Earth Science and Ecology

Welcome!

This page links to resources supporting various units in Earth science and ecology, intended primarily for students in the IBO’s Middle Years Programme. Because the MYP approaches science conceptually (rather than through the memorization of facts), each of our units of study focuses on one of the key concepts of systems, relationships, or change. Each unit uses related concepts, such as energy, movement, transformation, and models to strengthen and deepen students’ understanding of the content.

If the scientific concepts of each unit are what students should know, then the skills in each unit comprise what students should be able to do. MYP science skills can be  broadly categorized into two categories: 1) designing, conducting, and evaluating scientific investigations, and 2) reflecting on the ways science impacts society. The content in some units is particularly suited for lab or field experiments, while other content is more approachable via reflection.

Units of Study

• Formation and physical structure of the planet
• Tectonic theory, oceans, and landmasses
• The carbon, nitrogen and rock cycles
• Climate zones and biomes
• Energy flow, ecological niches and pyramids
• Systems science and complexity
• Biodiversity
• Atmosphere and climate science

General earth science and ecology resources

• United States Census Bureau. Extensive database of global human populations. Can be used to create age-sex pyramids, as well as other applications.
• GRID-Arendal Maps and Infographics Library. In association with UNEP. This is one of my favorite resources for teaching environmental science. Searchable by topic, keyword, or geography. All maps and images are free to share. Awesome!
• Visualizing Environmental Science, 1st edition. By John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Online textbook and animations. Much of the site is password protected, but parts are available for free.
• IB Environmental systems and societies worksheets and past questions. From Pearson, a of publisher of one of the IB-aligned student textbooks.
• Ecology and geography fieldwork techniques.
• Survey techniques for beginners. From Wild About Britain.
• Field survey methods from the New South Wales  Office of Environment and Heritage. More advanced than resources above.
• Wildlife Surveys presentation 1. A powerpoint presentation about how to conduct wildlife surveys.
• Wildlife Surveys presentation 2. A powerpoint presentation about how to conduct wildlife surveys.
• Wildlife survey field lab template. This PDF from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has a good layout to help middle school teachers and students design their own field surveys.
• Timelapse. Watch the world change over the course of nearly three decades of satellite photography.
• Ocean Health Index. A searchable database around several components of ocean health.
• NicheScience. An IB ESS YouTube channel, with podcasts for most of the old syllabus and a growing list of videos aligned with the new syllabus.
• AP Environmental Science. Another YouTube playlist from the very talented Paul Andersen.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service homepage.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. From the World Food and Agriculture Organization.
• Edible Schoolyard. All the resources you need to create a food garden at your school. Based on the very successful program in the U.S.