Unit Essential Questions:

1. What value do we see in the biodiversity and natural resources of the earth? The variety of living things on Earth (biodiversity) and natural resources like forests, rivers, and minerals are extremely valuable, more than most might even recognize. They provide us with food, clean water, and medicines, and even help regulate the climate that makes life possible. Without biodiversity and natural resources, human life could not be sustained.

2. What human actions are associated with altering Earth’s natural systems? Human activities like burning fossil fuels such as gas, oil, coal for energy, cutting down forests, overfishing the oceans, and releasing pollutants into the air and water are major factors altering and damaging Earth’s natural environments. These actions disrupt the balance of nature by causing climate change, habitat loss, and ecosystem decline.

3. How can individuals, communities, and nations live sustainably? To live more sustainably, individuals can reduce energy use at home, recycle, eat less meat (even though I’m not doing that), and choose environmentally friendly products. People who are for their community can create green spaces, improve public transportation, and start recycling programs. Nations can and need to transition to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, protect natural areas, and enact laws to limit pollution and waste.

Reflection Questions:

1. How did this project deepen your understanding of sustainability? This project deepened my understanding of sustainability by examining how an organization like SEPTA can transition to more eco-friendly and renewable practices to reduce its environmental footprint from transportation. It gave me a good understanding of how much comes into play when trying to make something more sustainable for the environment!

2. What information about your chosen industry surprised you most? Why? The information that surprised me most was how much SEPTA currently relies on fossil fuels to power its bus and train fleets, contributing to air pollution and climate change impacts. To me, if the company is well aware of how much this impacts its community why is there no change being implemented? It’s necessary that we start to make change and most people are semi-aware of that, which is why this is so surprising to me.

3. How did you contribute to your group’s project? Provide specific examples. What were you proud of, in terms of your overall project?

How didn’t I contribute to my group’s project is the real question. From the start, Anaiya and I had a huge workload since our group was smaller compared to the others. But we stepped up to the challenge, for all the checkpoints, we divided the work up, and I made sure to complete my parts thoroughly. When it came to the physical component, I collaborated closely with the CTE students, communicating and working as a team to create the best possible structure. Initially, I didn’t think we would do that well given our smaller group size, but I’m really proud of how our project turned out in the end.

We see the value of being able to create a sustainable future by preserving the health of these resources.

Pollution, Transportation, Consumption, Hunting, Building and Negligence

By decreasing the amount of fossil fuels being burned, changing the way they live, and learning about the reasons as to why it’s important to do so.

It allowed us to learn about the possibilities of being healthy, sustainable and still be able to enjoy what we eat.

The information that surprised me the most was how much carbon emissions were burned from transportation of food

I created the physical component of the product, created the ‘hello fresh’ style innovation for our company

Biodiversity and natural resources provide essential goods and services, support economic development, and maintain planetary health

Human activities like deforestation, pollution, and climate change alter Earth’s natural systems, leading to biodiversity loss and environmental degradation

Living sustainably involves reducing resource consumption, supporting eco-friendly practices, and advocating for environmental policies at individual, community, and national levels.

. Surprising was the industry’s significant environmental impact and the challenges it faces in transitioning to sustainability

I contributed by researching sustainability initiatives and collaborating on recommendations to promote sustainability within the industry.

1. Biodiversity and natural resources provide essential ecosystem services, sustain livelihoods, economies, and cultures, and offer recreational and aesthetic benefits.
2. Human actions altering Earth’s systems include deforestation, pollution, overexploitation of resources, introduction of invasive species, climate change, urbanization, and unsustainable agricultural practices.

3. Living sustainably involves reducing consumption and waste, conserving energy, protecting natural habitats, promoting sustainable agriculture, fostering education and awareness, and supporting policy and governance for environmental protection.

4. This project deepened my understanding of sustainability by highlighting the intricate balance between environmental, social, and economic factors in sustainable agriculture practices.

5. The most surprising information about sustainable agriculture was the significant impact small-scale and regenerative farming methods can have on soil health, biodiversity, and overall ecosystem resilience, which often outperform conventional industrial farming practices.
6. I was proud of how the project turned out over all.

1. We see a healthy environment that can build off each other from the different species and resources to make something great.

2. Making clothes that raise the carbon emissions which negatively affects the atmosphere

3. By preserving their resources and cutting back on things that use fossil fuels

4. It made me see what materials were sustainable and how clothing is more than just fashion

5. That water was used to make clothes and water scarcity is caused by the clothing industry

6. I was proud of the way it turned out and I did the slides and found a majority of the research

Unit Essential Questions:

What value do we see in the biodiversity and natural resources of the earth?

• Biodiversity and natural resources benefit humans by providing ecological services, economic opportunities, cultural significance, and scientific knowledge.

What human actions are associated with altering earth’s natural systems?

• Human activities like deforestation, pollution, overfishing, and climate change are disrupting Earth’s natural systems.

How can individuals, communities and or nations live more sustainably?

• To live sustainably, people, communities, and nations should focus on adopting renewable energy, practicing sustainable consumption, conserving water, protecting ecosystems, promoting sustainable agriculture, and raising awareness about sustainability.

Reflection Questions:

How did this project deepen your understanding of sustainability?

• It has made me look at the bigger picture more often, and to think about how something affects everyone and not just me.

What information about your chosen industry surprised you most? Why?

• Mainly that the food industry generates more than 1.3 trillion dollars worth of food in a year, and we still have major problems like world hunger and stuff.

How did you contribute to your groups project? Provide specific examples. What were you proud of, in terms of your overall project?

• I worked with my group members on the checkpoints, and I also contributed money towards building our 3D model and I also help out with actually building it as well.

Unit Essential questions(Answers) 1. The value that we see in biodiversity is that there are so many options. 2. The human actions that are associated with the altering earth systems are burning fossil fuels, cutting down trees etc. 3. We can do things like grow your own food or conserve water

Reflection(Answers) 1. This project deepened my understanding
2. I wasn’t really surprised about anything about our industry 3. I contributed to my groups project by making all the slides and looking up the recipes for