Environmental Science Merit Badge

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE MERIT

BADGE

Boy Scouts of America

What is Environmental Science?

Environmental Science is the study of how humans and all living things interact with one another and with the nonliving environment.

The natural development of a living thing over time is its natural history. People who study natural history are naturalists.

The study of living things and their interactions with one another and with their environment is known as ecology. Scientists who study interactions among organisms and their environments are ecologists.

MAKE A TIMELINE OF THE HISTORY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE IN AMERICA.

IDENTIFY THE CONTRIBUTION MADE BY THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE.

INCLUDE DATES, NAMES OF PEOPLE OR ORGANIZATIONS, AND IMPORTANT EVENTS.

Environmental ScienceRequirement 1

Environmental Science in America

American Indians: used forest materials for houses, boats, canoes and clothing. Other environmental resources included water, food from plants and wildlife.

European settlers need for natural resources grew. They killed wildlife, cut trees, and contaminated water near settlements.

1626 Plymouth Colony passed law controlling cutting and sale of timber

1639 Settlers in Newport, R.I. restricts deer hunting to 6 months a year.

1681 William Penn decreed in Pennsylvania that 1 acre remains forest for every 5 cleared.

1830 Artist George Catlin and Naturalist Henry David Thoreau write about preserving environments for national parks.


Environmental Protection & Wildlife Conservation Groups founded:

1875 American Forests 1876 Appalachian Mountain Club 1886 New York Audubon Society 1887 Boone and Crockett Club 1892 Sierra Club 1895 American Scenic and Historic Preservation

Society 1922 Isaac Walton League of America


Government Management 1872 1st National Park – Yellowstone 1891 The Forest Reserve Act (passed by congress to

change forest reserves to national forests) 1905 Bureau of Forestry became Forest Service, under

the Department of Agriculture 1916 Congress established the National Park Service 1960 The Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act officially

established multiple-use management of forests Also, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service also strive to manage public lands.


American Zoologist William T. Hornaday wrote about need to protect wildlife in North America.

1907 M.C. March showed fish hurt by industrial waste released into water sources.

1962 Rachel Carson published Silent Spring, a book about the dangers of pesticide DDT.

1970 Earth Day sparked environmental movement in the USA. As a result, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Council of Environmental Quality and many other agencies established

Boy Scouts and the Environment

In early 1900’s the conservation movement grew and 2 separate organizations for boys that focused on nature and the environment were found.

In 1902, the Woodcraft Indians was started in Connecticut by the naturalists Ernest Thompson Seton to preserve the wilderness knowledge of American Indians.

In 1905, Daniel Carter Beard founded a club called Sons of Daniel Boone to teach boys about nature, conservation, and outdoorsman.

On Feb 8th, 1910, Seton and Beard merged their separate boys’ clubs into the Boy Scouts of America. Publisher William D. Boyce founded this new organization with a strong foundation of woodcraft, nature study, and conservation.

Boy Scouts and the Environment

The Boy Scouts of America has taught more than 45 million young environmentalists throughout its history. Currently, with more than 1.5 million active members, the BSA continues to train American youth in principles of conservation and environmental science.

The Outdoor Code:As an American, I will do my best to—

Be clean in my outdoor manners.Be careful with fire.Be considerate in the outdoors.Be conservation-minded.

DEFINE THE FOLLOWING TERMS:

POPULATION, COMMUNITY, ECOSYSTEM, BIOSPHERE, SYMBIOSIS, NICHE, HABITAT, CONSERVATION, THREATENED SPECIES,

ENDANGERED SPECIES, EXTINCTION, POLLUTION PREVENTION, BROWN FIELD,

OZONE, WATERSHED, AIR SHED, NONPOINT SOURCE, HYBRID VEHICLE, FUEL CELL.


Just for fun…match the definition

Population

Community

Ecosystem

Biosphere

a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment

all parts of Earth where life exists on land, in water, or in the air

all individuals of a species of a given place and time

groups of populations that interact with one another in a given area. All the populations depend upon one another for needs such as food and shelter

Population: all individuals of a species of a given place and time

Community: groups of populations that interact with one another in a given area. All the populations depend upon one another for needs such as food and shelter.

Ecosystem: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment

Biosphere: all parts of Earth where life exists on land, in water, or in the air


Symbiosis

Niche

Habitat

Conservation

the place in which an organism livesConservation

is the role of a species in its community

different species living together but not feeding upon each other

preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment, natural ecosystems, vegetation, and wildlife.

Symbiosis: different species living together but not feeding upon each other

Niche: is the role of a species in its community

Habitat: the place in which an organism lives

Conservation: preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment, natural ecosystems, vegetation, and wildlife.


