The course examines the principles of environmental science through the lens of Christian creation care. We will cover topics such as the theology of creation care, elemental cycles, sustainability, biodiversity, and the roles of governmental and nonprofit organizations. The course will look at the environmental challenges we face today such as pollution, over use of limited resources, human impacts on the environment and climate change that require a new generation of people who care about the Earth.
The required textbook is Environmental Science, Caring for the Creator’s World, by Mark and Karen McReynolds plus the workbook The Apprentice’s Companion for Environmental Science by Scott Smithson. The book is written from a Christian world-view, and teaches that we are stewards of the Earth that God has given us. This perspective helps students to understand why the natural world is important, since we care more about what we know, and in turn we will be motivated to steward God’s creation well. Students will learn the science of the Earth’s ecosystems and what we can do to preserve them, all while exhorting students to have hope as we care for God’s creation.
During class time we will discuss weekly content, work in groups to complete weekly hands-on labs, and discuss real world case studies as examples to apply what we are learning. Students will be invited (but not required) to participate in one or more field trips during the school year that will enhance the learning experience and provide interesting first-hand glimpses into the topics we are studying.
This course may be used as a substitute for Chemistry, or as an elective science course.