Caribbean Conservation

ssociation, 1990.

Chiras, D. Environmental Science. Actionfor a Sustainable Future,United States of America: The Benjamin/CummingsPublishing Company Inc., 1994.

Cunningham, W. and Saigo, B. Environmental Science, A Global Concern, New York:.

McGraw Hi l l ,2001.

Cutter, S. and William, R. Exploitation, Conservation, Preservation: A geographicperspective on natural resource use, John HaynesBohaham, 2001.

David, B., Breton, I. Brom, D., I(asted Resource Management: Resilience, Adaptation andand Horne, M. Community Diversity, Canada: IDRC International

Development Research Centre.

Ehrlich, P. and Ehrlich, A. The Population Explosion, New York: Simon and Schuster,1990.

Goodbody, I. and Thomas- Natural Resource Management -fo, Sustainable

Hope, E. Development of the Caribbean, Canoe Press, University ofthe West Indies. Mona. 2002

Gupta, A. Ecology and Development in the Third World, New York:. Routledge, 1988.

Hinckly, A. Renewable Resources in our Future, New York: PergamonPress Limited, 1980.

Jordan, C. Conservation, New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1995.

r*l r*, n2s/u2/Io 24

UNIT IMODUTE 3: SUSTAINABTE USE OF NATURAT RESOURCES (cont'd)

Miller' G' Tyler Living in the Environment, Principles Connections andSolutions, California: Wadsworth Publishing Company,1994.

Nebel, B., and Wright, R. Environmental Science: The l(ay the l(orld Works, NewJersey: Prentice Hall, 1997.

Tivy, J. and O'Hareo G. Human Impact on the Ecosystem, (Conceptual Frameworks inGeography) United Kingdom: Longman Group 1982.

CERMES, Sustainable Management of 46 Shared MarineResources of the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem andAdjacent Regions. UWI, Cave Hill campus.WCD (World Commission on Environment andDevelopment) Our Common Future, 1987.II/WF (World Wildlife Fund) 2008. Local to GlobalEnvironmental Conservation. Agenda 21

Websites:www.wri. org/wri/biodivwww.earthwatch.orgwww.canari.orghttp://cavehill.uwi.edu/cermes/ClMEPub/ENG/Brochure Eng.www.panda.org

*.l r*, n2s/u2/ro 25

UNIT 2: AGRICULTURE, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTALPOLLUTION

MODULE I: AGRICIJT.IURE AND IHE ENY,RONMENT

GENERAT OBJECTIVES

On completion of this Module, student should:

1 . understand the concepts, types and role of agriculture in the Caribbean;

2. understand the environmental impacts of and threats to agricultural systems in theCaribbean:

3. have knowtedge of environmentally sustainable practices in agricultural systems; in theCaribbean:

4. acquire knowledge, and develop practical and analytical skills.



l. compare and contrast agricultural (i) Definition of agriculture.systems in the Caribbean;*

(ii) Characteristics of Agricultural systemswith respect to commercial and smallscalefarmingincludingsubsistence ((a) scale of oPeration;

(b) inPuts: agro-chemicals, labour,machinery and equiPment,energy. f inancing;

(c) ProductivitY of sYstems: Yieldper unit input, for examPle,tonnes per hectare;

(d) mariculture; geneticengineering;

(e) aquaculture.

*.l r*, o2s/u2/Io 26

UNIT 2MODULE t: AGRICULTURE AND IHE ENV,RONMENI (cont'd)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES -EXPTANATORY NOTES


2. explain the roles of agriculture in the (i) Food Security (production of food andregion; non-food materials).

(ii) Production of materials .fo, agro-

proces s ing indus tries.

(iii) Economic:

(u) livelihood (income generatingactivities);

(b) foreign exchange eamings;

(") contribution to Gross DomesticProduct.

3. ar.rerr the impact of agriculture on the (i) Technological:'

environment:(a) increased productivity;

(b) increased varieties:

(c) improved resistance to pestinfestation;

(ii) Environmental:

(u) health risks;

(b) threats to sustainable livelihood ofcommunities;

(") land take (need for vast amountsof lands for agriculture) ;

(d) pollutionfrominappropriateuseof agro-chemicals (pesticides ;fertilisers/; ant ib io t ic s andhormones in aquaculture andmar icul tur e ; eu trop hic ation

*l r*, n2s/u2/Io 27

UNIT 2MODULE l: AGRICULTURE AND IHE ENV,RONMENI @ont'd)


Students should be able to: / (") habitat destruction; loss of

biodiversity;

/ (f) soil degradation: erosion;'/ acidification; salinisation; water-

logging; soil compaction,monoculture leadins to reductionin soil fertility;

/ t9l waste production: waste disposal'/

and mtanagement; solid and tiquidwastes;

/(h) water degradation: sedimentation;-/ '

changes in water discharge tocoastal zone surface and ground ,water pollution;

(i) land degradation: inappropriateuse of land types; hillside farming,slash and burn agriculture;

CI) reduced water availability forirrigation, mariculture andaquaculture;

(k) Climate change due to methaneproduction.

4. explain the features of sustainable (i) Ecological integrity.agriculture;

(ii) Economic viability.

