SCIENCE AND

ENVIRONMENT
z

module

1
a. Definition of
Environmental science
b. Goal of environmental
science
c. Major fields of study
that contribute to
environmental science

READING WARM-UP!
Before you read this
chapter, take a few
minutes to answer the
following questions:
1. How do you define
the term
environment? Are
humans part of the
environment?

2. How can science help

us understand and
solve environmental
problems?

Approximately 27, 000

of trees are cut down
each day so we can
have toilet papers. 1
Lesson 1

UNDERSTANDING OUR ENVIRONMENT!

When someone mentions the term environment, some people Objectives
think of a beautiful scene, such as a stream flowing through a
wilderness area or a rain-forest canopy alive with blooming  Define environmental
science
flowers and howling monkeys. You might not think of your
backyard or neighborhood as part of your environment. In fact,
 Explain how human
the environment is everything around us. It includes the natural actions alter our
world as well as things produced by humans. But the environment
environment is also more than what you can see, it is a complex
web of relationships that connects us with the world we live in.  Discuss the
relationship of
environment and the
What Is Environmental Science? organisms present in it

Environmental studies deals with every issue that

 Discuss the major fields
affects an organism. It is essentially a of study that
multidisciplinary approach that brings about an contributes to
appreciation of our natural world and human environmental sciences.
impacts on its integrity. It is an applied science
as its seeks practical answers to making human Key Terms
civilization sustainable on the earth’s finite resources.
environmental science
Its components include biology, geology chemistry, physics, ecology
engineering, sociology, health, anthropology, economics, agriculture
statistics, computers and philosophy. natural resource
pollution
biodiversity
The Goals of Environmental Science
One of the major goals of environmental science is to
understand and solve environmental problems. To accomplish this goal, environmental
scientists study two main types of interactions between humans and their environment.
One area of study focuses on how we use natural resources, such as water and plants. The
other area of study focuses on how our actions alter our environment. To study these
interactions, environmental scientists must gather and analyze information from many
different disciplines.
Many Fields of Study
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary science, which means that it involves many
fields of study. One important foundation of environmental science is ecology is the
study of how living things interact with each other and with their nonliving environment.
For example, an ecologist might study the relationship between bees and the plants bees
pollinate. However, an environmental scientist might investigate how the nesting
behavior of bees is influenced by human activities such as the planting of suburban
landscaping. Many sciences other than ecology also contribute to environmental science.
For example, chemistry helps us understand the nature of pollutants. Geology helps us
model how pollutants travel underground. Botany and zoology can provide information

2
 needed to preserve species. Paleontology, the study of fossils, can help us understand
how Earth’s climate has changed in the past. Using such information about the past can
help us predict how future climate changes could affect life on Earth. At any given time,
an environmental scientist may use information provided by other sciences. But studying
the environment also involves studying human populations, so environmental scientists
may use information from the social sciences, which include economics, law, politics,
and geography.
Lesson 2
Figure 1 shows a few examples of disciplines that contribute to environmental science.
Major Fields of Study That Contribute to Environmental Science
Zoology is the study of animals.
Biology
Botany is the study of plants.
is the study
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms.
of living
Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with their
organisms.
environment and each other.
Earth science
is the study of Geology is the study of the Earth’s surface, interior processes, and
the Earth’s history.
nonliving Paleontology is the study of fossils and ancient life.
systems and Climatology is the study of the Earth’s atmosphere and climate.
planet as a Hydrology is the study of Earth’s water resources.
whole.
Physics
is the study Engineering is the science by which matter and energy are made
of matter and useful to humans in structures, machines, and products.
energy.
Chemistry
is the
Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of living things.
study of
Geochemistry a branch of geology, is the study of the chemistry of
chemicals
materials such as rocks, soil, and water.
and their
interactions.
Social
Geography is the study of the relationship between human
sciences
populations and Earth’s features.
are
Anthropology is the study of the interactions of the biological,
the study of
cultural, geographical, and historical aspects of humankind.
human
Sociology is the study of human population dynamics and statistics.
populations.

MODULE 1 Section Activity

Name: Program&Section:
Subject: Date Submitted:

Multiple Choice Test: Read the questions very carefully and encircle the letter of the
correct answer.

