7 Department of Education

National Capital Region

SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE
MARIKINA CITY

Special Science Program

Environmental Science
First Quarter-Module 1
Introduction to Environmental Science

Writer: Mylene C. Torno

Illustrator:
Cover Illustrator: Lian Joseph A. Domingo

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 Government Property
NOT FOR SALE

Pollution is the biggest problem that every living thing is facing right now,
giving negative impact on health and economic opportunities for the humans.
Polluted environment gives birth to harmful biological and chemical agents which
have direct or indirect threats to human health. To face these threats, there is a
growing realization locally and internationally that proper utilization of
environmental endowments of life support systems such as air, water and soil is
a must for sustainable development.
The Environmental Science subject gives an insight into the quality of the
environment and what we can do to make improvements for the benefit of the
world. It also offers students the opportunity to apply scientific knowledge to
practical current problems. It helps them better understand the relationship
between humans and the world in which we live.
This module is divided into three lessons namely:
 Lesson 1 – Nature and Scope of Environmental Science
 Lesson 2 – Definition of Environment
After going through this module, you are expected to:
 Define Environmental Science;
 Identify the different discipline which makes Environmental Science as
inter-disciplinary subject;
 Describe environment based on its influence the interactions between
living and non-living things; and
 Raise awareness in the environmental practices and issues

Directions: Let’s see what you already know! Answer the following questions by
choosing the correct letter of the word or group of words that corresponds to
given statement.

1. Which of the following branches of science does not belong to Natural

Science?
A. Chemistry
B. Ecology
C. Ethics
D. Physics

2. Which of the following statements is incorrect about Environmental

Studies?
A. It tackles Biosphere, Lithosphere, Atmosphere and Hydrosphere

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 B. It focuses on humans and other living organisms in the land only.
C. It has a significance in Earth and every organism interacting with it.
D. It discusses environmental issues together with its possible solutions.

3. Philippine Government created Rep. Act No. 3701, an act about

discouraging destruction of forests. Which branch of science is related to
this concern?
A. History
B. Ethics
C. Sociology
D. Political Science

4. Which of the following statements is not true about lithosphere?

A. It is the core of the solid earth.
B. It is outermost part of the Earth.
C. It is where the soil and rocks are found.
D. It consists of minerals occurring in the earth’s crusts.

5. Some animal activists are concerned in the animals which works on the
circus, zoos and other entertainment shows because they seem to be
overexploited and abused. Which branch of science is related to this
concern?
A. History
B. Ethics
C. Sociology
D. Political Science

6. Which of the following pair of words best describe Hydrosphere?

A. Soil and Rocks
B. Flora and Fauna
C. Layer of Gases
D. Water and Ice

7. A red tide appeared in a pond. Local officials and other scientists visit the
pond for investigation. Which branch of science is related to this concern?
A. Chemistry
B. Ecology
C. Ethics
D. Physics

8. Troposphere is the area where the clouds formed. What part of the Earth
does troposphere belong?
A. Atmosphere
B. Biosphere
C. Hydrosphere
D. Lithosphere

9. Which of the following is not true about Environmental Science?

A. It is an interdisciplinary field of sciences
B. Natural Science has no significance in studying environmental science
C. It informs the understanding and management of contemporary
environmental issues
D. Environmental science is a study, not only for environment, but also on
the organisms interacting on it

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 10.Which of the following scenario can be harmful to environment?
A. Exercising organic farming in backyards
B. Reforestation on critically damaged forests
C. Increasing number of factories due to industrial development
D. Using renewable resources instead of using non-renewable resources

Lesson Scope of Environmental

1 Science
As mentioned earlier in this module, this subject gives an insight into the
quality of the environment and what we can do to make improvements for the
benefit of the world. This lesson discusses all the basic concepts that you’ll need
to know to understand the importance of the subject.

How far did you know about environment?

Find words which can be related to environment on the pool of letters below

O B D C E J D U X S B B Z

N R N A M U H E W A F I E

A E G S N O I T U L L O P

W S V A N I M A L S P L O

A O G U N W N X R Q L O V

L U Y S C I E N C E A G N

I R Y U O Q S F G L N Y M

D C L P C H E M I S T R Y

O E A R T H I S S F S O M

U S T D I D E E S T U P D

Make an interpretation by analyzing the given editorial cartoon.

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This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
Environmental Science Defined

Environmental Science is the study of the effects of natural and unnatural

processes, and interactions of the physical components of the planet on the
environment. It also refers to a type of scientific discipline in which a broad range
of insights from other branches of science are brought together to inform the
understanding and management of contemporary environmental issues. Based
on its definition, we can describe it as an interdisciplinary field of sciences.

