Ch 1: Introduction to Environmental Science
About This Chapter
Introduction to Environmental Science - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
What is environmental science? Does it focus on all aspects of the environment, like habitats, animals and climates? If you aren't quite sure what it is, then this chapter will help you to figure it out. We have a lesson that explores the field of environmental science completely. You'll understand what this field is and why it is important. You'll also get to discover the scope of the field. Beyond the basic definition of environmental science, you'll watch lessons about conservation, preservation, U.S. environmental history and the roles of scientific evaluation and the scientific method in this field. Some of the other things that you can expect to learn from this chapter include:
- The differences between conservation and preservation
- A timeline of U.S. environmental history
- The steps of scientific evaluation of environmental problems
- How the scientific method is applied to solve environmental problems
| Video | Objective |
|---|---|
| What is Environmental Science? - Definition and Scope of the Field | Discover the field of environmental science. |
| What is Conservation and Preservation of the Environment? - Definition & Differences | Study the definitions and differences of conservation and preservation. |
| U.S. Environmental History: Movements & Timeline | Explore the history of the U.S. when it comes to the environment. |
| Conservationists vs. Preservationists: Definition & Differences | Examine the differences between conservationists and preservationists. |
| Scientific Evaluation of Environmental Problems: Process and Steps | Analyze how science is viewed as a process used to solve environmental problems. |
| The Scientific Method Applied to Environmental Problems: Definition, Steps and Applications | Outline the steps of the scientific method, and discuss the importance when solving environmental problems. |
1. What is Environmental Science? - Definition and Scope of the Field
This lesson will explore the exciting and broad field of environmental science. You will learn what environmental science is and also discover what disciplines it incorporates. Also, the importance of environmental science will be explained.
2. U.S. Environmental History: Movements & Timeline
Have you ever heard of John Muir? Have you ever been to a National Park and wondered why it was preserved for future generations to enjoy? This lesson will discuss the major environmental movements in the United States since the 19th century, including the events that occurred, the people involved and the legislation which developed.
3. Environmental Conservation and Preservation: Definition, Differences & Advocates
This lesson will explain two views on how land can be managed and discuss famous supporters of each view. We will also explore examples of situations where the views are opposing each other and when they can be combined for the common good.
4. Scientific Evaluation of Environmental Problems: Process and Steps
This lesson will explore how the process of scientific evaluation is used to solve environmental problems. We will also investigate the steps involved in the scientific evaluation of environmental problems and how they all work together to solve an important issue.
5. The Scientific Method Applied to Environmental Problems: Definition, Steps and Applications
In this lesson we will investigate the steps involved in the scientific method. We will also explore how the scientific method is used to solve environmental problems.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Environmental Science 101: Environment and Humanity course
- Ecosystems and the Effects of Pollution
- Habitats & Ecosystems
- The Evolution of Ecosystems
- Meteorology and the Environment
- Geology and the Environment
- Biological Science
- Causes and Effects of Freshwater Pollution
- The Relationship Between Land and the Environment
- Effects of Population Growth on the Environment
- Environmental Impact of Agriculture
- Solid and Hazardous Waste
- Human Impact on the Environment
- Renewable Resources and the Environment
- Nonrenewable Resources
- Environmental Sustainability
- Analyzing Environmental Risks
- Impact of Environmental Policy
- Studying for Environmental Science 101