3
1. What is the branch of Science that deals with the relationship between human
population and Earth’s features?

a. Anthropology c. Geography
b. Sociology d. Ecology

2. Orland is fond of studying the interactions of the biological, cultural, geographical,

and historical aspects of humankind. What branch of science is Orland studying?

a. Anthropology c. Sociology
b. Geography d. History

3. Antoine Van Leeuwenhoek was the first person to see a microorganism under the
microscope which he named it as animalcule. What branch of Science where
microorganisms are given emphasis?

a. Cytology c. Bacteriology
b. Microbiology d. Histology

4. Aerra is a science enthusiast, she wish to know the chemistry of the living things.
What branch of science should Aerra needs to study for her to know the chemistry
of the living things?

a. Chemistry c. Organic Chemistry

b. Biochemistry d. Inorganic Chemistry

5. Mr. Miculob is a good science teacher in LSSTI, during his discussion Mr.
Miculob gives emphasis on the difference between climate and weather and
discusses the earth’s atmosphere.
Based on the given scenario, what branch of Science was emphasized?

a. Hydrology c. Climatology
b. Geology d. Paleontology

6. Ms. Salupado, an intelligent student in LSSTI was confused on the relationship

between algae and fungus and the relationships among the organisms and their
environment. What branch of Science should Ms. Salupado needs to focus to
understand how organisms interact with their environment and each other?

a. Ecosystem c. Botany
b. Ecology d. Zoology

7. Mr. Ramil, a top student in his class loves to study machines, buildings and
structures. What branch of science/program should Mr. Ramil take in college?

a. Architecture c. Biology
b. Engineering d. TLE

4
 8. Mr. Sarmiento is fond of collecting artifacts. What branch of Science that deals
with artifacts, fossils and items used by our ancestor?

a. Fossilogy c. Geology
b. Paleontology d. Geography

9. What branch of Science that deals with the chemistry of materials such as rocks,
soil and water?

a. Paleontology c. Hydrology
b. Geochemistry d. Penology

10. What branch of Science which focuses on earth’s non-living systems and the planet
as whole?

a. Biology c. Earth Science

b. Physics d. Chemistry

B. Directions: On the given space, provide what is asked.

A. Explain why environmental science is an interdisciplinary science.

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.

CRITICAL THINKING

B. Making Comparisons: What is the difference between environmental

science and ecology?
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

5
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________.

6
Earth’s system and
resources
module

2
A. Earth Science Concepts
B. The Atmosphere
C. Soil and Soil Dynamics

READING WARM-UP!
Before you read this
chapter, take a few
minutes to answer the
following questions:
1. How many hours for
the earth to complete
one rotation on its
axis?

2. What causes earth to

experience different
seasons?

The moon is 27% the

size of the earth
7
Lesson 1

EARTH’S SYSTEM!
Objectives
Geologic Time Scale
 Explain the mechanism
of plate movement.

 Describe how volcanoes

can affect global
climate patterns.

 Compare and contrast

lithosphere and
asthenosphere.

 Describe the
characteristic feature of
each layer of the
atmosphere.

 Explain the rock cycle

Key Terms
atmosphere
volcanisms
lithosphere
plate boundaries
rock cycle

Figure 2. Geologic time scale

Geologists have divided Earth's history into a series of time intervals.

These time intervals are not equal in length like the hours in a day.
Instead the time intervals are variable in length. This is because geologic
time is divided using significant events in the history of the Earth.

Eons are the largest intervals of geologic time and are hundreds of
millions of years in duration. In the time scale above you can see the
Phanerozoic Eon is the most recent eon and began more than 500 million
years ago. Eons are divided into smaller time intervals known as eras. In
the time scale above you can see that the Phanerozoic is divided into

8
three eras: Cenozoic, Mesozoic and Paleozoic. Very significant events in
Earth's history are used to determine the boundaries of the eras. Eras
are subdivided into periods. The events that bound the periods are
widespread in their extent but are not as significant as those which
bound the eras. In the time scale above you can see that the Paleozoic is
subdivided into the Permian, Pennsylvanian, Mississippian, Devonian,
Silurian, Ordovician and Cambrian periods.