Threatened Species

Endangered Species

Extinction

Pollution

the presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing that has harmful or poisonous effects

a species that has so few individuals left that it is in danger of extinction

all the individuals of a given species have died

species that are losing members at such a rate that they will become endangered if nothing is done to change the situation

Threatened Species: species that are losing members at such a rate that they will become endangered if nothing is done to change the situation

Endangered Species: a species that has so few individuals left that it is in danger of extinction

Extinction: all the individuals of a given species have died

Pollution: the presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing that has harmful or poisonous effects


Prevention

Brownfield

Ozone

Watershed

a former industrial or commercial site where future use is affected by real or perceived environmental contamination

the action of stopping something from happening

shield refers to a region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation

an area or ridge of land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas

Prevention: the action of stopping something from happening

Brownfield: a former industrial or commercial site where future use is affected by real or perceived environmental contamination

Ozone: shield refers to a region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation

Watershed: an area or ridge of land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas


Air shed

Nonpoint source

Hybrid Vehicle

Fuel Cell

a region sharing a common flow of air

a source of pollution that issues from widely distributed or pervasive environmental elements

a cell producing an electric current directly from a chemical reaction

a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle

Air shed: a region sharing a common flow of air

Nonpoint source: a source of pollution that issues from widely distributed or pervasive environmental elements

Hybrid Vehicle: a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle

Fuel Cell: a cell producing an electric current directly from a chemical reaction

DO ONE ACTIVITY FROM EACH OF THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

A. ECOLOGYB. AIR POLLUTIONC. WATER POLLUTIOND. LAND POLLUTIONE. ENDANGERED SPECIESF. POLLUTION PREVENTION, RESOURCE RECOVERY, AND CONSERVATION


A. ECOLOGY(3) DISCUSS WHAT IS AN

ECOSYSTEM. TELL HOW IT IS MAINTAINED IN NATURE AND HOW IT SURVIVES.

Environmental ScienceRequirement 3A(3)

Ecology

What is an ecosystem? A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

How is it maintained in nature? Water: necessary for many life processes, including respiration, photosynthesis, an

digestion Soil: the breakdown of rock into soil releases minerals that organisms need for life

processes. Also determines plant life that can grow in particular soil environment which determines mineral and organic matter content, air content, and soil texture.

Sunlight: nearly all living depend upon the sun for energy, directly or indirectly, plants, algae, photosynthesis,

Temperature: based on how much sunlight it gets, air is heated more at the equator than at the poles,

How it survives? Living things respond to changes in environment The important interactions between nonliving and living things determine which living

things can share an environment with which nonliving things, given area form a community. All populations in a community depend upon one another for needs such as food and

shelter. Within an ecosystem, the actions of every species affect other species, populations, and

communities.

B. AIR POLLUTION(3) EXPLAIN WHAT IS ACID RAIN. IN

YOUR EXPLANATION, TELL HOW IT AFFECTS PLANTS AND THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE STEPS SOCIETY CAN TAKE TO HELP REDUCE ITS EFFECTS.

Environmental ScienceRequirement 3B(3)

Air Pollution What is acid rain?

It is a rain, or precipitation that is acidic (has low pH). It is caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide that react with water in the atmosphere to produce acids.

How does it affects plants and environment? It can be harmful on plants, aquatic ecosystems and animals. Plants

may die or be weakened. Acid rain changes the pH of water and thus could cause many aquatic organisms to die when acid rain falls into lakes and ponds. It can deplete the soil of nutrients that plants need to grow.

How to reduce effects? Energy Star appliances, decrease use of electricity/wasting it Carpool Insulate home Plant Shade trees and reduce heat/air Recycle Car emissions Decrease burning coal, and factory waste

C. WATER POLLUTION(3) DESCRIBE THE IMPACT OF A

WATERBORNE POLLUTANT ON AN AQUATIC COMMUNITY. WRITE A 100-WORD REPORT ON HOW THAT POLLUTANT AFFECTED AQUATIC LIFE, WHAT THE EFFECT WAS, AND WHETHER THE EFFECT IS LINKED TO BIO-MAGNIFICATION.

Environmental ScienceRequirement 3C(3)

Water Pollution

Of all the natural resources necessary to the existence and comfort of all living things on Earth, water is the arguably the most important.

Pollution may enter a body of water directly or indirectly as runoff from a point anywhere in a body of water’s watershed (Which is the region draining into a river, river system, or other body of water. Small water sheds make up larger ones.)

Precipitation that falls at any point within a body of water’s water shed will eventually drain into that body of water.

