Grade 10 Social Science Unit 2


 

TOPIC 1: ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE - PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

Introduction

This topic explores environmental changes over time, focusing on both global and local contexts. It includes historical shifts, current issues, and projections for the future, with particular emphasis on Papua New Guinea.

Summary

  1. Lesson 1: Types of Changes in Papua New Guinea
    • Natural Changes: Includes volcanic activity, tectonic movements, and climatic shifts.
    • Human-Induced Changes: Examines deforestation, land conversion for agriculture, and urbanization. Discusses the impact of logging and mining on biodiversity and ecosystems.
  2. Lesson 2: Global Warming
    • Causes: Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities.
    • Effects: Rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and sea level rise. Impacts on weather patterns, ecosystems, and human societies.
    • Implications: Potential for increased natural disasters, shifts in biodiversity, and challenges to food and water security.
  3. Lesson 3: El Niño and La Niña
    • El Niño: Characterized by warmer ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, leading to altered weather patterns.
    • La Niña: Opposite of El Niño, with cooler ocean temperatures and different climatic effects.
    • Global and Regional Effects: Impact on precipitation patterns, agriculture, and weather extremes.
  4. Lesson 4: Case Study: El Niño in Papua New Guinea
    • Impact Analysis: Effects on agriculture, water resources, and health. Examines historical data and recent El Niño events.
    • Economic and Social Impacts: Includes crop failures, increased disease prevalence, and economic challenges.

TOPIC 2: THE WAYS IN WHICH PEOPLE CHANGE AND INFLUENCE THEIR ENVIRONMENT

Introduction

This topic focuses on how human activities have altered and influenced the environment. It includes both intentional and unintentional impacts, with specific examples from different regions.

Summary

  1. Lesson 5: Overpopulation and Land Use
    • Impact on Land: Leads to increased deforestation, urban sprawl, and habitat loss.
    • Consequences: Strain on natural resources, loss of biodiversity, and increased pollution.
  2. Lesson 6: Introduction of New Plants and Animals
    • Consequences: Can lead to invasive species that outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and cause economic damage.
    • Examples: Introduction of European rabbits to Australia and its impact on local flora and fauna.
  3. Lesson 7: Endangered and Threatened Species
    • Factors: Habitat destruction, poaching, climate change, and pollution.
    • Conservation Needs: Strategies include habitat protection, anti-poaching laws, and breeding programs.
  4. Lesson 8: Deforestation
    • Causes: Agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development.
    • Consequences: Loss of biodiversity, disruption of water cycles, and contribution to climate change.
    • Global Impact: Effects on tropical rainforests and the broader climate system.

TOPIC 3: LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Introduction

This topic explores specific environmental issues at the local level, emphasizing various forms of pollution and their impacts.

Summary

  1. Lesson 9: Pollution of River Systems
    • Causes: Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage.
    • Effects: Water quality degradation, impacts on aquatic life, and health risks for communities.
    • Case Studies: Examples of polluted river systems and their remediation efforts.
  2. Lesson 10: Marine Pollution
    • Sources: Plastic waste, oil spills, and chemical runoff.
    • Consequences: Harm to marine life, disruption of marine ecosystems, and impacts on human health and economies.
  3. Lesson 11: Industrial Pollution
    • Types: Air pollution from emissions, water pollution from effluents, and soil contamination from hazardous waste.
    • Impact: Health risks, environmental damage, and the need for regulation and remediation.

TOPIC 4: CONSERVATION AND THE PRESERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Introduction

This topic focuses on conservation efforts and the importance of preserving the environment. It includes strategies for maintaining ecological balance and restoring damaged ecosystems.

Summary

  1. Lesson 12: Conservation of the Environment
    • Strategies: Protected areas, sustainable resource use, and community involvement.
    • Importance: Ensures the long-term health of ecosystems and the services they provide.
  2. Lesson 13: The Green Revolution
    • Impact: Increased agricultural productivity through technology and improved practices.
    • Benefits and Challenges: Includes higher yields and reduced hunger but also environmental concerns like soil degradation and pesticide use.
  3. Lesson 14: Conservation in Papua New Guinea
    • Efforts: Includes community-based conservation, traditional knowledge integration, and national policies.
    • Challenges: Balancing development with environmental protection, addressing deforestation, and managing marine resources.
  4. Lesson 15: Environmental Repair and Protection
    • Methods: Restoration projects, pollution control measures, and sustainable practices.
    • Focus Areas: Includes reforestation, wetland restoration, and pollution cleanup.
  5. Lesson 16: Case Study: Conservation in Papua New Guinea
    • Detailed Analysis: Examines a specific conservation project, its objectives, outcomes, and challenges faced.
    • Successes and Lessons Learned: Provides insights into effective conservation strategies and areas for improvement.

 

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