Plate Boundaries
The outer rock layer of the Earth, comprising the crust, upper mantle is
called the lithosphere and it is broken up into seven large, continent-
sized tectonic plates and about a dozen smaller plates. Throughout
geological time, these plates have moved about the Earth’s surface,
shuffling continents, opening and closing oceans and building
mountains. The evidence for past plate movement has come from several
sources: mapping od plate boundaries, the discovery of sea floor
spreading, measurement of the direction and rate of plate movement,
and geological evidence such as the distribution of ancient mountain
chains and fossils. These changes occur along plate boundaries, which
are marked by well-defined zones of seismic and volcanic activity. Plate
growth occurs at divergent boundaries (plates move away from each
other) along sea floor
spreading ridges whereas
plate attrition occurs at
convergent boundaries
(plates move towards each
other) mark by deep ocean
trenches and subduction
zones. Divergent and
convergent zones make up
approximately 80% of plate
boundaries. The remaining
20% are called transform
boundaries, where two plates
slide past one another with no
significant change in the size
of either plate.

9
Lesson 2
Lithosphere and Asthenosphere
The lithosphere
(lithos= “stone”)
comprises the
crust and the
uppermost part
of the mantle. It
is both rigid and
solid, and
broken up into
tectonic plates.
The lithosphere
can be divided
into continental
lithosphere,
which contains
relatively light
minerals and
oceanic
lithosphere,
which contains
denser minerals.
The lithosphere ranges from 400 km thick over the continents to 70 km
thick in the oceans. The asthenosphere (asthenes= “weak”) lies below
the lithosphere. This layer of rock is viscouos and plastic(semi-fluid) in its

10
behavior. The asthenosphere is relatively thin at around 100 km thick.
The boundary between the lithosphere and asthenosphere is thermal.
The lithosphere conducts heat out to the surface while the
asthenosphere retains its heat.

Volcanoes and Volcanism

Volcanoes generally form along the edge of tectonic plate overriding

a subduction zone. Cracks in the crust caused by the buckling of the
overriding plate allow magma to move towards the surface and form a
magma chamber. Further cracks in the crust allow the magma to be
ejected from the chamber and form a volcano. Magma reaching the
surface is termed lava, and its chemical properties depend upon the
composition of both the original magma and the crust through which it
passes.

Lava can be placed into three (3) general groups: basaltic, andesite
and rhyolite. Basaltic lava contains 48%-58% silica, is basic and is very
fluid, with the temperature of around 1160 OC . Rhyolite lava contains
65% silica and above and is acidic with a temperature around 900 OC.
Andesite is intermediate between the lava types mentioned. Volcanoes
formed from these lavas have very different and quite distinct properties

11
ranging relatively that unexplosive to extremely sleep and violently
explosive.

MODULE 2 Section Activity

Name: Program&Block:
Subject: Date Submitted:

A. Multiple Choice Test: Read the questions very carefully and encircle the letter of the
correct answer.

1. It refers to the outer rock layer of the Earth, comprising the crust, upper mantle.

a. Asthenosphere c. Atmosphere
b. Lithosphere d. Earth’s crust

2. It refers to the movement of plates away from each other.

a. Convergent boundaries c. Transformative boundaries

b. Divergent boundaries d. Transform boundaries

3. It refers to the viscouos and semi-fluid layer of rocks which lies below the
lithosphere.

a. Atmosphere c. Mantle
b. Asthenosphere d. Earth’s crust

4. What is the term used to describe the magma that reached the surface?

a. Ash fall c. Liquid-flame

b. Lava d. Sulfur

5. Mr. Miculob is curious about the three types of lava. He cited the three types of
lava which were basaltic, andesite and rhyolite. In addition, he gathered some
information which state that it contains 65% silica and above and is acidic with a
temperature around 900 OC.
Based on the given information, what type of lava was described?

a. Andesite c. Rhyolite
b. Basaltic d. Asphalt

Directions: On the given space, provide what is asked.

B. Describe what is happening at each of the following plate boundaries.

12
 1. Convergent plate boundary:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________.

2. Divergent plate boundary:

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________.

3. Transform plate boundary:

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________.

C. Describe the structure of:

1. Lithosphere:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________.

2. Asthenosphere:

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________.

13
 D. Locating the layers: Label correctly the highlighted layers.

E. Match the following lava types to the appropriate volcano below:

basaltic, andesitic and rhyolite.

STRATO-VOLCANO DOME SHIELD

F. Cite an example of volcano in the Philippines and identify its shape,

composition, characteristics and its history.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

SOIL AND SOIL MODULE

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________.

