New Jersey Science Standards and Progress Indicators
Standard 5.12

All students will develop an understanding of the environment as a system of interdependent components affected by human activity and natural phenomena.

Descriptive Statement: Creating an awareness of the need to protect and preserve natural resources is a goal of science education. This standard calls for students to develop knowledge of environmental issues, including management of natural resources, production and use of energy, waste management, and the interdependence of ecosystems.

Cumulative Progress Indicators

By the end of Grade 4, students:

  1. Investigate the interdependence of living things and their environment.
  2. Explain how meeting human requirements affects the environment.
  3. Recognize that natural resources are not always renewable.

    Building upon knowledge and skills gained in the preceding grades, by the end of Grade 8, students:

  4. Evaluate the impact of personal and societal activities on the local and global environment.
  5. Compare and contrast practices that affect the use and management of natural resources.
  6. Recognize that individuals and groups may have differing points of view on environmental issues.
  7. Analyze the components of various ecosystems and the effects of those components on organisms.

    Building upon knowledge and skills gained in the preceding grades, by the end of Grade 12, students:

  8. Investigate the impact of natural phenomena and physical processes, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, forest fires, floods, and hurricanes, on the environment of different regions of the United States and the world.
  9. Use scientific, economic, and other data to assess environmental risks and benefits associated with human activity.
  10. Apply the concept of ecosystems to understand and solve problems regarding environmental issues.