Many kinds of pollutants can diminish water quality, including toxic metals, industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, household products, petroleum products, and heat.

How does a waterborne pollutant impact an aquatic community? Example:

A pesticide called DDT was widely used in the 1950s and 1960s to kill mosquitoes and insects that harmed crops. But DDT also killed many beneficial insects that washed into bodies of water, where it was absorbed by tiny water organisms. Small invertebrates that fed on the contaminated organisms were affected next. Fish at the contaminated invertebrates, and the fish were in turn eaten by the birds. In this way, the DDT moved its way up the food chain. At each level, the pesticide became more concentrated as a result of a phenomenon know as bio-magnification. DDT killed many insects, invertebrates, fish, and songbirds. The buildup of the pesticide in the bodies of large birds, such as brown pelicans, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons, caused their eggs to develop thin, fragile shells. These thin-shelled eggs tended to break in the nest before the young were hatched, causing a rapid and drastic decline in the populations of these species. DDT’s effect on birds received wide public attention when Rachel Carson published a book, Silent Spring (1962), which helped rally public support for the ban of most uses of DDT.

Water Pollution

Write a 100-word report on: How has pollutant

affected aquatic life? What the effect was? Is it linked to bio-

magnification?

D. LAND POLLUTION(3) PHOTOGRAPH AN AREA AFFECTED BY

EROSION. SHARE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS WITH YOUR COUNSELOR AND DISCUSS WHY THE AREA HAS ERODED AND WHAT MIGHT BE DONE TO HELP ALLEVIATE THE EROSION.

Environmental ScienceRequirement 3D(3)

Land Pollution

Land pollution refers to the ruining of the Earth’s land surfaces caused by human actions such as dumping urban waste matter indiscriminately, mineral exploitation and misuse of soil by using dangerous agricultural practices. The components of land pollution are visible litter and waste that is within the soil itself. Solid Waste: is created by human actions or animal activities and

is disposed because it is of no use to them is known as solid waste Mining waste: processing of coal Agricultural waste: left by fertilizers, manure, crops and farm. Industrial waste: paints, chemicals, remains of industrial activities Ashes: matter released when solid fuels are burned Garbage: household trash

Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is a natural process. Wind, water and ice all contribute to natural soil erosion. However, plowing digs up roots and logging removes trees from the soil, the topsoil is lost, the soil beneath it is often less fertile and unable to absorb water. Farming, logging, mining, construction, overgrazing by livestock, and burning forests all decay the soil plant cover and speed up erosion.

Land Pollution

Photograph area affected by erosion. Why has area eroded? What might be done to alleviate the erosion?

Stream banks can be protected against erosion by using plants, rocks, or structural measures. In woodlands, planting, thinning, pruning, and proper harvest techniques can help protect the soil and climate, maintain beauty, improve conditions for wildlife, and maintain cover for erosion control.

E. ENDANGERED SPECIES(2) DO RESEARCH ON ONE SPECIES THAT

WAS ENDANGERED OR THREATENED BUT WHICH HAS NOW RECOVERED. FIND OUT HOW THE ORGANISM RECOVERED, AND WHAT ITS NEW STATUS IS. WRITE A 100-WORD REPORT ON THE SPECIES AND DISCUSS IT WITH YOUR COUNSELOR.

Environmental ScienceRequirement 3E(2)

Endangered Species

Research one species that was endangered or threatened and is now recovered. A species that has so few individuals left that it is in

danger of extinction is called endangered species. Threatened species are species that are losing

members at such a rate that they will become endangered if nothing is done to change the situation.

How did the species recover? What is it’s new status? Write a 100-word report on the species you

choose.

F. POLLUTION PREVENTION, RESOURCE RECOVERY, AND CONSERVATION.

(1) LOOK AROUND YOUR HOME AND DETERMINE 10 WAYS YOUR FAMILY CAN HELP REDUCE POLLUTION. PRACTICE AT LEAST TWO OF THESE METHODS FOR SEVEN DAYS AND DISCUSS WITH YOUR COUNSELOR WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED.

Environmental ScienceRequirement 3F(2)

TEN WAYS TO CONSERVE RESOURCES

Turn off lights, fans, radios, & TV’s when leaving a room, even if you are going to be gone only a few minutes.

Shut off the faucet when brushing teeth. Reduce, reuse, & recycle paper products, glass,

aluminum, steel, and plastic items. Save water & energy by running the dishwasher and

the washing machine only when they are full. Ask your family’s permission to lower the thermostat.

If each household were to lower its average heating temp by 6 degrees over a 24 hr period, the equivalent of 500,000 barrels of oil would be saved.

