Science 2200

Biodiversity and sustainability of the biosphere

I can evaluate how biodiversity affects the sustainability of life within the biosphere.

Biodiversity loss from human activity

I can explain how human activity causes biodiversity loss and how that adversely affects ecosystems.

How biodiversity sustains an ecosystem

I can explain the mechanisms by which biodiversity contributes to an ecosystem's sustainability and resilience.

Earth: closed for matter, open for energy

I can explain why Earth is a closed system for matter but an open system for energy.

Population equilibrium and resource limits

I can explain the biotic and abiotic factors that keep populations in equilibrium and relate this to an ecosystem's resource limits.

Trophic levels and classification

I can describe and apply the classification of organisms into trophic levels within an ecosystem.

Cycling of matter through an ecosystem

I can illustrate how carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen cycle through the living and non-living parts of an ecosystem.

Change of matter and the cycling concept

I can use the concept of the cycling of matter to examine how matter changes form as it moves through an ecosystem.

Energy flow and the pyramid of energy

I can analyze the flow of energy through an ecosystem using the pyramid of energy.

Human alteration of the carbon and nitrogen cycles

I can describe how human activity has altered the carbon and nitrogen cycles and analyze the impact.

Changes to terrestrial systems

I can describe and predict the nature and effects of changes to terrestrial (land-based) ecosystems.

Bioaccumulation from pesticide use

I can describe how pesticides bioaccumulate and explain their impact on consumers up the food chain.

Impact of fertilizer overuse

I can describe how the overuse of fertilizers can harm ecosystems, including through eutrophication.

Analyzing the impact of external factors

I can analyze the impact of external factors on an ecosystem and predict the effects of a proposed change.

Similar ecosystems in different locations

I can explain why ecosystems with similar characteristics arise in different geographical locations.

Soil composition and fertility

I can describe how soil composition and fertility can change and how those changes affect an ecosystem.

Short-term stress and long-term change

I can explain why an ecosystem may respond differently to short-term stress than to long-term change.

Human impact on biome distribution

I can select and display evidence to explain how factors like global warming may shift the distribution of biomes in Canada.

WHMIS and safe handling of lab materials

I can apply WHMIS standards to safely handle and dispose of lab materials and equipment.

Heat transfer in the atmosphere and hydrosphere

I can use scientific theory to describe and explain heat transfer in the atmosphere and hydrosphere and its consequences.

Heat transfer in the water cycle

I can illustrate and explain the heat-energy transfers that occur as water moves through the water cycle.

Heat transfer and air and water currents

I can use weather data to describe how heat transfer drives air and water currents.

Currents, latitude, and Newfoundland's climate

I can apply the effects of ocean currents, air currents, and latitude to explain the climate of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Factors behind seasonal weather

I can describe the dominant factors that produce the seasons and seasonal weather.

Collecting and analyzing weather data

I can collect weather data from observational networks and analyze it to predict future weather.

Forecasting terms and methods

I can define key weather-forecasting terms and describe the main methods forecasters use.

Heat transfer and weather systems

I can explain how heat transfer affects the development, severity, and movement of weather systems.

The atmosphere and human activities

I can analyze how human activities and the atmosphere affect each other.

Causes and effects of extreme weather

I can analyze a possible cause of an extreme weather event and describe its effects.

Seasonal weather events and flooding

I can describe the causes and effects of seasonal weather events such as localized flash flooding.