BUTUAN DOCTORS’ COLLEGE

J.C AQUINO AVENUE, BUTUAN CITY

GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT (A.Y 2020-2021)
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Prepared by: Ms. Almera N. Genita

TITLE: CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

TOPIC (I): Definition of Ecology, ecosystems, environment, science, and

environmental science

TIME FRAME: 2 Hours

INTRODUCTION: Our planet Earth is almost completely isolated from everything

in the universe and is totally exposed to sunlight. It is often compared to a vast spaceship
whose life support system consists of the communities of organisms that inhabit it, plus
the support energy from the sun. These organisms produce oxygen, transfer energy, and
recycle water nutrients and minerals. However, none of these ecological processes
would be possible without the physical (abiotic) components of the earth. Our family,
the people around us, animals, plants, even the air we breath, the water, the temperature
and all of the abiotic components in our surroundings are interconnected with each other.
Let’s find out how are these components affect each other.
OBJECTIVES/ILO’s: In this lesson, learners will be able to:

1. understand the relationship between organisms and their environment;

2. define terminologies that guide students to appreciate the study of environmental
science;
3. explain the importance of environmental science in the life of an individual.
4. Create a mini ecosystem which shows the interaction of both biotic and abiotic
components.
 Even before, there were already some environmental events happened in our
surroundings just like cutting of trees, throwing our garbage anywhere that leads to
different environmental problems. To date, our planet is experiencing unprecedented
stress, brought about by the continuing loss of its vital natural ecosystems that threatened
the ability of our world to develop.
Earth is composed of different organisms and these organisms are totally exposed
to sunlight which means that their main source of energy comes from the sun. It performs
various ecological processes such as producing oxygen, transferring energy, and
recycling water and nutrients. However, none of these ecological processes would be
possible without the presence of the non-living components of the environment.
 All organisms use the sun’s
energy as their main source
of energy so they can
perform any ecological
processes for them to
survive. As the sun warms
our planet, it powers the
hydrologic cycle, drives
ocean currents and the
atmospheric circulation
patterns, and produces much
of the climatic conditions to
which organisms are
adapted. The sun supplies the energy that almost all organisms use to carry on the
life process. The sun is the major source of energy for organisms and the ecosystems
of which they are part.
 Some of the organisms produce oxygen such as plants and cyanobacteria.

Oxygen is essential for respiration because the body uses it to burn food molecules.
We inhale oxygen and we give off carbon dioxide. Cyanobacteria (blue-green
algae), performs photosynthesis and provides food for marine organisms.
Some organisms also transfer energy. In an energy pyramid, the producers are mainly
plants since plants are responsible in making food for the consumers. We humans,
animals are examples of consumers. We are not capable in making food of our own.
 The producer usually
occupies the first trophic level
since they received most of the
sun’s energy so they can
perform the process of
photosynthesis. Then it is
followed by the first consumer,
second consumer, third
consumer, and so forth. And on
the last trophic level we have the
decomposers. These
decomposers also provide an
essential role in maintaining the
equilibrium in the ecosystem of
which we are inhabit.
 The decomposers are
responsible in breaking down
dead or decaying organisms for
the process of nutrients cycle.
They carry out the process of
decomposition which is possible
by certain kingdoms such as
fungi.
The nutrients are being
cycled so that it can be used by
plants for them to make food for
the consumers.

However, none of these ecological processes would be possible without the

without the physical or abiotic (non-living) components of the Earth. What is the
difference between abiotic and biotic components?
 Biotic factors refer to living things which are dependent on the non-living
components to survive in life. Like for example, we cannot survive without the presence
of water. We cannot metabolize anything, and therefore, we die because we cannot
survive in the absence of water. Next is the soil, soil is an important aspect of nutrient
management. It holds and stores nutrients. How about light? It affects the distribution
of plants. It also important when plants undergo the process of photosynthesis. We
humans also needs light. And then we have minerals. Basically, minerals is important
in the aspect of soil fertility. And for our health, we also need minerals so that we can
perform different functions. Lastly, we have the air. Air is an essential non-living
component because it contains important substances that most species needed to survive.
Therefore, both biotic and abiotic components must have to interact with each other to
continue the different life processes.