(iii) Social equity.

(iv) Adaptability

5. discuss threats to sustainable (i) Natural disasters: flood, hurricane, volcano.. agriculture;

*.1 ,*, n2s/u2/10 28

UNIT 2MODULE l: AGRICUI.IURE AND IHE ENVTRONMENI (cont'd)

SPECIFTC OBJECTIVES EXPTANATORY NOTESStudents should be able to:

(ii) Climate change: temperature rise, sealevel rise. Change in precipitationpatterns.

(iii) External shoclcs: global markets, pricefluctuations.

(iv) Certification to meet internationalstandards.

(v) Importation of cheap agriculturalproducts.

AF evaluate environmentally sustainable (i) Contour farming.

practices in agricultural systems ; *(ii) Terracing.

(iii) Crop rotation.

(iv) ConservationTillage.

- (v) Agro-forestry.

,> (vi) Pest control (biological and genetic) and(- Integrated pest managemerit.

_

(vii) Organic farming.

-

(viii) Hydroponics./,.t (ix) Post-harvest management: waste/' utilisation and waste minimisation.

(x) Genetic engineering.

(xi) Plant and qnimal breeding.7. present and interpret data using

appropriate charts, tables and graphs,

*.l r*, n2s/u2/10 29

UNIT 2MODULE I: AGRICULTURE AND THE ENV,RONMENI

Susqested Teachine and Learninq Activities


1. Conduct field visits to agrochemical factories, agriculture, aquaculture and mariculture farmsto observe and analyse their operations.

2. Provide the opportunities for students to identify agro-chemicals used in territory and analysetheir composition.

3. Invite guest lecturers to discuss issues in agriculture.

4. Allow students to create models illustrating soil erosion

5. Allow students to conduct fertiliser experiments on plants.

6. Conduct brain-storming sessions to explore entrepreneurial opportunities for use of un-usedproduction (for example, fruit under trees; non-meat parts of livestock).

7. Collect and document information on land use in a country, to assess how prime agriculturalland is being used.

8. Allow students to conduct investigations on waste production and management in anagricultural entity.

9. Conduct investigation on water quality at agriculture operations.

10. Give students assignments in which they compare soil types and fertility in differentagricultural systems.

1 I . Conduct field trips to compare productivity of different farms.

RESOURCES

*l r*, o2s/u2/ro 30

Arms, K.

Byrne, K.

Chiras, D.

Cunningham, W., and Saigo,B .

Ehrlich, P. and Ehrlich, A.

Enger, E. and Smith, B.

Goodbody, I. and Thomas-Hope, E.

Goudie, A. and Viles. H.

Jordan, C.

Nebel, B. and Wright, R.

Miller, G. Tyler

Websitewww.mhhe. com/environmental sciencewww.ecs.co. szlenv_articles

UNIT 2

I't I cxc t2snt2/ro 3l

E nv ir o nm e n t a I S c ie nc e : S e c o n d E d i t i o n, Phllade lphia : Ho lt,Rinehart and Winston, 2007 .

Environmental Science : Second Edition, IJnited.Kingdom:Nelson Thornes,200l.

Environmental Science. Action for a Sustainable Future,Unites States of America: The Benjamin/CummingsPublishing Company Inc., 1994.

Environmental Science, A Global Concern: Sixth Edition.New York: McGraw Hill. 2001.

The Population Explosion, New York: Simon andSchuster,1990.

Environmental Science, A Study of Inter-relationships,New York: McGraw HiII,2004.

Natural Resource Management for SustainableDevelopment of the Caribbean, Canoe Press, University ofthe West Indies, Mona,2002.

The Earth Transformed: An Introduction to HumanImpacts on the Environment: First Edition, Cambridge;Massachusetts : Blackwell Publishers Incorporated, 1997 .

Conservation, New York: John Wiley and Sons,.l995.

Environmental Science: The llay the llorld lTorl

-MODUTE 2: ENERGY AND IHE ENY,RONMENI

GENERAT OBJECTIVES


1. understand the nature ofenergy and its use;

2. understand the socio-economic and environmental impacts of provision and the use ofenergy.

3. appreciate the advantages ofusing renewable energy sources;

4. acquire knowledge and develop practical and analytical skills in the areas covered.



l. describe the nature, form and (i) Definition: energy, kinetic energy, (conversion ofenergy; potential energy, power.

(ii) Units of measurement: Joule, MJ, TJ,GJ. Watt, MW, KWh.

(ii i) Types of energy: solar, heat, light,electrical, nuclear, chemical.

(iu) Examples of energy and conversion,effi ciency of conveision.

(") Renewable and non-renewable sourcesof energy.

2. explain the importance of energy to (i) Use of energy within societies.society;

(ii) Socio-economic dependency on energyuse.

*.l r*, n2s/a2/Io ) z

of1l

UNIT 2MODUTE 2: ENERGY AND IHE ENV,RONMENI (conl'd)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES


EXPTANATORY NOTES

Primary Energy Sources

A. Non-renewable

(i) Fossil fuels: location of reserves,extraction, transportation processingand uses.

(ii) Nuclear Power: nuclear fission andnuclear fusion; use of nuclear fission,nuclear power plant (basic structure andoperation).