DYNAMICS

3 14
15
Lesson 1

SOIL AND SOIL DYNAMICS

Objectives
Rock Cycle
 Explain the rock cycle
The earth’s many rock types are grouped together according to process
the way they formed as Igneous, Metamorphic and
Sedimentary Rocks (as well as meteorites). These rocks form  Distinguish among
igneous, sedimentary
in a continuous cycle. Volcanism creates rocks at the earth’s
and metamorphic
surface. Erosion (the breakdown and deposition of rocks) of
these and other surface rocks produces, sediment, which burial
transforms into sedimentary rocks. Heat and pressure within the Key Terms
earth can then transform pre-existing rocks to form
metamorphic rocks such as slate. When rocks are exposed at the igneous
surface, they are then subjected to the physical, chemical and sedimentary
biological processes of weathering. This cycle of rock metamorphic
formation, exposure, erosion and deposition is known as the rock cycle
rock cycle.

Figure 3. Rock cycle

Soil and Soil Dynamics

Soils are a complex mixture of weathered rock and organic material. Soils are essential to
terrestrial life. Soils are named and classified on the basis of physical and chemical
properties in their horizons(layers). Soils have three basic horizons. (A,B,C). The A
horizon is the topsoil, which is rich in organic matter. The B horizon is a subsoil
containing clay and soluble vitamins. The C horizon is made up of weathered parent
material and rock fragments. Soil and their horizons differ widely, and are grouped
according to their characteristics, which are determined by the underlying parent rock, the

16
age of the soil and the condition under which soil is developed. A few soils weather
directly from the underlying rocks and these residual soils have the same general
chemistry as the original rocks.

Soils in different climate

Soils in different climate

17
Lesson 2

Soil Texture
Soil texture depends on the amount of each size
of mineral particle in the soil(sand, silt, and clay
sized particles). Coarse textured soils are
dominated by sand, medium texture by silt and
fine textured soils by clay.

Soil Types

18
 Sandy Soil is light, warm, dry and tend to be acidic and
low in nutrients. Sandy soils are often known as light soils
due to their high proportion of sand and little clay (clay
weighs more than sand).

These soils have quick water drainage and are easy to work
with. They are quicker to warm up in spring than clay soils
but tend to dry out in summer and suffer from low
nutrients that are washed away by rain.

Silt Soil is a light and moisture retentive soil type with a high
fertility rating. As silt soils compromise of medium sized
particles they are well drained and hold moisture well.

As the particles are fine, they can be easily compacted and are
prone to washing away with rain.

Peat soil is high in organic matter and retains a large amount

of moisture.

This type of soil is very rarely found in a garden and often

imported into a garden to provide an optimum soil base for
planting.

Chalk soil can be either light or heavy but always highly

alkaline due to the calcium carbonate or lime within its
structure.

As these soils are alkaline they will not support the growth of
ericaceous plants that require acidic soils to grow.

Loam soil is a mixture of sand, silt and clay that are

combined to avoid the negative effects of each type.

These soils are fertile, easy to work with and provide good
drainage. Depending on their predominant composition they
can be either sandy or clay loam.

As the soils are a perfect balance of soil particles, they are

considered to be a gardeners’ best friend, but still benefit from
topping up with additional organic matter.

MODULE 3 Section Activity

Name: Program&Block:

19
Subject: Date Submitted:

A. Multiple Choice Test: Read the questions very carefully and encircle the letter of the
correct answer.

1. What do we call to the process of breaking down and deposition of rocks?

a. Weathering c. Rock cycle

b. Erosion d. Breaking deposition

2. It refers to the formation, exposure and deposition of rocks.

a. Weathering c. Rock cycle

b. Erosion d. Breaking deposition

3. Ms. Arante buy new plants, she wish to plant it on a soil that has perfect balance of
soil particles, and soil that is considered to be a gardeners’ best friend, but still
benefit from topping up with additional organic matter. What type of soil should
Ms. Arante use?
a. Sandy soil c. Loam soil
c. Silt soil d. Clay soil

4. Mrs. Ruelo dug a portion of land in their backyard, she saw layers in the land. One
of the layers she saw was made up of weathered parent material and rock
fragments. What layer was being described in the statement?

a. Horizon A c. Horizon O
b. Horizon B d. Topsoil

5. Mr. Ramil brought a cactus from a store. He planted it in a soil high in organic
matter and retains a large amount of moisture. What soil did Mr. Ramil use?
a. Loam soil c. Silt soil
b. Chalk soil d. Peat soil

Directions: On the given space, provide what is asked.

