activities place on them. Students will examine ecological processes, the principles of sustainability,

and strategies for resource management, with a focus on the challenges of environmental

degradation and resource depletion. Students will use geotechnologies and skills of geographic

inquiry to explain and evaluate various approaches to achieving a more sustainable

relationship between people and their environment.       (Ministry of Education)

The course will focus on ecosystems and environmental issues by investigating forestry, Freshwater and Marine Resources, Minerals, Protected Species and Spaces as well as Sustainability.

Students will also participate in a number of field trips in order to gain first hand knowledge of material studied in class.

Field Trips may include:

• Wetland Field Study at Perch Creek Habitat Management Area (September)
• Ecosystem succession at Pinery Provincial Park (October)
• Forest/Tree Study at Lorne Henderson conservation Area (September)
• Tour of Bluewater Anglers Fish Hatchery (November - December)
• Over night Camping trip to Bruce Peninsula National Park (September)
• Other trips will take place throughout the semester as opportunities present themselves

Field Trips are not a student right.  All students are expected to represent St. Clair Secondary School in a positive manner.   unfortunately there will be costs associated with some trips in order to offset transportation fees.  However, a student will never be excluded from a trip due to financial reasons.

Recommended Readings:

This is a list of books that I recommend you read at some point during this semester.  They are by no means required reading (you will not be tested on any of the information in these books).  However, reading them (any of them) will definitely help you to further your understanding of the environmental facts, concepts and issues dealt with in this course.

The Future of Life - E.O. Wilson.  This book authored by famous scientist and conservation Edward O. Wilson describes the current environmental crisis facing the planet.  initially, Wilson describes in detail the problems the world and society are facing and paints a optimistic view of the future.

The End of Nature - Bill McKibben.  In this book Bill Mckibben (who is a regular contributor to National Geographic) describes how humans have essentially had an impact good or bad on every aspect of our planet.  This is a relatively old book, but still remains extremely relevant today.

The Black grizzly of Whiskey Creek - Sid Marty.  This book describes the events during the summer of 1981 in Banff National Park, in which park wardens, towns people and tourists alike were impacted by the Bears of Banff National Park.  This is an unbelievable story that really shows the struggle humans have in coexisting with nature/wildlife, even in the Country's oldest National Park

Silent Spring - Rachel Carson.  This is the book that is credited with launched the modern environmental/conservation movement during the 1960's.  Very famous book!