Scope of Environmental Science

As mentioned above, environmental science is

interdisciplinary so topics will be extracted on
different fields to develop understanding. This
graphic organizer will help you to identify the
different branches of Science which involves in
the multi-disciplinary nature of Environmental
Science.

Natural sciences like atmospheric sciences,

ecology, chemistry and geology are some of the
disciplines that can be associated to this field.

Atmospheric sciences involves studying the atmosphere (typically covering the

chemistry and physics of the atmosphere) and the impact and effects changes
can have on ecosystems all over the world.

Ecology focuses on how living and non-living things interact with the
environment and each other. This can associate to social sciences as well as
biology.

Chemistry focuses on the impact humans have on the environment and how
contamination and reactions happens, what its effects are and how it can be
controlled or prevented. Biology focuses on the life processes in the
environment.

Geology focuses on the earth’s natural processes. In environmental science, this

will involve learning more about the earth to ensure you have a good scientific
basis for understanding environmental changes.

Social Sciences has an involvement in understanding Environmental Science.

Some of these are Sociology, Ethics and Political Science.

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Sociology is responsible for the study of social factors that cause environmental
problems, the societal impacts of those problems, and efforts to solve the
problems.

Ethics is responsible for providing moral grounds for social policies aimed at
protecting the earth's environment and remedying environmental degradation.

Political science focuses on the critical assessment and intensive policy making
in protecting the environment.

ACTIVITY 1
Directions: Below are the following scenarios that can be discussed in
Environmental Science. Write the specific discipline that can be associated with
the given scenario below.

1. Clouds generally form within the troposphere, or the layer of atmosphere

closest to the earth. As they rise and fall, they may appear in infinite
variations.
2. Republic Act 9147, known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and
Protection Act, is an act providing for the conservation and protection of
wildlife resources and their habitats.
3. Water, acids, salt, plants, animals, and changes in temperature are all
agents of weathering in rocks.
4. A mining company which has performed open pit mining in highly dense
forest area.
5. Lions and tigers’ natural habitats are grasslands and rainforests.

ACTIVITY 2
Directions: Fill in the blanks for each statement.

1. _____________________ helps to describe the earth’s natural processes.

2. The study which deals to the interaction between organisms in the
environment is ________________________.
3. The branch of science which focuses on all living things is
_______________.
4. _____________________ provides moral grounds for social policies for the
care of the environment.
5. Chemistry and Biology are examples of ________________ Sciences.

ACTIVITY 3

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 Directions: Refer to the Editorial Cartoon in the “What’s New” section of this
lesson. Write 5 preventive measures to prevent this kind of scenario together
with the field of Science associated with it.
Example :
1. Enhancing current laws on illegal logging like Executive Order No. 23, s.
2011 (Political Science)

On a bond paper, select one of the branches of sciences (Chemistry, Sociology,

etc.) then show its significance in studying Environmental Science by creating a
poster.
SCORING RUBRICS

CATEGOR 5 4 3 2 1
Y
Organization The poster has The poster has The poster has The poster has The poster has
of Content exceptionally attractive some drawing limited drawing no organization
attractive drawing and and organized and of material.
drawing and well-organized of information. organization of
well-organized information. information.
information.
The title was
Title The title shows The title shows The title shows The title was copied from
creativeness, creativeness, creativeness, copied from other work, not
very accurate accurate to the somewhat other work, accurate to the
to the poster poster accurate to the somewhat poster
poster accurate to the
poster
Illustration The illustration The illustration The illustration The illustration The illustration
is very clear is clear and is somewhat is incomplete. is not clear.
and catchy. catchy. Perfect clear. No color or
Perfect color color blend and other details.
blend and other other details.
details.
Originality The poster The poster The poster The poster The poster was
and Creativity contains an contains contains some contains few copied from
adequate graphics and graphics and graphics and online and other
amount of enhancements enhancements enhancements materials
graphics and that are
enhancements appropriate for
that adds the topic
attraction
without taking
away from the
content
Cleanliness The poster is The poster The poster has The poster has The poster has
neatly contains some minimal marks, definite marks, a lot of marks
presented, with graphics and erasures, or erasures, or and stains that
consistent enhancements stains. The stains. The makes the
illustrations and is neatly drawing and drawing and reader
font styles or presented, but writings are still writings are still distracted
handwriting and inconsistent readable readable
headings illustrations and
font styles or
handwriting and
headings are
seen

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Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter
on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following branches of science does not belong to Natural
Science?
A. Chemistry
B. Ecology
C. Ethics
D. Physics

2. Philippine Government created Republic Act No. 3701, an act about

discouraging destruction of forests. Which branch of science is related to
this concern?
A. History
B. Ethics
C. Sociology
D. Political Science