Nuclear fuel cycle

Renewable

Solar energy: harnessing and use:

(a) active (photothermal);

(b) passive (solar cookers, solarfurnaces);

(c) photovoltaic cells.

Indirect solar power: principal featuresand methods of harnessing:

(a) wind energy;

(b) hydroelectric energy;

(c) biofuels: biomass fuel, biogas.(iii) Geothermalenergy.

(iv) Wave, tidal and ocean thermal energy.

describe the characteristicsvarious energy sources;*

(iii)B .

(i)

( i i)

*l r*, n2s/a2/to J J

UNIT 2MODUTE 2: ENERGY AND IHE ENV,RONMENI (cont'd)

5 .

6.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES


EXPTANATORY NOTES

Secondary Energy Source

Fuel cells: structure and process, Protonexchange fuel cell.

(i) Technological limitations

(ii) Geographical restrictions.

(iii) Reliability of supply.

(iu) Economic (cost of production),.political (energy policy of country) and'social.

(i) Conventional generation.

(ii) Transmission.

(i) Generation rates.

(ii) Demand pattems.

(iii) Energy storage.

(i") Stock piling capability for fossil fuels.

(") Diversity of energy sources.

(ui) Economic cost.

(vii) Governmentpolicies.

describe the conventional generationand distribution of electricitv:*

evaluate the use of renewableenergy;*

discuss factors affecting electricitygenerating capacity and demand;

*l r*, n2s/u2/10 34

8. discuss various methods of energyconservation and improvingefficiency;

outline the impact of various forms o.fenergy in the environment;

(i) Definition:energyconservation,energy efficiency.

(ii) Approaches lo energy conservation(including but not limited totransp o r t at io n ener g1t c ons e rv atio n,domestic energ) conservation,industrial energy cons ervation).

Improving energy effi ciency:

(i) Energy efficient buildings.

(ii) Co-generation.

(iii) Combined cycles.

(iu) Use of alternative energy sources (forexample, biofuels).

(") Use of renewable energy (for example,wind, solar, water).

(ui) Technological ffor example, types oflighting, appliances and machines ).Sustainable lifestyle (practices thatreduce the demand on naturalresources).

(i) Environmental:

(a) global warming;

(b) pollution impact;

(c) habitat destruction.

(ii) Socio-economic:

(a) health issues;

(b) dislocation of communities.

9 .

*l r* n2s/a2/10 35

UNIT 2MODUTE 2: ENERGY AND IHE ENV,RONMENI (cont'd)



10. explain the total cost of energy use. (i) Political.

(ii) Economic.

(ii i) Social.

(iv) Environmental.

(v) Technological.

I l. interpret data using appropriatecharts, tables and graphs.

*l r*, n2s/a2/10 36

UNIT 2MODUTE 2: ENERGY AND fHE ENV,RONMENI (conf'd)

Suesested Teachine and Learninq Activities

To facilitate students' attainment of the objectives of this module, teachers are advised to engagestudents in the teaching and learning activities listed below.

l. Conduct field visits to renewable energy facilities, for example, wind farms, solar waterheater manufacturers and photovoltaic (PV) installations.

2. Conduct research on renewable energy systems used in the country and the extent of theirmarket penetration

3. Invite guest lecturers to discuss renewable energy.

4. Use contour maps to evaluate loss of area in the country if global warming leads to sea levelrise.

5. Construct a simple device to measure energy use.

6. Construct a simple renewable energy device, for example, a solar water heater, a solar cropdryer, a PV powered device, and a simple solar cooker.

7. Allow students to investigate diversity and percentage contribution to total annual generationcapacity in your country.

8. Conduct investigations on enefgy use in home and school and recommend methods ofimproving energy use and conservation.

9. Assign students to conduct an assessment of energy efficiency in buildings with respect to thefeatures that characterise an energy efficient building.

10. Construct a model to depict an energy efficient building.

I l. Assign students to conduct an investigation on the energy use of various sectors.

12. Collect documentation on policies that govern energy useo transportation and extraction, andpromote energy conservation and efficiency.

*.l r*, o2s/a2/ru J I

UNII2MODUTE 2: ENERGY AND IHE ENV,RONMENI (cont'd)

RESOURCES

Arms, K. Environm:ental Science, Philadelphia: Saunders CollegePublishing (Harcourt Brace Publisher), 1994.

Byrne, K. Environmental Science; Second Edition, United Kingdom:Nelson Thornes.2001.

Chiras, D. Environmental Science. Actionfor a Sustainable Future,United States of America: The Benjamin/CummingsPublishing ComPanY lnc., 1994.

Cunningham, W. and Saigo, Environmental Science, A Global Concern: Sixth Edition,B. New York: McGraw Hil l ,200l.

Ehrlich, P. and Ehrlich, A. The Population Explosior, New York: Simon andSchuster, 1990.

Enger, E., and Smith, B. Environmental Science, A Study of Inter-relationships,New York: McGraw HrLL,2002.

