1. Natural Resources The earth is essentially a closed system.
- The sun is the primary source of energy for life on earth.
- Matter is not created or destroyed.
- Non-renewable resources are finite and cannot be refilled.
- Renewable resources must be used at a sustainable level to remain available.
- All the water on earth is all the water there is.
- There is no such place as "away."
2. Ecosystems All living and non-living components of an environment interact with one another to ~rm an ecosystem.
- The earth is a living, changing system.
- Components of an ecosystem include sun, air, water, soil, plants, animals, etc.
- Everything is interrelated and dependent upon these relationships.
- Energy flows from one organism to another in a complex food web.
- Predator/prey relationships are an example of coexistence in a balanced ecosystem.
- Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it.
3. Natural Systems Every component of nature forms a cycle and is in constant change.
- Gases (02, CO2, air), minerals (N, Ca, Fe, rocks, soil), energy and life all change location and form in a predictable cyclic pattern.
- Together, the cycles in nature form a complex control mechanism for natural systems.
4. Biodiversity A complex natural system is more stable than a simple one, and more able to absorb disturbances.
- Everything in nature has intrinsic value which may be beyond our understanding.
- There is life found in every possible niche (habitat and role) on earth.
- If a new niche becomes available, it will be filled by current life forms that will adapt to it.
- A rich habitat will support a greater number of species than a poor habitat.
- Those individuals or species with broad or flexible requirements are more able to adjust to environmental change.
- A food web is more stable than a food chain.
- Diversity is the key to stability.
5. Ecological Adaptations All living things acquire physical and behavioral adaptations to be successful in their environment.
- Organisms change throughout their lifetimes; species change over long periods of time.
- Competition occurs among life forms in the same niche.
- Survival of the fittest results in natural selection and evolution of species.
- If you can imagine it, nature has already done it.
6. Population Ecology
Populations are limited to a density the environment can support by shortages of basic needs, and may be further reduced by other mortality factors.
- Life forms tend to reproduce in numbers greater than their habitat can support.
- The carrying capacity of a habitat is determined by availability of food, water, shelter, air and space.
- Extreme disease, predation, weather or habitat loss can reduce populations below carrying capacity.
7. Human Culture and History Humans and the environment are interrelated.
- The natural environment has many obvious and subtle impacts upon human history and culture.
- Natural beauty enhances the quality of human life.
- Different cultures hold varying beliefs on environmental issues.
- Art is an expression of human thoughts and feelings.
- Humans have a great ability to alter natural systems, and a responsibility to consider the effects of our actions.
- Awareness, knowledge and appreciation lead to understanding of our impact.
- A growing human population is making increasing demands on natural resources.
- Waste and pollution are by-products of human society.
- Both poverty and affluence can cause environmental problems.
- Economic and political considerations have an influence on human actions.
- Sustainable technology and development must be appropriate to resources and equitable to people.
- Stewardship of the earth benefits humans as well as the environment.
8. Personal Growth Attitude and skills of individuals determine motivation and commitment to act.
- Dealing with the positive and negative aspects of emotions builds self esteem and confidence.
- Courage, trustworthiness and initiative are desirable personal qualities.
- Problem solving, decision making and risk assessment arc skills which empower us to reach goals.
- A positive attitude improves situations.
- Challenges provide opportunities for learning and growth.
- Challenging perceived limits and reviewing goals improves our responses to future life situations.
- Quality individuals make a quality group.
9. Group Building
Personal and social values guide actions that are a powerful force for positive change.
- Harmony comes from recognizing that similarities are greater than differences.
- Understanding and respecting others enables us to work together effectively as a community.
- Working cooperatively to accomplish goals promotes mutual support and benefit.
- Developing group interaction skills will improve our responses to future life situations.
10. Outdoor Recreation
LifeIong participation in outdoor physical activities promotes a healthy relationship between people and the environment.
- We all have potential for physical activity and can improve our skills with patience and practice.
- Healthy exercise has value as a lifelong activity.
- Human powered sports promote healthy people and environment.
- Safety is an important consideration in any activity.
- Using physical skills allows us to remote natural areas and gain a sense of peace.
- Outdoor experiences and behaviors help develop an outdoor ethic.
- Joy and fun are a vital component of a healthy, happy life.
- How we play today is how we live tomorrow.
