Topic: Human Influences on Ecosystems – Pollution
Lesson 1: Effects of Untreated Sewage and Excess Fertiliser on Aquatic Ecosystems
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | – Describe the effects of untreated sewage and excess fertiliser on aquatic ecosystems. |
| Activities | Starter (5 mins): Show a diagram of a polluted water body and ask students to identify visible problems. Main (25 mins): 1. Explain the impact of untreated sewage (e.g., oxygen depletion, disease spread). 2. Discuss the role of fertilisers in eutrophication and its effects on aquatic life. Plenary (10 mins): Students list three ways to prevent water pollution. |
| Resources | Diagram of polluted water bodies, videos of algae blooms. |
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Homework | Research and write a paragraph on a local water pollution issue and its consequences. |
| Assessment | Class participation in identifying problems and suggesting solutions. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Biology 0610/21/O/N/21 Q6(a). |
Lesson 2: Impact of Non-Biodegradable Plastics on Ecosystems
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | – Describe the effects of non-biodegradable plastics in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. |
| Activities | Starter (5 mins): Display images of plastic pollution affecting animals and ecosystems. Main (25 mins): 1. Discuss how plastics enter ecosystems and their persistence. 2. Explain effects on marine life (e.g., ingestion, entanglement) and soil health. Plenary (10 mins): Students brainstorm alternatives to plastic use. |
| Resources | Images/videos of plastic pollution, infographics on plastic waste. |
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Homework | Suggest three innovative ways to reduce plastic waste at home or in school. |
| Assessment | Students describe the impact of plastics during the plenary session. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Biology 0610/42/M/J/20 Q5(b). |
Lesson 3: Air Pollution by Methane and Carbon Dioxide
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | – Describe the sources and effects of air pollution by methane and carbon dioxide. |
| Activities | Starter (5 mins): Show a graph of rising CO₂ and methane levels over the past century. Main (25 mins): 1. Discuss sources of CO₂ (fossil fuels, deforestation) and methane (livestock, landfills). 2. Explain the enhanced greenhouse effect and its link to climate change. Plenary (10 mins): Students write a brief explanation of how they can reduce their carbon footprint. |
| Resources | Graphs/charts of greenhouse gas emissions, videos on climate change. |
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Homework | Create an action plan to reduce household carbon emissions. |
| Assessment | Class discussion on climate change impacts. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Biology 0610/21/M/J/20 Q3(b). |
Lesson 4: Eutrophication Process (Supplement)
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | – Explain the process of eutrophication and its effects on aquatic ecosystems. |
| Activities | Starter (5 mins): Show a time-lapse of eutrophication in a pond. Main (25 mins): 1. Describe the stages of eutrophication: ion availability, producer growth, decomposition, oxygen depletion, death of organisms. 2. Use a flowchart to summarize the process. Plenary (10 mins): Students work in pairs to explain eutrophication to a peer. |
| Resources | Diagrams/flowcharts of eutrophication, video of algae blooms. |
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Homework | Draw and label the eutrophication process in a step-by-step diagram. |
| Assessment | Peer explanation during plenary and homework submissions. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Biology 0610/42/O/N/19 Q5(c). |
Key Notes for Teachers:
- Use multimedia resources to engage students (e.g., videos, infographics).
- Encourage critical thinking about solutions to pollution and its global implications.
- Relate the topic to real-world examples for better understanding.
Key Notes for Students:
- Pollution impacts ecosystems by disrupting natural processes and harming organisms.
- Preventive measures like waste management and reducing carbon emissions are critical for sustainability.
- Understanding eutrophication helps in addressing agricultural pollution.
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