Goodbody, I. and Thomas- Natural Resource Management .fo, SustainahleHope, E. Development of the Caribbean, Canoe Press, University of

the West Indies, Mona. 2002

Jordan. C. Conservation, New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1995,

Miller, G. Tyler Living in the Environment, Principles, Connections andSolutions: Wadsworth Publishing Company. Belmont'California, 1994.

Nebel, B., Wright, R. Environmental Science: The Way the World Ll'orks,NewJersev: Prentice Hall.1997 .

WCD (World Commission on Environment andDevelopment) Our Common Future, Brundtland Report,1987.WWF, IUCN, LJNEP - Caring for the Earth: A Strategyfor Sustainable Living, 1981.

Websites:www.mhhe. com/environmentalsciencewww.worldresourcesinstitutewww.eclac.org/publications

*.l r*, o2s/u2/ro 3 8

UNIT 2MODUTE 3: POLLUTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

GENERAI OBJECTIVES


l. be aware of the major types and sources of pollution;

2. understand the environmental impacts of pollution;

3. understand the methods available for monitoring, analyzing and mitigating pollution and itsenvironmental impacts;

4. acquire knowledge and develop practical and analytical skills in the areas covered.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES


EXPTANATORY NOTES

l. describe the general sources and (i) Definition of pollution and pollutant.nature of pollutants;

(ii) Local examples of pollutants andincidences of pollution.

(iii) Nature of pollutants: persistence,mobility, synergistic effects, toxicity.

(iv) Movement through the environment.

2. identify environmental receptors of Environmental receptors (micro-organisms,specific pollutants;* plants, animals, humans).

3. describe the various pathways of Environmental pathways (biotic and abiotic),pollution in the ecosystem and the feeding relationships, bioaccumulation andbiosphere; biomagnification.

*.l r*, n2s/a2/ro 39

UNIT 2MODUTE 3: POLIUTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT (conl'd)



4. outline the underlying causes of (i) Resource extraction, transportation,pollution; Processing and use.

inappropriate technologY,industrialization;

(ii) Population growth: behavioural pattern,lifes tyle, c onsumPt ion Patt ern -

lack of environmentalconsciousness; !

5. outline the underlying causes of (iii) Institutional Framework:pollution;

(a) Environmental standards,policies, legislation(Absence and limitedimplementation).

(b) Limited economic instruments(lack of incentives - tax rebates,limited implementation ofpollution principles.

(iv) Lack of environmdntal ethics.

6. discuss the major sources, A. Atmospheric Pollutionimpact and mitigation of pollution.*

(i) The Atmosphere.

(a) structure and comPosition;

(b) physical processes and featuresrelated to the movement ofpollutants (wind, alr effects oftopography on the movement ofpollutants).

*.l r*, n2s/u2/Io 40

UNIT 2MODUTE 3: POILUTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT (cont'd)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVESStudents should be able to:

EXPI.ANATORY NOTES

Primary Air Pollutants:

(a) types: carbon monoxide; nitrogenoxides; sulphur oxides; suspendedparticulate matter; volatile organiccompounds (include formulae ofpollutant);

(b) sources;(c) environmental pathways and

receptors;

(d) environmental impacts (fo,example, public health, CarbonMonoxide (CO) poisoning, acidrain).

Secondary Air Pollutants

(a) types: photochemical smog andacid rain;

(b) mechanism of formation andcharacteristics includinsequations;

(c) environmental pathways andreceptors;

(d) environmental impacts forexample, acidification of soiland water, damage tobuildings).

(ii)

( i i i )

*"l r*, n2i/u2/ro 4 l

UNIT 2MODUTE 3: POLLUTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT (conf'd)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVESStudents should be able to:

EXPTANATORY NOTES

Global ImpactsPollutants

of Atmospheric

Global Warming:

(a) greenhouse effect and earth'sheat balance;

sources of greenhouse gases:anthropogenic and natural;

greenhouse effect and globalworming;

impacts of global warming (forexample, sea level rise,increased temperatures,increased intensities ofweather phenomena,

Ozone Depletion:

(a) Ozone depleting substances andsources: natural andanthropogenic substances;

chemical equation of formationand destruction of ozone;

. Formation of Ozone

o'(g) + hv o(g) + -)o.(g)

o.(g) + o, (S) +M(g)--' o, (g) + Mx(g) =heat

(i")

(b)

(c)

(d)

(b)

*l r*, o2s/u2/Io 42

UNIT 2MODUTE 3: POLIUTION OF THE ENVTRONMENT (cont'd)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES


EXPI.ANATORY NOTES

. Destruction of Ozone

CFsClc (g) + hv +CF, Cr(g) + Cl(g)

Cl(g) + os(g) -+ Clo (g) + o,(g)

or

2os (g)+ so")(g)

Noise pollution:(a) sources: industrial:

commercial;(b) social;cultural;transportation;

(c) intensity measurement andmonitoringl

(d) health risks (for example,damage to ear drum, publichealth, stress).

(") General Mitigative Mdasures andMonitoring:

(a) air quality monitoring methods;

(b) solutions (technologicol,education, public awareness,legislation and policy incentive,emission control and reductionmethods):

r*.l r*, o2s/a2/ro 43


SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES


EXPLANATORY NOTES

Water Pollution

Properties of water:

(a) physical: colour, taste, odour,appearance, turbiditY;

(b) chemical: pH, dissolved oxYgen(DO) content, salinitY.