B. Fill in the boxes to complete the cycle and explain the whole
process.

20
Explanation:_______________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
______.

C. Briefly discuss the characteristics of each soil type.

a. Loam soil
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________.

b. Sandy soil
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.

c. Silt soil
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.

d. Clay soil
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.

21
 e. Chalk soil
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.

f. Peat soil
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________.

CRITICAL THINKING
D. Describe the role of climate, soil organisms and topography in soil
structure and soil development.

Climate
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________.
Soil organisms
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________.

Topography

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________.

22
23
The Atmosphere
And climate module

a.
4
The Atmosphere
b. Composition
c. Weather and climate
d. Coriolis effect

READING WARM-UP!

Before you read this

chapter, take a few
minutes to answer the
following questions:

1. Distinguish weather
from climate

2. What are some of the

important roles of the
atmosphere?

3. In which layer of the

atmosphere is ozone
layer located?

The first two satellites of

of the Philippines were
named Diwata 1 and
Diwata 2. 24
Lesson 1

The Atmosphere and Climate

The earth’s atmosphere is a layer of gases surrounding the globe and retained by gravity.
It contains roughly 78% nitrogen, 20. 95% oxygen, 0.93% argon, 0.038% CO 2, trace
amounts of other gases. The mixture of gases, known as air, protects life on Earth by
absorbing UV radiation and reducing temperature extremes between day and night. The
atmosphere consists of layer around the earth, each one defined by the way temperature
changes within limits. The outer most troposphere thins slowly, fading into space with no
boundary. The atmospheric circulation transports warm air from equatorial areas to high
latitudes and returning cooler air to the tropics. It is the interaction of the atmosphere and
the oceans that creates the earth’s the longer term pattern of atmospheric conditions we
call climate (as opposed to short-term which is called weather). World’s climate are not
static, they have been both warmer and cooler in the past. At present, the average global
temperature is increasing, but this rise is not evenly spread around the globe. The present
climate warming is most likely to be due, at least in part to an enhanced greenhouse
effect, caused by higher concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Figure 4. Layers of the Atmosphere

Variation and Oscillation

Energy from the sun is distributed through a global
system of atmospheric and ocean circulation that creates
earth’s climate. Heated air moving towards the poles from
the equator does not flow in a single uniform convection

25
 current. Friction, drag and momentum cause air close to the earth’s surface to be pulled in
the direction of the earth’s rotation. This deflection is called the Coriolis effect and it is
responsible for the direction of movement of large-scale weather systems in both
hemisphere.
Lesson 2

Northern Hemisphere Southern Hemisphere

MODULE 4 Section Activity

Name: Program&Block:
Subject: Date Submitted:

A. Multiple Choice Test: Read the questions very carefully and encircle the letter of the
correct answer.

1. It refers to the earth’s longer term pattern of atmospheric conditions.

26
 a. Climate c. Atmosphere
b. Weather d. Asthenosphere

2. It refers to the earth’s shorte term pattern of atmospheric conditions.

a. Climate c. Atmosphere
b. Weather d. Asthenosphere

3. In which layer of the atmosphere, where weathers are form?

a. Mesosphere c. Troposphere
b. Stratosphere d. Exosphere

4. In which layer of the atmosphere, where protective ozone layer is located?

a. Mesosphere c. Troposphere
b. Stratosphere d. Exosphere

5. It describes the air flow towards and away from the equator which follows the
curved path that swings it to the right in the northern hemisphere and left in the
southern hemisphere.
a. Coriolis Effect c. Southern Hemisphere Effect
b. Northern Hemisphere Effect d. Equinox Effect

Directions: On the given space, provide what is asked

A. Label each layer of the atmosphere. Include the temperature and two
characteristics of each layer. Do it as neat as you could.

27
B. Identify which layer of the atmosphere is described by each characteristic
listed below and write the name of the layer on the space provided.

________________________1. Where all weather and clouds are found

________________________2. Contains ozone layer

________________________3. Where jet planes fly

________________________4. Located closest to earth’s surface

________________________5. The densest layer

________________________6. Where most water vapor is found

________________________7. The coldest layer

________________________8. Where satellites are found

C. Briefly differentiate weather from season.

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________.

D. In the space provided below, draw a schematic diagrams to show the

following:

28
 1. The movement of air in a Northern hemisphere cyclone:

2. The movement of air in a Southern hemisphere cyclone:

E. Briefly explain Coriolis Effect

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________.

29