Environmental management is a crucial discipline that addresses the impacts of human activities on our planet.
As educators, especially those teaching the AICE Environmental Management course, we hold the key to equipping our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and mitigate these impacts effectively. A fundamental aspect of this course involves a comprehensive understanding of the earth’s structure and the science behind key natural phenomena. These foundations are not just academic requirements; they are essential building blocks for students to grasp the more complex concepts that will follow.
This blog post aims to provide insights and strategies for teachers to effectively teach these concepts, ultimately improving student outcomes and their preparedness for future environmental challenges.
Topics
- 1.1 Continents and oceans
- 1.2 Country classification by income level
- 1.3 Sustainability
- 1.4 Water Cycle
- 1.5 Layers of the Atmosphere
- 1.6 Ecosystems
Resources
(click on the links below)
- PowerPoint/ Lecture/Notes
- Guided Notes – two versions
- Bell Ringers
- Classification of countries by income – activity
- Sustainable solutions – debate/activity
- Quiz (sections 3-5)
- Water cycle and the atmosphere –activity and review Questions
- The Carbon Cycle Mystery – activity
- Task Cards
- Puzzle Game (sections 1-5)
- Practice Questions -Practice AICE style questions with answer key
- Test (1.6)
- Study Guide
- Unit 1 BUNDLE
- Make-Your-Own-Bundle
Time frame
- Time frame for block schedule [90 min class period] – 3 weeks/ 7 class periods
- Time frame for regular schedule [45 -50 min class period] – 3 weeks/ 13 -14 class periods
Daily Agenda and Resources
The agenda provided is structured for block schedules with 90-minute classes. For teachers working with 40–45 minute periods, I recommend dividing each lesson into two parts:
- Day 1: Deliver the lecture content.
- Day 2: Use the bell ringer and complete the activities.
This approach ensures full coverage of the material while maintaining the intended balance between direct instruction and active learning.
Note: All pacing suggestions are estimates. Adjust the time to accommodate for specific student needs and interests.
1 Day = 90 minutes class. Click on Day # Lesson below for daily lesson plans.
Day 0
Objectives
- Intro to AICE Environmental Management
- Syllabus/ Class expectations
- identify and name the world’s continents and major oceans
Instructional Materials
- Welcome to AICE Environmental Management
- Continents and Oceans – class discussion
- Break the ice challenge
Day 1 Lesson
- 1.1 Continents and oceans
- 1.2 Country classification by income level
Objectives
- identify and name the world’s continents and major oceans
- describe the income groups the World Bank uses to classify countries
Day 2 Lesson
- 1.3 Sustainability
Objectives
- define the term sustainability
- understand the need for the sustainable
management of resources
Instructional Materials
Day 3 Lesson
- 1.4 Water Cycle
- 1.5 Layers of the Atmosphere
Objectives
- describe the stages of the water cycle
- interpret and draw diagrams representing the water cycle
- state the major components of the Earth’s
atmosphere - describe the structure of the Earth’s
atmosphere - describe the ozone layer and outline its role
- outline the natural greenhouse effect.
Day 4 Lesson
- 1.6 – Ecosystems
Objectives
- define the terms biome, ecosystem, population, community, habitat and niche, trophic levels, biotic, abiotic components of an ecosystem;
- identify organisms at different feeding levels in a food chain or food web
- construct simple food chains and food webs.
Day 5 Lesson
- 1.6 – Ecosystems
Objectives
- Biotic interactions
- photosynthesis and cellular respiration
Instructional Materials
Day 6 Lesson
- 1.6 – Ecosystems
- Review/Practice AICE Style questions
Objectives
- carbon cycle
Day 7 Lesson
- Test Unit 1
Objectives
- Assess student’s mastery
- Introduction to Unit#2 –students copy vocabulary words from the coursebook
Instructional Materials
Exposing students to proper blend of lecture, practice activities and questions is of paramount importance for their success on the Cambridge exam.
I would love to hear from you!
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! Are there any topics you’d like to learn more about or see discussed here? I’d love to hear your suggestions. Please let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more updates!
