1.12 To cultivate a positive altitude towards the environment and

Natural sciences

Ecosystems and the environmental balance

Educator section

Memorandum

9.

(a) water; soil and vegetation

Leaner section

Content

Activity: to cultivate a positive altitude towards the environment and natural resources [lo 1.3, lo 2.3]

1. The influence of humans on the ecosystem

Humans continuously interact with the ecosystem in which they live. The interaction is associated with human survival and humans striving to improve their living conditions. Sometimes humans succeed in improving their situation, but in many cases they have simply disturbed the ecosystem.

Until recently we expected natural resources to be unlimited, but we now realise that we were wrong.

(a) Name THREE natural resources which have been badly exploited:

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(b) Study the sketch illustrating a damaged ecosystem (next page). Next to it, using the information, sketch the same representation of the ecosystem, but show it in harmony!

		Hungry people
Good managementof natural resources		Poor managementof natural resources
An ecosystem in harmony		A damaged ecosystem

People easily disturb the environmental balance of an unspoilt area. Therefore we have a responsibility to strive for harmony in nature, by preserving and restoring the environment. This responsibility can only be met once people adopt the proper attitude towards nature.

Assessment

Learning Outcome 1: 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.

Assessment Standard 1.3: We know this when the learner evaluates data and gives feedback on findings.

Learning Outcome 2: The learner will know and be able to interpret and apply scientific, technological and environmental knowledge.

Assessment Standard 2.3: We know this when the learner interprets information.