Water pollutants and their sources'.(sediment, heat, nutrients andbiodegradable organic matter' pathogens'sewage and toxic chemicals). Sources(agriculture, municipal and domestic,industrial, atmosPheric).

(ii) Point and non-Point sources.

(iii) Factors affecting concentration ofpollutants:

(a) volume of emission;(b)(c) volume of receiving water;

(d) residence time;

(e) rate of degradation and removalof pollutants.

(i") Environmental pathways and receptors.

(") Environmental imPacts:

(u) eutroPhication;

(b) deoxYgenation;

I

B.

(r,)

*.1"*, n2s/u2/Io 44

UNIT 2MODUTE 3: POIIUTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT (cont'd)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES


(") coral reef destruction;

(d) fish kills;

(") public health issues.

("i) General mitigative measures andmonitoring.

(a) solutions

EXPTANATORY NOTES

(i) technological (treatmentof drinking water,

treatment of sewageand industrial ffiuent);

(ii) education and publicawareness;

(iii) legislation and policy,for example, ffiuentdis charge regulations.

(b) water quality monitoringmethods (water qualityparameters - nitrates,phosphates, B iological OrygenDemand (BOD); ChemicalOxygen Demand (COD);

Total Suspended SolidsQSS); faecal coliforms. Anunderstanding of the proto:colfor testing each parameter isrequired);

*.1 ,*, n2s/u2/ro 45

UNIT 2MODULE 3: POILUTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT (cont'd)

(c)

c.

(i)

Land Pollution

Sources: industrial; agricultural;municipal; domestic.

(ii) Causes of land pollution:

(a) atmospheric fallout;

(b) waste disPosal (domestic,industrial, oPen dumPs,sanitary landfills);

(d)

(e)

dumping of mineral extractionspoils;

agricultural processes (seeUnit2 Module 1);

oil spills.

(iii) Environmental PathwaYs andreceptors.

(iv) Environmental impacts (for example,reduced aesthetic quality, lowering ofland value, health imPlications,change in land use).

*l ,*, n2s/u2/to 46

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES


EXPTANATORY NOTES

(v) General mitigative measures andmonitoring

(a) Wasteminimization(reduction,recycling, reuse, rethink).

(b) EnvironmentallmpactAssessments.(Refe, to Unit l, Module 3, Specific /-Objective 10.)

(c) Legislation, incentives and penalties.

(d) Public awareness and participation.

(e) Public awareness and education.

(/) Clean up of pollution(bioremediation andphytoremediation).

@) Incineration.

(a) (h) Research and development(research on status ofenvironmental components anddevelopment of policy).

6. analyse the environmental impacts (i) Sources (medicalandindustrialwaste).of pollution from specific sources;*

(ii) Toxic effects (carcinogenic, mutagenic,tetrato genic effe c ts ) .

(iii) Improper disposal methods.7 . assess the effectiveness of measures

to mitigate environmental impacts ofpollut ion:

8. discuss the importance of (i) United Nations Convention on Climateinternational conventions and Change (UNFCCC) and Kyoto Protocol.agreements regarding pollutioncontrol; (ii) Montreal Protocol.

*l r*, n2s/a2/ro 47

UNIT 2MODUTE 3: POILUIION OF THE ENVIRONMENT (conl'd)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

StudentJ should be able to:

EXPTANATORY NOTES

(iii) International Convention for thePrevention of Marine Pollution(MARPOL).

(iu) CartagenaConvention

(") Basel Convention.

("i) United Nations Convention on Law ofthe Sea UNCLO9.

g. interpret data using appropriatecharts, tables and graPhs'

Sussested Teaching and Learnine Activities

To facilitate students' attainment of the objectives of this Module, teachers are advised to engagestudents in the teaching and learning activities listed below

l. Assign students to investigate and categorise local pollution problems.

Z. Assign students to monitor individual waste production on a weekly basis.

3. Conduct research to compare emission from leaded, unleaded and diesel fuels.

4. Assign experimental work to investigate lead content of vegetation near highways.

5. Conduct field studies on the collection and disposal of garbage

6. Collect information on industries and their potential to produce pollution.

7. Conduct research to analyse the effectiveness oflocal legislation to reduce greenhouse gases'

g. Conduct field studies on industries or factories and analysis of their processes with respect todeveloping waste reduction strategies.

Assign students to investigate respiration ailments in a community.

*l r*, n2s/u2/to 48


9.

10 .

I l .

12.

13 .

14.

15 .

Assign students to analyse air and water quality in urban areas.

Review relevant literature to establish size and location of ozone hole.

Assign students to carry out water quality measurements: and faecal coliform: BOD, COD, TSS, pH.

Conduct an investigation on the categories and sources of pollutants in water bodies.

Conduct experiments to identify the relationship between DO and temperature.

Collect information on the level of sewage treatment at selected treatment plants.

Conduct soil sampling exercise for pollutants and their concentration levels (urban, agriculturaland industrial areas).

Assign students to conduct home audit for sources and categories of pollutants.

Conduct investigations on the extent of recycling activities in the country, identification of wastethat could be recycled.