The science of ecology deals with the

abiotic environment as well as the biotic
components of earth. the individual
communities of organisms and their
abiotic environments are called
ecosystems. An ecosystem encompasses
all the interactions among organisms and
their abiotic environment.
To further understand and appreciate the
relationships between organisms and their
environment, and the external forces and conditions acting on the community of
organisms, the following terms are defined:
Ecology came from Greek words “oikos” (household), and “logos” (knowledge). It
is the study of the relationship between organisms and their environment. The
environment includes not only physical but also the biological conditions under which
an organism lives while relationships involves the interaction with the physical world as
well as the interrelationships with the number of the species and the individuals of the
same species.
Ecosystem is an integrated unit consisting of a community of organisms in the form
of bacteria, plants, and animals and the physical environment in the form of the water,
air, soil, and climate that they
inhabit. There are four types of
ecosystem the artificial, terrestrial,
lentic, and lotic.
Terrestrial ecosystem is a land-
based community of organisms.
Lentic ecosystem is slow or
motionless water while lotic
ecosystem is a running water type
of ecosystem. We have different
types of ecosystem with a different
type of organisms living on that
ecosystem.
 Environment refers to the sum of the external forces and conditions acting on an
organism or community of organisms. There are two types of environment: natural or
physical environment and cultural or social environment.
Natural environment are the surroundings are mostly provided by nature such as
land or marine environment. everything that is not man-made comes under natural
environment. Cultural environment, the surroundings are primarily those that are the
results of human activities, such as urban centers, tall structures or buildings, and
complex network of transport systems and shopping malls.

Environmental Science is the study of the interactions among physical, chemical

and biological components of the environment. Its main objective is to understand the
nature of environmental influences on individual organisms. This is important because
it enables us to understand how these relationship works. It also covers developments
and issues concerning climate change, biodiversity, conservation, and desertification,
use of energy resources, waste management, pollution, and sustainable development.
 What is science? In our previous science related subjects, our techers have
given us a lot of definitions on what is science. In this chapter, we have four meaning
on what is science. First, science as a form of knowledge. These are the knowledge that
we gained from the experts, we read from the books/journals and even gathered through
observation. Second, science refers to a particular field of systematic inquiry in which
such knowledge is sought. When we say systematic inquiry is the careful, deliberate
effrort to understand a problem. Third, refers to a distinctive form or kind of human
cultural activity referred to as scientists, natural philosophers, and savants. Savant is a
learned person or a distinguish scientists. Lastly, science is the variety of knowledge ,
people, skills, methods and technologies that are taken together to understand the natural
world.
In this lesson we have learned, that we need to understand the different concepts
and terminologies for us to have a widen knowledge in understanding the world and the
processes it does.

REVIEW OF CONCEPTS:
• The sun is the major source of energy for organisms and the ecosystems of
which they are part.
• Some of the organisms produce oxygen such as plants and cyanobacteria.
• Oxygen is essential for respiration because the body uses it to burn food
molecules.
• In an energy pyramid, the producers are mainly plants since plants are
responsible in making food for the consumers.
• The producer usually occupies the first trophic level.
• The consumers depend on the producers.
• The decomposers are responsible in breaking down dead or decaying
organisms for the process of nutrients cycle.
• Biotic factors refer to living things which are dependent on the non-living
components to survive in life.
• Ecology came from Greek words “oikos” (household), and “logos”
(knowledge). It is the study of the relationship between organisms and their
environment.
• Ecosystem is an integrated unit consisting of a community of organisms in the
form of bacteria, plants, and animals and the physical environment in the form
of the water, air, soil, and climate that they inhabit.
• Natural environment are the surroundings are mostly provided by nature such
as land or marine environment.
 • Cultural environment, the surroundings are primarily those that are the results
of human activities, such as urban centers, tall structures or buildings, and
complex network of transport systems and shopping malls.
• Environmental Science is the study of the interactions among physical,
chemical and biological components of the environment.
• Four meaning of science:
o First, science as a form of knowledge
o Second, science refers to a particular field of systematic inquiry in which
such knowledge is sought.
o Third, refers to a distinctive form or kind of human cultural activity
referred to as scientists, natural philosophers, and savants.
o Lastly, science is the variety of knowledge , people, skills, methods and
technologies that are taken together to understand the natural world.

