May 22nd - Thursday - Environmental Science

 Environmental Science

May 22nd - Thursday

Choose one of the following and write an essay of no fewer than 300 words on …

1. Name some steps Pacifica can take to reduce the number of animals killed by cars on our roads.
2. Describe the dangers of using poison when trying to control the rodent population locally and show alternatives.
3. Explain how Climate Change will impact the supply of fresh water in the Bay Area and steps we can take to save water and slow Climate Change.
4. Describe the problem with plastic pollution filling Earths oceans and how communities, like Pacifica - which are located next to the Pacific Ocean - can help reduce the amount of plastics and micro plastics in our water.
5. Review the ways we studied to make passive energy saving that is built into a home and why, going forward, it’s important to have homes that do not depend on fossil fuels for heating and cooling.

May 20th - Environmental studies - Bees and our Tiny Home

 Part of our Small House planning involves choosing some landscaping that will support bees, birds, and other wildlife.

Honeybees play a critical role in pollination, which helps plants grow, breed, and produce food. However, honeybee populations have been declining over recent years due to various threats. Understanding these challenges is essential to protecting these important insects and the environment.

Major Challenges Facing Honeybees:

• Pesticides: Chemicals like neonicotinoids can harm bees' nervous systems, making it hard for them to navigate or reproduce.
• Habitat Loss: Urban development and monoculture farming reduce the availability of diverse flowering plants and nesting areas.
• Climate Change: Changes in temperature and weather patterns disrupt blooming times and reduce food availability.
• Parasites & Diseases: The Varroa destructor mite is a major parasite that weakens bees by feeding on them and spreading viruses.
• Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD): This mysterious phenomenon causes the sudden disappearance of worker bees, leaving behind a queen and a few nurse bees.

Slides or Google Doc - One slide per question please. Use a picture that reflects and depicts the information. In your question or answer.

1. What is pollination and why is it important?
   
   
2. Name two pesticides that harm bees. How do they affect bee health?
   
   
3. Describe one way climate change affects honeybees.
   

4.  Make a plan for a garden that would support honeybee health. Include:

• A variety of flowering plants (name 3+ species)
• A small water source
• Areas free of pesticides
• A space for wild or native bee nesting
  
• 5.  Explain Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in your own words.
  
• 6. Why do you think it's important for humans to protect honeybee populations?
  
  7. What actions can farmers or individuals take to help honeybees? List at least two.

May 15th - Thursday - Science

 

The Sun

 

Environmental Science - 05.13.2025

Building an Energy Efficient House

Part A: Questions

1. What building material is best known for its insulating properties?

2. What is the primary purpose of insulation in an energy-efficient home?

3. Solar panels work best when installed on roofs that face which direction (in the Northern Hemisphere)?

4. What does the term “passive solar design” refer to?

5. Which of these appliances usually consumes the most energy in a home?
A. Refrigerator
B. Dishwasher
C. HVAC system (heating and cooling)
D. Microwave

Part B: True or False

6. Double-glazed windows help to reduce energy loss.

7. Using LED light bulbs is less energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.

8. A well-designed roof overhang can help regulate seasonal sun exposure.

9. Energy-efficient homes must be built entirely with recycled materials.

10. Air leaks around doors and windows can significantly reduce a home's energy efficiency.

Part C: Short Answer

11. What are two benefits of building an energy-efficient home?

12. Name two renewable energy sources that can be used in an energy-efficient home.

13. Why is proper ventilation important in an energy-efficient home?

14. What is a smart thermostat, and how does it improve energy efficiency?

15. List one design strategy for each season to improve energy efficiency:

Science notes - 05.13.2025 - Tuesday - Week #35

 

Monday - May 12th - Science Notes - Week #35

 

05.12.2025 - Week #35 - Environmental Studies

 Environmental Studies

05.12.2025

Answer in a document or with slides … One slide for each question.

1. After looking at a home design that you like it’s time to pick a specific place in California to place your tiny home. (About 500 square feet.) - where will your house be located? Go to online Realtor sites and find a lot where you can build.
2. With a budget of $500,000 how much of the budget will go towards your building materials and how much will go towards the land?
3. What are the environmental challenges for your build site? Does it usually snow in the winter? Is it her the beach, which means you’ll have to contend with salt air? Is it in the desert or forest which means you’ll have to contend with dry heat or high humidity? (What’s the BIOME and how will you build to be in harmony with that biome?)
4. Look up PASSIVE ENERY SAVINGS for homes … for this slide, and the next, pick TWO that you will incorporate (use) in your house. Explain how it saves energy once installed.

05.09.2025 - Environmental Science - Tiny House - #1

 Small House Exploration (in California) #1

     A “Tiny House,” for this assignment, will be considered to be 500 square feet or less. As we explore ways to make homes energy efficient … make a slide for each of the following.

1. Look up a California BIOME where your would like to place your home. What are the unique environmental challenged you’ll face in your chosen biome? (Heat? Snow? Salt air? Air, etc?)
2. Find a picture of a tiny home that actually exists that is close to what you’d like to build.
3. Show a slide on SOLAR POWER and how many solar cells it will take to meet your home’s energy requirements.
4. Make a slide showing how water will be used and conserved. Well water? Capturing rain? What types of water savings can you incorporate into your tiny home?
5. Make a slide showing how your house will be heated and cooled to keep it comfortable. Remember PASSIVE energy savings!

05.08.2025 - Science - Guest speakers - infectious disease

 

05.07.2025 - Science notes

 

05.05.2025 - Week #34 - Science notes

 

Environmental Science - 05.05.2025 - Monday

 California Water - #2

     One slide for each number please :-) - Include an answer to each question and a picture will illustrates the issue, question, or solution.

1. Show some of ways Los Angeles has tried to conserve water in an effort to save Mono Lake.
2. Artificial turf is sometimes listed as a way to save water. List three BENEFITS artificial turf fields for home and schools.
3. Artificial turf has been studied for releasing “forever chemicals” into the environment. What IS a forever chemical? (Give three examples.)
4. What are the impacts on HUMANS and WILDLIFE of PFOS and “forever chemicals?”
5. WHY - if plastic is not, generally, recycled and plastic is so harmful to our environment - is plastic production INCREASING?
6. What chemicals go into the production of PLASTIC?
7. Name two advantages and two disadvantages of BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC.
8. YOUR opinion on TURF. Write a minimum of 50 words on your opinion, based on your reading, regarding artificial turf use for schools. Should it be allowed or not allowed for children to play on? WHY?

Environmental Science - 05.02.2025

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYCajfj5AYk

05.01.2025 - Part 2

 

05.01.2025 - Thursday - Science notes (part one)