Conduct brain-storming session on business opportunities based on use of waste as a resource.

Assign students to measure noise levels

Assign students to develop strategic plans on climate change.

Encourage students to garner information on national policies on pollution control.

Assign students to collect data on environmental impact assessments and make recommendations.

Encourage students to view An Inconvenient Truth and read ITTC Report, Stern Report.

21.

22.

z J .

*l r*, n2s/u2/Io 49

UNIT 2MODULE 3: POLIUTION OF IHE ENVIRONMENT (cont'd)

RESOURCES

Arms, K. r'

Environmental Science, Philadelphia: Saunders College Publishing(Harcourt Brace Publisher), 1994'

Chiras, D. Environmental Science. Actionfor a Sustainable Future, United StatesofAmerica:TheBenjamin/cummingsPublishingcompanylnc.,l994

Clarke, R. Marine Pollution,Toronto: Oxford University Press Inc., 1997' '

Cunningham, W. and Saigo, B. Environmental Science, A global concern' McGraw Hill'

Enger, E. and Smith, B. Environmental Science, A Study of Inter-relationships, New York:McGraw Hi11.2002.

Farmer, A. Managing Environmental Pollution, London: Routledge, 1997.

Goodbody, L andThomas-Hope, .Natural Resource Management for Sustainable Development ofE. the Caribbean, Canoe Press, University of the West Indies,

Mona.2002.

Ehrlich, P. and Ehrlich, A. The Population Explosion, New York: Simon and schuster'

.

1990.

Jordan, C. Conservatiorz, New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1995'

Miller, G. Replenish the Earth, California: Wadsworth Publications, 1996'

Nebel, B. and wright, R. Environmental science: The way the world works, New Jersey:Prentice Hall. 1997.

Reeve, R. Environmental Analysls, New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1999.

Viessman, W. Jr., and Hammer, Water Suppty and Pollution Control, Califomia: Addison WesleM. 1998.

Website:www.mhhe.com/environmentalsciencehttp ://www.basel. int/convention/about.htmlhttp ://ozone.unep. org/publications/exemplary-proj ectswww.occ. gov.uk/activities/sternwww. imo. orgy'safety/mainframe

*.l rt, n2s/a2/10 50

I OUTLINE OF ASSESSMENTEach Unit will be assessed separately. The scheme of assessment for each Unit will be the same. Acandidate's performance on each Unit will be reported as an overall grade and a grade on eachModule of the Unit. The assessment will comprise two components, external and intemal.

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT QO%)At the end of the academic year in which a Unit of the syllabus is taken, the student is expected to sittwo written papers for a total of 4 hrs.

Paper 01(l hour 30 minutes)

Paper 02(2 hours 30 minutes)

The paper comprises forty-five compulsory,multiple-choice items, fifteen based on eachModule.

The paper comprises six compulsoryquestions, two based on each Module.

(30%)

(40%)

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 0%,)

The Internal Assessment in respect of each Unit will contribute 30o/o to the total assessment of acandidate's performance on that Unit.

(i) Paper 03A

The assessment for each Unit will be in the form of a journal. The journal will comprisereports on site visits and laboratory exercises. The journal should focus on at least onespecific objective from any of the three Modules in the Unit and incorporate the relevantpractical skills.

(ii) Paper 03B

This is an alternate to Paper 03A and is intended for private candidates.

MODERATION OF INTERNAT ASSESSMENT

Each year an Internal Assessment Record Sheet will be sent to schools submittine students for theexaminations.

All Internal Assessment Record Sheets and sample of assignments must be submitted to CXC byMay 31 of the year of the examination. A sample of assignments will be requested for moderationpurposes by CXC. These samples will be re-assessed by CXC Examiners who moderate the InternalAssessment. Teachers' marks may be. adjusted as a result of moderation. The Examiners' commentswill be sent to schools.

*.l r*, n2s/u2/ro 5 1

Copies of the students' assignment that are not submitted must be retained by the school until threemonths after publication by cXC of the examination results.

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

External Asseilment by Written Papers (70oh of Total Assessment)

Paper 01 (1 hour 30 minutes - 307o of Total Assessment)

1. Composition of the PaPer

The paper comprises forty-five multiple-choice items, fifteen items based on each Module'

2. Syllabus Coverage

(i) Knowledge of the entire syllabus is required

(ii) The intention of this paper is to test candidates'knowledge across the breadth of thesyllabus.

3. Question TYPe

Questions may be based on.diagrams, data, graph, photographs or prose.

4. Mark Allocation

(i) One markwill be assignedfor each item'

(ii) The maximum nfark available for this paper is forty-five and will be weighted toninetY.

(iii) This paper contributes 30vo towards the final assessment'

(ir) The marks will be awarded for Knowledge and Comprehension, Application ofKnowledge and Practical Abilities'

5. Use of Calculators

Candidates will be allowed to use a non-programmable calculator in the examinations. Eachcandidate is responsible for providing his/her own calculator and to ensure that it functionsthroughout the examinations.

6. Use of Geometrical Instruments

Candidates are allowed to use geometrical instruments in the examinations. Each candidateis responsible for providing his or her own instruments'

*.l r*, n2s/a2/Io 52

l .

