AP Environmental Systems - Lecture Notes

Key Concepts

Conservation within the Earth's System

• Matter is conserved within a closed system on Earth.
• Energy is an open system, interacting with the surroundings.
• Steady State: Natural systems maintain equilibrium through feedback loops.
• Impact of Human Society: Human activities can disrupt these natural feedback loops, affecting the steady state.

Bozemanscience Resources

• Environmental Systems Concept Map: A helpful guide to understanding key concepts.
• Environmental Systems Slideshow: Visual aids for better comprehension.
• Water: A Polar Molecule Video: Resources explaining water's unique properties.
• pH & Buffers Video: Information on chemical properties essential to environmental systems.
• Biological Molecules Video: Explains the role of various biological molecules in ecosystems.

Additional Resources

• Bozemanscience Website: Link to Bozemanscience
• Paul Andersen's Twitter: Updates and new videos promoting student engagement and inquiry.

Discussion

• Importance of understanding the closed nature of matter within ecosystems.
• Exploring how open energy systems interact with natural and human environments.
• Analyzing the role of feedback loops in maintaining ecological stability and the consequences of human interference.