During this unit, students will learn that conservation is the wise and careful use of natural resources, with the goal of leaving an adequate supply of resources for the future. They will review the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources before moving on to discuss the conservation of three of our most important resources: water, the soil, and air.
We will spend some time discussing the fact that although approximately 70% of the earth's surface is covered in water, less than 1% of that water is potable (clean and safe for humans to drink). We will review the water cycle and discuss the various factors that affect water distribution and availability. We will discuss the various forms of pollution in the Hudson River, and what is being done about the pollution.
We will move on to discuss the importance of soil conservation, and several methods that are being used to ensure that less of our soil gets eroded.
Finally, we will discuss air pollution and its devastating effects including acid rain, smog, and global climate change.