Module 2 Intro

1. Module 2 Intro

1.16. Module Summary/Assessment

Module Summary and Assessment

Module 2—Biosphere Equilibrium and the Impact of Humans

Module Summary

Now that you have completed Module 2, you should realize you are not just a passive passenger on Planet Earth. Instead, you are an active organism. Your actions, and the actions of those around you, have an effect on biosphere equilibrium. You leave an ecological footprint.

You should now know that equilibrium is not static. Equilibrium is dynamic. In other words, equilibrium is constantly adjusting to changes in energy flow and cycles of matter. Problems arise when these changes in energy flow and cycling of matter become too extreme for the biosphere to maintain its dynamic balance. The changes are often due to human activities.

As a biology student, you should understand the consequences of human actions on the world around you. Then you can make choices that benefit the well-being of your backyard as well as the biosphere. You learned about the observed effects of climate change in the Canadian Arctic as one example of human influence on the biosphere. This is but one of many consequences of human influence on the biosphere.

In order to look at climate change, it was necessary to look at the changes in Earth’s atmosphere over time. As well, you studied the balance of gas exchange (oxygen vs carbon dioxide).

It is up to you to use the knowledge you have gained in Module 2 in order to take care of the biosphere. As you have witnessed, there is definitely a need for change in the way humans view natural resources. This is evident when you start to look at your own ecological footprint. When you are informed you can make better choices for the biosphere. If you believe that “we are all connected as one,” then you will use what you know to try to ensure that dynamic balance exists between energy and matter.

Module Assessment

Module Project

You will be required to prepare a PowerPoint or multimedia presentation, essay, speech, or storyboard exploring a specific example of how global warming is affecting the Arctic ecosystem in terms of energy and matter (e.g., melting ice shelf). You need to incorporate the ideas from the three “Reflect on the Big Picture” responses you stored in your course folder where you made predictions about the Arctic, considered the idea of “connected as one,” and looked at your own personal ecological footprint. In this project, there should be evidence of research and thought about the impact of human activities on the state of biosphere equilibrium.

Assessment Rubric

The following rubric will be used to grade your module project.

4	3	2	1
Research is evident and cited. The presentation provides an organized look at global warming in the Arctic. All “Big Picture” questions are addressed. The human impact is explored through research, and the student observations are based on the course content. The analysis is thorough.	Research is evident. The presentation provides an organized look at global warming in the Arctic. Two of the three “Big Picture” questions are addressed. The human impact is explored through research, and the student observations are based on the course content. An analysis is present.	Research is evident. The presentation looks at global warming in the Arctic, but lacks a consistent organization. Two of the three “Big Picture” questions are addressed. The human impact is explored through research, and the student observations are based on the course content. But the connections made between the student analysis and research are weak.	Research is not evident. The presentation looks at global warming in the Arctic, but lacks organization. One of the three “Big Picture” questions is addressed. The human impact is explored through research, and the student observations are based on the course content. But the connections made between the student analysis and research are weak.

When this module is complete, continue on to the Unit Conclusion and the Unit Assessment.