TEKS: Chapter 112. Science See All Teacher Resources

112.37.c.9

Science concepts. The student knows the impact of human activities on the environment. The student is expected to:

• (A)  identify causes of air, soil, and water pollution, including point and nonpoint sources;

• (B)  investigate the types of air, soil, and water pollution such as chlorofluorocarbons, carbon dioxide, pH, pesticide runoff, thermal variations, metallic ions, heavy metals, and nuclear waste;

• (C)  examine the concentrations of air, soil, and water pollutants using appropriate units;

• (D)  describe the effect of pollution on global warming, glacial and ice cap melting, greenhouse effect, ozone layer, and aquatic viability;

• (E)  evaluate the effect of human activities, including habitat restoration projects, species preservation efforts, nature conservancy groups, hunting, fishing, ecotourism, all terrain vehicles, and small personal watercraft, on the environment;

• (F)  evaluate cost-benefit trade-offs of commercial activities such as municipal development, farming, deforestation, over-harvesting, and mining;

• (G)  analyze how ethical beliefs can be used to influence scientific practices such as methods for increasing food production;

• (H)  analyze and evaluate different views on the existence of global warming;

• (I)  discuss the impact of research and technology on social ethics and legal practices in situations such as the design of new buildings, recycling, or emission standards;

• (J)  research the advantages and disadvantages of "going green" such as organic gardening and farming, natural methods of pest control, hydroponics, xeriscaping, energy-efficient homes and appliances, and hybrid cars;

• (K)  analyze past and present local, state, and national legislation, including Texas automobile emissions regulations, the National Park Service Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act, and the Endangered Species Act; and

• (L)  analyze past and present international treaties and protocols such as the environmental Antarctic Treaty System, Montreal Protocol, and Kyoto Protocol.