3. Some animal activists are concerned in the animals which works on the
circus, zoos and other entertainment shows because they seem to be
overexploited and abused. Which branch of science is related to this
concern?
A. History
B. Ethics
C. Sociology
D. Political Science

4. A red tide appeared in a pond. Local officials and other scientists visit the
pond for investigation. Which branch of science is related to this concern?
A. Chemistry
B. Ecology
C. Ethics
D. Physics

5. Which of the following is not true about Environmental Science?

A. It is an interdisciplinary field of sciences
B. Natural Science has no significance in studying environmental
science

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 C. It informs the understanding and management of contemporary
environmental issues
D. Environmental science is a study, not only for environment, but also
on the organisms interacting on it

Lesson
Definition of Environment
2
In this lesson, we will understand more the concept of environment by having its
different definition, its scope and its nature.

Modified True or False

Write True if the statement is correct. If false, change the underlined word to
make the statement correct.
1. The study of the atmospheric condition and its impact and effects changes
can have on ecosystems is political science.
2. Geography focuses on the earth’s natural processes.
3. Ecology is responsible for the study of social factors that cause
environmental problems.
4. Weathering, a changing process on rocks, can be studied through
Chemistry.
5. Environmental science is a study, not only for environment, but also on
the organisms interacting on it

Create an acrostic poem which describes environment.

E–
N–
V–
I–
R–
O–
N–
M–
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T–
Environment Defined

When we talk about environment, the first thing which comes to our mind is it is
all about the place that we live in. But did you know that environment in not only
describing a place? Let us expand our understanding in the term “environment”.

These are two of the earliest definition of environment.

1. According to Boring (1947), environment is defined as ‘A person’s
environment consists of the sum, total of the stimulation which he receives from
his conception until his death.’ Indicating that environment comprises various
types of aspects such as physical, intellectual, mental, economic, political,
cultural, social, moral, and emotional.

2. Douglas and Holland (1947) states that ‘The term environment is used to
describe, in aggregate, all the external forces, influences and conditions, which
affect the life, nature, behavior and the growth, development and maturity of
living organisms’.

Scope of Environment

1. Atmosphere – The atmosphere serves as the protective blanket of gases,

surrounding the earth
2. Hydrosphere – The hydrosphere covers all types of water resources:
oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, reservoirs, polar icecaps, glaciers, and ground
water.
3. Lithosphere – The lithosphere is the outer mantle of the solid earth. It
consists of minerals occurring in the earth’s crusts and the soil e.g.
minerals, organic matter, air, and water.
4. Biosphere – The biosphere indicates the realm of living organisms and
their interactions with environment, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and
lithosphere.
Importance of Environment Studies

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The environment studies carve a big significance, not only in Earth, but also in
every organism interacting with it. It makes us aware about the importance of
protection and conservation of our mother Earth and about its harm and
destruction due to the release of pollution into the environment. The increase in
human and animal population, industries and other issues make the survival
hard to manage. Every day, we face a big, worsening number of environmental
issues which leads to survival threats of mankind and other organisms on earth.
Environment studies have become significant for the following reasons:

1. Environment issue is not only a national issue but a global issue

2. Environmental effects of technology development and urbanization
3. Explosive increase in population
4. There is always a need for alternative solution
5. Need to save humanity from extinction
6. Need for wise planning of development

ACTIVITY 1
Directions: Find the decription of the words in Column A by matching it in the
statements in Column B

COLUMN A COLUMN B
1. Biosphere A. It covers all types of water
2. Lithosphere resources
3. Environment B. It serves as the protective
4. Atmosphere blanket of gases
5. Hydrosphere C. It consists of minerals occurring
in the Earth’s soil
D. It consists living organisms live
together with its interactions to
other parts of the earth
E. It is the surrounding in which a
living organism lives or
operates.

ACTIVITY 2
Directions: Fill in the blanks for each statement.

1. River and seas are in the part of the Earth called ______________________.
2. Releasing of _______________________, which came from the developing
industries and technology, is very dangerous to the environment.
3. Ozone layer, which absorbs most of the ultraviolet rays coming from
the sun can be found on ____________________.
4. Rocks and soil are in the part of the Earth called __________________.

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 5. The ___________________ indicates the realm of living organisms and
their interactions with environment, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and
lithosphere.