Paner 02 (2 hours 30 minutes - 70%o of Total Assessment)Composition of Paper

The paper is arranged into three sections. Each section representsof the Unit. Each section contains two compulsory questions.

Syllahus Coverage

(i) Comprehensive knowledge of the entire syllabus is required.(ii) Each question may focus on a single theme or develop a

unconnected themes.

2.

one of the three Modules

single theme or several

3. Question Type

Questions are of a free-response form and may be based on diagrams, data, graph,photographs or prose. Responses are to be written inthe separale booklet provided.

4. Mark Allocation

(i) Each question is worth 20.marks and the number allocated to each sub-question willappear on the examination paper.

(ii) The maximum markfor this paper is 120.(iii) This paper contributes 40%o towards the final assessment.(iv) The marlrs will be awarded for Knowledge and Comprehension, Application of

Knowledge and Practical Abilities.

5. Use of Calculators

Candidates will be allowed to use a non-programmable calculator in the examinations. Eachcandidate is responsible for providing his/her own calculator and to ensure that it functionsthroushout the examinations.

6. Use of Geometrical Instruments

Candidates are allowed to use geometrical instruments in the examinations. Each candidateis responsible for providing his or her own instruments,

w.l r*, o2s/a2/to 53

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

Internal Asessment is an integral part of student assessment in the course covered by this syllabus' It

is intended to assist students in acquiring certain knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are associated;ilffi;ffi:il activity for the Internal Assessmentls linked to the svllabus and should formpart of the learning activities to enable the student to achieve the objectives of the syllabus'During the course of study for the subject, students obtain marks for the competence they developand demonstrate in undertaking their Internal Assessment assignments. These- marks contribute to

the final marks and grades that ire awarded to students for their performance in the examination'

During the course of study for the subject, students obtain marks for the competence they develop ''and demonstrate in undertaking their Internal Assessment assignments. These marks contribute to

the final marks and grades that ire awarded to students for their performance in the examination'

The guidelines provided in this syllabus for selecting appropriate tasks are intended to assist teachersand students in selecting assignments that are valid lor the purpose of Internal Assessment' Theguidelines provided for the assessment of these assignments are intended to assist teachers in

awarding marks that are reliable estimates of the achievement of students in the Internal Assessmentcomponent of the course. In order to ensure that the scores awarded by teachers are not out of line

with the CXC standards, the Council undertakes the moderation of a sample of the InternalAssessment assignments marked by each teacher'

The Internal Assessment component is compulsory. The assignment is assessed by the teacher, using

Internal Assessment Criteria provided below'

The following are the skills that will be assessed:

(i) the selection of techniques, designs, methodologies and instruments appropriate to differentenvironmental situations;

(ii) the collection and collation of data;

(iii) the analysis, interpretation and presentation of such data;

(iv) the use of appropriate quantitative techniques;

(v) the development of appropriate models as possible solutions to specific environmentalproblems.

The Internal Assessment should relate to at least oNE specific objective in the unit'

*l r* n2s/u2/Io 54

CRITERIA FOR THE INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

The following are the guidelines for assessing the journal.

1. The journal is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by CXC

z. Each candidate will be required to complete a journal in which he/she will be expected todemonstrate the practical skills listed on Page 53.

THE JOARNAL

The reports for a series of site-visits andare recorded in the journal.

The journal wil l comprise:

laboratory exercises associated with the site-visits

(u) an entry for each site visit(b) a report for thejournal(") a final report on the set of site-visits

Each student is expected to conduct and write a final report on a minimum of four (4) sitevisits and four (4) laboratory exercises.

(ii)

(iii)

Site visits should be based either on visits to one site where changes over a period oftime are observed OR on a series of visits to different sites to compare and contrastsimilar processes or occurrences.

Laboratory exercises should relate to each or any of the series of site-visits.

The entries for the site-visits and the reports for the laboratory exercises MUSTinform the final report for the journal. The final report must not exceed 1500 words'

expected to work closely with students by providing feedback on all aspects of theTeachersproject.

Studentsreporting,making.

should be encouraged to develop theconcise recording and the ability for

keen observation, relevant and precisethinking, problem-solving and decision-

habit ofcritical

Each student is required to keep a record (ournal) for the reports on the laboratory exercises and afinal report for entries on the site-visits.

It is recommended that the assessment criteria be available to candidates at all times.

(A) Site-Visit

The entry for each site-visit should be recorded using the format below:

I55*, I cxc,e2sru2/Io

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)

(iv) Objective(s)

(v) Activities

(vi) Observations

(vii) Comments

(viii) Follow-uPActivities

The teacher is required to assess each site-visit formaximum of 40 marks should be scaled to l0 marks'

(B) Laboratorv Exercise

EntryNumber

Date

Site @d"cation)

Planning and Designing; .

Observation and Recording;

Manipulation and Measurement;

Analysis and InterPretation;

Reporting and Presentation.

Total

I mark

4 marks a

2 marks

2 marks

I mark10 Marks

a maximum of 10 marks. The total fromNo fractional marks should be awarded.