REFERENCES:
Mosteiro, A.P. (2012). Introduction. Environmental Science. United Nations
Avenue, Ermita Mla. Phils: Educational Publishing House.
Botkin, D.B. and Keller, EA. 2000. Environment Science: Earth as a living planet.
Third Edition. John Wiley and Sons Inc.
 https://www.free-ebooks.net/academic-science/Introduction-to-Environmental-
Science/pdf?dl&preview?dl&preview

TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

TOPIC (II): The role of Environmental Education and the Concept of Earth Capital in
Sustainable Living

TIME FRAME: 1 Hour

INTRODUCTION: We all know that it is very important to have proper knowledge

on how are we going to help in minimizing the environmental problems faced by
ecosystem. Our planet is currently experiencing unprecedented stress, brought about by
the continuing loss of its vital natural ecosystem. It is a process that allows individual to
explore environmental issues, engage in problem solving, and take action to improve
the environment. As a result, individuals develop a deeper understanding of
environmental issues and have the skills to make informed and responsible decisions. It
helps students to understand how their decisions and actions affect the environment. In
this lesson, we will study about the different phenomena or environmental issues faced
by environment and what are the roles of each individual in campaigning the importance
of environmental education.

OBJECTIVES/ILO’s: In this lesson, learners will be able to:

1. understand the role of environmental education;

2. appreciate the scope and contents of the course;
3. explain how the decisions and actions of individual affect our environment;
4. Create your own strategy in promoting sustainable development.
 Since our planet is experiencing a lot of environmental problems its about time that
we humans must have to take part in helping our environment. Environmental
education is a process that allows individuals to explore environmental issues, engage
in problem solving, and take action to improve the environment. As a result, individuals
develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and have the skills to make
informed and responsible. It helps students understand how their decisions and actions
affect the environment, builds knowledge and skills necessary to address
complex environmental issues, as well as ways we can take action to keep
our environment healthy and sustainable for the future.
 The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held on June 3
to 14, 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the Global Forum in 1994 warned that unless
there were changes in the ways in which development pursuits proceeded, there would
be very significant increase of huma deprivation and suffering and environmental
damage. This unfavorable scenario encompasses social, economic, political and
environmental dimensions and concerns. These concerns must be considered together
in searching for remedial measures in addressing the problems of human suffering and
environmental damage.
To date, the world’s environmental crises have appreciably escalated and
approaching alarming stage. In the Philippines, the onslaught of environmental
disturbances are repeatedly being experienced.