ACTIVITY 3
Directions: Research four environmental laws in the Philippines. Identify which
part of the Earth is covered by each law and defend your answers by stating
reasons

Example :
RA 9275 Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 – Hydrosphere
Reason : According to Philippine Clean Water Act, it aims to
protect the country’s water bodies from pollution

Create a tri-fold brochure about current environmental issue in the Philippines

and ways how to prevent and control it. Follow the format below.
BROCHURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS IN THE PHILIPPINE SETTING

Front Page
ENVIRONMENTAL
As a young Filipino citizen,
AWARENESS IN THE
what can you do to show
PHILIPPINE SETTING Reference/s
your care for the
Name of Student
environment?
Section
Back Page
Choose 1 latest
environmental issue which
the Philippines is facing on
this generation.
 Activities that helps  Environmental
For example : Manila Bay
to solve the issue Laws concerned in
Rehabilitation
 Attach pictures this issue
 Write a title
 Date started
 Short description
 Concerned place/s

SCORING RUBRICS

CATEGOR 5 4 3 2 1
Y
Organization The output has The output has The output has The output has The output has
of Content exceptionally attractive some limited no formatting
attractive formatting and formatting and formatting and and
formatting and well-organized organized of organization of organization of
well-organized information. information. information. material.
information.

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 Use of facts and
Accuracy of Use of facts and Use of facts and Use of facts and Use of facts and quantity of
Information the quantity of quantity of quantity of quantity of information is
information is information is information is information is limited.
exceptional. very good. good but not present but
consistent. limited.
Graphics/ Graphics are Graphics are Graphics are Graphics are No graphics or
Images very clear and very clear and clear and go somewhat images
go well with the go well with the well with the blurry and do presented on
text and there text, but there text, but there not go with the the output
is a good mix of are so many are too few and accompanying
text and that they the information text or appear
graphics. distract from guide seems to be randomly
the text. "text-heavy". chosen.
Sources The sources are The sources are The sources are The sources are Information
reliable and reliable and reliable but not questionable presented are
accurate to the somewhat accurate to the and somewhat not cited. No
information accurate to the information not related to reference
presented information presented the information written on the
presented presented output
Cleanliness The output is The output is The output has The output has The output has
neatly neatly minimal marks, definite marks, a lot of marks
presented, with presented, but erasures, or erasures, or and stains that
consistent font inconsistent stains. The stains. The makes the
styles or font styles or writings are still writings are still reader
handwriting and handwriting and readable readable distracted
headings headings are
seen

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter
on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following statements is incorrect about Environmental Studies?
A. It has a significance not only in Earth, but also in every organism
interacting with it.
B. It discusses environmental issues together with its possible solutions.
C. It focuses on humans, animals, plants, and other living organisms in
the land only.
D. It tackles the four parts of the Earth : Biosphere, Lithosphere,
Atmosphere and Hydrosphere

2. Troposphere is the area where the clouds formed. What part of the Earth
does troposphere belong?
A. Atmosphere
B. Biosphere
C. Hydrosphere
D. Lithosphere

3. Which of the following pair of words best describe Hydrosphere?

A. Soil and Rocks
B. Flora and Fauna
C. Layer of Gases
D. Water and Ice

4. Which of the following scenario can be harmful to environment?

A. Exercising organic farming in backyards

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 B. Reforestation on critically damaged forests
C. Increasing number of factories due to industrial development
D. Using renewable resources instead of using non-renewable resources

5. Which of the following statements is not true about lithosphere?

A. It is the core of the solid earth.
B. It is outermost part of the Earth.
C. It is where the soil and rocks are found.
D. It consists of minerals occurring in the earth’s crusts.

WHAT I KNOW
1. C
2. B
WHAT’S MORE WHAT I HAVE ASSESSMENT
3. D
Lesson 1 LEARNED Lesson 1
4. A Lesson 1
1. Atmospheric 1. C
5. B Sciences 1. Geology
6. D 2. Political 2. Ecology 2. D
7. A Science 3. Biology 3. B
3. Chemistry 4. Ethics
8. A 4. Ethics
4. A
5. Natural
9. B 5. Ecology Sciences 5. B
10. CB

ASSESSMENT
WHAT’S MORE WHAT I HAVE Lesson 2
Lesson 2 LEARNED 1. C
1. D Lesson 2 2. A
2. C 1. Hydrosphere
2. Pollution 3. D
3. E 3. Atmosphere 4. C
4. B 4. Lithosphere
5. Biosphere 5. A
5. A

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Retrieved from http://www.tezu.ernet.in/denvsc/IDC/Study%20material%20Unit
%201.pdf

Retrieved from https://www.soas.ac.uk/cedep-demos/000_P500_ESM_K3736-

Demo/unit1/page_09.htm

Retrieved from https://www.mendeley.com/careers/article/environmental-

science/

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Schools Division Office- Marikina City

191 Shoe Ave., Sta. Elena, Marikina City, 1800, Philippines

Telefax: (02) 682-2472 / 682-3989

Email Address: sdo.marikina@deped.gov.ph

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