TEN WAYS TO CONSERVE RESOURCES

Suggest that your family eat fewer meals that include meat. The production and processing of grains requires far less water and land than does meat.

If you notice leaky faucets or pipes, ask to help fix them.

Ask parents about installing water-saving showerheads in your home if you don’t already have them.

If you wash dishes by hand, rinse them in a sink or dishpan of water rather than under running water.

Ask parents about replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. CFLs use 75% less energy & last 10 to 13 times longer.

CHOOSE TWO OUTDOOR STUDY AREAS THAT ARE VERY DIFFERENT FROM ONE ANOTHER (HILLTOP VS. BOTTOM OF HILL; FIELD VS. FOREST; SWAMP VS. DRY LAND) FOR BOTH STUDY AREAS: MARK OFF A PLOT OF 4 SQUARE YARDS IN EACH STUDY AREA, AND COUNT THE NUMBER OF SPECIES FOUND THERE. ESTIMATE HOW MUCH SPACE IS OCCUPIED BY EACH PLANT SPECIES AND THE TYPE AND NUMBER OF NON-PLANT SPECIES YOU FIND. WRITE A REPORT THAT ADEQUATELY DISCUSSES THE BIODIVERSITY AND POPULATION DENSITY OF THESE STUDY AREAS. DISCUSS YOUR REPORT WITH YOUR COUNSELOR.

Environmental ScienceRequirement 4A

USING THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PROVIDED OR A PLAN YOU CREATE ON YOUR OWN, IDENTIFY THE ITEMS THAT WOULD NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE PROJECT PLANNED.


Assessing Environmental Impacts

Now that you have seen how human activities affect the biosphere, you can begin to understand how hard it is to predict all the environmental effects of any construction project. What might seem like a simple project—building a new house, for example—may have many environmental impacts beyond simply disturbing the soil on-site. What happens to the moles that live in the soil? What happens to the red fox and the great horned owl that prey upon the moles? How will soil erosion from the site be controlled? Will soil be saved and put back after construction?

Environmental Impact Statements

When a federal agency proposes new regulations or actions that may affect the environment, it is required by law to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental impact statement (EIS). Federal, state and local agencies and the general public may review the proposed activity before it begins. An EIS, which may be as long as 1,000 pages, must discuss five environmental concerns: The environmental impact of the proposed action Any harmful environmental effects that cannot be avoided Alternatives to the proposed action Short-term use of the environmental versus maintaining and

enhancing the environment’s long-term productivity Any permanent commitment of resources

FIND OUT ABOUT THREE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PICK ONE AND FIND OUT THE EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS PROFESSION. DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR COUNSELOR, AND EXPLAIN WHY THIS PROFESSION MIGHT INTEREST YOU.


Careers

To have a career in science, you must go to college and earn at least an associate’s degree for a technical position, a bachelor’s degree for a professional position, and a master’s decree or doctorate degree for a research or teaching position.

In Environmental Science you may want to explore a career in the natural sciences, physical sciences, or engineering.

…just a few examples

Oceanographer: physical/biological properties & phenomena of the sea

Agronomists: soil management & crop production

Entomologist: insects Geneticists: genetics Fishery Biologist: species of fish Zoologists: animals Conservationist: preservation of environment

and wildlife Environmentalist: preservation of environment

Environmental ScienceOVERVIEW

Summary Overview (see specific slide &/or Merit Badge Pamphlet for exact details)___ 1. American timeline of environmental science, BSA contribution___ 2. Definitions___ 3. One from each category (this PowerPoint covers these choices)

___ A(3). Ecology___ B(3). Air Pollution___ C(3). Water Pollution, write 100-word report___ D(3). Land Pollution, photograph erosion___ E(2). Endangered Species, write 100-word

report___ F(1). Pollution Prevention, put in practice 2 for 7

days___ 4. Two Outdoor Study areas (hilltop vs. bottom, field vs. forest, swamp vs. dry land)

___ A. Mark plot 4 square yards in each, count species write report about biodiversity and population

density. ___ 5. Environmental Impact statement___ 6. Career Opportunities

Environmental ScienceSpecial Note for Counselors

Dear Environmental Science Merit Badge Counselor, Please keep in mind that this PowerPoint covers the options chosen by this Merit Badge Counselor and does not cover in detail every single option covered by Environmental Science MB Series Pamphlet. Please feel fee to add, or choose different options that fit your Troop’s/Scout’s needs. Please see the Environmental Science Merit Badge Series Pamphlet for more information and options.

Thank you.

REFERENCE: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

MERIT BADGE SERIES, 2008BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

Don’t forget:

Education

Environmental Science Merit Badge