Chapter 11: Water
In this chapter, we explore water—our planet’s most essential resource—and the challenges of managing and protecting it. First, we’ll break down the water cycle, freshwater distribution, and how groundwater and aquifers work. You’ll learn how water moves through river systems and recharge zones, and why fresh, usable water is much rarer than it seems. Then we examine how humans use water—for drinking, agriculture, and industry—and the systems we’ve built, like dams and irrigation networks, to move and treat it. Finally, we tackle water pollution: where it comes from, how it impacts ecosystems and human health, and what we can do about it. From point-source pollution to eutrophication and oil spills, this chapter makes it clear—clean water isn’t guaranteed, and protecting it is everyone’s responsibility.
Chapter 12: Air
This chapter focuses on the air we breathe—what pollutes it, how it affects us, and what we can do about it. First, you’ll learn the difference between primary and secondary pollutants, the major sources of air pollution (like cars and factories), and how laws like the Clean Air Act aim to reduce emissions. Then we dive into the health effects of pollution—from headaches and asthma to cancer—and explore indoor pollutants like radon and asbestos. You’ll also learn how noise and light pollution impact both human well-being and the environment. Finally, we’ll examine acid precipitation: what causes it, how it damages ecosystems and buildings, and how countries are working together to address this global issue. Clean air isn’t something to take for granted—and this chapter shows exactly why.
Chapter 13: Atmosphere and Climate Change
This chapter dives into the science of climate and the changes happening in Earth’s atmosphere. We begin by learning what shapes climate—like latitude, ocean currents, prevailing winds, and even volcanic eruptions—and how patterns like El Niño and the rain shadow effect influence weather around the globe. Then, we explore the ozone layer: how it protects us from harmful UV radiation, how it’s been damaged by CFCs, and the international efforts to repair it. Finally, we take on global warming—what the greenhouse effect is, how carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are changing Earth’s climate, and what the future might look like if we don’t act. From melting glaciers to shifting ecosystems, this chapter connects atmosphere, climate, and human impact on a global scale.
Chapter 14: Land
This chapter explores how humans use land—and the consequences of how we manage it. First, we examine the difference between rural and urban land, how people depend on ecosystem services from the land, and how land use has changed with population growth and industrialization. Then we shift focus to urban areas, looking at issues like urban sprawl, the urban heat island effect, and how smart city planning (like green spaces and mass transit) can reduce environmental impact. Finally, we dig into how rural land—like farmland, rangeland, forests, and wilderness—is managed. You’ll learn about deforestation, reforestation, and sustainable grazing, as well as why protected areas and national parks matter. By the end, you’ll see that land isn’t just something we build on—it’s a vital part of the planet’s systems that needs thoughtful care.
Chapter 15: Food and Agriculture
This chapter covers how we feed a growing world—and the environmental price tag that comes with it. First, you’ll learn about global nutrition, food distribution, and why hunger exists even when food is available. We’ll examine the role of agriculture in supporting the world’s population, from traditional farming to the Green Revolution, and the challenges of soil erosion, salinization, and land degradation. Then, we explore pest control and the impacts of pesticide use, genetic engineering, and sustainable farming practices. Finally, the chapter looks at how animals—from fish to cattle to chickens—are raised for food, and how practices like aquaculture and factory farming impact both our diets and the environment. It’s all about understanding the complex web of growing food while protecting the planet we grow it on.
Mrs. Ederington 