4 marks

J marks' 2 marks

6 marks

3 marks20 marks

(Scaled to 10 marks)

The areas that will be assessed in the report for each laboratory exercise are:

Ijlliil,

The teacher is required to mark and award a score out of a maximum of 20 marks for each laboratoryreport and then scale to l0 marks. No fractional marks should be awarded'

These entries for the site-visits and the laboratory reports should inform the final report for thejournal.

Laboratory exercises should be reported using the format below:

i) Title iD Aim

w.l r*, o2s/u2/Io 56

iii) Materials

v) Data Collection/Results

iv) Procedure

vi) Discussion and Conclusions

(C) Final Report for Journal

The areas that will be assessed in the final report for the journal are summarised in the table below.

Final Report for Journal Marks

1 Clarity of the statement of the real world problem being studied (projectdescription)

2

2 . Definition of the scope of the project (purpose of project) aJ

3. Adequacy of information/data gathered and the appropriateness of thedesign chosen for investigating the problem aJ

a . Appropriateness of the literature review 5

Presentation of dataiAnalvsis of data 6

6 . Discussion of findings 8

7 . Conclusion 3

8 . Recommendations 4

9 . Communication of information 4

l o . Bibliography 2

Total 40

l

I

IIIIIII

' I! l

I

IIIlIrl

riliii

i

*l r*, n2s/u2/ro J I

ASSESSING THE JOURI{AL REPORT

l .

2.

3 .

4.

5 .

Problem Stutement. Problem clearlY stated. Probf1m clearly stated and concise

Purpose of Project' Purpose stated. Purpose stated and some variables identified. Purpose stated and all variables identified

Methods of Data Collection. Data collection design described. Design clear, appropriate, carried out with few flaws. Design clear, appropriate, carried out without flaws

Literature Review. Literature review attemPted. Literature review aPProPriate. Literature review appropriate and comprehensive

Presentation of Data

. Used graphs, tables, figures and statistical symbols adequately

. Used lruptrr, tables, figures and statistical symbols creatively

6. AnalYsis of Data' Some analYsis attemPted' Analysis adequatelY done' Analysis used 2 or more approaches. Analysis used a variety of approaches or exceeded requirements of

the course

Discussion of Findings 8. Some findings stated. All findings stated. Some findings stated and supported by data. All findings stated and supported by data. Some findlngs stated, tuppntt.d by data and their interpretability

addressed. All findings stated, supported by data and their interpretability

I2

l !2aJ

I2J

l -23-4

5

I2J

4

I2J

45

addressed. Reliability or validitY,. Reliability or validitY,

and usefulness of some findings addressedand usefulness ofall findings addressed

*l r*, o2s/u2/10 58

8. Conclusion 3. Conclusion clear and based on finding(s) I. Conclusion clear, based on finding(s) and valid 2. Conclusion clear, based on finding(s), valid and related to 3

purpose(s) of projectg. Recommena"Ion, 4

. Few recommendations based on findings 2

. Most recommendations based on findings 3

. Recommendations fully derived from findings 4

10. Communication of Information 4. Information communicated in a fairly logical manner with several I

grammatical errors. Information communicated in a loeical manner with some 2

grammatical enors. Information communicated in a loeical manner with few 3

grammatical errors. Information communicated in a loeical manner with no 4

grammatical errors

1 1. Bibliography. Number of references is less than 4. Number of references is greater than 4, written using a consistent

. convention

Total 40 marks

The overall assessment of each student is based on the entries for the four site-visits (40 marks), fourlaboratory exercises (40 marks) and the final report for the journal (40 marks).A total of 90 marks summarised in the table below:

Component Raw Marks Total Marks

4 site-visits 4 x l 0 : 40Scaled to l0 l 0

4laboratoryexercises 4 x l 0 : 40 40

Final report 40 40

Total 90

irtIt

I,ll

*.l r*, o2s/u2/ro 59

GENERAT GUIDETINES FOR TEACHERS

L The teacher is required to mark the journal and final marks must be recorded outof 90.

e. The school must retain all journals for at least three months after publication of the resultssince journals may be requested by CXC for moderation purposes.

3. The specific objectives highlighted by an asterisk are suitable for Internal Assessment, butthe assignments need not assess only these objectives;

4. The reliability of the marks awarded is a significant factor in the Internal Assessment, andhas far reaching implications for the candidate's final grade. Teachers are asked to note thefollowing:

(i) the marks awarded to the journal must be carefully transferred to the CXC InternalAssessment forms;

the teacher must allocate one-third of the total score for the Internal Assessment toeach Module. Fractional marks should not be awarded. [n cases where the markis not divisible by three, then the allocation is as follows:

(a) when the remainder is I mark, the mark is allocated to Module 3;

(b) When the remainder is 2, then a mark is allocated to Module 3 and the othermark to Module 2.

For example, 35 marks are allocated as follows:

35 13 : l l r ema inde r2 so 11marks to Modu le I and12marks toeacho fModules 2 and3.

(iii) the standard of marking should be consistent'

Candidates who do not fulfil the requirements of the Internal Assessment will be consideredabsent from the whole examination.

( i i)

5 .

l

'l{iI fI ;'f"

*l r*" u2s/u2/to 60

environmental science cape syllabus

Documents