3.7 Sustainable activities

Natural sciences

Grade 8

Biodiversity

Module 30

Sustainable activities

SUSTAINABILITY: How is this defined in the dictionary? …capable of being maintained at a steady level without exhausting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage (via Old French from Latin sustinere to hold up).

LIFE ON EARTH WILL ONLY BE SUSTAINABLE IF:

• nature is not harmed through the use of materials and the dumping of waste;
• resources are not exhausted;
• the well-being of the human race and all organisms is striven for.

principles for sustainable development:

• Plan needs
• Limit the threat to nature to the minimum
• Conserve nature for future generations
• Understand and manage human population growth

Activity: to have a class discussion on the sustainability of resources

SUSTAINABLE LIFE AND RESOURCE UTILIZATION

Indicate whether the following aspects are sustainable or not:

SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

FOSSIL FUELS

MINING

FORESTRY

HYDRO ELECTRIC SCHEMES

NUCLEAR REACTORS

Discuss each briefly in terms of sustainability and add comments in each instance:

1. Solar energy systems:

2. Fossil fuel:

3. Mining:

4. Forestry:

5. Hydro electric schemes:

6. Nuclear reactors:

7. What is your final impression?

Assessment of CLASS DISCUSSION - RESOURCES:

Could you make correct deductions from the class discussion?

[LO 3.2]

Assessment

Learning outcomes 1: Scientific investigations

The learner will be able to act confidently on curiosity about natural phenomena, and to investigate relationships and solve problems in scientific, technological and environmental contexts.

This is evident when the learner

1.1 is able to plan investigations;

1.2 is able to conduct an investigation and collect data;

1.3 is able to evaluate data and communicate findings.

Learning outcomes 2: Constructing Science Knowledge

The learner will know and be able to interpret and apply scientific, technological and environmental knowledge.

This is evident when the learner

2.3 is able to interpret information;

2.4 is able to apply knowledge.

Learning outcomes 3: Science, society and the environment

The learner will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships between science and technology, society and the environment.

This is evident when the learner

3.1 is able to understand science as a human endeavour.