Air pollutants in the form of gases and

chemicals enter the atmosphere and
threatens human health. Air quality is
affected by many types of pollutants
that are emitted from various sources,
including stationary and mobile.
These sources release both criteria and
hazardous air pollutants, which cause
health effects, ecological harm, and
material damage. They are generally
categorized as either particulates or
gas-phase pollutants. The means of
controlling air pollutants depends on the inherent properties of the pollutant, the
atmospheric conditions, and the susceptibility of the receptor. Various ways of
measuring and predicting air pollution are employed. Air pollution control technologies
have continuously advanced in recent decades, but prevention is preferable to control.
Toxic wastes and industrial
effluents flow and contaminate
rivers and shorelines. Water is
an essential abiotic component
of the Earth. It is one of the
renewable resources essential
for sustaining all forms of life,
food production, economic
development, and for general
well-being. It is impossible to
substitute for most of its uses,
is related for the survival of
individual and it is truly a unique gift to mankind from nature. It is the core of life that
helps us to exist and also, the most vivacious that keeps us alive. It is essential for us to
drink clean and pure water. But today, water becomes polluted that results in the origin
of different water pollutants.
Illegal fishing using chemicals significantly damage our coral reefs. By definition,
anything that is an infringement of the law is illegal. It often causes grave environmental
damage, especially when vessels use prohibited gear, such as driftnets, that catches non-
target species (like sharks, turtles, or dolphins) or physically damages or destroys reefs,
sea mounts, and other vulnerable marine organisms.

These environmental problems together with the social, political, and

technological transition and innovations have created urgent demands and
challenges to education sector in the country. One strategic approach to address
these demands and challenges is to incorporate social and environmental issues,
concerns and awareness into the curricula in the primary, secondary, and collegiate
levels in the educational program of the government. It fosters a sense of connection
to the natural world, promotes sustainable development and encourages
conservation of irreplaceable natural resources and vulnerable plant and animal
species. As a student, you have to learned how to promote protecting and
conserving our nature. Because, you’re not just a student, you can be an educator
as well. There is timely appeal of environmentalists to the department of education
to incorporate the “zero waste” approach in dealing with the day to day activities of
every Filipino in the curricula and extra-curricular activities in the three levels of
education in the country.
▪ WHAT IS THE CONCEPT OF EARTH CAPITAL IN SUSTAINABLE
LIVING?
The concept of Earth Capital means that all
organisms are interdependent and
interconnected parts of nature and are
completely dependent on nature. Our survival
and health, and the survival of all living things
depend on the Earth and its natural systems. The
air you inhale, the water you drink, the food you
eat, and all your possessions are derived from the
solar energy and the Earth’s atmosphere, water,
soil, plants and animals, minerals, energy
resources, and life sustaining process.

Our survival and health, and the survival of all living things depend on the earth
and its natural systems.
 What is the goal of environmental education?

To develop an
environmentally literate
citizenry who will support
and ensure the protection,
conservation and
improvement of the
environment, safeguard and
promote sustainable living
and development, social
equity, and economic
efficiency in the utilization of
our natural resources.

Thank you for reading. Now, be ready for some exercises. Take your time. God
bless☺
REVIEW OF CONCEPT:
• Air pollutants in the form of gases and chemicals enter the atmosphere and
threatens human health.
• Toxic wastes and industrial effluents flow and contaminate rivers and
shorelines.
• Illegal fishing using chemicals significantly damage our coral reefs.
• One strategic approach to address these demands and challenges is to
incorporate social and environmental issues, concerns and awareness into the
curricula in the primary, secondary, and collegiate levels in the educational
program of the government.
• The concept of Earth Capital means that all organisms are interdependent and
interconnected parts of nature and are completely dependent on nature.
REFERENCES:
Mosteiro, A.P. (2012). Introduction. Environmental Science. United Nations
Avenue, Ermita Mla. Phils: Educational Publishing House.
Botkin, D.B. and Keller, EA. 2000. Environment Science: Earth as a living planet.
Third Edition. John Wiley and Sons Inc.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279202084_Causes_Consequences_and_Con
trol_of_Air_Pollution

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273784710_INTRODUCTION_TO_WATE
R_POLLUTANTS_SOURCES_AND_WASTEWATER_TREATMENT_SCHEMES
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321289637_WATER_POLLUTION-
SOURCESEFFECTS_AND_CONTROL

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336816995_Water_Pollutants_Origin_and_S
tatus
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228429946_ILLEGAL_FISHING_AN_ECO
NOMIC_ANALYSIS

https://stopillegalfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Illegal-Fishing-Evidence-
and-Analysis-WEB.pdf

END OF CHAPTER 1